Jazz with Leslie J. for Jazz
Leslie J. Stark

Wednesdays

Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

2009 Dates:
February 4: Piano Trio Jazz, Part 1 (Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Bill Charlap, Dave Brubeck, George Shearing & others)

February 11: Men with Horns - Trumpet Jazz (Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Clifford Brown,Dizzy Gillespie & others)

February 18: Piano Jazz Trio, Part 2

March 4, 18 & 25: Gershwin Jazz & Broadway Showtunes Jazz (the music of Gershwin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Frank Loesser & others performed by Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Ray Charles, Oscar Peterson, Regina Carter, Django Reinhardt & others)

Fee: $100 for the series or $20 per class
Location: Gallery

 
Leslie J gives you a vibrant history accompanied by "recorded classic jazz selections, with commentary" which will inform, excite and renew your love for classic jazz. No one has more enthusiasm and love of jazz who shares his knowledge.

Leslie J. Stark is a creative marketing consultant who has done advertising for many Vineyard charities and non-profits. He directs and performs at both Island Theatre Workshop and the Vineyard Playhouse, and serves on the board of the M.V. Chamber of Music Society. 

Monoprinting
Nick Thayer

Thursdays

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

2009 Dates:
February 5, 12, 19 & March 5, 12, 19

Fee: $180 for the series or $35 per class
Location: Barn Studio

Nick Thayer returns to teach at Featherstone.

Monotype is the truly 'painterly' print medium, and is one of the only print techniques which requires no special tools to allow you to expand your imagination to unlimited possibilities. It is an exciting printmaking medium which involves painting, drawing and printmaking, where "one -of-a-kind" images are developed using a variety of traditional, contemporary and innovative approaches. This creative process involves simple printmaking techniques that can merge drawing, painting and printmaking into rich and exciting works of art, yet the process does not require extensive drawing skills. After printing, the images can be an art work in their own right, or can be reworked to completion using various types of media.

The variations of this printmaking method are infinite, and it is a true adventure into printmaking. Each class will build on techniques and experiementation.

Class supplies provided: Plexiglass plates, Press, Blotters, Ink, Ribber brayers...

Class supplies the student needs to provide: A variety of watercolor brushes: 3 brushes size 12, size 8 and size 4 (a smaller brush if you would like.) Several sheets of any Rag printmaking paper. A few cotton rags. 

Patchwork Quilting as Meditation and Prayer
Rev. Judith Campbell
An Interfaith/interdenominational Weekend Retreat with Rev. Judith Campbell

2009 Dates: January 30 - February 1

Friday, January 30: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 31: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 1: 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Fee: $150 plus an additional $25 materials fee
Location: The Pebble Studio

The gentle art of hand piecing and quilting has soothed and healed the souls of women for centuries. It’s no coincidence that quilts are called comforts or comforters. Come together for a slow weekend away from the madding crowd and learn patchwork quilting techniques and listen to the quiet. Participants will make a patchwork pillow or small wall hanging to bring home.  Open to beginning and more experienced quilters.

Rev. Dr. Judy Campbell is a Unitarian Universalist Community based minister.
    
She holds a PhD in The Arts and Religious Practice and a Master of Arts in Fine arts. She has served in the parish and as a community minister since her ordination in 1996.

She has lectured and presented workshops across the United States, in England, and in Transylvania. She has displayed and sold her art work in recognized galleries and fine art and craft shops in the New England area

She is the author of several books  and articles and is currently working on a mystery series involving a lady Unitarian minister….(go figure!)

Patchwork Quilting Color & Design
Rev. Judith Campbell

2009 Dates: May 1, 2 & 3

Friday, May 1: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 2: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 3: 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Fee: $150 plus an additional $25 materials fee
Location: The Pebble Studio

 
Using basic patchwork techniques…let’s push the envelope, get outside the box and take a creative risk and make a colorful  statement…all with a needle and thread…and a sewing machine if you want to bring one.  Participants will make a patchwork pillow or small wall hanging to bring home.  Open to beginning and more experienced quilters.

