Events at Push/Pull Ballard

This is a paid class that requires registration. Sign up here.

Ink and watercolor: a match made in heaven!

We'll begin with markmaking techniques with waterproof ink, followed by a brief introduction to watercolor medium. Then, we'll choose references from life (or bring in your own reference image) to take what you've learned and render your own 8x10" illustration.

Students will walk away with a better understanding of ink, watercolor, and how those mediums play together--as well as all the skills you need to continue creating your own dynamic illustrations!

This class is a great follow-up to Maxx's Inking class or to any of Max M's watercolor classes, but no previous experience is required. This class is recommended for students 12 and up.

RJ Jordan (she/him) is a speculative author and artist telling stories about the natural world and exploring alien ones. She is a watercolor artist, illustrator, science writer, and experimenter. In her free time she draws bugs, cuddles her cat, gardens, and makes weird stuff. See more and connect @beccaquibbles.

​This event is free, but sign-up is required. Sign up here.

This is a monthly session providing unstructured, but supervised, creative time for teens.

Teens will use of our space and supplies for whatever projects they want to work on, whether that's a comic, some poetry, a painting -- whatever! A professional artist will be on hand to answer questions, provide feedback and direction, and to generally assist with projects. Come meet other teens who love to create art!

IMPORTANT: This event is held in our upstairs classroom space. The space is not ADA accessible and is up a narrow set of stairs. The space also does not have windows. We have masks available for those who wish to use one.

This is a free event sponsored by Bal-Art, a project of Push/Pull dedicated to creating sustainable careers for artists and to connecting artists and the community. Help support our free programs with an optional donation.

This is a paid class that requires registration. Sign up here.

Learn from Push/Pull's own Risograph tech how to design your own 8.5" x 11" artwork for 2 color printing in Procreate. Bring your iPad and power supply because you'll be creating!

Maxx will walk you through all the tips and tricks of creating an impactful design using Procreate. You'll also learn how to prep files for delivery. The beginning of class will be instruction, then you'll create your own art with assistance, and deliver it at the end of class for printing!

Risograph printing is sometimes described as "digital screen printing," as the process is similar to traditional screen printing, but with the convenience of a copier. A riso printer only prints one color at a time and ink drums need to be swapped out for each color layer. This makes it ideal for limited palette works, though ambitious projects may layer many colors for interesting effects!

Class includes 10 copies of your print on 8.5" x 11" vellum cardstock. You'll be able to select your ink colors and view samples of all colors during class time.

Maxx has been teaching Risograph design for three years and handles most of the printing at Push/Pull for our in-house work and clients. She'll teach you how to mix colors, create cool textures, and how to get the most out of one sheet of paper.

This is a paid class that requires registration. Sign up here.

Want to participate in the whimsy of having a little guy on your person, but don’t like to contribute to the crushing despair that is capitalism? This class is for you!

Create a one-of-a-kind Cursed "Lafufu" using second-hand stuffed animals and polymer clay. Give them teeth, eyes, and eternal life. Easy for beginners, as we’ll be just using scissors, hot glue, polymer clay, thread, and your imagination. At the end of the class, you’ll have your very own new friend you can clip onto your backpack or use as a warning to strangers.

All materials are provided, though you are welcome to bring any cursed objects or parts to add to your monstrosity. This class is recommended for students ages 16 and up.

Holly Conrad (she/they) is a multidisciplinary artist with extensive experience in sculpture, illustration, and character design. She was a cast member on Heroes of Cosplay, created costumes for Robot Chicken and Guillermo del Toro, and has collaborated with companies including Bioware and Wizards of the Coast. Known for her imaginative storytelling and expressive character work, Holly now brings that same creativity to polymer clay, teaching students how to craft their own unique dolls.