Creative Arts Eliot 2025: Your Choice of Workshops

Please join us for an amazing creative experience in a relaxed, non-judgemental atmosphere! You'll get to choose a workshop from the workshop options listed below!

Campers are placed in workshops in the order they register, so, don't delay! Go to our homepage and click on the Big Blue Button to register for Creative Arts Eliot! We'll let you know when the workshops are announced (and they'll be posted here!) and you'll get to pick what sounds fun and interesting to you.

NEW IN 2025! Registration deadlines for Creative Arts Eliot have changed.

• The last day to register for CAE and to pick a workshop is 2 weeks before camp starts. (July 26, 2025)

• If you have children younger than 11 years old, they need to be registered 6 weeks before camp starts (June 28, 2025) to have a guaranteed spot in a children's program. (More details in "Kids at CAE" section below)

Kids at CAE

Children at least 11 years old are welcome to participate in the workshops.

CAE tends to attract an older crowd, so we don't always have a children's program for younger kids. In order to make sure we have time to recruit staff, we ask that kids under 11 years old are signed up at least 6 weeks prior to camp. (For 2025, that's June 28th.) Children CAN register after this point, but we may not be able to accomodate them in a children's program; parents will be responsible for their supervision. If you've got questions about the CAE children's program, or the deadline has passed and you want to bring your young kids to camp, please email the registrar at [email protected]

Children under 11 years old may partipate in workshops, if the workshop presenter, child, and parent are in agreement! If your kid wants to be in a workshop, please email the registrar to find out if this will be ok. [email protected]

Creative Arts Eliot 2025 Workshops

Dynamic Mixed Media Collage • Glenda Goodrich

Workshop Description: In this combination workshop we will explore true mixed media by combining paper collage, painting, stenciling, and Posca pens, to reveal “windows” of collaged delight. Students will choose image templates ranging from birds to bouquets and create vibrant ready-to-frame artworks. Come and engage in this critic-free environment that encourages relaxed playful expression. No drawing or collage experience needed. GG will provide you with step-by-step instruction and guidance to create delightful little works of art to hang on your wall or give as gifts.

Biography: Glenda Goodrich (“GG”) is a mixed media artist, art doula, author, and SoulCollage® facilitator who lives in Salem, OR. GG got her experience in mixed media through mentoring with professional artists and self-taught experimentation. She enjoys helping others find their journey toward wholeness through creativity by teaching SoulCollage®, mixed media, collage, mono-printing, paper arts, shrine assemblage, and other workshops that focus on one’s unique artistic expression. GG’s students describe her teaching style as fun, open, warm, inspiring, and supportive. You can see her work on her website: www.glendagoodrich.com. GG’s book “Solo Passage: 13 Quests, 13 Questions,” is available wherever books are sold.

Watercolor Nature Journaling • Elizabeth Higgins

Workshop Description: Slow down to notice, reflect and record your thoughts and observations in a nature journal.  In this relaxing workshop, no previous skills are necessary to learn a variety of simple and fun creative techniques for capturing and celebrating nature in a sketchbook.  Participants will use pencils, pens, watercolors and other materials to draw, paint and write in a way that is joyful and process-oriented.  Each day will offer new techniques, prompts and inspiration for students to use in their own personal nature journal.

Biography:  Elizabeth Higgins is an Oregon artist and arts instructor who develops and teaches watercolor classes and nature connection workshops that connect people to nature, mindfulness and creativity.  As a teacher, she encourages others to have fun creating, to be open to possibilities, and to be confident in one’s own creative expression, free from judgment of thoughts of what makes art “good” or “right.”  Elizabeth believes in the importance of nature and creativity to positive mental well-being, and has completed training in Nature Therapy practices to augment her teachings.  She is a juried member of Watercolor Society of Oregon and has won local awards for her vibrant, colorful watercolor paintings.  Learn more about Elizabeth at www.elizabethmhiggins.com

This I Believe: Exploring & Expressing Our Heartfelt Beliefs Through Short Essays • Amanda Aikman

Workshop Description: ”I am not going to talk about religious beliefs but about matters so obvious that it has gone out of style to mention them. I believe in my neighbors.”

Those words are from the most popular essay of the thousands written for the radio program, “This I Believe,” hosted by journalist Edward R. Murrow in the early 1950s. The essay was called “Our Noble, Essential Decency." It was by the science fiction writer, Robert A. Heinlein. The show debuted in an era of tremendous upheaval and paranoia. Murrow tried to cut through the fog of fear by encouraging both famous and everyday people to write short essays about their own personal motivation and values in life and then read them on the air. “This I Believe” stressed individual belief rather than religious dogma, and it became a huge cultural phenomenon.

More recently, National Public Radio offered a program based on the same principles that Murrow had championed: inviting people to write short, heartfelt essays about their beliefs. In the early 2000’s, I offered a class - first in my local church and then internationally, online - based on the guidelines provided by NPR. Participants wrote amazing, moving pieces, grounded in their sincerest beliefs and most meaningful life experiences.

