Click here to go to the registration page!

Bringing your own materials? Use promo code BYOMATERIALS at checkout for the $95 registration price.

Want to barter? There is a barter option for this workshop. The barter option allows you to exchange something with the instructor in place of the $95 tuition. Bring something which feels to you like a fair exchange for a day of the instructor's time and expertise - use the code BARTER at checkout to waive the tuition.

October 17, 9am–4pm

Class Description:

Learn all the basic stitches you need and discover freeform embroidery with threads and wool yarns. In the morning, we'll try out different techniques and materials as we make a small sampler of stitches. In the afternoon, you'll begin creating your own design, inspired by traditional styles, Flagstaff's landscape, or your own ideas. You’ll transfer your design to fabric and start stitching in class. Come ready to experiment, have fun, and begin to develop your own personal embroidery style. You'll leave with plenty of ideas to help you add unique stitching to more projects.

This class runs from 9am to 4pm, with a break for lunch. Bring a lunch, or plan to grab something downtown.

Students age 14+ are welcome to sign up for this class, and students age 12+ may attend with an adult who is also taking the class.

All students, please bring small, sharp scissors.

Optional to bring:

• Glasses or magnification if needed for detailed work
• Any threads or yarns you would like to try stitching with
• Any textiles you would like to add embroidery to
• Anything that inspires a design you want to stitch, such as photos or other images, a quote, etc.

There are two options for each part of the class: tuition and materials. You can choose to pay for the instructor's time and expertise or barter with the instructor, and you can either pay for materials or provide your own.

Tuition: $95
The tuition option covers the instructor's time and expertise. The barter option allows you to exchange something with the instructor in place of the $95 tuition. Bring something which feels to you like a fair exchange for a day of the instructor's time and expertise - use the code BARTER at checkout to waive the tuition.

Materials: $25
The materials option covers all materials needed for class. If you choose to provide your own materials, please bring the following:

• A few colors of cotton embroidery floss
• A few colors of wool yarn (scraps of fairly thin yarn from knitting or other fiber projects are perfect for this)
• 2–3 approximately 10" square pieces of plain fabric to stitch on (something like muslin works well)
• A 5", 6", or 7" embroidery hoop, if desired

Bringing your own materials? Use promo code BYOMATERIALS at checkout for the $95 registration price.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the workshop will receive a full refund. Due to advance material preparation and limited class sizes, cancellations within 48 hours of the workshop are non-refundable unless your spot can be filled from the waitlist.

Click here to go to the registration page!

October 5 - 5:30–8:30 PM - 18+

Join us for an evening of figure drawing with a nude model. Bring your own drawing materials and work in whatever medium you prefer.

This is an uninstructed drawing session. Artist Holly Highfield will be onsite if you’re new to figure drawing, have questions, or would like some guidance.

Please help us maintain a professional and respectful environment for the model and other artists. No photography or recording of the model is permitted.

Bring your own supplies. $20/participant

Interested in future modeling opportunities? Email Holly at Highfieldfineart@gmail.com 

I want to register with all materials provided.

I want to register and I will supply my own materials (list below).

Curious about oil painting but not sure where to begin? This welcoming, beginner-friendly class takes the mystery out of oil painting.

We’ll cover all the basics: How do I set up my palette? What surfaces can I paint on? How much paint should I use? How do I clean my brushes? What are mediums and do I need them? We’ll also talk about how to create a simple, low-toxicity oil painting practice without relying on traditional solvents.

We’ll cover the fundamentals of handling oil paint, mixing color, using brushes, and building a painting. There will be plenty of time for questions, demonstrations, and hands-on painting. No previous painting experience is necessary.

Course Schedule:

October 1: Materials, Setup, & Color Mixing

October 8: Intro to Basic Shapes & Drawing with Paint

October 15: Painting a Still Life

October 22: Choosing a Reference Photo & Planning a Painting

October 29: Start to Finish: Making a Painting

Please e-mail Melissa at melissa@beebalmstudio.com if you wish to sign up for an individual class.

SUPPLY LIST -Students choosing the “Bring Your Own Supplies” option should bring:

Oil Paint

“Gambin” or “Winsor & Newton” preferred (Gamblin 1980 is also great) but there are a number of other good brands available, bring what you have, with the exception of “Winton” brand, please do not bring Winton Oil Paint.

