EVENTS
CAL organizes several types of events: workshops, pop-ups, demos at our business meetings and social outings, primarily for our members.
Members are encouraged to attend regardless of experience; we believe skills and tools can be gathered from any workshop or event. It is important to support local artists and fellow CAL members.
CAL offers several art workshops each year. These workshops vary in length and subject matter. The purpose is to inspire and instruct participating artists.
If the workshop is not filled, outside participants are invited.
Events Schedule
get inspired:
Sign Up for an event Today !
Meeting Demos or Special Occasions
Color Pallette for Your Painting
with Cindy Rehm
DATE: October 19
TIME: 2pm (after monthly meeting)
VENUE: The Hemlock Room
Artist Statement:
Following a rich and rewarding career in arts education and arts administration in Connecticut, Cindy now resides in Brevard. In Connecticut, Cindy founded and directed the Simsbury Arts Academy, a thriving vibrant year-round arts education program that provides opportunities for students to study music, visual art, and theatre.
Her awards and recognitions include, Connecticut Art Education Association: Distinguished Art Supervisor and Art Educator Awards, and Simsbury Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year Award.
Since relocating to Brevard, Cindy has immersed herself in the artistic community.
Her mixed media color-drenched, contemporary artwork is inspired by the natural world, most notably florals, gardens, and landscapes. Locally, Cindy has shown her work at the Hollingsworth Gallery, Lucy Clark Gallery and Studio, the Color Wheel Gallery, the Transylvania Community Arts Council, and Connestee Falls Realty.
Up coming Events 2026
10th – River Arts District Tour
14th-CAL Social
21st – Sketching from Life with Cindy Zimmerman
October:
5th- Eco Printing with Linda Oxford
19th – Color Palette for your Painting with Cindy Rheam
November:
13th- Greenville Arts Studio Tour
16th – Painting from Life with Pat Dunham
Field Trips:
Hendersonville Gallery
Asheville River Arts
Greenville Studio Tour
Some Exciting Events to look forward to thanks to the CAL workshop committee.
Stay tuned to this page (and your email) for registration.
Contact:
Sandra Brown sandra@unclouded.com
Linda Oxford lkoxford@bellsouth.net
Past Workshops
Eco Printing
with Linda Oxford
DATE: Monday, October 5
TIME: 1-5pm
VENUE: Wanteska Building
FEE:$35 for CAL membeers; $45 for non-members
Limited to 12 participants
If you’ve ever longed to incorporate more of the beauty of nature into your artful living and art making, eco-printing with foraged plant materials is an inspiring and exciting place to begin. Eco-printing (botanical printing) uses the tannins from leaves, stems, and some blossoms to imprint realistic images, faux textures, and natural coloring on treated fabric and paper.
In this class, you will learn how to imprint foraged leaves directly onto silk and paper using a water bath process to create beautifully printed fabric and art papers with nature’s designs. Using area leaves and plant material that you have collected, you will create botanical designs on both silk and paper and take home approximately 6 textured papers, a beautiful silk habutai scarf, and the information to continue eco-printing at home using an all natural, sustainable, and earth-friendly process.
- Leaves and plant materials native to this area that you have collected. Plant materials with a high tannin content are recommended, such as oak, maple, black walnut, sumac, and blackberry leaves. Feel free to bring along any other plant material you forage that appeals to you. Do not bring in any toxic materials such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac! Also, the outer brown skins of yellow onions are great for adding a surprising pop of color to your design.
- Kitchen scissors or shears to trim plant material
- Apron to protect clothing
- One eco-print ready 14″ X 72″ silk habotal scarf
- 6 textured papers for eco-printing
- prepared mordants to set and enhance color
- wooden or plastic dowels for bundling the material to be printed
- plastic film for bundling the material to be printed
- kitchen string for tying bundles before simmering or steaming
Sketching from Life
with Cindy Zimmerman
DATE: September 21
TIME: 2pm (after monthly meeting)
VENUE: The Hemlock Room
Artist Statement:
Painting, has taught Zimmerman the process of really seeing. “I have learned to notice the different shades of green in a tree, the shades of color in the clouds and fog, how the contrast of different colors creates impact in a scene,” she says. “Learning to see is a gradual process, but once you really learn to see the details in your surroundings, it transforms a scene. As I continue this journey, I hope to continue to transform my art and understand more about what I am seeing.”
