2026 ENCAUSTIC PAINTING + MIXED MEDIA LAB Workshops
Encaustic Painting!
Create with molten, pigmented wax + mixed media + collage
Discover the ancient art of encaustic painting in this intimate, hands-on workshop. Whether you're a complete beginner or experienced artist, you'll leave with several luminous, layeredartwork and the confidence to continue this captivating practice at home.
About the Workshop
Karen Eide has been teaching her Encaustic Painting & Mixed Media Lab workshop for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond and independently since 2005.
Encaustic painting is an ancient art form dating back to the 5th century BCE. This luminous medium involves melting pigmented beeswax on a heated surface and applying it to rigid panels with brushes. It results in rich, layered artwork with a distinct, often ethereal character. It is a versatile process - ideal as a stand-alone practice or a complement to oil painting, printmaking, collage, sculpture, watercolor, and other disciplines.
In this hands-on workshop, students will:
• Learn classic encaustic techniques
• Explore contemporary approaches like: Surface embellishment, image transfer, incising and collage, mark-making with oil paint, pastels, markers, and inks.
You'll also receive guidance on:
• Setting up an encaustic studio - safely
• Where to source materials and tools
• Safety protocols
• Framing and presenting your finished work
Open to ages 16 and above.
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Register early - these workshops always fill!
Charlottesville, Virginia
McGuffey Art Center
All levels welcome - ages 15+
LOCATION: McGuffey Art Center, 201 2nd Street, NW • Studio 22B
• January 17 • 10-4 - FULL
• February 21 • 10-4 - FULL
• March 21 • 10-4 - only 4 seats left!
New Dates!
April 18 • 10-4 - 6 seats available
May 16 • 10-4 - 6 seats available
June 13 • 10-4 - 6 seats available
Join the waiting list if the session you want is sold out - Message Here
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts - Studio School, Richmond, VA
Encaustic Painting & Mixed Media Lab
• February 28, 2026 - FULL
• June 6 - Intro to Encaustic - Registration opens April 7 (read below)
• June 7 - NEW! Intermediate Encaustic! Registration opens in April 7 for VMFA members (read below)
This workshop - and the VMFA's other classes - always - sell out -usually on opening day within 10 minutes to 1 hour! Register early! Museum members get first crack at class registration with early access.
Class Size
Seats are limited to ensure a safe, comfortable, and personalized experience.
Supplies
Most materials and tools are provided so you can dive into this exciting medium without a major investment. Included (but not limited to):
• Griddles. • Heat guns • Scraping tools. • Encaustic paints + brushes
• Mixed media and collage materials
A list of optional materials is emailed after registration. Many artists like to bring and use things near and dear to their hearts - like photos and ephemera.
Note: Any materials required beyond the scope of the workshop will be the student’s responsibility.
Testimonials:
Coming!
Want to connect beforehand to clarify your creative direction or discuss materials? Message Karen to set up a quick chat or visit before class begins.
Cancellation & rescheduling policy - please read
Charlottesville Workshops
Student Cancellations
Cancellation Policy – Please Read Before Registering
No refunds for cancellations made less than 14 days before your class date.
You may reschedule once, within 2 months or schedule into one of the next two scheduled workshops (whichever comes first), subject to availability. No exceptions. Your Responsibility: Find a new class date that works for you and contact Karen Eide Studios to request rescheduling by sending a message with your preferred date.
Studio Cancellations
Karen Eide Studios reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a class due to:
• Low enrollment (class minimum is 2 students)
• Illness, inclement weather, or family emergency
In the event of a studio-initiated cancellation make-up dates will be offered.
Other Workshop Locations including VMFA
Cancellation policies vary by hosting venue. Please check with the hosting institution before registering.
Alumni Rates
Special rates for returning students!
• If you’ve taken a class with Karen Eide Studios in any location, you qualify.
• 2 spots per workshop are available for alumni on a first come basis..
• Register anytime there’s space available. If it's an option on the registration page - it's open. I’d love to see you again!
Make It a Weekend!
Charlottesville has plenty to explore during your visit:
• Boutique hotels & award-winning restaurants
• Local wineries and breweries
• Hiking, biking
• Cultural gems like Monticello, McGuffey Art Center, Second Street Gallery,
The Fralin Museum of Art, and the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection
Richmond: The VMFA is located in one of Richmond’s most culturally rich and walkable neighborhoods. Plan to explore:
• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and Virginia Museum of History & Culture
• Boutique shopping and local artisan markets•
• Award-winning restaurants and charming cafés
• Strolls through historic Monument Avenue and Byrd Park
• Nearby galleries, bookshops, and the Carytown shopping district
