Workshops & Events
Check out the calendar for our upcoming workshops and events, then RSVP to join the fun! We offer a mix of creative experiences for middle and high schoolers at every skill level — no experience needed, just curiosity.
And with pay-what-you-want pricing (yes, $0 counts!), creativity is always accessible. Pick an event, sign up and let’s make something together!
Mechanical Cardboard Puppets with JoAnneFriday September 18th 6-8 PM @ Artists First
In this hands-on sculpture and design workshop, students will learn how to transform simple pieces of flat cardboard into interactive puppets with mechanical moving parts. Students will explore how artists and designers use joints, pivot points, levers, and simple mechanisms to create movement.
Students will begin by learning about different types of joints and experimenting with ways to connect cardboard pieces so they can move. They will investigate how the placement of a pivot point changes the movement of a puppet and learn how simple mechanical systems can be incorporated into their designs.
Students may either design their own original puppet or choose from a provided template. Using flat pieces of cardboard, students will cut, assemble, and connect the different parts of their puppet. Once the structure is complete, they will personalize their creations using paint, fabric, paper, and other surface-design materials.
Students might create a puppet with wings that flap, ears that move, a tail that swings, or an animal whose mouth opens and closes. 
Cozy Candle Making with MegFriday October 2nd 6-8 PM @ Artists First
In this workshop, you’ll learn to pour your own candle. Each person will get to blend their own custom scent, design a label, pour their soy wax candle, and take home their creation at the end of the workshop. 
This workshop is facilitated by Meg of Violet and Jade. Meg is a neuroqueer mama, a kitchen witch, an introvert, and an artist.
Sigilism: Creativity, Magic, & You - With LFriday October 16th 6-8 PM @ Artists First
The Sigilism Workshop teaches how to use neuroscience + art to create your own reality! The event begins with a brief lesson on symbols, history, & science, while touching the basic principles of self-hypnosis. Then we’ll learn how to design our own sigil, based on what we want to invite into our life – deeper friendships, new opportunities, grounding peace, & so much more! No previously knowledge or experience required. This is for anyone who is curious and wanting to learn how to tap into life force energy using magic, art, & science.
L is a multidisciplinary, multi-gendered magic human: ritualist, artist, death worker, drag king, kitchen witch, poet/spell-worker, & energy alchemist. They work with meditative ritual to create sigilism artworks that bend & shape reality. Everything is frequency; root your frequency in love and you will never go wrong.
Halloween Cupcake Decorating with Amanda Sunday October 25th 4-6 PM @ Fennel Cooking Studio
Halloween Cupcake Decorating
We’re excited to bring back one of last year’s hits: Halloween cupcake decorating!
Join us to learn various cake decorating techniques from local baker and artist, Amanda Dulatt.
Cupcakes will be baked ahead of time, so you’ll focus on piping and decorating techniques. Each person will have 4-6 cupcakes-allergen friendly options available. This event is specifically for LGBTQIA+ teens and allies (middle & high schoolers.) Space is limited so RSVP.
On Sunday October 25th, 4-6 PM, at Fennel Cooking Studio
Meet the Artist
An ally to the LGBTQ+ community, she’s a mom trying to raise twin teenagers to be good human beings in this crazy timeline. Providing safe, creative third spaces for youth is really important to her.
Workshop at Fennel Cooking Studio
Fennel Cooking Studio is a teaching kitchen and community space offering cooking classes, dinner parties, private events, and more, all with the goal of getting folks excited about food.
Fennel was built on founder Jackie Price’s passion for teaching people how to cook and breaking down barriers to delicious food.
We’re grateful to Jackie & the Fennel team for hosting us in their space.
Gelli Print Making with CatFriday November 6th 6:00-8:00PM @ Artists First
You’ll be jelly (jealous) if you miss this one! Come learn Gelli Plate Printmaking with Cat!
Gelli plates capture delicate impressions of objects, creating unique monoprints without a printing press. You can use found objects such as lace, bubble wrap, plants, and more to create intricate patterns. Using multilayered techniques, you’ll discover different ways to combine colors and patterns. 
Cat is an artist with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts, with a concentration in printmaking. They are currently in graduate school at SIUE, pursuing a degree in art therapy and counseling. When they’re not in school or making art, you can find Cat exploring the outdoors or curled up inside with their cats.
Copper Copper Ornaments/Window Decor with MarnieFriday November 20th 6:15-8:15PM @ Marnie's Creative Outlet
Create beautiful hanging copper dragonflies, butterflies, and birds to hang on windows. Cut and emboss the shape and texture of the copper. Use copper wire and beads to add that magical feel. No experience necessary. We’ll guide you step-by-step.
Donate Today
Your donation makes a direct impact. Every dollar helps us provide artistic supplies, rent safe workshop spaces, and cover essential costs like insurance — so we can keep growing this community.
Proud Art STL is a public charity recognized as tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3).