Instructor: Emily Malpass

Where: The Joel Center | 115 W Young St, Rolesville, NC 27571

When: Fridays 11:00am - 1:00pm

Dates:  Fri: 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20 MAKEUP: 2/27

Please Note: All classes and workshops are for Military Connected Individuals who are 18 years or older. This particular class is for military-connected women over 18 years or older. 

Create a one-of-a-kind collection of handbuilt ceramic art pieces! Projects include sculptural and functional items--examples of items we’ll make include a mug with a handle, a textured wall pocket hanging decoration, origami-inspired trinket dishes, and an owl-shaped votive luminary (see photos). These projects incorporate all the fundamental skills of handbuilding with clay: roll slabs, securely join clay components, add textures, pinching, coil building, and painting colorful underglazes onto your own pieces!

Works will be fired off-site after the class is finished and will be available for pickup from the Joel Fund offices after class is over. No experience is necessary; your instructor will meet you where you are and provide the support you need to enjoy the creative process--the studio is fully accessible, participants will be able to stand or sit as desired, and accommodations are always available for any specific needs. Working with this medium provides a unique opportunity for sensory engagement and creative development--come connect to yourself and other makers as you find your way with clay!

Please note, this class is for Women Only.

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.

A make up date will be used if a class is canceled due to the instructor's illness, inclement weather, or an emergency. If you are running late to class, or will miss a class, please contact the instructor directly or the Operation ART Program Assistant at stephanie@thejoelfund.org or 919.213.0054.

Instructor: Grace McFetters 

Where: The Joel Center | 115 W Young St, Rolesville, NC 27571

When: Monday, Jan 26, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Please Note: All classes and workshops are for Military Connected Individuals who are 18 years or older. This particular class is for military-connected women over 18 years or older. 

Visible Mending:

Learn to prolong your wardrobe or make changes to vintage clothing for wearable art!  This class is all about mending clothes to give the mending personality, 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 a sample to learn various techniques to hand stitch on clothes.  Students are encouraged to bring an article of clothing that needs repair or some artistic improvement.  Even if it’s a recent thrift find, bring it in!

Please note, this class is for Women Only.

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.

A make up date will be used if a class is canceled due to the instructor's illness, inclement weather, or an emergency. If you are running late to class, or will miss a class, please contact the instructor directly or the Operation ART Program Assistant at stephanie@thejoelfund.org or 919.213.0054.

Instructor: Grace McFetters 

Where: The Joel Center | 115 W Young St, Rolesville, NC 27571

When: Monday, Feb 2, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Please Note: All classes and workshops are for Military Connected Individuals who are 18 years or older. This particular class is for military-connected women over 18 years or older. 

Needle Punch Patch:

Needle punch is a yarn craft that is easy to learn, repetitive enough to use for meditation, and a wonderful outlet for creativity!  Needle punching is heavy on texture and color, allowing for an endless designs and concepts.  In this class, you will learn to needle punch using a small embroidery design then turn your small masterpiece into a usable patch to iron onto your clothes for a punch of personality!  If patches aren’t your thing, the small piece can also be made into a brooch with a pin backing.  Either way, you will have a small piece you can add to your clothing.  These patches/brooches use cotton embroidery thread so once you learn the technique, you’ll be off and running with your own designs! Who wouldn’t want to fill up their wardroe with these little pieces of art?

Please note, this class is for Women Only.

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.

A make up date will be used if a class is canceled due to the instructor's illness, inclement weather, or an emergency. If you are running late to class, or will miss a class, please contact the instructor directly or the Operation ART Program Assistant at stephanie@thejoelfund.org or 919.213.0054.

Instructor: Grace McFetters 

Where: The Joel Center | 115 W Young St, Rolesville, NC 27571

When: Monday, Feb 9, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Please Note: All classes and workshops are for Military Connected Individuals who are 18 years or older. This particular class is for military-connected women over 18 years or older. 

Slow Stitch/Stitch Meditations:

The slow stitch movement has been a recent trend among crafters who love textiles and stitchwork by hand.  This craft focuses on the process of slowing down to enjoy the moment.  While one sits and stitches, thoughts can easily come and go while a focus on the present moment of creativity in your hands is a singular priority.  Escape your day, your worries, and more by simply redirecting your focus.  When you are finished you have a remarkable piece of tactile and textile art.  

In this class, students will be provided some basic instruction to get started with supplies to create a 12” x 12” piece of fabric collage.  The instructor will show students how to use basic stitches to adhere fabric and embellishments onto the base fabric.

Please note, this class is for Women Only.

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.

A make up date will be used if a class is canceled due to the instructor's illness, inclement weather, or an emergency. If you are running late to class, or will miss a class, please contact the instructor directly or the Operation ART Program Assistant at stephanie@thejoelfund.org or 919.213.0054.