2022 and the workshop

Posted on January 15, 2022 Updated on January 15, 2022

So many things have happened over the last two years. First, the pandemic changed the way the workshop functioned. We tried zoom classes and outside classes. As time went on, we met wearing masks and being careful in our interactions. Small classes and one-on-ones became the norm. Financially we were not making it.

And then I became a grandma and my husband retired. We wanted to be involved in our granddaughter’s life so we decided we were up for an adventure and moved to Garner, North Carolina, just outside of Raleigh, in order to be near her.

The workshop in Hillsboro has not closed. In the foreseeable future, I will be back often and will be available to teach classes and work one-on-one. Many of the workshop participants continue to hold open studio on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact me if you are interested in more info. In April I will teach a batik class there.

Meanwhile, I am upgrading a small he-shed on our new property to make it into my new workshop. I will be available to teach classes here on a smaller scale — no more than three people at a time. I am very excited about sharing my love of art here.

Stay tuned for more….

March – Freestyle Flower Garden – Glass on Glass with Kory Dollar

Posted on January 30, 2020 Updated on January 30, 2020

Dates: March 20, 21, 22 2020

Location: Denny’s Workshop at the Helvetica Lavendar Farm in Hillsboro, Oregon

Price: $375

Theme: Freestyle Flower Garden
Create a breathtaking glass-on-glass mosaic masterpiece! No experience required! This is a 2.5 day workshop, where you will start with a custom framed window, approx 12″x 15″ that will be transformed into a gorgeous work of art. Frame upgrades will be available at workshop and are priced between $25-$50.
Students are encouraged to participate in potluck style lunches. More information will be provided after registration.

March – Denny’s Workshop with Kory Dollar

Register Now for Kory's Stained Glass Mosaic Freestyle Flower Garden. Price includes all supplies and materials for a 12 " x 12 " glass on glass mosaic

$375.00

October – Sugar Skulls and Mandalas with Kory Dollar

Posted on January 30, 2020 Updated on January 30, 2020

Register at  NOW!!

Stained Glass Mosaic Workshop with Kory Dollar of Marvelous Mosaic Fine Art

Theme: Sugar Skulls or Mandala

October 23, 24, 25, 2020
$375

Denny’s Workshop in Hillsboro, Oregon
Location: 12814 NW Bishop Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124
The studio is located on the Helvetica Lavender and Tree Farm

Hours: Friday 10am – 5pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 9am – Noon

Food is not provided for this event, but a potluck is something most students participate in.
Registration questions please contact Kory Dollar at dollarkory@gmail.com
Host: Denny Miller

Denny’s Workshop – October – Mandala and Sugar Skulls

$375.00

Today is All About Me (and You)

Posted on April 2, 2019 Updated on April 2, 2019

When you come to my workshop, how do you see me?  Do I seem all together?  Do I appear to know what I’m doing?

The truth is, I  often see myself more like this:

I feel broken, torn apart, confused, hurt, a hot mess.  I think that all of us may be broken in some way or another.  For many years I functioned in the mode of the second picture, patched together with string, band aids, and bubble gum.  As wonderful as staying home to raise my kids was, I lost a sense of who I was.  My worth, value, and vision.  I was constantly taking care of the needs of others while [mostly] ignoring my needs.

As my children grew older and left home, I began to “refind” myself.  I think the process revolved around my personal faith, art, a community of women/friends, and starting to care for my needs more intentionally.  My faith didn’t waiver but the other things did.

Although I’ve always enjoyed art, I am not a trained artist and for many years my pursuit of art centered around doing art projects with my kids and making Christmas gifts.  At one particularly frustrating time in my life I needed an avenue for venting.  I went to Goodwill and bought cheap plates and threw them against the back wall of my garage.  While I don’t recommend this, the process was cathartic but I was left with a box of ceramic fragments.  This lead to making my first mosaics.  I began to see with new eyes, finding mosaic possibilities everywhere I went.  My eyes were focused outward and I discovered beauty all around me.

There is something very healing about creating art.  For me, it is discovery and process.  Learning something new.  Moving out of my box.  Challenging myself.  Creating something that won’t disappear as clean dishes do after a meal…  It brings me peace.  In fact, my friend Ra’Ood finds the process of mixing  and pouring paint to be very meditative.

Art brings me peace and joy.  I relax.  Pablo Picasso said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”  When I do art, I am renewed.  I refill my cup so that I have more to give others.

If you need healing, peace, joy, think about coming to my workshop or picking up art on your own.  Perhaps, it will lead to your own path to healing and wholeness.