Art Journaling with
Kara Ashley-Gilmore
DATE: August 17
TIME: 2pm (after monthly meeting)
VENUE: The Hemlock Room
Artist Statement:
My art journal is more than just a book; it is a safe container. It is a space designed to hold the weight of our stress, the chaos of our thoughts, and the brightness of our joy. Even more, it becomes a safe relationship. Unlike the world outside, the page never judges you, never asks you to be productive, and never tells you you’re doing it wrong. It is a consistent, quiet witness that allows you to be exactly who you are, exactly where you are. In this workshop, I’ll show you how to build that relationship with your own pages.
CAL Artist Studio Tour
Saturday, June 13 10am-3pm
Eight of our CAL artists have been working hard getting their studios ready for showing!
The tour runs from 10 am until 3 pm. It’s self-guided, so you can go at your own pace. Most of the artists will have light snacks available, or you can take a lunch break at the Clubhouse.
Bring a friend and enjoy the day!
It will be a day of inspiration to get to see how your fellow artists create!
Tickets are selling fast and are available to purchase in the Clubhouse lobby from 5-7 pm Thursday, May 28 and Friday, June 5.
If you can’t make these dates, contact Nancy Nebenzahl
and she will gladly help you get your tickets!
The tickets are $20.00 with 50% going directly to Brevard High School for art supplies.
Come out and get inspired while supporting a worthy cause!
Intuitive Painting with
Eleanor Palmer
DATE: June 15
TIME: 2pm (after monthly meeting)
VENUE: The Hemlock Room
Artist Statement:
The process of artistic creation has held an important meditative role throughout my life. Whether I am working with paints, collage, digital images or clay, I find exploration of material to be a guide towards mindfulness and authentic expression.
My work is often inspired by natural elements, both micro and macro. I am fascinated with the textures, colors and movements within nature as well as the overwhelmingly vast emotions that arise when we are directly confronted with it’s power; the intricately weathered texture of bark on the trees and the calm yet alerted sensations of standing deep within a forest.
Fiesta de Frida
DATE: May 18
TIME: 2pm-5pm
VENUE: The Barn on Ugugu
FEES:
- CAL Members – $10
- non-CAL members- $15
Art-making isn’t just about following the rules – it’s about play, experimentation, and opening yourself up in your art to create works that are uniquely you.
The queen of this approach was Frida Kahlo, a Mexican fashion icon and ground-breaking artist known for her dreamscapes and psychologically revealing self-portraits (check her and her work out online).
In celebration of Cinco de Maya and the inimitable Frida Kahlo, we will be making art inspired by Frida’s bold, colorful, and very personal creations.
We will end the afternoon with a Happy Hour featuring Mexican-themed hor d’oeuvres (please bring one to share) AND Mexican sangria! Fees will cover two drinks and art-making materials. Feel free to dress in fiesta-inspired attire
Participants should bring:
- Any colorful papers, magazines, objects, stencils, stamps, or other items you wish to incorporate into your art-making.
- Your favorite Mexican-inspired hors d’ oeuvres!
CAL will provide:
- Paints
- Scissors
- Glue/Matte Medium
- Brushes
- Tape
- Some papers
- Glitter
Alcohol Inks with Sabra Low
DATE: April 20,2026
TIME: after business meeting (~2:00)
VENUE: The Hemlock Room
FEES:
Following our April 20 meeting, guest artist Sabra Low will demonstrate basic techniques for using alcohol inks. Her approach is especially liberating for those who desire to express their inner youthful playfulness.
Sabra’s presentation will focus on how to access your inner playful abilities by using a medium that’s full of the unpredictable results. She will also discuss the key things to know about working with alcohol inks, provide a list of “Do’s and Dont’s”, a photo color chart, and a list of supplies suitable for beginners.
