Programs & Workshops
BRAHM nurtures lifelong learning by hosting year-round programs relevant to the culture and history of the region. Programs range from lectures to film screenings to dance demonstrations, all featuring local experts.
Join App State’s Dr. Howard S. Neufeld for an exciting look at how trees move water hundreds of feet up their trunks and how this may be affected by climate change.
This cocktail with the curator will focus on the exhibition, Field Studies. Patrons can expect one part gallery tour, two parts conversation, and a splash of cocktail party.
Join one of BRAHM's docents for a special kind of tour that narrows your field of view to one exhibition for an hour. Learn about the artists, the creation of works, and the inside story of the exhibit.
Local artist Wes Waugh will host an art-based activity at the Middle Fork Greenway in
Blowing Rock, focusing on simplified value sketching. Participants can choose a subject
nearby and learn both techniques and the importance of relaxed, creative exploration.
Drawing from thirty years as a counselor and watercolor artist, Wes highlights that
creativity at any age or skill level fosters well-being and peace in a changing world.
The film is called "A Dream for the Future." Through sweeping visuals and personal stories, A "Dream for the Future" weaves together Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina’s rich history, ongoing work, and vision for the future. This documentary film showcases the landscapes they protect, the partnerships they build, and the community that makes it all possible.
Join one of BRAHM's docents for a special kind of tour that narrows your field of view to one exhibition for an hour. Learn about the artists, the creation of works, and the inside story of the exhibit.
Upcoming Programs
BRAHM’s hands-on workshops are the perfect way to learn new skills, meet people, and express your creativity.
Cork & Canvas
Participants learn how to paint inspired by a famous work of art. All materials, including canvasses, paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
Studio Workshops
Learn a new skill from a seasoned professional! Studio workshops are held throughout the year and feature a variety of mediums and guest instructors for adults of all skill levels.
Past Workshops
Learn some of Blowing Rock’s natural history and a bit of botany, as you create a life-size paper model of the Big-Head Aster (Symphyotrichum grandiflorum), North Carolina’s wildflower of the year. All materials and tools will be provided, and at the end of this three-hour workshop, you will take home your creation, ready for display, and seeds so you can try your hand at growing your own wildflowers.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by The Eiffel Tower by Georges Seurat. Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvases, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Our trained instructor will lead you step-by-step.
Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
Learn about Blowing Rock’s natural history and a bit of botany, as you create a life-size paper model of North Carolina’s state official state wildflower, the Carolina Lily (Lilium michauxii). All materials and tools will be provided, and at the end of this three-hour workshop, you will take home your creation in a vase, ready for display.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by Le Chemin a travers les champs by Jean Metzinger. Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvases, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Our trained instructor will lead you step-by-step.
Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
Most painters know what they're painting but struggle with why it matters and how to make it connect. In this intensive 3-day oil painting workshop, working artist and instructor Steve Puttrich will teach you a practical framework that transforms good paintings into compelling ones. You'll master the 12 Powers of Contrast, the hidden architecture that guides the viewer's eye and creates focus in any composition. You'll learn to identify the emotional core of your subject and let that story drive every color, value, and brushstroke decision.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by Barn Above Pond by Wolf Kahn. Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvases, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Our trained instructor will lead you step-by-step.
Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by A. Y. Jackson's "Smart River (Alaska)". Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvases, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Our trained instructor will lead you step-by-step.
Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by A. Y. Jackson's "Smart River (Alaska)". Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvases, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Our trained instructor will lead you step-by-step.
Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by A. Y. Jackson's "Smart River (Alaska)". Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvases, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Our trained instructor will lead you step-by-step.
Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
Dec 31: Join us at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center from 10 AM to 12 PM for a free art class. Registration not required. Open to the public. Materials provided. Classes brought to you by BRAHM and the Watauga County Project on Aging.
Location- 132 Poplar Grove Connector UNIT A, Boone, NC 28607
Join us at the Western Watauga Community Center from 12 PM to 2 PM for a free art class. Registration not required. Open to the public. Materials provided. Classes brought to you by BRAHM and the Watauga County Project on Aging.