Mosaic Mandala Marathon

Posted on March 18, 2019

Stained Glass Mandala Workshop with Kory Dollar of Marvelous Mosaic Fine Art

Theme: Mandala Madness Mosaic Party!

Dates: Friday, April 26 and Sunday, April 28, 2019

Time: Friday 9 am to 12 am, yes 12 am or as late as you want to work. Sunday is grout day 9 am to 12 pm. Location: Hillsboro, Oregon

Address: Denny’s Workshop

Cost: $200

CRAZY QUILTING WORKSHOP series…

Posted on March 17, 2019

 

Jackie is a self-taught crazy quilter.  She learned embroidery and sewing from her Norwegian grandmother and has been practicing this art for her own pleasure most of her life.

Don’t Miss These Classes

Posted on March 12, 2019 Updated on March 12, 2019

This coming Saturday, March 16— Gourd Burning and Staining, 10 am to 4 pm. $30. Gourds, stains provided. If you have a wood carving tool, please bring it. I have a limited his coming Saturday, March 16— Gourd Burning and Staining, 10 am to 4 pm. $30. Gourds, stains provided. If you have a wood carving tool, please bring it. I have a limited number to share. Pre-registration required .

Stained Glass Mandala Workshop with Kory Dollar of Marvelous Mosaic — Friday, April 26 (9 am to 12 am or however late you want to work) and Sunday, April 28, 2019 (9-noon to grout), $200.

Paper Making, April 27, 9 am to 2 pm (approx.).  $15.  We will make a variety of kinds of papers, paper casting and add inclusions.  We will experiment with vegetable paper as well.

We are in the process of scheduling a Crazy Quilting workshop (meeting a number of weeks for a shorter length), possibly a ceramics workshop, and — with the advent of hotter weather — marbling and shibori classes.  Some of us attended a Golden Product workshop and will be setting up a day to play with different products and techniques.  We are hoping to bring the Golden instructor in to teach Radical Recipes (art not cooking).  If you are interested in any of these classes and would like more information or to give input on when we schedule the classes, please let me know.

As usual, we are always playing with alcohol inks and pour painting and are open to scheduling any art class you are interested in.

See you soon!

The Evolution of an Art Workshop

Posted on February 11, 2019 Updated on February 11, 2019

It’s been 2.5 years since I opened Denny’s Workshop and the workshop continues to evolve.  I knew when I started that I wanted time and space to do my own art but also desired to welcome others in to explore art together, to create community, and to find healing through both relationship and the process of making art.  I am now officially a non-profit organization (affiliated with Artists for Community Organization International).  What does this mean?

As a 501(c)(3), my emphasis is on making art available at an affordable price and even offering some art classes free.  Students can participate in classes or in open studio sessions which cost $5 per session (or $30 per year).  This minimal cost covers use of most of the tools in the workshop.  If you use materials (paper, stickers, paints, canvases, clay, etc) I ask that you make a donation to cover the cost of the supplies if possible.  Without donations, eventually I will run out of materials to share.  I realize that not everyone can afford to make a donation and that is okay.  Some share by helping with special projects or by donating supplies or even helping clean up after a class.  I do not turn students away if they cannot donate and I do not “police” it.

If you believe in what I am offering and want to help keep the workshop alive, I am looking for people who would like to make a commitment to monthly donations — even as low as $5 a month — or who would like to make a one time contribution to the workshop and receive a charitable donation receipt.

A couple of notes for those who are new to the workshop:

1. I’m a one-person workshop.  I have no employees but love volunteers!  It also means that you need to contact me before you come because if no one says they’re coming to an event or an open studio, I may decide to go grocery shopping.  Check in advance!  I’m here a lot and will try to accommodate your schedule.
2. I don’t have a lot of classes on my schedule because I am finding it works much better for students to contact me with what they want to do… and then we set up a class and time that works.
3. I love all forms of arts and if I don’t have experience in the kind of art you’re interested in, I may still want to explore it with you.
4. Friend me on Facebook.  That’s where I post last minute classes and other opportunities as well as art done in the studio or by me.
5. The schedule is constantly changing.  New things appear as people request them.

Upcoming Classes

Jackie Hanes will be teaching a class in Crazy Quilting — with an emphasis on left handed stitching.  Some of us righties will also be taking the class.

Monica Pardy will be teaching techniques for painting ceramics that win awards!!

We hope also to be offering a beginners class in painting with watercolors.

If you are interested in taking any of these classes, contact me for details.  OR if you’d like to teach a class, I’m always looking for teachers.