• Titanium White

• Hansa Yellow (or Cadmium Yellow Medium or Light)

• Scarlett Lake (or Cadmium Red Light)

• Ultramarine Blue (or French Ultramarine)

• Yellow Ochre

• Alizarin Crimson

• Burnt Umber

Brushes

• 4–6 long-handled brushes suitable for oil painting in a small assortment of sizes

• A mixture of filberts, flats and/or rounds is ideal. For example: #2–4, #6, #8 and one larger brush.

Painting & Cleanup Supplies

• Approximately 4 oz walnut oil

• Small glass jar with a secure lid or lidded brush-cleaning tank

• Viva Brand Paper towels (or blue “shop” paper towels)

• Disposable palette paper (or a Masterson “Sta-wet” Seal palette with glass)

• 8×10 or 9×12 canvas panel, one for each class session

Optional

• Apron

• Disposable Gloves

• Palette knife

• Retractable glass scraper if using a glass palette

• Portable plein air easel

• The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver

• One tube of acrylic paint in any color for toning the canvas (no black)

Please do not bring mineral spirits, turpentine, or other solvents. Please email Highfieldfineart@gmail.com if you have any questions. 

Click here to go to the registration page!

Curious about oil painting but not sure where to begin? This welcoming, beginner-friendly class takes the mystery out of getting started with oil paint.

We’ll cover the basics of setting up your palette, choosing surfaces, understanding how much paint to use, cleaning your brushes, and deciding whether you need mediums. We’ll also talk about creating a simple, low-toxicity oil painting practice without relying on traditional solvents.

The class will focus on the fundamentals of handling oil paint and mixing color, with demonstrations and plenty of time for questions and hands-on practice. You’ll leave with a better understanding of your materials and the confidence to continue working with oil paint.

No previous painting experience is necessary.

October 1 | 5:30–8:30 PM

$75 - Bring Your Own Supplies
(Supply list below) Bringing your own supplies? Use promo code BYOSUPPLIES at checkout for the $75 registration price.

$90 - All Supplies Provided

SUPPLY LIST -Students choosing the “Bring Your Own Supplies” option should bring:

Oil Paint

“Gambin” or “Winsor & Newton” preferred (Gamblin 1980 is also great) but there are a number of other good brands available, bring what you have, with the exception of “Winton” brand, please do not bring Winton Oil Paint.

• Titanium White

• Hansa Yellow (or Cadmium Yellow Medium or Light)

• Scarlett Lake (or Cadmium Red Light)

• Ultramarine Blue (or French Ultramarine)

• Yellow Ochre

• Alizarin Crimson

• Burnt Umber

Brushes

• 4–6 long-handled brushes suitable for oil painting in a small assortment of sizes

• A mixture of filberts, flats and/or rounds is ideal. For example: #2–4, #6, #8 and one larger brush.

Painting & Cleanup Supplies

• Approximately 4 oz walnut oil

• Small glass jar with a secure lid or lidded brush-cleaning tank

• Viva Brand Paper towels (or blue “shop” paper towels)

• Disposable palette paper (or a Masterson “Sta-wet” Seal palette with glass)

• 8×10 or 9×12 canvas panel, one for each class session

Optional

• Apron

• Disposable Gloves

• Palette knife

• Retractable glass scraper if using a glass palette

• Portable plein air easel

• The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver

• One tube of acrylic paint in any color for toning the canvas (no black)

Please do not bring mineral spirits, turpentine, or other solvents. Please email Highfieldfineart@gmail.com if you have any questions. 

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the workshop will receive a full refund. Due to advance material preparation and limited class sizes, cancellations within 48 hours of the workshop are non-refundable unless your spot can be filled from the waitlist.

Intro to Watercolor, taught by Elaine Dillingham, presents the important foundation techniques of watercolor in a fun & focused 4-hour* workshop for beginners. You will learn by doing. All materials provided. Come paint and learn at Bee Balm Studio! For adults & sincerely interested teenagers. $85.00

Elaine Dillingham is a Flagstaff artist who paints with both watercolor and acrylic. A member of the Coconino Community College Art Department for 20 years, she taught Watercolor, Oil/Acrylic, Drawing I & II, and Life Drawing. In 2015 she was voted Part-Time Faculty of the Year. Elaine's original paintings, which she describes as "gliding on the edge of abstraction," are exhibited at Arizona Handmade Gallery downtown. Her popular note cards are also and at Zani and the Arboretum at Flagstaff.