Wall Sculpture Workshop
Jack Greene

Thursdays

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

2009 Dates:
Session 1: January 29 & February 5, 12, 19 & March 5, 12

Session 2: March 19, 26 & April 2,9,16,29

Fee: $175 for the six class series or $30 per class
Location: Lower Barn Studio

A sculpture course in 3-dimensional wall relief, mold making and casting. In the first class, you will begin to work on a clay study of natural or abstract forms or a self portrait - experimenting with imprints, embedded forms and textures. You will learn about volume, proportion and spatial relationships. In the following classes, you will make a mold of your clay piece, cast it and finish it by painting, glazing or applying a patina.

Songwriting
Jay Segel

Tuesdays

2009 Dates:
Session 1: February 3, 10, 17 & March 3

Session 2: March 24, 31 & April 7, 14

Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Fee: $80 for the four class series
Location: The Pebble Studio

 
Have fun and learn the skills to turn your thoughts, poems and musings into music…

Take a favorite poem and put it to music. Write a song from the perspective of where you are at different life-stages.

Songs usually reflect a moment in time - usually around a theme – maybe about insecurity or trust, etc…

“Crafting a song without inspiration is like a lawn with no landscaping… Writing a song without crafting it is like a lawn full of weeds.” 

Jay will also touch on the business of songwriting: copywriting and protecting your songs.

Jay Segel is an ASCAP affiliate songwriter and publishing member.  He has published and recorded hundreds of songs – from love songs to lullabies, from folk to rock.

Learn his techniques and start your own songwriting career.

Stained Glass
Gabriella Camilleri

Tuesdays

2009 Dates:
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 & April 7

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $180 for the six class series. Materials included.
Location: The Pebble Studio

 
Come learn how to do the ancient art of stained glass, or if you already know how, come and make another project. Each student will be guided individually through the step by step process of creating a stained glass window - from the designing, choosing the glass, cutting the glass, copper foiling to the final step of soldering it all together. Whether it is to give away as a gift, or to put in that special place in your home, come and learn how to create something fun. It is easier than you think.

Gabriella once served on the board of Featherstone.  Her stained glass window in the gallery is stunning and brings many comments.  She returns to teach Stained Glass at Featherstone in 2009.

It's Your Story...Now Write It!
Rev. Judith Campbell

Wednesdays

2009 Dates:
Session 1: January 21, 28 & February 4, 11, 18 & March 4

Session 2: April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 & May 6

Time: 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. Coffee & Conversation
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Class

Fee: for the six class series
Location: The Pebble Studio

 
For fiction and short story writers. Whether it’s a short story, the first chapter in the great American novel, or a special story for a child or a grandchild, every one of us has a story that needs telling. Spark up your writing skills and get that story down on paper. Learn about description, dialogue, mood, building tension, beginnings and endings and more. Open to beginning and experienced writers.

Beading Fundamentals
Sarah K. Young
Tuesday , February 3
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Fee: $35.00
Location: Featherstone Campus

Do you know how wonderful it feels to wear something beautiful that you have created yourself?  This comprehensive class will give you an overview of the essential techniques used in basic bead stringing and earring construction.  You will lean how to select appropriate stringing materials and findings for a variety of projects.  Sarah will share lots of insight and design tips as well.  Practive materials will be provided and you are encouraged to bring any of your own tools, beads or projects.

This two hour course is sutiable for ages 14 and older

Sarah is a jewelry designer and is well known for her Vineyard Sky Jewelry.  She returns to teach at Featherstone this winter

Crocheted Seed Bead Course
Sarah K. Young
Saturday April 4 and Saturday April 11

9 - 11 am
Fee: $60
Location: The Pebble Studio

In this class you will work with rather small seed beads, thread and a tiny crochet hook - a technique learned from Bulgaria.  The design of the bracelet is a tube of seed beads constructed in slip crochet crochet.  To complete, the ends are meshed.  The flexibility of this no-clasp design allows the finished bangle to roll on over the hand and wrist.