Happy February.

Denny

Note:  I recently completed the mixed media piece at the top of this blog.  Here’s an explanation:

Roosters! Roosters! Register NOW.

Posted on October 30, 2018

Beginning to Intermediate Level Mosaic Class

Theme:  Roosters

3 day Stained Glass Roosters Workshop with Kory Dollar of Marvelous Mosaic Fine Art

As of 10/30/2018 – 7 spots remaining

Date: January 25, 26, 27 2019

Hours of class:

Friday – 10 am – 4 pm

Saturday — 10 am – 4 pm

Sunday — 10 am – 2 pm

Cost: $400— which includes glass and materials

Project:  15 ” x 15 ” custom glass on glass mosaic

3 Lunches included in cost of class

 

Location: 12814 NW Bishop Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124

To Register Contact Denny Miller Nkemontoh at info@dennys-workshop.com or 503-866-0180 to register or visit www.dennys-workshop.com

What skills do you need to attend this workshop? This is a beginning to intermediate level class, where everyone is welcome, including children over 12 years of age. The class size will be limited to 10 students. We will cover basic cutting skills, the process of Glass on Glass mosaics, and give a grout lesson.

What do you need to bring? All tools and supplies will be provided for the class. It is recommended that you bring some unique pieces to add to your mosaic, making it one-or-a-kind. We ask you bring creative mind and a good attitude! Come with an idea NOT a pattern. I do not teach from patterns, we only use them as a guideline. With that in mind, we are not restricted to a pattern, it is okay to go outside the lines and let the glass create its own details. Think SIMPLE! For example; look around your house, do you have a color scheme or a theme you decorate in? We will have some examples and ideas for you.  It is a fast pace class, we will have to commit to a design early Saturday and have most of the piece finished by that evening. I will send out a reminder about design ideas a few weeks before the class, giving you some time to think about it and ask questions. Food is not provided, so we do a potluck style on Saturday and Sunday, Because of the location,  potluck works very well because then we can graze on food all day as we work.

 The three day workshop will be a combination of lecture/slideshow, discussion, Q&A, demos, and hands-on instruction. We will focus on Glass on Glass (GOG) application, using the direct method to create a stimulating optical effect. Kory will demo several unique cuts she uses in her roosters and sunflowers, using three tools, nippers, a scoring tool, and running pliers. During this process, you will learn how cut strips to patternize your glass into flowers while maximizing your glass. Kory will demonstrate and discuss a specific nipping style /technique, Glass Shaving® to create a crisp clean edge, using only wheeled nippers to cut the circles. The class will explore how to create movement, in the tail feathers suing long slender cuts.  Additional topics covered include: precision cutting, committing to a design, selecting a color pallet, varying opacity, Randomization Method®, balance and composition, creating a one-of-a-kind designs, and incorporating found and unusual items. Kory will discuss grout bleed, adhesives, grout additives, and provide tips and tricks to grouting. Mac glue will be provided. Students are encouraged to bring additional unique items such as broken jewelry, beads, and tesserae to embellish your mosaic.

There will be a grout demonstration on Sunday. Students are welcome to grout if they have completed the project and glue has dried. If projects are not completed, or dried by 12 pm then a grout package will be available to take home for optional grouting.

Kory notes that she does not strive for perfection; “the art of art is the imperfections.” She says, “It is my goal that I will simplify the process enough to give you ‘artistic freedom without self doubt’. I strive to build confidence in these classes. I do not teach from a pattern, I teach to use your sketch as only a guideline; you are not restricted to the pattern. I will assist you in creating a balanced one-of-a-kind composition, using my uniquely designed simplified steps. We will focus on several unique cuts and I will provide you with tips and tricks that I use daily.”

The goal on Sunday is to have projects ready to be grouted by noon. Grout time is scheduled outside at 2 pm. We will need time for your projects to dry. If you are unable to complete the mosaic in time to grout we will send grouting instructions and a  grouting kit can be sent home. 

Location: 12814 NW Bishop Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124

REGISTER NOW!  Contact Denny Miller Nkemontoh at info@dennys-workshop.com or 503-866-0180 to register.

This is a beginning stained glass mosaic class for all ages and abilities. We will have a variety of pre-cut glass available. for you to create a stained glass mosaic sun catcher. All supplies and materials are included in the class. Students will also have the opportunity to use and learn about the three main hand tools used in glass on glass (GOG) mosaics. By the end of the class students should feel comfortable using the hand tools and breaking the glass. There will be a grout demonstration on Sunday. Students are welcome to grout if they have completed the project and glue has dried by noon on Sunday. If projects are not dry by 2 pm then a grout package will be available to take home for optional grouting.

