WORKSHOPS at Ocean Reef Art League

11/7 - Week One: Build your dream home and unleash your creativity as you learn the fundamentals of ceramic house construction through shaping the foundation and basic structure to crafting intricate doors and windows.

11/14 - Week Two: Decorate your domain and transform your house into a whimsical wonderland as you explore a variety of decorative techniques and embellishments to bring your fairy house to life. Add charming details like mushrooms, flowers, or snow- covered roofs to create a truly magical atmosphere.

11/21 - Week Three: Students will add a touch of color to their piece and have the opportunity to experiment with different glaze combinations. Whether you prefer a whimsical forest theme or a frosty winter wonderland, Stacey will help you achieve the desired look!

Because of the nature of this medium, there are a variety of techniques and styles that are unique to alcohol inks. Throughout these workshops we will explore different techniques on various surfaces.

They require no experience and are all standalone workshops.
In this introductory workshop we will try several methods including drop, swipe, spray, and drip. Students will create an abstract piece, a representational piece and a ceramic tile. All materials included.

Create a beautiful one-of-a-kind mosaic mural using sea glass, found objects and sparkles held together with clear epoxy on 11x14 wood framed glass. A buffet of sea glass, shells, sand, crushed glass and accent pieces will be available. Students have creative freedom to design the mosaic scene they wish and are also welcome to bring in any treasures they may want to add to their piece. All materials included.

Join master weaver Linda Brown as she guides you through weaving your own lifetime keepsake! 

Linda Brown has been in the basket business for over 35 years, both in teaching and the understanding of materials with her work at Dels. She began her early teaching career at the Provincetown Handicraft Club and Dels. Today she continues to teach at private clubs and communities in Florida. Her wealth of experience translates to the success of her many students, and the range of different baskets that result from a single workshop.

A Short History of Nantucket Baskets:

There are four distinctive elements that define a Nantucket light-ship basket; the basket is woven on a mold, the staves are made of rattan, the weavers are made of cane, and the basket has a solid wood base. Baskets with these characteristics were developed on Nantucket during the course of the nineteenth century. These baskets were robust, practical, used as storage and carrying baskets. Nantucket baskets were widely used in island stores, workshops, and homes. As the island transitioned from a whaling economy, the islands’ work baskets became a popular keepsake of an island visit.

How this style of rattan basket developed is obscure. There are roots in the baskets of Nantucket indigenous people. Native Wampanoags wove baskets using ash wood splints and weavers and made the bottoms of their baskets square and woven. Similar to light-ship baskets, some native baskets featured a carved flange on top of the handle to keep it in place. Farm baskets of New Hampshire may also have provided inspiration for the development of the Nantucket light- ship basket.

Join Karen in this fun and interactive workshop where she will cover history and uses of malas, touch on meditation and mantra prac- tices, and will get your creativity flowing as you design and create your very own mala jewelry. Participants will learn about the energetic meaning of the natural elements and gemstones as you are led through the creation of your very own mala necklace. You will also learn how the natural elements relate to each of the seven chakras. Creating a mala that aligns with a specific chakra energy is a way to sign and infuse your creation with meaning and purpose.  All materials included.

Learn to create your own tapestry weaving on a lap loom. This one- day workshop will teach you how to prepare your loom, weave different patterns, tuck in your ends, and transfer your piece to a dowel to complete your very own wall hanging tapestry. You will be able to choose your yarn from a variety of curated fiber kits. All materials included.

About the artist: Gloria Avner has been painting in the Florida Keys since the late 70’s. A lifelong artist, student and collector of indigenous art, Ms. Avner has studied and painted in Thailand, Mexico, India and Bhutan, but her love of colorful islands keeps her coming back to her two homes, Key Largo, Florida and Mt. Desert Island, Maine. She learned Batik Painting in Maine and has been teaching it to a growing group of aficionados here in the Keys for the past 15 years.

Beverages and hors d’oeuvers provided. 

Invite  your friends, meet new ones, share memories, and create your very own masterpiece. Learn how painting shadows and light make an object appear three dimensional. The base of all painting skills relies on the mastery of a basic still life painting. Susan helps combine the fun and relaxation of a party with the instruction of a class. All materials included.

Bring your pioneer spirit and come spend a fun filled day creating your very own small Pine Needle Trinket Basket along with some history of Pine Needle Basketry in Florida. This work- shop is designed for beginning basket students, no previous experience necessary or those who need a refresher in basic pine needle basketry skills.