"I'm thrilled to be working with Melissa Eckstrom at Bee Balm Studio. This workshop, Intro to Watercolor, is the first in a series of painting workshops we're offering to nurture artistic growth and joy in our community." - Elaine

*We offer at no charge an optional extra hour of quiet painting time for those who would like to stay until 5PM with Elaine.

Register here: https://www.beebalmstudio.com/workshops/p/watercolorsept2526

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the workshop will receive a full refund. Due to advance material preparation and limited class sizes, cancellations within 48 hours of the workshop are non-refundable unless your spot can be filled from the waitlist.

Turquoise and gold, violet and copper. Let's paint Arizona's vibrant, ever-changing landscapes and skies. Learn watercolor techniques to create dramatic monsoon clouds, glowing sunsets, and a radiant sunflower. . You will learn by doing. All materials provided. Come paint and learn at Bee Balm Studio! For adults & sincerely interested teenagers. $85

Elaine Dillingham is a Flagstaff artist who paints with both watercolor and acrylic. A member of the Coconino Community College Art Department for 20 years, she taught Watercolor, Oil/Acrylic, Drawing I & II, and Life Drawing. In 2015 she was voted Part-Time Faculty of the Year. Elaine's original paintings, which she describes as "gliding on the edge of abstraction," are exhibited at Arizona Handmade Gallery downtown. Her popular note cards are also and at Zani and the Arboretum at Flagstaff.

*We offer at no charge an optional extra hour of quiet painting time for those who would like to stay until 5PM with Elaine.

Register here: https://www.beebalmstudio.com/workshops/p/azcolorscapessept26

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the workshop will receive a full refund. Due to advance material preparation and limited class sizes, cancellations within 48 hours of the workshop are non-refundable unless your spot can be filled from the waitlist.

Watch Tasha Miller Griffith spin yarn and experience the traditional craft of hand spinning. Curious how it’s done? Give it a try yourself and learn about upcoming opportunities to learn with Tasha.

See a live mosaic demonstration with Bee Balm Studio owner Melissa Eckstrom. Discover how mosaics are created and explore the variety of art classes and workshops offered at Bee Balm Studio.

Free to attend. Stop in and say hello!

Entrance details:
Inside the Ice House building with a separate entrance on Birch Avenue. From W.C. Riles, it is the third door down past the main entrance, across from the NFP building.

Intro to Watercolor Plus, taught by Elaine Dillingham, presents the important foundation techniques of watercolor in a fun & focused 4-hour* workshop for beginners. You will learn by doing. All materials provided. Come paint and learn at Bee Balm Studio! For adults & sincerely interested teenagers. $85.00

Elaine Dillingham is a Flagstaff artist who paints with both watercolor and acrylic. A member of the Coconino Community College Art Department for 20 years, she taught Watercolor, Oil/Acrylic, Drawing I & II, and Life Drawing. In 2015 she was voted Part-Time Faculty of the Year. Elaine's original paintings, which she describes as "gliding on the edge of abstraction," are exhibited at Arizona Handmade Gallery downtown. Her popular note cards are also and at Zani and the Arboretum at Flagstaff.

"I'm thrilled to be working with Melissa Eckstrom at Bee Balm Studio. This workshop, intro to Watercolor Plus, is the first in a series of painting workshops we're offering to nurture artistic growth and joy in our community." - Elaine

*We offer at no charge an optional extra hour of quiet painting time for those who would like to stay until 5PM with Elaine.

Register here: https://www.beebalmstudio.com/workshops/p/watercolorplusjuly

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the workshop will receive a full refund. Due to advance material preparation and limited class sizes, cancellations within 48 hours of the workshop are non-refundable unless your spot can be filled from the waitlist.

Turquoise and gold, violet and copper. Let's paint Arizona's vibrant, ever-changing landscapes and skies. Learn watercolor techniques to create dramatic monsoon clouds, glowing sunsets, and a majestic ponderosa pine. You will learn by doing. All materials provided. Come paint and learn at Bee Balm Studio! For adults & sincerely interested teenagers. $85

Elaine Dillingham is a Flagstaff artist who paints with both watercolor and acrylic. A member of the Coconino Community College Art Department for 20 years, she taught Watercolor, Oil/Acrylic, Drawing I & II, and Life Drawing. In 2015 she was voted Part-Time Faculty of the Year. Elaine's original paintings, which she describes as "gliding on the edge of abstraction," are exhibited at Arizona Handmade Gallery downtown. Her popular note cards are also and at Zani and the Arboretum at Flagstaff.

