Events at Push/Pull Ballard

This is a PAID event that requires registration—sign up HERE!

Were you taught that poetry has to have a rhyme scheme? Did your English teacher leave you with a sour taste in your mouth whenever the word “poetry” is brought up?
During this dedicated creative time, we’ll unlearn all those unhelpful poetry thoughts by testing out more playful forms of poetry. Combining mixed media and collage practices, we'll bypass the blank page and play with words and images to create totally unique expressions of your (yes, really) poetic soul.

Recommended Ages: 13+

Materials: Materials will be provided, but if you have collage materials you'd like to work with, bring them!

This is a paid class that requires registration—sign up here!

Come paint a lil' guy! Learn the basics of gouache, an opaque watercolor, while painting a different critter every month. We'll talk about how to layer values, adding highlights, and capturing the essence of your chosen creature. You will leave with a finished painting and a better understanding of the critter of the month.

All materials are provided. This class is recommended for students 12 and up.

This event is free, but RSVPs are appreciated. Masks required. Sign up here.

Concerned about the state of... well, everything? Let's join together and use our special weird powers for good!

Be a part of the Riff Raff League, a group of neighbors banding together for mutual aid, community building, and political action. We'll meet weekly for an hour to talk through what's happening locally and nationally and to brainstorm what we can do about it.

Come when you can, provide ideas and solutions, or just listen to what's going on in the neighborhood. This event is free, after-hours at Push/Pull. RSVPs are appreciated, but we will not turn anyone away. You are welcome to bring snacks to share. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

Push/Pull's Director, Maxx FG, will be moderating meetings of the RiffRaff League. Maxx has been passionate about politics from a young age and believes collective action is critical to a functioning democracy.

This is a paid event that requires registration—sign up here!

Learn the art of capturing the natural environment on paper while getting to know one of Ballard's most beautiful spaces.
Maxx Follis-Goodkind will show you how to look at plants in a scientific way to improve your art. You'll also learn cultural and historical information about plants to help you better appreciate their context in the garden. Beyond drawing, you'll get guidance in selecting paint colors and watercolor sketching techniques.
Classes meet Fridays at the entrance of the Ballard Locks at 11am, rain or shine! We will walk together to a location in the garden/park area to draw and learn. Class ends at 12:30pm.
Get the most out of this Botanical Sketching course by signing up for our Botanical Watercolor classes!
Suggested supplies: Small sketchbook, small watercolor pad or sketchbook, round and flat/wash watercolor or mixed media brushes, variety of graphite pencils, variety of charcoal pencils, pencil sharpener (with container to capture waste), variety of erasers, container for water, watercolor paints, a board to clip work to in the field, clips to hold paper. (Show a copy of your ticket confirmation at Push/Pull to receive a 15% discount on class supplies)