Join artist Mary Milelzcik for the “Mixed Media Encaustic” workshop from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Encaustic is a mixture of beeswax, damar resin and pigment applied to a solid absorbent surface. Each time a new layer is applied, it must be fused. The layers can be enhanced by carving with tools or drawing with pigment, oil sticks, etc. Photographs can be transferred and other materials embedded to create a variety of amazing results with depth.
This is a hands-on workshop during which students will learn safe studio practices, all the encaustic painting basics and how to integrate encaustic painting into other media. Encaustic techniques along with wet and dry shellac burns will be demonstrated. After instruction and experimenting, students will have the opportunity to create two encaustic paintings to take home.
Milelzcik will provide panels and handmade paper to use as substrates, cards and envelopes and an assortment marking tools and brushes, and interesting papers, photographs, minerals, fibers and other natural and found materials for students to incorporate into their paintings. Students are encouraged to bring other items they’d like to incorporate. Advanced students can consult with the instructor prior to the workshop regarding specific projects.
Students also are encouraged to bring lunch and something on which to snack.
The cost to attend the workshop is $60, or $55 for VAC members, plus a $30 fee, inclusive of supplies. To register, call Volcano Art Center at 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
Milelzcik has a bachelor of arts degree from Sonoma State University’s School of Expressive Arts, which set the path for an interesting career as a mixed media artist and photographer; as curator at Highways Performance Space and Gallery in Santa Monica, Calif.; and teaching experimental mixed media art and printmaking. Her studio, Arts Asylum, is located in Pahoa, where she teaches mixed media encaustic, papermaking and printmaking. Her artwork has been shown internationally.
The Niaulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road.