The Carle and Cut Loose Collage Workshops to Offer Adult Art Classes
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is collaborating with Cut Loose Collage Workshops of Easthampton to offer accessible and sustainable art classes for adults. The classes, featuring various themes of collage, are in January, April, September, and December at the Museum’s Art Studio in Amherst, MA. The evening classes are for ages 16 and up. Classes are $35.00, with a reduced rate for Museum members. Participants can sign up for one or all four workshops on the Museum’s website. Certificates of completion hours for teachers and early educators are available. A limited number of workshop spots are free for preschool teachers and elementary teachers in Title 1 schools through The Carle Community Fund.
In the January workshop, participants will rediscover the simple joy of artmaking by creating their own vibrant geometric collages. Led by Cut Loose Collage founder, Michael Sjostedt, the classes will draw inspiration from the Museum’s art galleries and share ideas for sourcing and reusing overlooked yet dynamic and accessible materials.
Carle Art Educator Brittany Waseleski said the Museum chose to focus the workshops on collage, not only because it was Eric Carle’s primary technique, but because of its accessibility. People can find most, if not all, of the materials in their home. Old envelopes, magazines, books, and objects can be transformed and combined with other items. Once inspired, people can easily create more art at home.
Waseleski said, “It’s a wonderful opportunity to build a community where we can share stories, experiences and reconnect with our creativity.” Waseleski also hopes these classes will give people moments where they can get lost making art like a kid again. “We want people to remember that art is accessible and that we can find inspiration in everyday objects. We hope folks will carve out time to unwind, build community, play, and reconnect with one another,” she said.
All Collage Classes:
Cost per class: $35.00 (Enroll in all four classes and save)
Museum members: $29.75
Workshop materials and Museum entry included. No experience necessary.
Learn more and register here.
January 23, 2025 (Snow date January 30th)
Basics: Geometry with Cut Loose Collage Workshops
April 3, 2025
Back to Basics: Color with Cut Loose Collage Workshops
September 25, 2025
Back to Basics: Storytelling with Cut Loose Collage Workshops
December 11, 2025
Back to Basics: Joy with Cut Loose Collage Workshops
About the Instructor: Michael Sjostedt
Michael creates art-making experiences that inspire connection, self-expression, and personal growth. His engaging design exercises encourage participants to explore new techniques, challenge unhelpful inner narratives, and embrace creative experiments.
About The Carle:
Founded by Eric and Barbara Carle in 2002, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the international champion of picture book art. Situated on 7.5 acres in Amherst, Massachusetts, The Carle houses a rich and deep collection of art of more than 300 picture book artists, including Eric Carle (author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar), and illuminates its collection through exhibitions, education, programming, and art-making—making it a critical resource for picture book artists and authors, and art-loving communities locally, nationally, and abroad. The Carle’s mission is to elevate picture book art and inspire a love of art and art creation. Since opening its doors more than 20 years ago, The Carle has welcomed more than one million visitors—plus more than four million additional museumgoers who have enjoyed its touring exhibitions around the world.
For media inquiries, additional press information, and photo requests, please contact Sandy Soderberg at sandys@carlemuseum.org.