These crocheted bead bangles have been seen everywhere from high end department stores to local bead and jewelry stores.  The flexible banbangle can be sized to fit any wrist size.  the focus ois on construction with instruction in design that will allow you to devise your own patterns.  With a wide variety of seed beads available there is a limitless range of color possibilities. 

This course will provide you with the toold and techniques needed to make your own stunning bracelets.

Crochet experience is not necessary but is helpful in this two part course, best suited for adults.  You will be working with small needles, hooks and thread, so good eyesight or magnification is also helpful.  A materials list will be provided at sign up 

A week's timeframe will allow you time to work on your bangle at home. 

Ceramics – Open Pottery Studio
with Nancy Blank & Carl Mueller

Wednesdays
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

&

Thursdays
Time: 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Fee: $5/hour Clay may be purchased for $25 /bag
Location: Pottery Studio
Work on your own in the Pottery Studio. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wheelthrowing
Frank Folts, Jr.

Mondays

Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

2009 Dates:
Session 1: January 5, 12, 19, 26
Session 2: February 2, 9, 16, 23
Session 3: March 2, 9, 16, 23
Session 4: April 6, 13, 20, 27
Session 5: May 4, 11, 18 & June 1
Session 6: June 8, 15, 22, 29

Fee: $115 for the four class series or $30 per class
Location: Pottery Studio

Learn wheel-throwing from a master potter on Monday evenings.  Frank's students say the experience will become addictive.  Please pre-register so that you can be assured of a wheel in the pottery studio.

Working with Clay
Washington Ledesma

Tuesdays

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

2009 Dates:
Session 1: February 3, 10, 17 & March 3, 10, 17

Session 2: March 24, 31 & April 7, 14, 28 & May 5

Session 3: May 12, 19, 26 & June 2, 9, 16

Fee: $50 per class. A bag of clay is an additional cost of $25 /bag
Location: Pottery Studio

 
In this basic course we'll learn all about pottery, clay modeling and sculpture. In the pottery part, working with terra cotta clay, students will construct a cup, a bowl, and a plate for their own daily usage. In modeling, students will learn how to make a model of each others' heads. In the sculpture phase of this course, we'll create the most imaginative free form we can think of. In this process, students will learn about wheel throwing, use of a slab, pinching clay and about matte and glazed finishes.

Tom Maley Life Drawing Group
Non-Instructional

Tuesdays

Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Fee: $13 per class
Location: The Studio

This group met for many years at the home of Tom Maley and now they meet at Featherstone for two hours each Tuesday morning.  New participants are welcome. This is a figure drawing session, open to the public. There is no instruction.  Participants paint or draw as they wish.  Call Dale Julier at 508-696-8076 or Liz Taft at 508-696-9461 for details.

Firehouse Figure Drawing Group
Non-Instructional

Wednesdays

Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Fee: Determined by the group
Location: The Studio

This group met for years at Firehouse Gallery and now meets at Featherstone. New participants are welcome. This is a figure drawing session, open to the public. There is no instruction. Participants paint or draw as they wish. Call Tom Carberry for details at 508-693-3651.

Figure Drawing
Greg Watson

Tuesdays

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

2009 Dates:
Session 1: January 27 & February 3, 10, 17, 24 & March 3

Session 2: April 7, 14, 21, 28 7 May 5, 12

Fee: $200 for the six class series or $50 per class
Location: The Studio

This class will offer an opportunity for students to draw from the nude and draped model with instruction.
Each class will begin with an oveview of master drawings and a short demonstration of a drawing technique. 
Materials, anatomy, proportion, line, tone, form, etc will be among the topics covered during the six week course.  All levels welcome.

You may pick up Greg's list of suggested materials in the Featherstone office or it can be e-mailed or faxed to you.

