Our Calendar
Free Concert- Abigayle Oakley & Alexa Wilhelm
This is a ticketed event with only 50 seats available. You can reserve free tickets online at: https://intunewithstoughton.simpletix.com/
Optional donations of any amount ($20 per ticket or more recommended) can be made at the event, with 100% of donations going to the artists.
Free snacks and sparkling water available!
Mosaic Suncatchers
Saturday, July 18, 9:00–11:00 AM
A beginner-friendly mosaic workshop where you'll create your own stained glass suncatcher using colorful glass and a 6-inch acrylic round. This is a single-session class.
What you'll do
You'll learn the basics of mosaic while creating a suncatcher from start to finish. Using mosaic nippers, you'll cut and shape stained glass, then arrange the pieces into a design using a variety of colors, textures, and layered elements. This is a hands-on class with guided instruction throughout, and you'll leave with a finished piece ready to brighten your window.
What you'll learn
The basic tools and supplies used in mosaic
How to safely cut and shape stained glass
How to create a balanced mosaic design using color, texture, and layering
Great for: Beginners. No prior experience needed.
Instructor: Alexis Johnson is a stained glass and mosaic artist based in Edgerton, Wisconsin, where she operates Eagle Art. Her classes are supportive, hands-on, and beginner-friendly, with a focus on helping students build confidence as they learn mosaic techniques step by step.
Schedule
Saturday, July 18, 9:00–11:00 AM
Cost: $36
Materials: All materials are provided.
What to bring: Just yourself!
Art or Craft?
July 18th & 25th
A two-session discussion class on what we are really doing when we call one object art and another craft.
What you’ll do
A quilt in a museum is art. The same quilt on a bed is craft. A wooden bowl by a famous sculptor is art. The same bowl turned by a woodworker is craft. In this class, you’ll trace where that distinction comes from, test whether it holds up, and look at what the hierarchy has excluded. Across two sessions, you’ll explore how the art/craft divide shapes museums, pricing, status, and who gets called an artist in the first place.
What you’ll learn
Where the art/craft distinction comes from
How that distinction shapes value, status, and recognition
Who has been excluded or diminished by the hierarchy
How to think more critically about the categories themselves
Great for: Makers who have felt the hierarchy from the wrong side, and anyone who has ever paused in front of an object and wondered which category it belongs to. No background in philosophy needed.
Instructor: Phil Mack holds a PhD in philosophy and has over ten years of experience teaching at UW–Madison, Marquette University, and UW–Milwaukee. He makes big ideas accessible through conversation, not academic jargon, and is building a public philosophy practice in the Madison area.
Schedule
This is one class held over two dates. Registration includes both sessions.
Session 1: Saturday, July 18, 1:00–3:00 PM
Session 2: Saturday, July 25, 1:00–3:00 PM
Cost: $78
What to bring: Yourself, and an object or image of an object that you are not sure how to classify.
Watercolor Class: Painting Coneflowers (Session 1)
July 23 & 30 | 9:30 - 11:00 AM
A two-session watercolor class where you'll paint coneflowers while exploring new watercolor techniques. It is the perfect foundational technique for mastering watercolor contrasts, depth and blending.
What you'll do
Through guided exercises and instruction, you'll paint loose, expressive coneflowers using a gutta bottle filled with gesso to create white floral details. You'll also complete a monochromatic watercolor painting, using a single color to explore value, contrast, blending, and depth.
What you'll learn
Watercolor contrasts, depth and blending.
How to create depth and contrast through monochromatic painting.
How to control water-to-pigment ratios to build contrast.
Great for: Beginners. No prior experience needed.
Instructor: Rita Carpenter is a watercolor artist and photographer drawn to the balance between loose color and careful control. Her classes are thoughtful, encouraging, and built to help students get comfortable with the medium while building confidence along the way.
Schedule
This is one class held over two dates. Registration includes both sessions.
Session 1: July 23
Session 2: July 30
Cost: $78
What to bring:
Watercolor paints
Watercolor brushes
Two sheets of watercolor paper (¼ or ⅛ sheet, whichever you prefer)
Two water containers
A board to paint on
A pencil and eraser
Paper towels and an old rag
Any watercolor tools you normally use
Art or Craft? Session 2
July 18th & 25th
A two-session discussion class on what we are really doing when we call one object art and another craft.
