Registration Deposit: $170 (includes $25 reg fee)
Balance: $365, due 8/17/25 (includes $35 materials fee)
Total cost of Workshop: $535
Dates: Thursday, October 16th – Saturday, October 18th, 2025 (9am – 4pm)

Discover the magic of paint in this hands-on workshop — an inspirational, exploratory, and practical course designed for both beginners and more advanced students who want to learn decorative painting techniques and find fresh creative ideas.

Learn about a rich array of methods — from texturing, stippling, glazing, combing, distressing, stenciling, and decoupage — that can transform furniture, walls, and other projects into unique works of art.

With step-by-step instructions, you’ll get expert guidance on choosing materials and tools, preparing your surface, and applying a range of techniques to bring your imagination to life. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your skills, this course offers a rich introduction to color, color mixing, surface preparation, and the endless possibilities of paint.

Materials List:
1- a range of chip brushes 1/2 “, 2″, 3”;
2- sponge for texturing;
3- rags;
4- collage papers of preference (I will also supply collage papers);
5- any colorful house paints people already have or acrylic paints

I will supply a lot of the tools and materials as we will be needing a variety of these and I already have tools that can be used so the class doesn’t get too expensive for anyone. Visit a local thrift store, or bring your own object from home that you’d like to embellish (preferably a wood object such as a small side table, tray, box or lamp base) There will be a small selection of objects available as well.

Instructor Bio
Melissa Koch is an architect, visual artist, and arts educator. She lived for many years in Europe, where she studied architecture in London, England, earning a BA in Architecture, an AA Diploma from the Architectural Association, and an RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) qualification. She went on to teach architecture at the Architectural Association, Oxford University, and the American College in London. After years of teaching and practicing architecture, Melissa transitioned to the visual arts, studying fine art and decorative painting in Brussels, Belgium. There, she founded The Spirit of Place, a decorative arts company known for pioneering avant-garde interiors that incorporated murals, faux finishes, and other decorative elements.

Upon returning to the United States, Melissa established her studio at Artwood Studios in Seattle, where she expanded her practice to include public art, decorative arts commissions, and arts education. She founded The Children’s Atelier, offering weekend and after-school art workshops for children, and also taught art to young adults in artist residencies in the public school system and seniors at Northaven Retirement Community.

Melissa now lives and works in Clinton, Washington, where she continues her studio practice, creates public artworks, and shares her passion for the arts through teaching and community engagement.