In this two-day workshop, students will explore the relationship between mokuhanga, traditional Japanese woodblock printing, and washi, Japanese paper.

Mokuhanga uses water-based pigments such as watercolor and gouache, which are brushed directly onto carved woodblocks and printed by hand onto dampened washi. The printing process and Japanese papermaking traditions developed alongside one another, with the qualities of washi playing an essential role in how mokuhanga prints are made.

Students will experiment with a range of handmade and machine-made washi from Echizen, Japan, a place with a papermaking tradition spanning more than 1,500 years. Each student will receive a sample pack of washi. We will use pre-carved blocks to experiment with different styles of printing on each paper, then gather the results and bind them into a book.

We will also look at sizing paper, which is a useful skill to have in your mokuhanga toolkit. As time allows, students can explore carving their own blocks and learn more about washi and how it is made.

Students will finish the workshop with a bound book of printed washi samples and sources for purchasing handmade paper.

TOTAL COST: $380

Course Fee: $330

Non-refundable Materials Fee: $50

LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate

AGE GROUP: Ages 18+

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All supplies are included. There will be an hour lunch break each day, and students are welcome to bring lunch or go out to lunch during this time. 

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Charles Spitzack is an American artist based in the Pacific Northwest working primarily in woodcut printmaking. He first discovered printmaking at Highpoint Center in Minneapolis and continued his studies at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. Drawn to the physical process of carving and printing by hand, he shares the medium through in-person and online teaching. Spitzack maintains a dedicated studio practice, works as a carpenter in the building trades, and serves as Board President of Seattle Print Arts. In 2024, he received the Kobaien Prize at the International Mokuhanga Conference in Echizen, Japan, and returned in 2026 to participate in the advanced MI-LAB residency.

Artist websites: Charles Spitzack, @spitzattack

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please email admin@northwindart.org if you wish to withdraw or for more information.

Discover the magic of photography by building your own working pinhole camera — using everyday materials like drink cans and shoeboxes. In this hands-on, four-hour workshop, students will construct a functional camera, learn the fundamentals of pinhole photography, and create images before developing them together in a makeshift darkroom.

This streamlined approach makes the process approachable for all experience levels, while still offering a rich introduction to analog photography. You’ll learn the basics of exposure, composition, and light while experiencing the satisfaction of making photographs completely by hand.

Students will have the option to develop their images using either traditional photographic chemistry or caffenol, an environmentally friendly developer made from instant coffee, vitamin C, and washing soda.

The workshop concludes with a casual group print share, where participants can see and celebrate the unique images created during the session.

Each student will leave with their handmade camera, photographic paper, and simple, safe recipes for developing images at home, so the creative process can continue beyond the workshop.

No prior experience is necessary. This workshop is perfect for beginners, curious makers, educators, artists, and anyone interested in exploring photography in a fun, accessible way.

TOTAL COST: $120

Course Fee: $80

Non-refundable Materials Fee: $40

LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate

AGE GROUP: Ages 15+, 10+ with an accompanying adult

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All required supplies are included, including camera-building materials, photographic paper, and chemistry for use during the workshop.

Students are welcome to bring their own drink cans and shoeboxes if they’d like to experiment with their own materials.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Jen Cohen (USA) and Martin Vanners (The Netherlands) are internationally experienced pinhole photographers and educators. Together, they have led pinhole photography workshops and experiences for more than 1,000 participants across the United States and Europe. 

Their work includes collaborations with international photography conferences, art schools, historical sites, nonprofit organizations, and Pinsta Camera. Their pinhole photography has been exhibited at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery, The Grover Gallery, Unique Photo, and the Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, and featured in photography magazines including Forum, Dialogue, Shots, and Analog Forever.

Artists' websites: @martin_vanners, Raw Art Collective, @therawartcollective, @pinstafanatics

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please email admin@northwindart.org if you wish to withdraw or for more information.

