Calendar of Events

Travel through the history of winter in art, from the groundbreaking landscapes of Pieter Bruegel the Elder to the luminous snow scenes of familiar artists like Monet, Pissarro, and the Wyeth’s. Additionally, you will become immersed in breathtaking winter landscapes by lesser-known Japanese, European, and Russian painters who beautifully captured the magic and mystery of the winter season—all while enjoying the cozy warmth of Tubac in January!

Rock/Paper/Scissors is a mixed-media workshop that combines monoprinting, collage, drawing, and improvisational composition into an energetic, process-driven studio experience. Using large prepared plates, graphite, water-based materials, and hand-burnished printing techniques, participants create richly layered monoprints that become the source material for larger abstract works. On the second day, the dried prints are torn, cut, layered, and collaged onto panels or canvas, allowing unexpected relationships and compositions to emerge. Additional drawing and surface work help unify the final pieces. Inspired by jazz, Japanese calligraphy, Robert Rauschenberg’s combines, and the idea that “all art aspires to the condition of music,” the workshop emphasizes experimentation, rhythm, intuition, and discovery over rigid planning. Designed for both representational and abstract artists, Rock/Paper/Scissors encourages participants to work at larger scale while developing new ways of thinking about process, structure, and improvisation.

Bring a bravado of brushwork and a confidence to your landscape painting. In the comfort of the studio, learn the skills to tackle plein air painting.

Phoenix-based actor Elizabeth Ware will star in the one-woman performance portraying the life of Mary Colter, the foremost architect of the Southwest. They bring a unique perspective to this timeless story of a woman struggling to establish herself in the male-dominated world of early twentieth century architecture. As the chief architect and designer for the Fred Harvey Company, Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter was responsible for La Posada and most of the buildings that dot the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Learn to create beautiful garden-inspired pendants or earrings in bronze metal clay using the magical textures of Sonoran Desert plants. Students will choose leaves, flowers, or plant parts to make surface impressions in the clay, showcasing their creations within a cutout or freeform shape. Demonstration and instruction include how to work with, refine, fire, and finish metal clay creations. Instruction also includes how to make silicone molds of plant parts for repetitive use.

Tiger Blossom: A Practice in Listening is a five-day immersive workshop series inspired by the principles of Ikebana and mindfulness. Designed for participants of all experience levels, the series offers a gentle, accessible entry point into presence, self-refinement, and creative expression through botanical materials.

Create an expressive abstract artwork while exploring the fascinating connection between creativity and the brain. NeuroMagic is a unique drawing experience that combines art, mindfulness, and the science of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new neural pathways throughout life. Using flowing lines, shapes, and color, participants are guided through a simple step-by-step process that encourages creativity, self-expression, and fresh perspectives. As the drawing develops, many participants find themselves entering a calm, focused state that quiets mental chatter and reduces stress. Because there are no mistakes and no artistic expectations, NeuroMagic is accessible to everyone, regardless of artistic experience. Participants will leave with a completed piece of artwork that is both visually striking and personally meaningful, along with a deeper appreciation for the connection between creativity, awareness, and possibility. No artistic experience is necessary. All materials are provided.

Discover how the gel plate can create atmospheric landscapes unlike those produced with any other medium. In this workshop, students with some gel printing experience will build on basic techniques to create layered, ethereal scenes filled with depth, texture, and luminous color. Through hands-on demonstrations and guided practice, participants will explore layering, color blending, composition, and mark-making to create the illusion of glowing skies, misty horizons, and distant landscapes. The gel plate's unique printing process encourages experimentation, allowing unexpected textures and "happy accidents" to become part of each composition. Students will complete several prints while gaining confidence in techniques they can continue to explore long after the workshop. Each participant will leave with a collection of one-of-a-kind landscape prints and fresh inspiration for their gel printing journey.

Throughout the history of Western civilization, artists have sought to express the classical virtues of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness—ideals rooted in the artistic and philosophical traditions of ancient Greece. This lecture begins with a look at art from Greek antiquity, then follows the rebirth of these virtues during the Renaissance, and concludes by considering how modern and contemporary artists have reimagined them for the present age.

Hear the musical tale of journeys that transport you back to where each composition was born. The mesmerizing violin, oud, and many other ethnic instruments have a way of inspiring a deeper connection.

In this workshop, Roberta will demonstrate the use of collage rice paper and free flowing watercolors to encourage students to experiment with shapes, textures, and colors for outrageously creative florals.

The real work of painting is inward and not on a canvas, the real work is seeing your subject without judgements. Painting is an event and if its right on the inside it will be right on the canvas. Its a fact the better we see the better we'll paint. Learn from David Simons and acquire a painters eye!

A fun and casual 2 day workshop in oil or acrylic to help bring more life to your animal portraits and paintings. Bring some favorite photos and a willingness to explore using an edited brushstroke and curiosity to put down vibrant color! Some painting experience required.

This course will give each participant a good understanding of the process of bookmaking and a greater understanding of "How to" instructions online for more exploration of the world of handmade books. Each student will leave with a variety of completed books of their own design. You will love making the books and the skills and tools you take away from this class will inspire years of book making!

This Creative Caravan Rest Stop will have a multitude of events! Drop in anytime to create a handmade postcard using a collection of hand-carved printing blocks inspired by the surrounding landscape and community. This flexible, all-ages printmaking experience invites guests to slow down, make something meaningful, and send a little piece of their journey to someone they love. No experience is necessary—just curiosity and a willingness to create.

This Creative Caravan Rest Stop will have a multitude of events! Slow down, experiment, and discover the magic of making with light. Cyanotype Journeys invites participants to explore the cyanotype process through a series of creative investigations using botanicals, found objects, translucent materials, handmade stencils, and unexpected textures. Rather than focusing on a single finished piece, guests create multiple experimental prints, record discoveries in a Cyanotype Field Guide, and use their favorite explorations to create a final artwork that reflects their unique creative journey.

This Creative Caravan Rest Stop will have a multitude of events! Discover the joy of carving, printing, and sharing your own handmade postcards. In this welcoming introduction to block printing, participants transform simple ideas into small works of art that celebrate everyday moments, meaningful memories, and the places they love. Through guided instruction and playful experimentation, guests leave with a collection of original prints, new creative skills, and the confidence to continue making long after the workshop ends.