Kory notes that she does not strive for perfection; “the art of art is the imperfections.” She says, “It is my goal that I will simplify the process enough to give you ‘artistic freedom without self doubt’. I strive to build confidence in these classes. I do not teach from a pattern, I teach to use your sketch as only a guideline; you are not restricted to the pattern. I will assist you in creating a balanced one-of-a-kind composition, using my uniquely designed simplified steps. We will focus on several unique cuts and I will provide you with tips and tricks that I use daily.”

 

50% deposits will be required to reserve your spot.
Note: If for any reason the class is canceled due to max number of students (8) not reached, or unforeseen reason 100% of the deposits/all payments will be refunded.

If for any reason you need to cancel your reservation, you must do so 45 days prior to the event to get 100% refund, if you cancel after the 45 day deadline we must fill the spot for you to get 100% of your deposit back, if you cancel 15 days prior for any reason you will forfeit $100 of your deposit.

What’s Hopping?

Posted on October 9, 2018 Updated on October 10, 2018

It’s been a while since I last posted and, as usual, things are hopping!  Always something new and fun going on…

Most recently, I seem to have adopted the cutest black kitten with brown stripes on her head and back, a white bowtie, and a little milk spot under her lower lip.  She is brave and intrepid.  And oh so loveable but I will be looking for a new forever family for her… if you’re interested, let me know.

It was a great summer.  We had record crowds here for the Helvetia Lavender Festival.  Workshop volunteers were WONDERFUL.  Children (and a few adults) learned to do suminagashi on book marks, made giant bubbles, and visited the “art gallery”.  Thanks to all who participated either during the festival or in making items for sale (see clay creatures below).

A vacation in Florida with my husband was next on the calendar.  I love the ocean!

Then, in August,  we had a four day mosaic campout led by Kory Dollar on the property of the workshop.  Late nights, long walks, lots of laughter, and multiple mosaics per person completed.  Great food and fun.  Can’t wait for the 2019 camp out!

Last week I was in Nashville to meet with my parent organization, Artists with Community Transformation Intl.  I got to share what is happening at the workshop with the other participants.  One of the other participants is Jill, who is sharing horsemanship with foster children, just over the hill from me in Oregon.  I’m hoping we can do some things together.

Denny’s Workshop  celebrated it’s second anniversary in July.  It’s mission/vision is continuing to morph in my mind but is coming clearer.  The workshop provides opportunities to explore the arts at an affordable cost (and sometimes free) and builds community among its participants.

What does that look like?

First, I am not a business with regular hours. Denny’s workshop is operated by me.  It is a non-profit with 501(c)3 status.  The money I charge for classes does not cover all the expenses of running the workshop.  I depend on volunteers and donors.  Watch for more information about what this means and how you can be involved in a future blog.

I spend a lot of hours here, but I can only guarantee that I am here when a class is going on or you have prearranged an appointment with me.  I love having people join me at the workshop either working with me or just for companionship as we work on independent projects.

I offer several kinds of classes:

1. Exploration: This is a low-cost or free class where an art form is explored. You learn basic techniques and use of tools.
2. Advanced: This is a class where you complete a project. It may cost more depending on the cost of materials and the time involved.
3. Guest Teacher: I often bring in experienced artists to teach classes at a professional level. These classes are usually several days in length and may require a certain level of knowledge or bringing tools and/or materials.
4. One on One: Many of my classes are scheduled upon request of a student. Tell me what you’d like to do or learn, and we’ll discuss time and cost.
5. Group: Also scheduled upon request, this may be a group of friends, a children’s party, scouts, or an individual request that we open to others to attend. Price depends on time and materials.
6. Free: I offer two free classes based on student interest – this currently includes a journaling class and a journaling/art class. I am open to other classes if there is interest.
7. Open Studio: On Tuesday nights, I offer Open Studio. Bring your current project to the workshop and use my tools. I’ll help as needed. Or design a project with my help. Cost of the session is $5 per night or $30 for the year. I am also open to open studio times per request when I have nothing else going in the workshop. Payment is by donation.

Due to the nature of the workshop and the courses above, you may not see a lot on my schedule at any given time. My course availability is constantly evolving and changing. If you friend me on FB, you will see last minute classes advertised. I only use email periodically to advertise classes.

Well, this has been a long blog.  It feels good to catch you up.  Let me know what questions you have!

Denny