I believe our fractured, confusing era is ripe for another round of such essays!

In these fun and intense workshops, campers will be encouraged to delve deeply within to explore their own most cherished beliefs. We'll read some of the classic essays from the original "This I Believe." We'll apply Hollywood techniques to add color and music to our words, and to grab and hold the reader's attention. We'll work together in duos and small groups to polish our essays. We will share encouragement but not critiques. Most of all, we will encounter powerful surprises - in our own hearts and in those of our neighbors. If you’d like to start writing a sermon, a memoir or a novel, or simply want to reflect with others on the central motivating forces of your life, this might be just the spark you need.

Biography: The Rev. Amanda Aikman retired in 2016-ish after about 25 years as a parish and community minister in the PNW. Back in the glorious days when UU organizations sponsored national sermon contests, she won an unprecedented 12 of them. She is the author of a self-help book, Full-Spectrum Joyfulness (2010), and a racy lesbian romance, Miss Lister's Guest House (2023), as well as about 15 plays that have been produced on various stages in Washington and New York. Amanda has been involved with Eliot camps as a theme presenter and chaplain. She lives with her spousal unit, Nancy, in Everett.

Waxed Powder Painting • Corey Pressman

Program Description: This workshop experience will introduce students to the unique art form known as waxed powder painting. Waxed powder painting involves directly applying powdered pigments to a surface (usually paper) and finishing the work with various wax media.The workshop will cover the mixing, handling, and application of powder pigment, the benefits of various paper types, stencil cutting, and the manufacture and application strategies of both cold and encaustic wax media.

Along the way, participants will learn an approach to abstraction and art making that centers presence and self transcendence. Various nature and poetry exercises will help participants craft a practice of encounter and expression that allows them to access their whole being as a means to making art. We will learn about an approach I call “the alphabet of everything.” This included witnessing and borrowing elements from the natural world as an alphabet with which to express one’s self…or lack of self.

Biography:  Corey S. Pressman is an artist, writer, and teacher living in the Pacific Northwest. His art is shown around the country and has won several awards. Corey regularly teaches workshops propagating his approach to art and the method of waxed powder painting. He has published academic works as well as short stories and poetry. Corey is a member/owner of Portland’s Blackfish Gallery and works as a creativity coach and as an instructor in the Integrative Health and Wellness program at the University of Portland. 

Links:
https://www.instagram.com/cspressman/
https://coreypressman.com/artworks
https://www.waterstonegallery.com/kingofnocountry

Adventures in Acrylic Painting • Amy Dapice

Workshop Description: Acrylic painting is one of the most versatile and playful mediums available for artists! It can be transparent or opaque, used as a wash or laid on thick with a palette knife. Best of all, it dries quickly allowing for layering and a spontaneous way of working. Students of all levels will enjoy and benefit from this workshop, which includes tried and true techniques as well as more unconventional tips and tricks. Instructor Amy Dapice takes a step by step approach from drawing to finished paintings, providing solid instruction as well as a big dose of inspiration and plain old fun! 

Biography: Amy Williams Dapice is an artist, teacher, and writer. She received her MFA in painting from the University of Washington as prelude to a teaching career which has lasted over thirty years. Ms Dapice taught at the University of Washington, the Northwest College of Art, and the Art Institute of Seattle, providing instruction in drawing, painting, animation, and fashion illustration. She divides her time between the United States and Thailand, teaching art workshops internationally both live and online. 

See some of Amy’s work here: www.artconspiracy.net

World Music Singing • Anne Weiss

Workshop Description: This fun, inclusive workshop will include songs and styles from  around the world... all the while improving your singing skills! All levels of singing experience are welcome!  We'll learn African, folk, gospel, Balkan, rounds, Mexican songs, and more by ear, many on the topic of peace and social justice. Along the way, we’ll also improve on pitch, breath, and harmony. Sight reading ability is a plus, but not required. Looking forward to singing with you! 

Biography: Anne Weiss is an award winning poet, singer-songwriter, and multi  instrumentalist with five albums to her credit and many years of touring under her hat.  She has had the good fortune to share the stage with many luminaries, from Dar  Williams to Taj Mahal. Anne loves teaching world music choirs and contemporary voice, guitar, piano, ukulele and songwriting in her home town of Portland, Oregon, as well as nationally at festivals and multi-day workshops. Her passion is to help participants and students across ages and abilities to feel at ease, and to help them gain and enjoy musical skills and new repertoire while building community. She has a passion for activism, and feels that teaching and sharing music has a place in all peace and justice efforts. She believes music is an ideal way to help connect and lift people up. Amongst the many settings where Anne has been teaching for over 30 years: Artichoke Music,  Portland Community College, Goddard College, PSGW, Centrum Blues, California Jamboree and more. Her students often speak of the joy that is part of the classes, making them exceedingly fun as well as educational. 