Jen and Martin are celebrating their 50th round of Pinsta workshops, back where it all started, right here in beautiful Port Townsend. This workshop is one of two sessions happening October 11. You are welcome to register for either or both. Together these sessions will help you push your exploration into pinhole cameras to the next level!

Pinsta Pinhole Photography for Everyone: Morning Session

Pinsta Pinhole Photography for Everyone: Afternoon Session

In this workshop, students will learn how to use a Pinsta pinhole camera and experience the fun and magic of making photographs using only a box with a tiny hole — and developing them on the spot without the use of a darkroom. The best part? You don't need any technical or photographic experience to enjoy this wonderful process, and we promise you'll go home carrying one or more impressive analog photographs!

The simple yet elegant Pinsta camera has gained a cult following among photographers and other creatives around the world. Handcrafted by a small team in Great Britain, the Pinsta is both a lensless camera and a portable darkroom, making it possible to create beautiful black- and-white photographs almost anywhere.

No photographic experience is necessary. We welcome first-time Pinsta users as well as those looking for a refresher. During the workshop, students will work with a variety of photographic papers and learn how to develop paper negatives and create positive prints.

Students are encouraged to stay for the afternoon session to continue experimenting with the Pinsta process, explore more advanced techniques, including the experimental method of turning a black-and-white negative into a positive directly in the camera, make additional photographs, and build confidence using the camera. The afternoon session offers plenty of time to refine your images, try new approaches, and deepen your understanding of this unique photographic process.

NOTE: This listing and price are for the morning session only. To register for the afternoon session click here. 

TOTAL COST: $120

Course Fee: $80

Non-refundable Materials Fee: $40

LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate

AGE GROUP: Ages 15+, 10+ with an accompanying adult

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All required supplies are included in the materials fee, including photographic paper, developer, fixer, syringes, Pinsta cameras, and black bags for use during class.

Optional: Students may bring a tripod and download a light meter app to their smartphone for added convenience when determining exposure times.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Jen Cohen (USA) and Martin Vanners (The Netherlands) are internationally experienced pinhole photographers and educators. Together, they have led pinhole photography workshops and experiences for more than 1,000 participants across the United States and Europe.

Their work includes collaborations with international photography conferences, art schools, historical sites, nonprofit organizations, and Pinsta Camera. Their pinhole photography has been exhibited at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery, The Grover Gallery, Unique Photo, and Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, and featured in photography magazines including Forum, Dialogue, Shots, and Analog Forever. 

Artists' websites: @martin_vanners, Raw Art Collective, @therawartcollective, @pinstafanatics

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please email admin@northwindart.org if you wish to withdraw or for more information.

Jen and Martin are celebrating their 50th round of Pinsta workshops, back where it all started, right here in beautiful Port Townsend. This workshop is one of two sessions happening October 11. You are welcome to register for either or both. Together these sessions will help you push your exploration into pinhole cameras to the next level!

Pinsta Pinhole Photography for Everyone: Morning Session

Pinsta Pinhole Photography for Everyone: Afternoon Session

In this workshop, students will learn how to use a Pinsta pinhole camera and experience the fun and magic of making photographs using only a box with a tiny hole — and developing them on the spot without the use of a darkroom. The best part? You don't need any technical or photographic experience to enjoy this wonderful process, and we promise you'll go home carrying one or more impressive analog photographs!

The simple yet elegant Pinsta camera has gained a cult following among photographers and other creatives around the world. Handcrafted by a small team in Great Britain, the Pinsta is both a lensless camera and a portable darkroom, making it possible to create beautiful black- and-white photographs almost anywhere.

No photographic experience is necessary. We welcome first-time Pinsta users as well as those looking for a refresher. During the workshop, students will work with a variety of photographic papers and learn how to develop paper negatives and create positive prints.

In the afternoon session, students will experiment with the Pinsta process, explore more advanced techniques, including the experimental method of turning a black-and-white negative into a positive directly in the camera, make additional photographs, and build confidence using the camera. The afternoon session offers plenty of time to refine your images, try new approaches, and deepen your understanding of this unique photographic process.

NOTE: This listing and price are for the afternoon session only. To register for the morning session click here. 

