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The Joel Fund: Operation ART



Our Classes

One Day Workshop: Nature Writing and Drawing

$10

with June Guralnick

Calendar Jun 28, 2025 at 1 pm, runs for 1 week

Instructor: June Guralnick

Location: Yates Mill Park - 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603

When: Saturday, 6/28 – 1:00-4:00 p.m. (E.S.T.) In case of rain the class will be virtual.

If you find nature inspiring and writing and/or drawing fun, this class is for you! Nature is a way we both observe the beauty of the world – and come home to ourselves. Exploring the natural world around us through thoughtful writing and drawing suggestions and mindfulness-based exercises, the workshop integrates different forms of writing (prose, poetry, journaling, letter-writing) as a path to observing and embracing nature as well as a journey of self-reflection. Offering a safe, supportive online group environment, the class welcomes veterans, current active duty and reserve members of the armed forces as well as veteran caregivers and immediate adult military family members. No previous writing or drawing experience required!

PLEASE NOTE: This workshop will take place at Yates Mill Park - 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603. In case of rain, this workshop will be virtual. 

We offer scholarships for those who cannot afford the registration fee. Email the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org to receive the scholarship promo code with your name and email address.

One Day Workshop: Sewing 101

$10

with Grace McFetters

Calendar Jul 12, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Title: One-Day Sewing 101 Workshop

Instructor: Grace McFetters Caldwell 

When: Saturday, July 12, 9 am - 1 pm

Where: TJF 

If you have ever been intimidated to learn to sew on a sewing machine, now is your chance to learn with The Joel Fund!  In the no-nonsense class, instructor Grace McFetters Caldwell will take you through the basic mechanics of your sewing machine, then teach you how to use it step-by-step.  Students will learn the fundamentals of sewing in easy to digest project that will have their confidence up so they are ready to head home and conquer their own sewing projects!  

PLEASE NOTE: Typically, TJF fiber arts classes and workshops are for women only, but this workshop is open to any military-connected individual. 

We offer scholarships for those who cannot afford the registration fee. Email the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org to receive the scholarship promo code with your name and email address.

One Day Clay Workshop: Origami Trinket Tray

$10

with Emily Malpass

Calendar Jul 18, 2025 at 11 am, runs for 1 week

One Day Clay Workshop: Origami Trinket Tray

Instructor: Emily Malpass 

Date: Friday, July 18 

When: 11 am - 1 pm

This one-time workshop will provide you with the materials and techniques needed to create a small origami-style trinket tray for your jewelry, keys, or other small items, or to give as a special gift to someone you love. We will roll our own slabs of clay, incorporate textures on their surfaces, and shape the form by hand to hand-build your origami trinket tray. 

PLEASE NOTE: your piece will not be finished/take-home ready on the day of class--it must dry and then be kiln-fired and glazed off-site. You'll choose from a selection of food-safe glazes, and our friends at Klaystation in Raleigh will fire and glaze your piece--you'll be contacted to come pick up your completed mug from TJF within one month of class. 

No experience is needed and all levels and abilities are welcome! Please wear clothes you don't mind getting a little dirty, and please let us know if you need any accommodations (standing workspace, additional lighting, etc.).

We offer scholarships for those who cannot afford the registration fee. Email the Operation ART Program Manager at isabella@thejoelfund.org to receive the scholarship promo code with your name and email address.





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