Our hands-on workshops for adults combine in-depth instruction with creative inspiration for artists of all skill levels.

Introduction to Woodcarving with Gerry Holzman | September 19, September 20, September 21 | 9:00am-4:00pm

Gerry Holzman, who numbers Disney, the Cunard Lines and the South Street Seaport among his clients, is the head carver of the Empire State Carousel, a full-size operating merry-go-round entirely based on the theme of New York State history and culture. This unique “museum you can ride on” is a permanent exhibit on the grounds of the Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown, New York. The carved portraits on the carousel will be used as references and resources in the carving course.

This course will be an exercise in carving a caricature of the human face. Using deep-relief wooden heads from the Hotel Buffalo Ratskellar (circa 1900) as models, students will be guided through the process required to carve a full-size replica (six-inches long) of a portrait head. Since each model is unique, participants will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of expressions--some humorous, some grotesque, and some serenely benign.

Students will be required to bring their own tools, please ask for a list.

Fee: $225, plus a $25 materials fee.

Country Tin Painting | October 3, October 4, October 5 | 9:00am-4:00pm

This three-day workshop will introduce students to the art of country tin painting.

Country Tin Painting is one of the few decorative painting arts truly indigenous to America. Tin peddlers of the early 1800s began having their wares painted, often employing family members to brighten up the housewife’s kitchen shelves. What began in Connecticut quickly spread to tinshops throughout the Northeast. Decorative artist and teacher Anne Dimock of Trumansburg, New York, whose many years of training reflect the standards of the Historical Society of Early American Decoration, will guide students through techniques including background preparation, the brush stroke, paints, and colors found in the designs and finishes. You will learn about the history of the craft, see some original examples and will work towards completing a practice piece during your time in the class.

Fee: $180, plus a $60 materials fee.

All workshops are held at The Farmers' Museum and require reservations. Please call (607) 547-1461 for more information or to reserve.

Family Records | October 18, October 19 | 9:00am-4:00pm

Hand-drawn and colored Family Records were both important documents and delightful decorative arts in early America. This class will introduce basic calligraphy and simple design options for creating various types of family records. The workshop will be led by Helga Johnson, a member of the Historical Society of Early American Decoration who has been a certified instructor for the organization for many years. One of her interests is the art of the Fraktur which is associated with the Pennsylvania Germans. She has done many adaptations of wedding, baptismal, and house blessing frakturs.

Fee: $140, plus a $30 materials fee.

All workshops are held at The Farmers' Museum and require reservations. Please call (607) 547-1461 for more information or to reserve.