Events at Push/Pull Ballard

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

Join us at Push/Pull for a beginners drawing workshop on the third Wednesdays of the month. Have you always drawn stick figures? Want to impress your friends or work towards drawing illustrations and comics?

In Drawing Techniques, we'll cover different topics each month, so you can choose sessions that interest you, or come to all of them to get a well-rounded drawing foundation!

April: Creating Graphite Value Scales: HB? B? H?? Ever wonder how graphite artists can achieve realism with just a pencil? Learn how to unlock the power of the humble graphite pencil, understand the hardness scale, and apply the rules to create convincing, semi-realistic, grey and white compositions.

May: Drawing From Imagination: Join Max M. and practice drawing from your mind’s eye. We will utilize fun and creative prompts to spur your imagination as we put pencil to paper during this 2-hour workshop.

June: Constructive Sketching: It’s as easy as playing with building blocks! Learn to draw complex creatures and characters by combining simple geometric shapes. Take it to the next level with 3-D thinking, and emerge a more confident

July: Drawing Still Life: Train your eye to see beauty in the mundane, and practice your hand-eye coordination in this still-life course. We will spend 2 hours sketching geometric 3D shapes and fresh produce.

August: Using references: Want to draw subjects from photos? Not sure where to start? Learn to train your eye, use the grid method, and take your drawing skills to the next level. We will supply photo references, but please feel free to bring your own to work from.

September: Imaginative Menagerie: Just plain fun! We will mix and match our favorite animals, create gorgeous ink work, and color to our hearts’ delight! Learn some basic construction and imaginative drawing techniques to make some fun stuff!!

All supplies are included! Just bring your sketchbook--otherwise, we'll provide the paper.

Class takes place at Push/Pull, 2000 NW Market St. from 5:30 - 7:00 pm on Third Wednesdays of the month.

"My name is Max Mandell! I've been drawing for work, school, and fun for over 10 years. It's a joy to share my love of traditional (and digital) media with the students at Push/Pull, and I am excited to make cool art with you :-)"

This event is free. Help keep it that way with a suggested donation of $10.

We're the Part Time Poets. We wordsmith on weekends, scribble on our lunch breaks, and scrawl in the margins.

We often don't dedicate real time to sit down and write poetry, and that's what this Meetup is for! Come sit in good company with your fellow Part-Time Poets to meet other poets, swap ideas, and most of all, dedicate time to your craft.

Join us every Third Thursday to pen your (part-time) masterpiece.

This event is all ages! Feel free to bring snacks, but please, no alcohol.

IMPORTANT: Beginning in March 2025, we will be hosting this class 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 paid class 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)

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

Learn a super cozy craft when you combine embroidery and book binding!

If you've ever wanted to have a sketchbook, but are most comfortable with fiber art, this class is for you! You'll make a handstitched book with fabric and paper pages and then learn how you can stitch in it. A fiber arts "sketch" book! Take your book home for continued fiber sketching!

This is a great continuing class for those who have taken one of our embroidery courses or who have been to Bookbinding Workshop. Total beginners are always welcome!

All materials provided including embroidery floss, needles, awls, paper, fabric and needles. This class is recommended for ages 16 and up.