Asheville, North Carolina based Ascension Artist, Sabra Low, grew up in Fargo, North Dakota. Inspired by her mother, artist Sandra Miles, Sabra pursued her passion to play with paint.
Sabra has developed a process of capturing the present moment on canvas and evoking images of joy and love. She is known for her paintings “spirited with energetic frequencies.” Energies that are captured in each brushstroke reveal unique messages to the observer.
“I allow the Creator to flow through me. I take credit for showing up, keeping it simple, and allow for the image to speak for itself … from my heart to your heart.”
Scratchboard Demo: Heidi Witmer
DATE: March 16,2026
TIME: After business meeting (approx 2:00)
VENUE: Hemlock Room in the Wellness Center
Drawing Fearlessly
with Jeff Shepard
DATE: Mon, January 19, 2026
TIME: 1pm-3pm
VENUE: The Hemlock Room in the Wellness Center
FEES: CAL Members – free
non-CAL Members – $10
Participation is limited to 20 members so please sign up asap.
Join us to explore the fundamentals of successful drawing:
Whether you are experienced in drawing or have no idea where or how to begin, this two-hour art class is for you! Jeff Sheppard will demonstrate principles of “Drawing Fearlessly,” and provide tips and tricks for success in drawing no matter what your level of ability. Join us for an afternoon of drawing and sketching, and leave wirth an enhanced sense of competence and confidence in your work.
Watercolor Techniques
with
Debra Lachter
Watercolor Workshop 2025
Thurs, September 4: 10am-3pm
Lake Wanteska Building
FEES: $15 CAL members –limited to 8 participants
(includes a full sheet of Arches paper and a kneaded eraser.)
Do you want to improve your watercolor skills? This mini-workshop is intended for beginner watercolor painters who have some experience as well as intermediate painters who want to review basic techniques.
Debra will share strategies and techniques that she wishes that she had learned as a beginner, including “how to read the wet”, negative painting made simple, color mixing, and more!
Participants should bring all other supplies including palette, paint, brushes, water container, paper towels, and a pencil.
Feel free to call Debra if you have questions at (850)545-6094.
Alcohol Inks Workshop
Alcohol Inks Workshop 2025
Mon. August 18: 11am-4 pm
VENUE: The Barn
FEES: $35 pp includes supplies (BYO Mask)
Mini Workshop-Painting with alcohol inks by Debra Lachter and Janice Alderman.
Alcohol inks are vibrant, fast drying inks that are alcohol based and waterproof. It is a fluid art technique that uses the ink by dropping them directly onto a non-porous surface, with stunning results. It is a fun way to create with no prior experience.
All you need to bring is a playful spirit, an apron and a bag lunch/beverage.
Inks, Yupo paper, 91% alcohol, blending fluid and an assortments of tools will be provided.
If you have questions, please call Debra at 850-545-6094. or Janice at 239-633-6741.
Rebecca Kahrs Watercolor Workshop 2025
Watercolor Workshop
Mon. June 16th: 1-4 pm
Tues. June 17th: 9 am- 3 pm
Wed. June 18th: 9 am-3 pm
FEES: $250 CAL members (total of 15 hrs)
Rebecca would like to accommodate the wants and needs of those who are interested in attending this workshop. More information about the workshop focus will be provided after her demo on May 19th. Registration will be available on the CAL website. Please contact judymowery@icloud.com if you have any suggestions or questions.
Rebecca has been a professional watercolorist for 30 years and teaching has been an integral part of her career. While living in Savannah she owned a gallery and teaching studio for 20 years.
Amy Castel
Holiday Abstract Tree 2024
DATES: Thursday, November 7
TIME: 9:30-4:30
VENUE: Lake Wanteska
FEES: $65 CAL members; $75 non-CAL members
Contact:
Judy Mowery, workshop chair
judymowery@icloud.com
Joyful Holiday Sculpture One Day Workshop with Amy Casteel
Enjoy a one-day workshop creating a beautiful 3-D sculptural piece in the theme of a joyful holiday. Students will utilize materials such as styrofoam, wire, ribbon, fabric, paint, and paper to create their own unique artistic interpretation culminating in a finished piece that embodies a joyful holiday.