*We offer at no charge an optional extra hour of quiet painting time for those who would like to stay until 5PM with Elaine.

Register here: https://www.beebalmstudio.com/workshops/p/azcolorscape

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the workshop will receive a full refund. Due to advance material preparation and limited class sizes, cancellations within 48 hours of the workshop are non-refundable unless your spot can be filled from the waitlist.

Register here: https://www.beebalmstudio.com/workshops/p/julyoffloom

Join Jessica Holton of Wellbeing Weavings LLC for a relaxing and creative introduction to off-loom weaving. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore a brief history of weaving, learn about the mental health benefits of creating, and gain an understanding of essential weaving tools and techniques. Throughout the class, you'll begin a project and build skills you can continue to explore at home.

No prior weaving experience is necessary. $45 per participant. All materials are provided

Jessica Holton of Wellbeing Weaving LLC is an award-winning and exhibited fiber artist. She expanded her fiber arts journey beyond sewing in September 2022 after taking a drop spindle fiber spinning class. Feeling inspired, she began weaving on a tapestry loom in October 2022, taught herself how to knit in December 2022, and attended her first off-loom weaving workshop in February 2023. She appreciates the sustainability of visible mending and has explored embroidery. Jessica finds that the portability and structured creativity of off-loom weaving lend to consistent creating. She began teaching off-loom weaving classes in May 2025, established Wellbeing Weaving LLC in April 2026, and began selling off-loom weaving pieces in June 2026.

Register here: https://www.beebalmstudio.com/workshops/p/julyoffloom

Join us for July First Friday at Bee Balm Studio featuring Jessica Holton of Wellbeing Weaving LLC. She will also teach an off-loom workshop on July 11th at Bee Balm Studio.

Friday, July 3rd
5:30 to 8:00 PM
Bee Balm Studio
201 E Birch Ave #16, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Entrance details:
Inside the Ice House building with a separate entrance on Birch Avenue. From W.C. Riles, it is the third door down past the main entrance, across from the NFP building.

Free and open to the public.

Jessica Holton of Wellbeing Weaving LLC is an award-winning and exhibited fiber artist. She expanded her fiber arts journey beyond sewing in September 2022 after taking a drop spindle fiber spinning class. Feeling inspired, she began weaving on a tapestry loom in October 2022, taught herself how to knit in December 2022, and attended her first off-loom weaving workshop in February 2023. She appreciates the sustainability of visible mending and has explored embroidery. Jessica finds that the portability and structured creativity of off-loom weaving lend to consistent creating. She began teaching off-loom weaving classes in May 2025, established Wellbeing Weaving LLC in April 2026, and began selling off-loom weaving pieces in June 2026.

Learn by doing! We’ll use these watercolor skills - Even Wash on Dry Paper, Wet-in-wet, & Wax Resist – to paint (you choose) oranges, plums, strawberries, bananas, and maybe some cantaloupe. Oh the colors! I’ll show you how to start realistically then glide into abstraction if you want. For adults and sincerely interested teenagers. Previous painting experience helpful.

* You may stay until 5 for optional quiet painting time with Elaine at no extra charge.

Elaine Dillingham is a Flagstaff artist who paints with both watercolor and acrylic. A member of the Coconino Community College Art Department for 20 years, she taught Watercolor, Oil/Acrylic, Drawing I & II, and Life Drawing. In 2015 she was voted Part-Time Faculty of the Year. Elaine's original paintings, which she describes as "gliding on the edge of abstraction," are exhibited at Arizona Handmade Gallery downtown. Her popular note cards are also and at Zani and the Arboretum at Flagstaff.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the workshop will receive a full refund. Due to advance material preparation and limited class sizes, cancellations within 48 hours of the workshop are non-refundable unless your spot can be filled from the waitlist.

Register here: https://www.beebalmstudio.com/workshops/p/junefreshfruit

Please e-mail melissa@beebalmstudio.com to be added to the waitlist.

Intro to Watercolor Plus, taught by Elaine Dillingham, presents the important foundation techniques of watercolor in a fun & focused 4-hour* workshop for beginners. You will learn by doing. All materials provided. Come paint and learn at Bee Balm Studio! For adults & sincerely interested teenagers.

