This workshop is designed to be an easy entrance point into learning what makes the watercolor medium unique. Watercolor is a notoriously frustrating material; it doesn't allow the user as much control as other paint forms, and it often does something unexpected. This class in part demonstrates concrete ways to gain a technical mastery of the medium, but it also encourages embracing the unknown and relinquishing some control in order to use the materials to their fullest. There is also a social aspect; classes are kept intentionally small, capped at 10, to ensure that there is a cohesive community feel and to foster free and open discussion during both the instruction portion and the practice portion of the class.

Attendee takeaways:

• Reconnecting with and a deepened understanding of one of the most accessible hands-on artistic mediums

• New networking and friendships; the event is part instruction, part social. Attendees are encouraged to interact with the whole class and are given open painting time to explore conversations while they work

• A full suite of supplies to take home, making it easy to pick up where they left off and bring what they've learned into their daily lives

Keywords: hands-on, DIY, watercolor painting, designing by hand, networking. I would plan to tailor the language and flow of the class to focus on design principles for the Design Month class, but here's a generic description I use for similar events: "Learn foundational watercolor techniques and take home your own hop-tastic creation in this all levels workshop. Local artist Amy Wike will teach insider tips and tricks of the watercolor medium, introduce essential materials and techniques, and provide themed templates for you to fill in (or create your own masterpiece from a blank canvas)! Enjoy Baerlic brews while you work, and come ready to paint! All supplies provided."