Wake up with an hour of yoga led by local instructors. Free to the public. Please bring your own mat and other props.

Saturday, 5.4, from 11am - 1:30pm 

$110 per person

8 students minimum/16 students maximum, ages 18+

Have a candid photo that needs a make-over? A group portrait that doesn’t quite convey the joy of the occasion? Join artist Robert Mahar in a workshop that reimagines the family photo album and explores ways to transform vintage photographs with embroidery embellishments, inviting you to stitch on a selection of ten black and white images custom printed on a fat quarter (18” x 27”) of linen cotton canvas. Instruction will guide you through the exercise of “enhancing the seen and imagining the unseen”, equipping you to highlight aspects of costuming and setting, and introduce props and text not captured by the camera.

This workshop is a unique approach to needlework utilizing a non-traditional, free-form sampler that allows you to utilize your favorite embroidery stitches and determine their placement. Instruction in this program is well suited for adventurous beginners, however, students with more embroidery experience are encouraged to join for a fun refresher course and the opportunity to apply their skills to photographic imagery.

Please note that while you’ll experiment and play with some of Robert’s favorite vintage photos (including a couple of Sea Ranch images!), you’ll also learn how to have your own images printed on fabric for future projects, turning your own photo archive into wall-ready works of art. The class sampler is cleverly designed with border guides/cut lines - allowing you to easily machine sew finished edges at home, present your finished works in standard size ready-made frames or incorporate your embroidered photos into a large variety of fabric projects (wall-hangings, quilts, totes, throw pillows or apparel appliqué!). All materials are provided and included in the price of registration. Each material kit includes: a custom sampler depicting 10 vintage photographs, practice fabric, a limited palette of 6-strand embroidery floss, wood hoop, embroidery needle and instructional diagrams. However, if you have favorite embroidery tools or prefer specific colors of embroidery floss (6-strand or perle) you are encouraged to bring these items to the workshop.

Robert Mahar is a California-based artist and educator who thoughtfully researched and developed hands-on projects based in historical craft traditions. He’s also a proud contestant, alumni, and subsequent associate producer, on NBC’s crafting competition show Making It with Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. With an education in studio arts and art history, he has worked in a variety of creative fields including 13 years as an appraiser of modern and contemporary art. Learn more about Robert, explore his video tutorial archive and shop his collection of curious embroidery samplers at robert-mahar.com.

5.3: Please note the workshop is now full

Saturday, 5.4 from 3pm-5pm

Join us for Write Now!, a new writing group led by local writing coach Mark Sanford Gross.

Write Now! is an in-the-moment program for all folks who want to explore free writing, story-telling, and curiosity about what happens when you get a notebook, pen, and a nudge. Share the beauty of 'the spoken word' with others in this enthusiastic community-building event through writing in a non-judgemental and trusting atmosphere. Bring friends and family.

Mark Sanford Gross has been building community through writing for the past few years along our coast.  He is the Creator and Co-Host of the local radio station's weekly program KGUA-Writers. He hosts writing workshops for local schools, recovery programs at Mendonoma Health Alliance, and local pop-up destinations.