THE ART OF REPAIR

REPURPOSING AND TRANSFORMING BELOVED GARMENTS

Adult 18+
(Teens are invited to register)


Date + Time:
August 1 // 10 am–2 pm

Instructor:
Mae Blackwell (read bio)

Tuition:
$125 materials included (lab fee included)

$100 Bring your own materials 


Visible mending is a centuries long skill and artform that embraces damage to garments by beautifying and strengthening them. There are different applications to this practice depending on the fabric, the misrepair that needs attention, and the desired effect by the artist. Some traditional mending practices that will be explored in our class include Sashiko and Boro, darning, and decorative patching. 

The spirit of mending is to personalize and preserve the longevity of the clothes we wear. Sustainability is central to this practice. In a world where the overconsumption of fast fashion has become commonplace, there is great value in knowing how to repair and give new life to our clothing. A brief discussion of the history of mending and darning will be covered in the beginning of class to contextualize its purpose and importance. The themes of preservation, experimentation, and beautification guide this workshop as we learn together how to embrace imperfections and honor them with personalized embellishments.

enroll online

Sculptural Clay Whistles

July 30, 2026
2 Day Handbuilding Workshop
August 8 + 9
10 am-12:30 pm
Registration Open

Let’s Paint!

July 30, 2026
2 Day Workshop
August 4 + 6
Ages 9–14

Surface Design & Direct Techniques

July 27, 2026
Textile and Fiber Arts at the Heifer Barn
August 4–27
Tuesday + Thursday 4–6:30 pm

NISDA Community Knit-Along... or Crochet

July 27, 2026
Free and Open to the Community!
August 4, 6, 11 + 13
Tuesday + Thursday 1–3 pm

Nature Tapestries

July 27, 2026
2 Day Workshop at the Heifer Barn!
August 10 + 14
Registration Open

Blockprinted Bandanas

July 27, 2026
1 Day Workshop at the Heifer Barn!
Friday August 7 | 1–3:30 pm
RegistratIon Open

Potter’s Wheel | All Levels

July 27, 2026
POTTER'S WHEEL All Skill Levels Adult 18+ (Teens are invited to register) Dates + Times: August 4, 6,11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 Tuesday and Thursday | 6–8:30 pm Instructor: Helen Mills (read bio) Tuition: $650 (+ Clay #25/$65 includes glazes and firing) No prior experience needed. All are welcome. We are able to adapt techniques to fit ever body of any age or skill level. Learn or expand your knowledge on the clay process as we explore techniques of wedging, throwing, trimming, and glazing. This will be a flexible class with a combination of group demonstration and personalized instruction. As these basic forms and techniques become second nature, you will be able to make more complex forms with confidence and curiosity. The final week will be dedicated to surface treatments and a variety of glazing strategies. Students purchase clay from NISDA. #25 bag for $65 which includes the cost of glaze and firing. Students with a basic knowledge of centering, trimming, etc. will expand their repertoire of forms. Demonstrations will include throwing of vase shapes, plates, lidded forms.. There will be an additional emphasis on developing a personal aesthetic and exploring surface design.

Off-Loom Placemats

July 26, 2026
1 Day Workshop at the Heifer Barn
August 5 | 1–3:30 pm
Registration Open

Kinder Artists  //  Ages 5-9

July 15, 2026
Weekly enrollment:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
June 22–August 28
Ages 5–9
Show More