All materials included.

About the artist: Diane Moore is a long-time educator and Pine Needle Basket artist who is passionate about making Southeastern United States history come alive through her pine needle creations. Throughout the past 20 years, she has participated in many fine art festivals in Florida and has won numerous awards. Diane was recently one of the featured artisans in an article titled, “Simple Reminders” which appeared in the national publication Select Traveler magazine. She describes her work as traditional with a contemporary flare

Learn an innovative collage method to make a fun and fantastic fish quilt full of color, rhythm and life! No tem- plates or fusing. You will be introduced to different aspects of the quilt collage such as fabric selection, construction, backgrounds, borders, quilting and fin- ishing. Most materials provided. If you have any scraps of fabric you’d like to use, bring them. Also, you will need to provide backing and batting but notneeded for the first two classes. Sew- ing machines are provided. Maximum 5 students.

Ceramic Planter Design

12/5 - Week One: This introductory session delves into the fundamentals of hand-building with clay. You’ll gain practical knowledge and hone your skills in pinching, coiling, and slab con- struction. This week culminates in the creation of the base structure for your unique ceramic planter

12/12 - Week Two: Sculpting miniature wood-land elements will focus on the artistic exploration of sculpting different miniature ceramic figurines. Under the guidance of your experienced instructor, you’ll learn techniques for crafting realistic representations of forest creatures such as snails, caterpillars, and fungi.

Additionally, you’ll explore the creation of textural elements like moss to further enhance the natural aesthetic of your planter

12/19 - Week Three: With your sculpted elements securely bisque fired, week three transitions to the world of glazes. You’ll be introduced to a comprehensive range of glazes and their properties. Through experimentation and guided instruction, you’ll develop a color palette that complements your woodland design and brings your vision to life. The workshop concludes with the proper application of glazes and the preparation of your planter for the final glaze firing.

Since the inks are alcohol based, they evaporate quickly, so they dry in minutes. Once the ink is dry, it can be revived, reprocessed, and manipulated further. You are not finished until you want to be. Because of the nature of this medium, there are a variety of techniques and styles that are unique to alcohol inks.

Throughout these workshops we will explore different techniques on various surfaces. They require no experience and are all standalone workshops.  Each student will have the opportunity to create at least 2 luscious silk pieces with vibrant colors and patterns using alcohol ink.

Enjoy designing your own silk scarves, hat bands and hair ties that you will be proud to wear or give as gifts! 

All materials included.

Creating a wooden bowl can be much like a game of chess; knowing each step in advance is essential to transforming a piece of nature into a work of art. This ladies only class will guide you through the process of safely mounting wood on a lathe and turning all the edges smooth. You will learn how to shape both the inside and outside of a bowl to achieve the desired curvature. This workshop will cover various techniques and utilize several different hand tools. Come with creative ideas in mind and be ready to have fun in a supportive and empowering environment! All materials included.

About the artist: 

Trevor Martineau’s passion lies in woodworking – a craft he began exploring when he purchased his first small Craftsman lathe 20 years ago in his hometown of Syracuse, NY. Now a resident of Key West, Trevor turns functional woodwork into sleek, exceptional treasures. He values sustainability and food safety, so each piece reflects his commitment to both practicality and aesthetics.

Trevor’s artistic process is guided by the character and possibilities of the wood itself. Using a lathe, hand tools and various finishes, he turns simple blocks of wood into masterfully crafted creations. Whether it’s a beautifully turned salad bowl, a decorative vase, or a sculptural piece, Trevor’s work invites a deep appreciation for the natural patterns and textures of wood.

Join Karen in this fun and interactive workshop where she will cover history and uses of malas, touch on meditation and mantra practices, and will get your creativity flowing as you design and create your very own mala jewelry. Participants will learn about the energetic meaning of the natural elements and gemstones as you are led through the creation of your very own mala necklace. You will also learn how the natural elements relate to each of the seven chakras. Creating a mala that aligns with a specific chakra energy is a way to design and infuse your creation with meaning and purpose. All materials included.

In this workshop, students will learn this ancient painting method with a new twist. We will use ink, wax and watercolor to create fascinating effects with color layering in tropical scenes, but instead of painting on fabric, we will use delicate rice paper. In this one day workshop you will complete two original paintings with guidance every step of the way. You will surprise yourself and your friends at the loveliness of your professional looking work and you will have lots of fun doing it. All painting materials are included, with lots of choices for subject matter.