Elaine Dillingham is a Flagstaff artist who paints with both watercolor and acrylic. A member of the Coconino Community College Art Department for 20 years, she taught Watercolor, Oil/Acrylic, Drawing I & II, and Life Drawing. In 2015 she was voted Part-Time Faculty of the Year. Elaine's original paintings, which she describes as "gliding on the edge of abstraction," are exhibited at Arizona Handmade Gallery downtown. Her popular note cards are also and at Zani and the Arboretum at Flagstaff.

"I'm thrilled to be working with Melissa Eckstrom at Bee Balm Studio. This workshop, intro to Watercolor Plus, is the first in a series of painting workshops we're offering to nurture artistic growth and joy in our community." - Elaine

*We offer at no charge an optional extra hour of quiet painting time for those who would like to stay until 5PM with Elaine.

Register here: https://www.beebalmstudio.com/workshops/p/watercolorplusjune

Estefania Villaquirán, founder of Natural Integrators, is an Ecuadorian experimental artist, workshop facilitator & integrative women’s health support consultant based in Flagstaff, AZ.

She integrates her studies in psychology with art, nature & women’s health and is reflected in her art work, community care workshops and consultations.

Her practice seeks to become an intentional collaboration with nature - from tending a garden to guiding group meditations in/with nature.

Estefania creates with the pressed flower technique, handmade paper, botanical dyes, a typewriter, while continuously experimenting with natural and mixed-media processes.

Alongside her artistic practice, she works as a photographer, videographer and children’s educator.

Consider experiencing this pop up studio event where Estefania is going to showcase at the Bee Balm Studio her new artworks, digital visuals, art for purchase, free creative activities and bring all her studio elements to make art live!

To know more about her work visit natural-integrators.com

Intro to Watercolor Plus, taught by Elaine Dillingham, presents the important foundation techniques of watercolor in a fun & focused 4-hour* workshop for beginners. You will learn by doing. All materials provided. Come paint and learn at Bee Balm Studio! For adults & sincerely interested teenagers.

Elaine Dillingham is a Flagstaff artist who paints with both watercolor and acrylic. A member of the Coconino Community College Art Department for 20 years, she taught Watercolor, Oil/Acrylic, Drawing I & II, and Life Drawing. In 2015 she was voted Part-Time Faculty of the Year. Elaine's original paintings, which she describes as "gliding on the edge of abstraction," are exhibited at Arizona Handmade Gallery downtown. Her popular note cards are also and at Zani and the Arboretum at Flagstaff.

"I'm thrilled to be working with Melissa Eckstrom at Bee Balm Studio. This workshop, intro to Watercolor Plus, is the first in a series of painting workshops we're offering to nurture artistic growth and joy in our community." - Elaine

*We offer at no charge an optional extra hour of quiet painting time for those who would like to stay until 5PM with Elaine.

Register here: https://www.beebalmstudio.com/workshops/p/watercolorplus

A community gathering where we play with song and sound. I draw from a curated library of 50+ community songs that I’ve learned from other song leaders and artists, including some of my originals. Based on the experience of the group (all levels welcome!) we may sing simple chants, layered harmonies, multi-part rounds, and explore vocal improvisation. Everyone is encouraged to participate at their own level, and we always start with playful warm-ups and vocal exercises to help open voices and lean into the space. My teaching style is lighthearted and encouraging. I show participants it’s okay to mess up, improvise, and playfully explore their voices without pressure.

Where

Bee Balm Studio, 201 E Birch Ave #16, Flagstaff, Arizona. NOTE: Entrance is on the *outside* of the Historic Ice House, located on Birch Avenue. If you are coming from WC Riles, it is the door just past the main entrance - the third door down. It is directly across the street from the NFP building.

How much?

Community supported- community supporting. Pay less if you need support, pay more if you’re able to support others. $10-30. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. No RSVP required.

About your facilitator

I’m Ashley Rae, a multi-genre musician, performing artist, and community song leader. My work weaves voice, rhythm, and play, drawing from both personal artistry and shared musical traditions. I offer supportive, comedic, and trauma-informed spaces where people can explore their sound and experience the joy of making music together.

Learn more about my offerings and background lat Ashleyraeplays.com

Nat Bransky is an artist based out of Flagstaff, Arizona who uses an impressionist style to honor landscapes that defy capture.

Join us for our First Friday event at Bee Balm Studio to experience his work in person, meet Nat, and pick up a copy of his book ”Flagstaff Bouldering.”