As part of the Art with Artist series of classes and workshops offered through the City of Auburn Arts Commission, artist Tia Matthies will be working with participants to learn and experience the medium of encaustic.

The workshop is set for Saturday, June 27, from 1-4 p.m., at the Veterans Memorial Building, 405 E St. NE.

The artistic encaustic process begins with melting beeswax wax, a hardening agent, and pigment together on a hotplate. The wax mixture is then brushed onto the panel or canvas which dries quickly and the surface manipulated using incising tools and a heat gun to re-melt and shape the wax. Layers upon layers can be added to achieve the desired result, some paintings have upwards of 10 layers of wax.

Artist and instructor Matthies’ artworks are folksy representations of a whimsical worldview. She uses this traditional medium to create very modern and sketch-like imagery rather than color abstraction. Matthies recently displayed her work in the Auburn City Hall Gallery. Tia will work with participants to create their own encaustic artwork as well as provide examples of her own work and share her personal artistic inspiration and methods.

No previous experience is needed, just bring your creativity. This class is limited to ages 16 and older due to the hot materials used.

Fees are: $35 for Auburn residents, $44 for non-residents, $25 supply fee payable the first day of class. Register for classes online, or contact Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation – 910 9th St SE, Auburn, 253-931-3043. Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Art with Artists is presented by the Auburn Arts Commission and Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation. To be added to the mailing list or for information on other cultural arts programs, go to www.auburnwa.gov/arts or call 253-931-3043.