What you’ll do
A quilt in a museum is art. The same quilt on a bed is craft. A wooden bowl by a famous sculptor is art. The same bowl turned by a woodworker is craft. In this class, you’ll trace where that distinction comes from, test whether it holds up, and look at what the hierarchy has excluded. Across two sessions, you’ll explore how the art/craft divide shapes museums, pricing, status, and who gets called an artist in the first place.
What you’ll learn
Where the art/craft distinction comes from
How that distinction shapes value, status, and recognition
Who has been excluded or diminished by the hierarchy
How to think more critically about the categories themselves
Great for: Makers who have felt the hierarchy from the wrong side, and anyone who has ever paused in front of an object and wondered which category it belongs to. No background in philosophy needed.
Instructor: Phil Mack holds a PhD in philosophy and has over ten years of experience teaching at UW–Madison, Marquette University, and UW–Milwaukee. He makes big ideas accessible through conversation, not academic jargon, and is building a public philosophy practice in the Madison area.
Schedule
This is one class held over two dates. Registration includes both sessions.
Session 1: Saturday, July 18, 1:00–3:00 PM
Session 2: Saturday, July 25, 1:00–3:00 PM
Cost: $78
What to bring: Yourself, and an object or image of an object that you are not sure how to classify.
Watercolor Class: Painting Coneflowers (Session 2)
July 23 & 30 | 9:30 - 11:00 AM
A two-session watercolor class where you'll paint coneflowers while exploring new watercolor techniques. It is the perfect foundational technique for mastering watercolor contrasts, depth and blending.
What you'll do
Through guided exercises and instruction, you'll paint loose, expressive coneflowers using a gutta bottle filled with gesso to create white floral details. You'll also complete a monochromatic watercolor painting, using a single color to explore value, contrast, blending, and depth.
What you'll learn
Watercolor contrasts, depth and blending.
How to create depth and contrast through monochromatic painting.
How to control water-to-pigment ratios to build contrast.
Great for: Beginners. No prior experience needed.
Instructor: Rita Carpenter is a watercolor artist and photographer drawn to the balance between loose color and careful control. Her classes are thoughtful, encouraging, and built to help students get comfortable with the medium while building confidence along the way.
Schedule
This is one class held over two dates. Registration includes both sessions.
Session 1: July 23
Session 2: July 30
Cost: $78
What to bring:
Watercolor paints
Watercolor brushes
Two sheets of watercolor paper (¼ or ⅛ sheet, whichever you prefer)
Two water containers
A board to paint on
A pencil and eraser
Paper towels and an old rag
Any watercolor tools you normally use
Paradoxes in the Arts (Session 1)
Thursdays from 7/30-8/27
A five-week discussion course on five paradoxes at the heart of how we experience art, and why none of them have easy answers.
What you’ll do
Why do we love art that makes us miserable? Why does it matter that a painting is the real one? How can instrumental music sound sad? Why do we call a thunderstorm beautiful? And when you say a film is great, are you saying something true or just reporting what you happen to like? Each week, you’ll work through one of these paradoxes, discussing the strongest cases on each side and bringing your own examples into the room.
What you’ll learn
Why tragedy can be pleasurable in art
Why originality and forgery matter so much to us
How music can seem expressive without words
Why overwhelming or terrifying things can still feel beautiful
What we are doing when we make judgments of taste
Great for: Anyone curious about how art works on us and why. No background in philosophy needed.
Instructor: Phil Mack holds a PhD in philosophy and has over ten years of experience teaching at UW–Madison, Marquette University, and UW–Milwaukee. He makes big ideas accessible through conversation, not academic jargon, and is building a public philosophy practice in the Madison area.
Schedule
This is one class held over five dates. Registration includes all five sessions.
Session 1: Thursday, July 30, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 2: Thursday, August 6, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 3: Thursday, August 13, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 4: Thursday, August 20, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 5: Thursday, August 27, 6:30–8:00 PM
Cost: $138
What to bring: Just yourself. Handouts will be provided in class. No outside work required.