Students are encouraged to bring their own trimmings such as fabric and paper scraps, ribbons, broken costume jewelry, paint, and glitter in colors and patterns that exude joyfulness. We will be utilizing styrofoam forms in various shapes as well as a myriad of techniques to arrive at our own unique interpretation of a joyful holiday, while harnessing the incredible creative energy of our class.
An 18″ wire tree frame, glitter, glue, and other small supplies will be provided.
Class is limited to 12 students with an emphasis on individual student attention. Multiple examples will be provided. Class from 9:30-4:30 with a one-hour lunch break. BYO snack or bagged lunch.
Larry Zaph
Glass Blown Holiday Ornaments
DATES: Monday, December 2
TIME: 2 sessions
1 pm (limit 6 participants)
3 pm (limit 6 participants)
VENUE: Woodhaven Glass Studio
9293 Greenville Hwy
FEES: $25 CAL members
Contact:
Judy Mowery, workshop chair
judymowery@icloud.com
Holiday Ornament
Make your own unique holiday ornament or tree topper under the expert guidance of Lary Zaph, artist of Handblown Glass.
You will be able to pick colors and mix dots into your ornamant or make a beautiful topper.
All materials are included in the price.
*Participants must have hair secured with a hair band and wear closed toe shoes.
Jane Todd Butcher
Workshop
DATES: SEPTEMBER 16-18
Day 3 – Wed. September 18th: 9:30 am to 4 pm (BYO lunch or snack)
VENUE: CF Clubhouse: Lower Exercise Studio
FEES: $175 CAL member
Due by September 1
Space is limited to 12 participants
Jane will be doing a demo at the August 19 meeting.
Contact:
Judy Mowery, workshop chair
judymowery@icloud.com
No More Flat, Boring Paintings!
(A positive Approach to Negative Painting)
Learn to use your normal technique over an underpainting, and then add some inverse (negative) painting to add impact! First we’ll explore a variety of underpainting approaches—most are easily accomplished even by beginners. Then you will learn to use the negative (non-subject) areas in your composition for contrast and strong design. Use these techniques just for accent areas, or for an all-over design. No more flat, boring paintings!
Jane’s demonstrations will be in fluid acrylics, but this workshop is for artists of all levels, working in Acrylics, Watercolor, or Oils (oil painters may need to use drying mediums). The emphasis is on design and composition.
CAL Member Judged Show 2024
SCHEDULE and INFO:
VENUE: Connestee Clubhouse
DATE: August 12 for hanging artwork
9:30am – 10:00am
- Must be an original (not copied), completed within the last two years, and not done in a workshop or class.
- Cannot have received an award in any other show.
- Have wire for wall hanging; no saw-tooth hangers are allowed.
- Maximum size no larger than 48″x36″ x 3″ including frame
Contact:
Harriet B Morton
harrietbmorton@gmail.com
2024 Judges: Kim and Ed Bank
Kim and Ed were art dealers and gallerists based in Grafton, Vermont for sixteen years before retiring at the end of 2019.
In 2004, they purchased Gallery North Star, an established art gallery known as Vermont’s Premier Fine Art Gallery. Having 2,500 square feet of exhibition space spread over six rooms, the gallery was renowned throughout the Northeast for an exceptional stable of artists. With an emphasis on artists based in the New England area, the gallery typically showed the work of approximately 25 artists and over the years represented over 50 artists. The artists were professional, full time artists with, at a minimum, multiple gallery representation throughout the region. The majority of artists were represented nationally with a number being represented by galleries throughout the world. The gallery shipped work worldwide and was featured in numerous publications including an article in The Boston Globe.
Kim and Ed, in conjunction with the Grafton Promotional Association, also put on juried art shows featuring the work of local and regional artists. They were involved in both the selection of artists and the jury process.
Ed is a recognized fine art appraiser for contemporary artistic works. He has worked closely with artists on a number of commissioned works and has visited innumerable artist studios and conferred on both works in progress and modifications to existing artworks.
