Carnegie Hall invites community members of all skill levels to explore creativity this spring through a diverse series of hands-on workshops and classes taking place throughout May and June. From floral design and watercolor painting to leatherworking, broom making, and creative writing, these engaging offerings provide opportunities to learn new skills, connect with regional artists and artisans, and celebrate Appalachian creativity and tradition.
On Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, instructor Adrienne Cedarleaf will lead Springtime Planter Boxes and Teacups, a beginner-friendly botanical design workshop for age 12 and older. Limited to just twelve participants, the class guides students in creating two unique spring-inspired arrangements: a tabletop planter box and a teacup succulent bouquet. Participants will work with locally sourced blooms, succulents, branches, dried botanicals, and other natural materials to craft elegant seasonal centerpieces perfect for home décor. All materials are provided, though participants are encouraged to bring garden gloves and hand cutters if available. The cost is $65 per person.
Carnegie Hall will also offer The Art of Watercolor, an immersive four-week watercolor series taught by acclaimed regional artist John Coffey. Classes will meet Saturdays, May 16, 23, June 6, and June 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to adults age 18 and older and limited to eight participants, the course begins with foundational watercolor techniques, drawing basics, paper preparation, and composition before progressing into more advanced painting based on photographic references. Students are encouraged to bring a personal photograph to inspire their work throughout the series. All materials are provided, though intermediate students may bring their own brushes if preferred. Tuition is $225 for members and $255 for nonmembers, with automatic scholarships reducing the student rate to $99.
John Coffey is widely respected for his realistic watercolor landscapes and architectural scenes rooted in the beauty of southern West Virginia. A member of the West Virginia Watercolor Society and a Tamarack juried artisan, Coffey has earned numerous honors throughout his career, including an Award of Merit in Tamarack’s Best of West Virginia exhibition. His artistic journey is also one of extraordinary perseverance: after suffering a major stroke in 2008, Coffey relearned to paint and completed his first post-stroke watercolor within a year.
For those interested in traditional craftsmanship, Carnegie Hall presents Custom Leather Cell Phone Cases, an Appalachian Heritage workshop led by Luke Davis on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to age 12 and older and limited to eight participants, this workshop teaches students how to design and handcraft a durable leather cell phone case designed to slide securely onto a belt. Using beginner-friendly leatherworking techniques and a wide variety of tools supplied by the instructor, participants will create a practical, personalized accessory built for everyday use. The workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced leatherworkers alike. Cost is $75 for members and $85 for nonmembers.
Also on May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., artisan Brenda Harman will teach Traditional Hand-Made Whisk Brooms, an Appalachian Heritage workshop open to age 16 and older. Limited to eight participants, this hands-on class introduces students to the historic craft of broom making using traditional broomcorn and hand-binding techniques. Participants will create a fully functional whisk broom while learning methods of plaiting, shaping, and decorative finishing with colored accent threads. All tools and materials are included. Workshop cost is $55 for members and $65 for nonmembers, with automatic scholarships available that reduce the student rate to $35.
Based in Pocahontas County, Brenda Harman is known throughout the region for her handcrafted Appalachian brooms that combine functionality with artistry. A juried artisan featured at Tamarack and the Appalachian Highland Arts and Craft Center, Harman began making brooms in 1993 using broomcorn grown in her own garden and has continued refining her craft through years of study and practice.
Writers and storytellers are invited to participate in Writer’s Workshop: A Sense of Place, led by debut novelist Jacqueline Renée Ryan on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open to age 14 and older and limited to fifteen participants, the workshop explores how setting, memory, and emotional landscape shape compelling fiction and memoir. Through guided writing prompts, close reading, and discussion, participants will learn techniques for weaving sensory detail and personal history into vivid storytelling. Writers of all experience levels are welcome and will leave the workshop with new writing, practical tools, and renewed creative inspiration. Participants should bring pens, pencils, and a notebook; all other materials are provided. The class fee is $65 per person.
Jacqueline Renée Ryan holds an MFA from Hollins University and is a two-time recipient of the Shirley Henn Award for Excellence in Creative Writing. Her work has appeared in several literary publications, and she is currently working on her next novel.
Space is limited for all workshops, and early registration is encouraged. To register or for more information call (304) 645-7917, visit www.carnegiehallwv.org, or stop by 611 Church Street, Lewisburg. Carnegie Hall encourages early registration for this inspiring Appalachian Heritage workshop, perfect for writers seeking fresh insight, renewed creativity, and a deeper connection to the landscapes that shape their stories.
Carnegie Hall WV is a nonprofit organization supported by individual contributions, grants, and fundraising efforts such as TOOT and The Carnegie Hall Gala.