Miniature Model Painting • Shannon Wells-Moran

 

Program Description: Do you enjoy playing tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons, but are tired of using bare plastic figurines? Are you a sculptor wanting to add color and depth to your creations? In this workshop, we’ll learn how to use acrylic paints to breathe life into three-dimensional miniatures, starting with the basic steps to paint your first miniature, and moving up to skills and techniques used by the masters of realist painting. This is a workshop for everyone, from beginners who have never touched a paintbrush, to traditional painters looking to transfer their skills to the third dimension, or even experienced modelmakers and miniature painters who want to hone their craft.

Biography: Shannon is a self-taught miniature painter from Portland, OR, who has been painting models and miniatures for five years. He works as a part-time commission painter and full-time in social services. When he is not painting, he enjoys drumming, sculpting, and using his painted miniatures in games of Dungeons and Dragons, Star Wars: Armada, and Star Wars: Shatterpoint.

Website: swellsmoran.com

Crazy About Stitching • Drew Betz

   

Workshop Description: We will be exploring the use of embroidery and other embellishments to enhance traditional forms found in quilt making.  Participants will create a basic quilt block or background piece on which to work.  Several methods of crazy quilt block construction will be demonstrated that can be used to create a background on which to stitch.  In addition, forms that lend themselves to embellishment will be shared.  Fabric choices can include cotton, wool, silk and linen.  Scraps are welcome additions to the crazy quilt genera. Embroidery stitches that are easy to use will be demonstrated and/or reviewed. Beginners, intermediate and advanced stitchers are all welcome and will find a challenge to enjoy.  

Biography: Drew Betz has been an instructor at previous Creative Arts Eliot Camps, leading several workshops on quilt making and for the last two years focusing on embroidery on wool.  This year she is combining embroidery with crazy piecing, a technique used to make both quilts and garments.  Modern fabrics and threads allow makers to celebrate with vibrant colors.  Drew has been sewing since she was 11 years old, and has worked with fibers in a variety of ways all her adult life.  She is an experienced teacher and quilt judge and served on the Seabeck Quilt Team to curate the hangings in New Pines.

Writing Your Story • Bryan Willis

Workshop Description: Open to everyone who enjoys writing. Our workshop will include the basics of story, character development, and plot with an emphasis on creating new works via in-class exercises. Writers will be encouraged to write poems, short stories, and memoirs. Have a work-in-progress you'd like to revise? We can help! No experience necessary, but be prepared to have fun. All new writing prompts and exercises this year! Returning CAE writers welcome!

Biography: Bryan Willis serves as playwright-in-residence for the Northwest Playwrights Alliance at Seattle Repertory Theatre.  His work has appeared throughout the U.K., China, Israel, Japan, Canada and U.S., including New York Theater Workshop, Milwaukee Rep, Unseam’d Shakespeare Co., Book-It Repertory Theatre, Riverside Studios in London and Seattle’s ACT where John Langs directed the mainstage premiere of Seven Ways to Get There.  His collaboration with Kenneth Lonergan and Frank Pugliese, Woofer the Psychic Dog, has enjoyed success in many theaters on both coasts and in Japan. Bryan’s work has also been featured on NPR, BBC Radio 4 (commission for Sophie) and German Radio NDR (collaboration with novelist Peter Mountford). Bryan worked in new play development in New York at Playwrights Horizons and later worked in the literary department at Lincoln Center, serving as NYU's Playwright-in-Residence while completing his MFA in Playwriting & Screen Writing at Tisch School of the Arts.  He is a proud member of Artist Trust and received a gold medallion from KC/ACTF, where he served on the National Selection Team in 2011.  

Pickleball • Karen Stratton

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Workshop Description: Pickleball is a fast growing sport that is addictive, fun, and quick to learn. If you spend 4 mornings at Creative Arts Eliot learning the basics, you will know how to dink, smash, serve, and volley. You'll figure out how to keep score and what the kitchen is all about. As the days go by, we'll get into strategy for more successful games. (In the unlikely case that the weather is bad, there's always YouTube videos to learn from.)

This workshop is intended for novice pickleball players. Even if you've never played a racquet sport before, you can have fun your first time out on the court. If you are a tennis, badminton, or racquetball player, all the better! Pickleball is usually played as a doubles game, and the court is small, so people of all ages can play and have fun. 

Biography:  Karen Stratton took up pickleball in 2020 and has never looked back. People have described her play as "cerebral", to which she replies, "I'm not the fastest or the hardest hitting, but I play smart. You can too." She's a retired teacher whose first job as a teenager was teaching tennis. 

Calling All Artists!

Are you interested in presenting a workshop at Creative Arts Eliot? If so, you can find more information at this link: Workshop Presenter Information

Ready to apply to present a workshop? Please complete the application found at this link: Workshop Presenter Application