About the artist: Gloria Avner has been painting in the Florida Keys since the late 70’s. A lifelong artist, student and collector of indigenous art, Ms. Avner has studied and painted in Thailand, Mexico, India and Bhutan, but her love of colorful islands keeps her coming back to her two homes, Key Largo, Florida and Mt. Desert Island, Maine. She learned Batik Painting in Maine and has been teaching it to a growing group of aficionados here in the Keys for the past 15 years.

In the afternoon half of the workshop, delve deeper into the creative possibilities as you work with real pressed flowers. Natalia will teach you how to plan and design your compositions, explore various gluing techniques for artistic arrangements, and share insights on proper storage and preservation methods. By the end of the workshop, you’ll proudly take home your beautifully crafted piece and will have gained the skills to continue your botanical creations well beyond the classroom. Don’t miss this opportunity to blend artistry with nature and preserve memories that last a lifetime! Join us and discover the art of flower pressing with botanical designer Natalia Cornejo! All materials included.

Day One: Landscape Fundamentals Painting the landscape requires a strategy to capture the scene before you with a simplified design and correct color relationships. 

Day Two: Figure Fundamentals
Eli will cover the fundamentals of drawing and painting the figure: gesture, simplifying forms and painting value and color as a unit.

Day Three: Getting Figures in Your Landscapes: The emphasis will be on designing the figure ground relationship and incorporating figures in a landscape. 

About the artist: 

Eli Cedrone is an award-winning artist from Boston. A graduate of the School of Art & Design, (Suffolk University) she also studied in Florence, Italy; The Museum of Fine Arts School and The Academy of Realist Art, Boston. Cedrone has won numerous awards and her work has been featured in art publications.

Cedrone is the recipient of several residencies and fellowships and has participated in juried invitationals in the US and abroad. She is a popular workshop instructor and teaches worldwide.

Eli Cedrone says, “I’ve always been influenced by the power of images to express ideas and emotions. My goal as a painter is descriptive precision balanced with an immediacy of expression. Ultimately my concerns are with the qualities of light captured with paint.”

About the artist: Diane Moore is a long time educator and Pine Needle Basket artist who is passionate about making Southeastern United States history come alive through her pine needle creations. Throughout the past 20 years, she has participated in many fine art festivals in Florida and has won numerous awards. Diane was recently one of the featured artisans in an article entitled, “Simple Reminders” which appeared in the national publication, Select Traveler magazine. She describes her work as traditional with a contemporary flare.

Sailors’ Valentines are made in an octagon shaped wood box with designs and messages created using a variety of shells native to the West Indies. Today the range of design, col- or, and texture using shells has far surpassed the simple designs of Valentines from the early 1800’s. Three dimensional design, arrangements of shell flowers, scrimshaw, and other natural materials are just a few things that can be seen today. All materials included.

About the artist: Suzanne Marie Dietsch is a multi-time first place and best-in-show recipient in the most competitive shell competitions in the coun- try: Philadelphia, Sarasota and Sanibel. She is known for her creative, three dimensional approach to this craft. Her goal is to honor the nautical folk-art his- tory of Sailors Valentines while creating a more personal, contemporary spin to this treasured 1800’s art form. Suzanne has a deep appreciation for nature’s artistry and enjoys the intricate, mosaic expressions that can be created with seashells. Her work can be found at www.seashellvalentines.com

In this workshop Trevor will guide you through the process of safely mounting wood on a lathe and turning all the edges smooth. You will learn how to shape the smoker to achieve the desired look and functional design. This course will cover various techniques and utilize several different hand tools. Come with creative ideas in mind and be ready to have fun! 

All materials included.

About the artist: Trevor Martineau’s passion lies in woodworking – a craft he began exploring when he purchased his first small Craftsman lathe 20 years ago in his hometown of Syracuse, NY. Now a resident of Key West, Trevor turns functional woodwork into sleek, exceptional treasures. He values sustainability and food safety, so each piece reflects his commitment to both practicality and aesthetics. Trevor’s artistic process is guided by the character and possibil- ities of the wood itself. Using a lathe, hand tools and various finishes, he turns simple blocks of wood into masterfully crafted creations. Whether it’s a beautifully turned salad bowl, a decorative vase, or a sculptural piece, Trevor’s work invites a deep appreciation for the natural patterns and textures of wood.