Back to the Drawing Board
Nancy Blank

Wednesdays

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

2009 Dates:
Session 1: February 4, 11, 18 & March 4, 11 & 18

Session 2: April 1, 8, 15, 29 & May 6, 13

Session 3: May 20, 27 & June 3, 10, 17, 24

Fee: $30 per class
Location: The Studio

Nancy will accept all levels from beginner on. Individual help with all elements and principles of design and drawing. This is a class to work in more depth with the drawing elements of line, shape, proportion, value, texture, composition and color.  We will be working on finding a creative and individual answer to artistic problems.

Needle Felting
Christa Fischer

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Fee: $50 with additional fee of $5 for felting needle
Location: Barn Studio

 
Participants will explore using a special felting needle to create a small 3-D sculpture and/or to make a flat design.

For additional information, you may contact the teacher at 508-693-5685. 

Feltmaking: Exploring Flat Wet Felting
Christa Fischer

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Fee: $50 plus an additional $10 for felting wool
Location: Barn Studio

Students will learn about and execute several different methods of flat wet felting including basic flat felt, openwork felting, bonding felt to silk and felting with a resist.

Materials required: a large sponge, 2 old towels, 1 bar of "Kiss My Face" soap and a pair of large scissors. 

Feltmaking: Exploring 3-D Wet Felting
Christa Fischer

Saturday, March 21, 2009

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Fee: $50 plus an additional $10 for felting wool
Location: Barn Studio

Students will learn about and execute several diffrent methods of 3-D wet felting including felt cords, spheres and felting around a 3-D resist.

Materials required: a large sponge, 2 old towels, 1 bar of "Kiss My Face" soap and a pair of large scissors. 

Beginning/Intermediate Piano
Charles Blank: Instructor Charles Blank holds a M.Mus. from Indiana University.
Fee: $25 for 45 minute private lesson

Accepted: Beginners through intermediate; teens through adults.
Required:  Access to piano or touch sensitive keyboard.

Learn to play from a Fake Book
Charles Blank
Fee: $100

Required: At least 1 year of piano lessons or ability to read music, access to a piano or keyboard.

Contact Charles Blank at his studio,
140 Barnes Road, Oak Bluffs,
(693-1186) to schedule lesson.

4 sixty minute private lesson sessions.
Gives you easy access to hundreds of songs. For teens through adult.

Transcendental Flute
Ronn Speed

Wednesdays

Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

2009:
Session 1: January 29 & February 4, 11, 18

Session 2: March 4, 11, 18, 25

Session 3: April 1, 8, 15, 29

Session 4: May 6, 13, 20, 27

Session 5: June 3, 10, 17, 24

Fee: $120 (own flute) per session or $130 (rent flute)
Location: The Pebble Studio

Learn the unique tones and techniques captured in the spirit of the Native American Flute. Enjoy the natural method for stress relief, relaxation and meditation. Lessons are for beginners. More advanced students meet and perform regularly  as the Featherstone Flute Circle

Introduction to Airbrush
Jack Greene

Wednesdays

Time: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

2009 Dates:
Session 1: January 28 & February 4, 11, 18 & March 4, 11

Session 2: March 18, 25 & April 1, 8, 15, 29

Fee: $175 for the six class series or $30 per class
Location: The Studio

 
Learn to use the airbrush. The first class will experiment with the airbrush, getting a feel for the tool, using free hand airbrushing techniques, stencils and masking to create an image in ink. There will be a discussion of the different types of aitbrushes and air compressors that are availble. In the classes that follow you will develop your own motof and finish a piece pr pieces in water color or acrylic.

Student materials: Ink, watercolor or acrylic paints, small bottles for mixing color, ARCHES 90 lb or 140lb hot press watercolor paper, frisket, liquid masking, blue tape, manila stencil paper and an Exacto knife.

Pastel Painting
Ellen McCluskey

Thursdays

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

2009 Dates:
April 16, 23, 30 & May 7, 14, 21

Fee: $180 for the six class series or $35 per class
Location: Studio

 
Learn the art of pastel painting from a master. Ellen is one of the Vineyard’s foremost pastel painters. 

Beginners may take part in this offering. Beginners will notify Featherstone that they are beginners and they should come at 5:30 p.m. for the first two classes. Ellen asks that no beginners join the class after the second class. She will bring beginners up to speed by the end of the second class.