TOTAL COST: $120

Course Fee: $80

Non-refundable Materials Fee: $40

LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate

AGE GROUP: Ages 15+, 10+ with an accompanying adult

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All required supplies are included in the materials fee, including photographic paper, developer, fixer, syringes, Pinsta cameras, and black bags for use during class.

Optional: Students may bring a tripod and download a light meter app to their smartphone for added convenience when determining exposure times.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Jen Cohen (USA) and Martin Vanners (The Netherlands) are internationally experienced pinhole photographers and educators. Together, they have led pinhole photography workshops and experiences for more than 1,000 participants across the United States and Europe.

Their work includes collaborations with international photography conferences, art schools, historical sites, nonprofit organizations, and Pinsta Camera. Their pinhole photography has been exhibited at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery, The Grover Gallery, Unique Photo, and Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, and featured in photography magazines including Forum, Dialogue, Shots, and Analog Forever.

Artists' websites: @martin_vanners, Raw Art Collective, @therawartcollective, @pinstafanatics

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please email admin@northwindart.org if you wish to withdraw or for more information.

Since May 2018, Print Night has been a monthly gathering of photographers interested in showing, looking at, and talking about prints in a casual, friendly environment. You do not need to share prints to participate in Print Night, so everyone is encouraged to come be part of the conversation and get some inspiration too. Participants can bring up to six prints-- in color or black and white, digital or darkroom, finished or in progress.

We hope you will join host Rick York and a vibrant community of photographers and photography enthusiasts on the second Monday of every month from 6:30pm - 9pm!

There is a $5 suggested donation at the door.

After registration additional course details will be provided by Print Night host Rick York to participants via email.

LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced

AGE GROUP: All ages

Northwind Art, alongside the Olympic Area Agency on Aging, is thrilled to offer a series of workshops for folks experiencing memory loss and their caregivers.

The Aging Creatively workshop series offers a welcoming and supportive space for individuals experiencing memory loss, and their caregivers, to connect through art. Led by experienced instructor Jodi Ericksen, these every-other-week sessions provide time for creative exploration, self-expression, and meaningful social engagement.

Based on the very successful Creative Aging program created by the Frye Art Museum in Seattle, these art classes are designed to foster connection, creativity, and cognitive engagement, enriching the lives of the people who take part.

Each session is thoughtfully designed to accommodate various skill levels, focusing on simple painting or mixed-media activities that stimulate cognitive function while fostering joy and connection. Caregivers and participants create side by side, strengthening their bonds through shared artistic experiences.

Held at the Northwind Art School at Fort Worden, these classes have all materials provided, ensuring accessibility for all. Whether rediscovering a love for art or trying something new, participants will leave each session with a sense of accomplishment, community, and creative inspiration.

Join us every other week as we celebrate creativity, connection, and the power of artistic expression!

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All materials are provided.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Jodi Ericksen is a local artist who in recent years has specialized in block printing, while also enjoying mixed media, collage, water color, oil pastels, acrylics, fiber arts and more. Her work stems from the soul, and she believes art comes from the places within us without words. She views the expression of art as an act of simply setting our minds free, as well as a place to connect with and release feelings and emotions. In addition to her work as an artist, she is also a mother, a massage therapist, and a graduate student in Seattle University’s Licensed Mental Health Counseling master's program. Her future intention is to work with clients by utilizing talk, somatic, and art therapies.

Funding for the aging Creatively program is provided by The Olympic Area Agency on Aging.

This course is limited to individuals diagnosed with memory loss and their caregivers.

One registration covers enrollment for two people. This is not a respite program. Individuals experiencing memory loss must be accompanied by their caregiver.

Registration is highly encouraged so that we have enough seating and an accurate amount of art-making supplies, however a limited number of walk-in spaces are available for each session.

You may know the term “ekphrastic” — when a poet is inspired by a work of visual art and writes from that inspiration. In this 3-hour workshop, we turn the ekphrastic process around: You get to read and reflect on poems, and then respond with your visual creations.

