Saturday, October 19th, 10:00am - 4:00pm

with Dave Palomares

This full-day workshop guides participants in creating personalized memorial art installations that honor deceased loved ones. Drawing inspiration from global traditions of remembrance, participants will explore mixed-media approaches to build meaningful works of art. No prior artistic experience is required.

Participants will:

• Explore artistic traditions of remembrance across cultures.

• Experiment with a variety of mixed-media techniques.

• Create a personal memorial art installation using diverse materials.

• Develop skills in composition, color, and symbolism.

• Build confidence in storytelling through objects and images.

Registration and Fees

Become a member of the Oak Park Art League and save on class registration.

• Members: $120.00; after 10/15/2025: $130.00

• Non-Members: $130.00; after 10/15/2025: $140.00

Advanced Registration Required.

Registration and Code of Conduct Policy

Note for Participants: Some supplies will be provided during the workshop (mainly embellishment materials such as paints, papers, and similar items). You are encouraged to bring a base structure and any materials or mediums that feel meaningful to your memorial piece. Personal items may also be added later at home if you prefer.

Base Structure Options

• Sturdy basket with flat bottom or edge (recommended as the main base, useful for carrying materials and the completed work); avoid baskets with protruding or “Easter basket” style handles as they will make the piece unstable.

• Shadow boxes or deep picture frames

• Wooden cigar or decorative boxes

• Canvas boards (for wall-mounted pieces)

• Tree slices or reclaimed wood

• Vintage trays or serving dishes

(We recommend selecting one larger structure, such as a basket, and pairing it with one

secondary structure, like a frame, board, or box, to create layers in your memorial artwork.)

Essential Art Supplies

• Acrylic or watercolor paints (primary and metallic colors)

• Paintbrushes (variety of sizes)

• Colored markers

• Colored papers and cardstock

• Fabric scraps and textiles like handkerchiefs or doilies

• Adhesives (craft glue, gel medium, glue sticks)

• Mod Podge or decoupage medium

Mixed-Media Elements

• Small glass jars or vessels

• Mirrors (craft-store variety)

• Beads, buttons, and small hardware

• Twine, ribbon, and cord

• Wire (craft and floral)

• Tissue paper and crepe paper

• Stamp sets and ink pads

• Stencils and templates

• Air-dry clay or polymer clay (optional)

Natural & Found Materials

• Pressed flowers and leaves

• Stones, shells, driftwood

• Seasonal botanicals

• Meaningful small objects

Personal Materials

• Photographs of loved ones

• Mementos or keepsakes of loved ones (small, meaningful objects)

(Both photographs and mementos may be brought to the workshop or incorporated later

at home, depending on your preference.)