Wonderfest Free Art Workshops

As part of Wonderfest 2025 we are hosting a day of free art workshops led by professional local artists. Wonderfest art workshops are for ages 14 and up and give participants an opportunity to try different art mediums at no charge. Thanks to a generous grant from Arts Now and the Summit County Land Bank we are able to keep these workshops free for our community. 

We expect these workshops to fill up fast with a waiting list. To ensure the workshops start on time, participants must arrive 15 minutes before the start of their scheduled workshop. At that time, any unclaimed slots will be released to the waiting list. 

Find out more about Wonderfest, West Hill's annual festival that celebrates everything weird and wonderful about Akron's historic West Hill neighborhood here.

Wonderfest 2025 Free Art Workshops

Indigo Dying with Kat Novak - Learn natural fabric dying using indigo from West Hill textile artist, Kat Novak. Indigo is a plant that's been used to create a distinctive blue color for thousands of years. Using crystalized indigo dye and various resist techniques, each participant will dye a scarf, bandana, or t-shirt. 

Mood Mirror: Expressive Oil Pastel Self-Portraits with Brennan Cooper - Participants will be guided through creating expressive self-portraits using pencils, oil pastels, paint brushes, and an oil-based blending medium. We’ll begin with a short mindfulness prompt to help participants center themselves before using mirrors to observe their reflection—not for perfection, but to connect with their current emotional state. By the end of the session, each participant will leave with a powerful self-portrait that blends their outer image with their internal experience.

Resin & Clay Jewelry Making with Jasmine Gonzales - Use polymer clay, sculpting tools, UV resin, jewelry findings and acrylic paint to make a one-of-a-kind wearble art piece. Each participant will leave with a finished pice of handmade jewelry - such as a pair of earrings, a pendant, or a pin. They'll learn the basics of working with polymer clay, beginner sculpting techniques, dry-brushing and color washing, as well as introductory jewelry assembly. 

Just Put It On the Bag with P31 Art and Design - Experiment with simple printmaking tools, acrylic paint, fabric markers, embellishments, and embroidery thread to create a unique, personalized canvas bag. Participants will experience using a variety of mediums and also learn the basic elements of art and composition on their bag.