Instructor: Grace McFetters Caldwell 

Location: The Joel Fund

When: Saturday, May 31 

When: 10 am - 1 pm

Learn to prolong your wardrobe or make changes to vintage clothing for resale!  This class is all about mending clothes (mostly denim) to give the mending character and appeal.  Visible mending has been growing in popularity and is reshaping how we view our own wardrobes to make what we already have into slow fashion.  During this class, students will make samples they can use to learn the techniques to apply to their own clothing to endure the test of wear and time.  If students would like to bring in a pair of jeans or a jacket for the instructor to offer advice, that would make the class that much more interesting!

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.

Instructor: Colin O’Boyle

When: Sunday, June 8th, 1:00-4:00 PM

Where: The Joel Fund

​​In this three-hour workshop, students will have a chance to practice the Viking art of wood decoration known as "kolrosing." Everyone will finish the workshop with some items to take home, as well as the skills needed to make more in the future. Beginners are welcome, as no previous woodworking experience is necessary to enjoy the workshop. All tools and materials provided.

NOTE: Closed-toed shoes are required.

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: Beading

Instructor: Jessica Streamo 

Location: The Joel Fund 

When: Saturday, June 14, 

Time: 1:00-4:00 pm

Beading is a wonderful way to spend a summer afternoon! Time literally flies when you become immersed in your project. This open level workshop welcomes beginners and students already familiar with beading. Beginners will start pony beads to get more comfortable with the techniques. Any skill level is welcome! 

Whatever your ultimate goal might be, you will learn skills that will provide you with the ability to eventually make anything from intricate jewelry designs, ornaments, or wall hangings. Happy beading! 

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: Kintsugi

Instructor: Annelies Gentile

Location: TJF

When: Saturday, June 21st 

Time: 1:00-3:00 PM

Kintsugi is a Japanese word that represents binding broken pottery with gold. In this workshop, we will modify this ancient process for new and varied learners and easy for all abilities. We will use tile, small bowls, or plates as the ceramic that will be broken and then bound back together with quick fuse glue and mica instead of traditional resin or real gold. Participants end the workshop with a piece that symbolizes the acceptance of imperfection and reinforces the beauty of resilience. All materials provided. You can bring your own piece of small pottery to use for the workshop if desired. 

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.

Fiber Arts: Two-Day Shibori and Sashiko Workshop

Instructor: Grace McFetters Caldwell

When: Mondays, 1 - 4 pm

Dates: June 23 & 30

This two-part workshop will have you seeing blue, as in indigo blue!  Learn the ancient art of Japanese shibori indigo dyeing with a twist, using a clay resist to get an interesting design on a backdrop of indigo blue.  On day two, you will learn to hand stitch using the Japanese artform, Sashiko. This straight stitch is easy for anyone to learn but has a very intricate pattern that anyone can learn because of its simplicity.  

PLEASE NOTE: 

This workshop is two days long but has a week in between sessions. 

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.

Instructor: Emily Malpass

When: Wednesday, June 25th 

Where: TJF

Time: 11 am - 1 pm

This one-time workshop will provide you with the materials and techniques needed to create a mug, tumbler, or cup for your morning coffee/tea or favorite beverage, 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 choice of drinkware. 

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.

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.

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.