Macramé Wristlet Workshop
Description: Learn the basics of macramé while creating a beautiful wristlet keychain and coordinating floral charm. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn foundational knotting techniques and assemble a functional accessory that's perfect for yourself or a gift! Choose from a curated selection of cord colors, hardware finishes, and decorative charms to make your project uniquely yours. No previous macramé experience is necessary. Ages 11-15 are welcome with an accompanying adult.
What You’ll Do:
Learn the basics of modern macramé
Create single or two-tone macramé wristlet keychains
Make coordinating floral charms
Personalize your project by choosing your own color palette, hardware, and decorative charm
Leave with a beautiful handmade accessory ready to use or gift
What You’ll Learn:
How to measure and prepare macramé cord
Lark's Head Knot
Square Knot
Spiral Knot
How to maintain even tension
Finishing techniques for clean, professional results
Tips for creating future macramé projects at home
This Class is great for:
Complete beginners
Anyone who enjoys relaxing, hands-on creative experiences
Makers looking to learn a new fiber art
Friends, moms & daughters
Handmade gift lovers
Instructor: Alison Walker
Schedule: Sunday, August 2, 1-3PM
Cost: $45
What to bring: Just yourself! All supplies and tools are provided. Feel free to bring reading glasses if you typically use them for close-up work.
Hand-Stitched Botanical Cards
Description: Discover the art of paper stitching in this beginner-friendly workshop. Using embroidery floss, simple hand-stitching techniques, and botanical templates, you'll create a collection of elegant handmade greeting cards. You'll learn how to punch design guides and stitch graceful line-art illustrations while exploring a creative process that's both calming and rewarding.
Choose from a selection of modern botanical designs and thread colors to create cards that are uniquely your own. No previous embroidery or stitching experience is necessary.
What You’ll Do:
Learn the basics of paper embroidery
Transfer a botanical design onto cardstock
Practice hand-stitching techniques using embroidery floss
Create 2 or more handmade greeting cards (depending on your pace)
Finish your cards with coordinating envelopes and professional interior liners
What You’ll Learn:
How to transfer a design using reusable templates
Proper hole spacing and punching techniques
Beginner-friendly stitching techniques
Tips for clean starts, neat finishes, and professional-looking handmade cards
Ideas for continuing paper embroidery projects at home
This Class is great for:
Complete beginners
Paper crafters and card makers
Embroidery enthusiasts looking to try something new
Anyone who enjoys relaxing, mindful creative activities
Handmade gift lovers
Adults and teens (recommended ages 13+ with accompanying adult)
Instructor: Alison Walker
Schedule: Tuesday, August 4, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Cost: $45
What to bring: Just yourself! All supplies and tools are provided, including cards, envelopes, embroidery floss, needles, templates, and specialty tools. Reading glasses are recommended if you normally use them for close-up work.
Paradoxes in the Arts (Session 2)
Thursdays from 7/30-8/27
A five-week discussion course on five paradoxes at the heart of how we experience art, and why none of them have easy answers.
What you’ll do
Why do we love art that makes us miserable? Why does it matter that a painting is the real one? How can instrumental music sound sad? Why do we call a thunderstorm beautiful? And when you say a film is great, are you saying something true or just reporting what you happen to like? Each week, you’ll work through one of these paradoxes, discussing the strongest cases on each side and bringing your own examples into the room.
What you’ll learn
Why tragedy can be pleasurable in art
Why originality and forgery matter so much to us
How music can seem expressive without words
Why overwhelming or terrifying things can still feel beautiful
What we are doing when we make judgments of taste
Great for: Anyone curious about how art works on us and why. No background in philosophy needed.
Instructor: Phil Mack holds a PhD in philosophy and has over ten years of experience teaching at UW–Madison, Marquette University, and UW–Milwaukee. He makes big ideas accessible through conversation, not academic jargon, and is building a public philosophy practice in the Madison area.
Schedule
This is one class held over five dates. Registration includes all five sessions.
Session 1: Thursday, July 30, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 2: Thursday, August 6, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 3: Thursday, August 13, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 4: Thursday, August 20, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 5: Thursday, August 27, 6:30–8:00 PM
Cost: $138
What to bring: Just yourself. Handouts will be provided in class. No outside work required.
Paradoxes in the Arts (Session 3)
Thursdays from 7/30-8/27
A five-week discussion course on five paradoxes at the heart of how we experience art, and why none of them have easy answers.