Teaching artist Meg Kaczyk provides plenty of choices, including poetry from well-known writers such as David Whyte, Liesl Mueller, Mary Oliver, William Stafford, Billy Collins and other contemporary poets. Meg also guides you in exploring different modes of expression, including typographic, narrative, symbolic and non-representational ways to convey the feelings and the tone of the poems. Your art will honor the mystery of the poet’s magic, tapping into the reciprocity possible between art forms. Prior to the first class, students will receive an email with a poem packet and guidance on supplies. 

TOTAL COST: $80

Course Fee: $80

Non-refundable Materials Fee: $0

LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate

AGE GROUP: Ages 15+

SUPPLY INFORMATION

You’re invited to bring your own supplies and work with your favorite mediums. The exploration is in the expression itself, and not training with the mediums. Please have your supplies ready and handy in preparation for making art.

Any kind of dry or wet media is great! Some suggestions: collage with painted or colored papers, acrylic, watercolor, oil pastels, water soluble oil pastels, soft pencil. Mixed media can be a good way to work too. Please bring a generous supply of papers in small to medium size formats, approximately 4" x 6" to 10" x 12".

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Meg Kaczyk guides artists of all levels in classes and workshops based on her own studio process. Her work is fed by daily life, the natural world, poetry, and a long-standing meditation practice. Originally trained as an illustrator and graphic designer, Meg has enjoyed a long creative career including art direction, graphic design, arts administration, and teaching. She exhibits her paintings across the region.

Artist websites: Meg Kaczyk, @megkaczyk

DISCOUNTS

This course is eligible for a 10% member discount at the Supporter level and beyond. Get a membership today!

Don's Pharmacy and Art Toolkit in Port Townsend offer a 10% discount for Northwind Art School students.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please email admin@northwindart.org if you wish to withdraw or for more information.

This class is for beginners with a little or no experience painting with acrylics, as well as for those who are coming back to painting and would like a little help getting started again. We will explore the basics of acrylics including materials, surfaces, brushes and other tools, then a little about color theory, color mixing, paint application, and composition — and then we'll move into techniques!

In this fun one-day workshop, teaching artist Beth Herrild takes you through her creative process.  She will demo how she paints trees, and you'll then create a background and paint your own trees or whatever subjects you choose. You'll also have a chance to paint on a couple of different surfaces. 

The natural world is full of endless inspiration! Beth loves painting trees because they are easy to draw: nature comes in all shapes and sizes and isn't perfect! When you complete the class, you'll have one completed (or almost complete) painting, and you'll be ready to take your paints and brushes home and continue painting and exploring on your own. 

LEVEL: Beginner

AGE GROUP: Adult (ages 18+)

SUPPLY INFORMATION

At minimum, you should bring acrylic paints in the three primary colors (red, yellow, and blue), white, and black. No craft paints, but the acrylics you bring don't have to be high end. Beth recommends a set of Liquitex basics, but if you already have some tubes of another brand they should work (as long as they're not liquid craft paints).

For brushes, Beth recommends having a couple of flats, around 1/2" wide and around 1" inch wide. If they're not exactly those sizes no big deal. 

You can bring your own canvas board if you have one, or use what is available at Northwind Art School.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Beth Herrild is a mixed media acrylic painter on Whidbey Island. Her work is an exploration into our perception of the physical world, its importance in our lives, and how our understanding is shaped by our environment and our own perceptions and attitudes. She combines vibrant color, value, and texture, to create pieces that balance the representational and abstract. She has an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts and a Master's in Whole Systems Design. Many years ago she was fortunate enough to see the profound impact art can have in people's lives. She taught art to children, as an art docent, in public schools for over 12 years, taught at a juvenile detention center, worked with youth & young adults experiencing homelessness, and currently teaches art to inmates at the Island County jail. She shows her work at Cultus Bay Glass on Whidbey Island. 

Artist Website: Beth Herrild, @bethherrild_art

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please email admin@northwindart.org if you wish to withdraw or for more information.