You may pick up Ellen's list of suggested materials in the Featherstone office or it can be e-mailed or faxed to you.

Portrait Painting in Oil
Greg Watson

Mondays

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

2009 Dates:
Session 1: January 26 & February 2, 9, 16, 23 & March 2

Session 2: April 6, 13, 20, 27 & May 4, 11

Fee: $200 for the six class series or $50 per class
Location: The Studio

 
This class will cover basic and advanced approaches to portrait painting.  Learn about traditional color pallets, supports and materials and how to use them to create studies, sketches, a la prima and finished portraits.  A typical class will begin with a study of master works, discussion of artistic principles (tone, color, proportion, etc.) and a short demonstration.  After which students will set up and work from the model with individual instruction as needed. You may pick up Greg's list of suggested materials in the Featherstone office or it can be e-mailed or faxed to you.

Watercolor for Cowards 201
Carolyn Daniele

Wednesdays

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

2009 Dates:
June 3, 10, 17, 24


Fee: $150 per session or $50 per class
Location: The Pebble Studio

 
For those with an understanding of the basics of watercolor or who have completed Watercolor Cowards 101. You may pick up Carolyn's list of suggested materials in the Featherstone office or it can be e-mailed or faxed to you.

Watercolor for Cowards 101
Carolyn Daniele

Tuesdays

Time: 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.

2009 Dates:
June 2, 9, 16 & 22

Fee: $150 per session or $50 per class
Location: The Pebble Studio

 
Watercolor for Cowards 101 is a beginning program. If you think watercolors are too difficult and you can’t fix mistakes, then this is the class for you. Have fun with this luminous art form. Complete a finished painting suitable for matting and framing. No drawing required. 

A supply list will be available in the gallery or may be e-mailed to you.  If you do not obtain the supplies before the class, supplies can be provided by the instructor at an additional cost.

Pre-registration is required.  If you have not pre-registered by 5:00 p.m. the day preceding the class, the instructor will not be able to offer supplies. 

Working with Oil
Washington Ledesma

Thursdays

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm

2009 Dates:
Session 1: February 5, 12, 19 & March5, 12, 19

Session 2: March 26 & April 2, 9, 16, 30 & May 7

Session 3: May 14, 21, 28 7 June 4, 11, 18

Fee: $175 for the six class series or $30 per class
Location: The Pebble Studio

In this basic class we wil practice the different techniques painters use when dealing with the special properties that make oil paints so exciting to work with. We will try our hands at working "a la prima" and how to blend as well as mix colors. We will experiment with different brush strokes as well as with layering with knives. We will also explore the role of turpentine and oil additions in our painting and we will finish this course with a painting incorporating the effects of all of these techniques.

Watercolor
John Holladay

Saturdays

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

2009 Dates:

February 7 - Winter
March 7 - Perspective, buildings and boats
April 4 - Spring landscapes
May 2 - Water and rocks
June 6 - Trees and foliage

Fee: $50 per workshop
Location: The Studio

 
Learn watercolor techniques from a master painter who will offer a different focus for each Saturday session. Basic watercolors are required. You may pick up John's list of suggested materials in the Featherstone office or it can be be e-mailed or faxed to you

Open Darkroom Studio
with photographer Kathy Rose

Mondays

2009 Dates:
January 19 - March 30

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Fee: $10 per hour without assistance; $25/hour with instruction
Location: Barn Studio

This is a chance to work on your own OR with instruction in the dark room at our barn studio. You supply printing paper and film to develop. We supply the chemicals set up for your use.

Digital Photography
Individual Camera Tutorial with Kathy Rose

Tuesdays

Time available:
10:00 am - 12:00 p.m.
or
1:00 - 3:00 pm

2009 Dates:
Choose any Tuesday between January 13 - March 30 to schedule your own private instruction with our premier photographer.


