Even Beginners Can Shine at 3 Galveston Art League Workshops

The Galveston Art League will host three workshops that can help you sail happily through the holidays – or just pick up a creative, handy skill or two or three.
    All of the following workshops will be taught at the Galveston Art League Gallery, 2117A Postoffice St. in downtown Galveston. For details or questions about any of these workshops, please email [email protected] or call 281-451-5814.
Beaded Jewelry: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23  
     Anita Laffey, who has taught advanced fashion beaded jewelry, will help participants craft a bracelet in Christmas red and green (or other colors, if preferred) that they can keep for themselves or give as holiday presents. She will teach a technique using memory wire and crystals.  
     Laffey, a retired social worker, currently assists the Red Cross with mental health services where disasters occur. “Creating something beautiful is important to our mental health and will keep us stable during good times and bad times,” she says. 
     All supplies will be provided, but Laffey recommends that participants bring magnifying or reading glasses and a headlamp or other form of lighting. The class is beginner level, with no experience required. 
     The workshop costs $35, and attendees will complete their bracelets during the four-hour class. Register and pay at www.GalvestonArtLeague.com (click on “Workshops”). 

Zentangle Christmas Ornaments: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30
     Victoria McMillen, a certified Zentangle (drawing method) teacher, will help students create one-of-a-kind Christmas ball ornaments. During this three-hour workshop, participants will finish one or two hand-drawn ornaments and take home materials to create more.
     “Zentangle is a great way to spend a cold evening at home or to spend an afternoon with children or grandchildren,” McMillen says. “You’ll go home with the knowledge and supplies to do this.”
     The $25 workshop fee provides attendees with a kit and supplies, including three pens (black, gold gel, white gel), plus materials to make three ball ornaments. No experience is necessary. 
     Register and pay for this Zentangle workshop at www.GalvestonArtLeague.com (click on “Workshops”).

Creating Origami Boxes: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8
     Whether you’re all thumbs or not, you can learn to construct elegant origami gift boxes at this workshop. Instructor Debra Davis has been doing and teaching origami for more than 20 years and is a master in this ancient Asian art form. 
     This Dec. 8 (Sunday afternoon) workshop costs $45, and the special papers used in making the boxes will be provided. You just need to arrive ready to listen, watch and fold. 
     Register and pay for the origami gift-box workshop at www.GalvestonArtLeague.com (click on “Workshops”).

About the Galveston Art League
    The Galveston Art League is a 105-year-old nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of visual arts, art education, and art appreciation through various activities, including adult and children’s workshops, juried competitions (three per year), and gallery exhibits that change monthly. 
     The nonprofit Art League, which has never had a salaried employee, is primarily funded by tax-deductible contributions and memberships as well as its annual gala. You need not be an artist to join, and members enjoy special perks; you can learn more about memberships at www.GalvestonArtLeague.com and click on “Join.” Supporting the Galveston Art League is a way for anyone and everyone to contribute to the local arts scene, which in turn promotes tourism and educational enhancement in Galveston County and beyond.

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