What you’ll do
Why do we love art that makes us miserable? Why does it matter that a painting is the real one? How can instrumental music sound sad? Why do we call a thunderstorm beautiful? And when you say a film is great, are you saying something true or just reporting what you happen to like? Each week, you’ll work through one of these paradoxes, discussing the strongest cases on each side and bringing your own examples into the room.
What you’ll learn
Why tragedy can be pleasurable in art
Why originality and forgery matter so much to us
How music can seem expressive without words
Why overwhelming or terrifying things can still feel beautiful
What we are doing when we make judgments of taste
Great for: Anyone curious about how art works on us and why. No background in philosophy needed.
Instructor: Phil Mack holds a PhD in philosophy and has over ten years of experience teaching at UW–Madison, Marquette University, and UW–Milwaukee. He makes big ideas accessible through conversation, not academic jargon, and is building a public philosophy practice in the Madison area.
Schedule
This is one class held over five dates. Registration includes all five sessions.
Session 1: Thursday, July 30, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 2: Thursday, August 6, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 3: Thursday, August 13, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 4: Thursday, August 20, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 5: Thursday, August 27, 6:30–8:00 PM
Cost: $138
What to bring: Just yourself. Handouts will be provided in class. No outside work required.
Creative Market
Save the date!
The inaugural Creative Market will include a Maker’s Market at Depot Hill Creative, the Grand Inspired Mug Show, artist demonstrations and activities across participating locations, and food and drinks from neighborhood partners.
Participating locations include Depot Hill Creative, Innovation Center Stoughton, Abel Contemporary Gallery, Grand Inspired, and Wildwood Cafe.
Event hours:
Friday, August 14 — 4:00–8:00 PM
Saturday, August 15 — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Paradoxes in the Arts (Session 4)
Thursdays from 7/30-8/27
A five-week discussion course on five paradoxes at the heart of how we experience art, and why none of them have easy answers.
What you’ll do
Why do we love art that makes us miserable? Why does it matter that a painting is the real one? How can instrumental music sound sad? Why do we call a thunderstorm beautiful? And when you say a film is great, are you saying something true or just reporting what you happen to like? Each week, you’ll work through one of these paradoxes, discussing the strongest cases on each side and bringing your own examples into the room.
What you’ll learn
Why tragedy can be pleasurable in art
Why originality and forgery matter so much to us
How music can seem expressive without words
Why overwhelming or terrifying things can still feel beautiful
What we are doing when we make judgments of taste
Great for: Anyone curious about how art works on us and why. No background in philosophy needed.
Instructor: Phil Mack holds a PhD in philosophy and has over ten years of experience teaching at UW–Madison, Marquette University, and UW–Milwaukee. He makes big ideas accessible through conversation, not academic jargon, and is building a public philosophy practice in the Madison area.
Schedule
This is one class held over five dates. Registration includes all five sessions.
Session 1: Thursday, July 30, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 2: Thursday, August 6, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 3: Thursday, August 13, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 4: Thursday, August 20, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 5: Thursday, August 27, 6:30–8:00 PM
Cost: $138
What to bring: Just yourself. Handouts will be provided in class. No outside work required.
Paradoxes in the Arts (Session 5)
Thursdays from 7/30-8/27
A five-week discussion course on five paradoxes at the heart of how we experience art, and why none of them have easy answers.
What you’ll do
Why do we love art that makes us miserable? Why does it matter that a painting is the real one? How can instrumental music sound sad? Why do we call a thunderstorm beautiful? And when you say a film is great, are you saying something true or just reporting what you happen to like? Each week, you’ll work through one of these paradoxes, discussing the strongest cases on each side and bringing your own examples into the room.
What you’ll learn
Why tragedy can be pleasurable in art
Why originality and forgery matter so much to us
How music can seem expressive without words
Why overwhelming or terrifying things can still feel beautiful
What we are doing when we make judgments of taste
Great for: Anyone curious about how art works on us and why. No background in philosophy needed.
Instructor: Phil Mack holds a PhD in philosophy and has over ten years of experience teaching at UW–Madison, Marquette University, and UW–Milwaukee. He makes big ideas accessible through conversation, not academic jargon, and is building a public philosophy practice in the Madison area.
Schedule
This is one class held over five dates. Registration includes all five sessions.