Fee: $50
Location: Computer Lab in Gallery Building

This one-on-one hands-on tutorial is a must for persons with new digital cameras or a camera which you haven't used much because it seems too complex. Instead of pouring over a poorly written guide book, we will go thorugh the menu, functions, quick buttons and mode options to make your photos more your own and better technically.

Bring your camera, connections, battery and charger and laptop computer if you have one.

Digital Photography 101
Kathy Rose

Thursdays

2009 Dates:
January 15, 22, 29 & February 5, 12 & 26

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Fee: $200 for the six class series or $40 per class
Location: Computer Lab

Through lecture, demonstration and hands-on practice learn more about your digital camera and develop relevant computer skills for organizing digital photos into albums or folders. We will discuss metering, exposure, zoom lens effects and using flash. You will cover crop, retouch and enhance images with computer tools. Students  will select a few of their best images and take them to another level on the computer by creating a slide show with titles, a book or DVD of your photos of a trip or any subject you love.

Materials: Digital camera with or without extra lenses and a Laptop computer -- Mac or PC.
Photo program in your computer such as iPhoto, Picasa, or Photoshop elements. (Version 7 for Mac or PC)

Instructor Kathy Rose has been doing digital computer art for the last fifteen years. She has taught at Boston University, Henry Ford College and Wayne State Community College.  She studied photography at RISD with Harry Callahan and Aaron Siskind. She also printed professional dye prints and color and black and white photo prints for publishers and book writers during the past years.

The Art of Tapestry: Beginning and Continuing Tapestry
Julia Mitchell

Tuesdays

2009 Dates:
April 7, 14, 21, 28 & May 5, 12, 19, 26

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Fee: $250 for the eight class series
Location: Barn Studio

Tapestry is the most expressive and individual of all forms of weaving. This class is for novices as well as continuing students. Beginning weavers will learn the basics of tapestry, including weaving techniques, choice of
appropriate materials, design considerations, the history of the medium and current trends. Continuing students receive instruction according to their respective levels, including tapestry design, weaving, finishing and hanging of a completed piece. Students are encouraged to work on their projects at home. Featherstone's portable tapestry looms will be warped and ready to weave.

Materials needed: Sketch pad, pencils, eraser, scissors, 3 ring binder and ruler

Beginners and Internediate Sewing
Gabriella Camilleri

Tuesdays

2009 Dates:
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 7 April 7

Time: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Fee: $150 for the six class series
Location: The Pebble Studio

 
Gabriella returns to teach at Featherstone.  What a treat for the Vineyard and friends of Featherstone!!!

In this class, students will learn how to sew. If you already know the basics and have an idea of what you would like to make, we will work together to figure it out. Bring your pattern and we can follow it step by step or change it to suit you - whether it is pillows, a dress, pants or curtains. Bring your ideas, fabric and your sewing machine and let’s sew!

Requirements: Bring your own portable sewing machine and the instruction manual if you have one. Bring fabric and thread. When you register, please let us know what you are interested in working on during the course, if you know. It does not have to be only one project.

Poetry Class
Don Nitchie

Wednesdays

2009 Dates:
Session 1: February 11, 18, 25 & March 4, 11, 18, 25 & April 1

Session 2: April 15, 22, 29 & may 6, 13, 20, 27 & June 3

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Fee: tba
Location: The Pebble Studio

 
Don Nitchie is an accomplished poet with many published pieces.  He is an able instructor, willing to offer constructive criticism and encouragement. 

In Mr. Nitchie's words, "The workshop will consist of the reading of sample poems, in-class writing exercises, and critiques. Sample poems from various sources will also be the model for in-class exercises, which will then either be read aloud, or not. The exercises will be brief, taking up only about ten minutes a class. The bulk of the hour and a half class will consist of critiques of participants' work, with a choice of getting only positive feedback, or actual criticism."

He adds, "The point of a Featherstone workshop, it seems to me, is to make sure it feels open and welcoming to participants at every level. It shouldn't be intimidating; it should be fun. The workshop leader is a facilitator, keeping things moving, and interesting, and even entertaining."