Darien Arts Center - Encaustics Collage Workshop with Carolyn Childs

Come discover and create using the encaustic art medium in this engaging workshop led by Carolyn Childs. Step into a warm, supportive space and explore the magic of painting with wax—perfect for curious beginners and experienced artists alike. Encaustic is an ancient painting technique where pure beeswax is blended with resin and pigment, then applied in layers. Each layer is fused with heat, creating rich texture, depth, and a luminous finish. In this hands-on experience, you’ll learn to work confidently with heated tools and pigmented wax to create expressive, one-of-a-kind artwork. Participants will explore a variety of techniques using a hot iron, while also incorporating collage elements—layering found or created imagery and materials beneath translucent wax to create beautifully textured mixed-media pieces. You’ll have the opportunity to work on multiple small surfaces, and one of your finished pieces can be displayed in a Lucite frame (included in the class fee). This workshop is designed to be both creative and restorative. Come with curiosity, relax into the process, and enjoy a unique artistic escape. All materials will be provided! Please feel free to bring any refreshments you would like for the evening, including wine & snacks!