Session 1: Thursday, July 30, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 2: Thursday, August 6, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 3: Thursday, August 13, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 4: Thursday, August 20, 6:30–8:00 PM
Session 5: Thursday, August 27, 6:30–8:00 PM
Cost: $138
What to bring: Just yourself. Handouts will be provided in class. No outside work required.
Landscape Painting: Expressive Realism with Antwan Ramar
Landscape Painting: Expressive Realism with Antwan Ramar at Depot Hill Creative
Workshop Overview
Join us for a 2-day workshop focused on representational realism. We will move beyond "copying" a scene to capturing its essence, poetry, and atmosphere through fundamental painting techniques and personal interpretation. Antwan will share methods developed over the last decade to help you stay calm and eliminate the frustration often associated with painting. The instructor will be working in oils, but all wet, media is welcome.
(supplies not included)
- Time: Day 1 (9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) | Day 2 (9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).
- Lunch: One-hour break daily; artists are responsible for their own meals.
Daily Schedule
Day 1: The Visual Language
- Morning: Presentation and oil-on-canvas demonstration focused on the fundamentals of visual language.
- Afternoon: Students begin painting from supplied reference materials with guided instruction.
- Conclusion: One-hour summary and Q&A session.
Day 2: Subject and Strategy
- Morning: Discussion on subject selection and beauty analysis, followed by a full demonstration of Antwan's painting process.
- Afternoon: Students paint from personal or supplied references. Before starting, we will analyze individual impressions of the scene to develop a clear execution strategy.
- Conclusion: Voluntary group critique and final Q&A.
We look forward to an eye-opening workshop of learning, laughter, and a newly inspired passion for the art of painting.
To register 2-day Stoughton, WI September 5th - 6th, 2026 — Antwan Ramar
You can find my general supply list HERE
Make With Metal Clay: Bronze Botanicals
July 11, 1:00–4:00 PM
A beginner-friendly introduction to metal clay where you will create a one-of-a-kind bronze botanical pendant. This is a single-session class.
What you’ll do
This workshop will introduce you to the basics of working with bronze metal clay through a guided botanical pendant project. As you create your piece, you’ll learn the general do’s and don’ts of the material, how to use a mold, how to apply texture to the back of a piece, and how to securely attach a bail for hanging. Your pendant will be fired after class and made available for pickup.
What you’ll learn
The basics of working with bronze metal clay
How to use a mold in a pendant project
How to apply texture to a piece
Great for: Beginners. No prior experience needed.
Instructor: Karen Trexler is a metalsmith, enamelist, and metal clay jewelry artist who received her MFA in metalsmithing and enameling from UW–Madison in 2018. She is the resident artist for a metal clay manufacturer, where she develops products, tests new materials, and creates educational content. She has taught at juried metal clay conferences and at the Art Literature Lab in Madison.
Schedule
July 11, 1:00–4:00 PM
Cost: $120
What to bring: Details to come.
Make With Metal Clay: Initial Pendant
Registration for this class has passed, but browse more classes here.
Creative Market Booth Application Deadline
We are looking for artists to join our Creative Market on Friday, August 14th, 4-8pm and Saturday, August 15th, 10-5pm. There is no cost to participate but space is limited, and we will be selecting artist to participate based on applications. Booth space available is roughly 8ft by 8ft but there is some flexibility based on artist needs. If you are interested, please apply by is June 19th, here.
There will be a variety of activities happening between Depot Hill Creative, Abel Contemporary Gallery, Grand Inspired, the Innovation Center Stoughton and Wildwood Café.
Please reach out with any questions.
Yoga to Unlock the Artist Within
Registration for this class has passed, but browse more classes here.
Beginning Watercolor Session 2
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Beginning Watercolor Session 1
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Make With Metal Clay: Set Stone Ring
This class has passed, but browse more classes here.
Gelli Plate Printmaking Workshop
Registration for this class has passed, but browse more classes here.
Create Your Own Art Journal: An Introduction to Bookbinding
This class has passed, but browse more classes here.
Intro to Memoir: Understanding Myths and Methods to Help You Write Your Story
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Basics and Beyond Watercolor - Session 2
This class has passed, but browse more classes here.
Basics and Beyond Watercolor - Session 1
This class has passed, but browse more classes here.