Location- 1081 Old US Hwy 421, Sugar Grove, NC 28679
Free for the community. Reservations encouraged.
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Tonalism, taught by nationally acclaimed landscape painter Kyle Buckland. This workshop will guide you through the core principles of this evocative style, including limited palettes, close values, and creating a sense of mood and atmosphere through subtle color variations.
The mornings will feature a live demonstration, followed by an afternoon of dedicated painting time with individual guidance from Kyle. All skill levels are welcome. Participants choose from acrylic or oil painting, the supply list follows. This is a great opportunity to learn about the history of Tonalism and develop your artistic skills.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by Charing Cross Bridge. Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvasses, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Our trained instructor will lead you step-by-step.
Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Tonalism, taught by nationally acclaimed landscape painter Kyle Buckland. This workshop will guide you through the core principles of this evocative style, including limited palettes, close values, and creating a sense of mood and atmosphere through subtle color variations.
The mornings will feature a live demonstration, followed by an afternoon of dedicated painting time with individual guidance from Kyle. All skill levels are welcome. Participants choose from acrylic or oil painting, the supply list follows. This is a great opportunity to learn about the history of Tonalism and develop your artistic skills.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by Farmhouse in a Wheat Field. Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvasses, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Our trained instructor will lead you step-by-step.
Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
Use collage, drawing, journaling, and painting to express your healing journey and vision for the future.All materials and snacks provided.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by Three Trees in Spring. Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvasses, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Our trained instructor will lead you step-by-step.
Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by “Novo Dio” Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvasses, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Our trained instructor will lead you step-by-step.
Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by “A Clear Winter.” Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvasses, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Our trained instructor will lead you step-by-step.
Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by “A Clear Winter.” Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvasses, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Our trained instructor will lead you step-by-step.
Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
Ideal for anyone over 18: Creative art-making activities with an emphasis on expressing emotion through making a mixed media “zine.'“
Ideal for anyone over 18: Creative art-making activities with an emphasis on expressing emotion through making a mixed media “zine.'“
Embark on a colorful journey into the world of vibrant landscape painting, where the beauty of nature comes alive on canvas. Led by acclaimed artist Lyudmila Tomova Clark, a.k.a. Lucy, this workshop invites you to explore the dynamic interplay of color, light, and form, as you learn to capture the essence of landscapes with energy and expression.
Designed for artists of all levels, this workshop offers a hands-on exploration of techniques to infuse your landscapes with vibrancy and life. Whether you prefer watercolor, acrylic, or oil, you will discover how to use color boldly and confidently to evoke mood, atmosphere, and emotion in your artwork. Under Lyudmila's expert guidance, you will learn to see the world with fresh eyes, find inspiration in the vivid hues of nature, and translate them onto your canvas with passion and creativity. From sweeping vistas to intimate scenes, you will learn to compose compelling compositions that draw viewers into your world and leave a lasting impression.
Ideal for anyone over 18: Creative art-making activities with an emphasis on expressing emotion
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by Paul Cezanne’s “Tulips in a Vase.” Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvasses, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Our trained instructor will lead you step-by-step.
Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by Alma Woodsey Thomas’s “Autumn Leaves Fluttering in the Breeze.” Each partEach participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvasses, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Our trained instructor will lead you step-by-step.
Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
During this three-day workshop, emphasis will be on painting spontaneously and loosely while pushing the limits of basic principles of composition, design, and color. Light & shadow, values, shapes, design, perspective, edges, and color will be discussed. Emphasis will be on exploring methods for improvement rather than changing individual styles.
Painting outside isn’t just about enjoying the sun and the breeze, although that’s certainly a big part of the fun. It’s also a great way to learn from direct observation, whether that means a landscape, a cityscape, or even something like a portrait. Plein air painting workshops are at the top of my list of favorite things to teach. I’ve traveled far and near painting beaches, cityscapes, and landscapes and found one of the best ways to improve your plein air painting skills is by painting lots of small studies.
Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere, inspired by Claude Monet’s “The Sea at Pourville 1882.” Each partEach participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvasses, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Our trained instructor will lead you step-by-step.
Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary.
Looking for the Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival? Click here!