Collage, Community, Connection
For this, we need art, and community . . .
Hello Dear friends and curious readers,
Yesterday, a reported 5 million+ people hit the streets in the U.S. for the Hands Off mass mobilization day of protest, and even more joined in globally to send a clear message against the destruction of our government and economy for the sole benefit of the billionaire good ol’ boys’ club.
It was a beautiful thing to witness, albeit through the images on my screen, as I couldn’t be there in person, but I remember that feeling from the 2017 Women’s March in Chicago—of taking action surrounded by people from all backgrounds standing up for democracy and using their voices to speak truth to power.
“Community spirit”, “peace, joy, compassion and truth”, “we needed this” were just some of the words I read accompanying the photos posted yesterday.
Artists have always been on the forefront of this kind of activism.
Artists, as I’ve oft said in the past, tend to be sensitive and empathetic beings. We are sensitive to hypocrisy, sensitive to conflict, sensitive to injustice, and sensitive to speaking and understanding deep truths. We have a heightened awareness to what is toxic—in food, in the environment, in the legal system, the infrastructure of society, in our spouses, partners, friends, and the world around us. We have important things to say!
We also make the best protest signs. We’re artists, just sayin’.
I wholeheartedly believe that art is a healing modality. Art is a people connector. art provides us with community and a sense of belonging. Art gives us a voice to say what we cannot find the words to say.
And art gives us a sweet landing spot to rest and regulate our nervous systems in the midst of ongoing crisis and trauma that is our current reality. This is the focus I’ll be shifting to with my upcoming series of collage workshops—not the crisis part, but the sweet landing spot, the rest and restoration, the community connections, and possibly even some sort of collaboration if there’s enough interest for it.
Collage, Community, Connection is more than a series of art workshops—it’s a space to slow down, create, and reconnect. In a world that feels increasingly fast-paced and divided, this series offers a restorative practice, a way to engage with art as a form of care for ourselves and each other. Through hands-on collage practices, we’ll explore creativity as a tool for self-expression, resilience, and connection—to our art, our own voice, and to each other!
Whether you're new to collage or a seasoned artist, these workshops provide a place to exhale, make art, and build community.
Each 2.5-hour workshop in this series will focus on a unique aspect of collage—whether it's unlocking your intuition, mining for materials, pattern play & imagery, graphic appeal, or working in a series. You’ll learn practical techniques while also discovering ways to push past creative blocks, trust your artistic instincts, and deepen your connection to your work and your own voice.
For beginners, this is an inviting, no-pressure space to experiment and play with materials, develop collage skills, and be supported by an encouraging community.
For experienced artists, these workshops will offer fresh perspectives, new challenges, and an opportunity to engage in dialogue with fellow creatives in a meaningful way.
Most importantly, this series is about more than making art—it’s about making space. A space to rest, to restore our nervous systems through creativity, and to find connection in times that can feel isolating and overwhelming. Each workshop is taught live in an interactive online setting where you can share your work, ask questions, and experience the support of a compassionate creative community.
As part of community care in action, these workshops are offered on a sliding scale to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation. Choose the payment option that works for you, knowing that your contribution supports both your own creative growth and the accessibility of this space for others.
No fancy supplies? No problem. The material list is simple, the time commitment is manageable, and the focus is on the joy of creating. If you’re craving a space to slow down, make art, and connect with like-minded creatives, this series is for you.
(General supply list can be found below)
Each workshop in the Collage, Community, Connection series will focus on a different aspect of collage, while offering ample opportunity to create art you’ll feel wildly excited about through guided exercises and demos.
What you’ll learn:
✔️Sourcing collage materials and deconstructing elements.
✔️Adhesive options and choosing what works for you.
✔️Substrate options and finishing techniques.
✔️Finding inspiration in the world around you.
✔️Developing an eye for interesting composition and design in your work.
✔️Finding meaning in abstract compositions.
✔️Addressing work that feels underwhelming or unfinished
Ready to join the community? Read on for upcoming workshops and dates!
Not So Neutral
Discover the power of neutral tones to enhance your collage, creating depth and contrast that make key elements POP. Whether neutrals take center stage or serve as a subtle backdrop, their interplay with color brings richness and balance to your composition.
Supplies: See below for general supply list + Bring materials such as books, magazines, collected papers, and ephemera —new or old, to source collage materials.
When: Wednesday April 23rd, 2025
Time: 4:00pm CDT — 6:30pm CDT
Place: Live on Zoom*
Three Payment tiers. Choose what works for you, no questions asked:
Regular registration $45— For those who are doing alright and can manage a night out or a fun treat now and then:
Care Rate $25 — For those who wouldn’t be able to participate otherwise, because you matter and we care:
Regular + Community Care $75 — For those who are doing well and want to lend a helping hand to help cover the care scholarships:
Pattern Play
Learn to mine your collected ephemera and old magazines with a fresh eye, for unexpected color, pattern, and design elements that add compelling interest to your collage compositions.
Supplies: See below for basic supply list + Bring materials that include images such as sales & promotional materials, magazines, collected papers, and wallpaper or other printed materials —new or old, to source collage materials.
When: Wednesday May 7, 2025
Time: 4:00pm CDT — 6:30pm CDT
Place: Live on Zoom*
Three Payment tiers. Choose what works for you, no questions asked:
Regular registration $45 — For those who are doing alright and can manage a night out or a fun treat now and then:
Care Rate $25 — For those who wouldn’t be able to participate otherwise, because you matter and we care:
Regular + Community Care $75 — For those who are doing well and want to lend a helping hand to help cover the care scholarships:
*All workshops in the series are presented live on Zoom. Recordings will be available to stream through June 2026 and can be downloaded if you wish to keep them long term.
Details to login to individual workshops will be emailed to participants upon registration.
General Supply List
Something to glue- that is the fun stuff. The fodder. The collected papers and ephemera we all like to gather. You can even use all of that junk mail that clogs the mailbox this time of year. See individual course descriptions for more guidance on what we’ll use as fodder.
Something to glue on- I typically use 140# watercolor paper for my substrate. You'll need a few pieces cut to 4" squares and the rest is up to you. You can precut substrates in similar standard sizes to what I plan to use- 8" squares, 5"x7", and 9"x12" rectangles. Or whatever size and shape you feel comfortable with.
Something to glue with- Adhesive of your choice and an applicator.
Other basics-It also helps to have an old magazine or junk mail catalog, a pair of scissors, a ruler, rinse water, a damp rag or baby wipes, waxed paper, a brayer, and a pile of heavy books.
Facebook Group Access for Workshop participants:
All workshop participants are invited to join my group on Facebook, Crystal Marie: Canary Rising, to share images of their work, discuss the content of each workshop, ask questions, and connect with other like-minded artists. Canary Rising is a private group and can be accessed by submitting a request to join at this link. Be sure to review the group description, rules & guidelines and answer the questions when requesting to join.
That’s it for today. So much love and gratitude to you all!
Crystal Marie
Collage for good - bits of paper speaking ou!