Galleries to host free community workshops this fall

Brenau University Galleries is hosting several free workshops for the community members that range from painting fired clay panels to an exploration of printmaking.

The workshops are geared toward introducing artists to members of the community and providing a hands-on opportunity to learn more about their techniques. The events are the brainchild of Brenau Galleries Director Lybi Cucurullo.

“One of my goals as director was to find new ways to include the local community in our vibrant arts scene,” Cucurullo said. “These free workshops are an exciting step toward that goal, offering a unique opportunity for people to engage directly with our artists and create something tangible. We believe that by providing these hands-on experiences, we can help foster a stronger, more connected arts community for all of us to enjoy.”

All materials are included, and participants will create their own artwork to take home with them. While the workshops are free, registration is required to plan for material quantities. Two workshops are being taught by artists featured in the Southern Clay: Digging in the Mud exhibition at Brenau; the third, a fall arts fair for kids, features faculty from Brenau’s Department of Art & Design.

• Fired Clay Compositions, 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3: Participants work with already fired clay to create framed compositions, using acrylic paint to decorate the panel. The final result will be a ceramic collage in a recessed panel. This workshop is best for teens and adults and will be held at the Simmons Visual Arts Center. Advanced registration for Fired Clay Compositions is required and is limited to 10 participants.
• Cups, Pots and Bowls, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 27: Every participant will leave having made one cup, pot, or bowl! You’ll leave your piece at the workshop to be fired and glazed with the glaze of your choice and picked up approximately two weeks later. This workshop is open to all ages. Advanced registration for Cups, Pots and Bowls is required and is limited to 20 participants.
• Fall Arts & Crafts Fair for Kids, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25: Brenau invites you to a fall festival featuring printmaking, cyanotypes, and more! Throughout the day, registrants will take part in each of the workshops to experience various types of art-making techniques. This event is best for children ages 5 and up (younger than 14 require a parent or guardian to accompany them), and parents are welcome to join their kids in the fun. Advanced registration for the Fall Arts Fair is required and is limited to 25 participants.

The workshops are funded through a grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts, which covers expenses including materials and instructor fees.

“Receiving this grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts has made it possible for us to offer these workshops at no cost,” Cucurullo said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to provide high-quality art instruction and materials to the community, and we’re incredibly grateful for the Council’s support in helping us make this happen.”

A total of 177 grants across 49 counties were awarded during GCA’s initial disbursements for fiscal year 2026. 

“The arts are at the heart of Georgia’s communities, and our vibrant arts organizations are enhancing downtowns, creating jobs, and connecting people. These grants will help strengthen communities across the state, encouraging tourism, business opportunity, and local pride,” Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said in a release announcing the awards. “These awards will also provide educational opportunities for students, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that are essential for the future workforce in any industry.”