Stifel Open House with Artists-in-Residence

Join us from noon-2pm on Saturday, April 27 at Stifel Fine Arts Center for a free open house and art demonstrations with the 2024 Stifel artists-in-residence.

Meet three talented Stifel artists-in-residence as they demonstrate their skills in Printmaking, Stained Glass, and Copper Sculptures. Watch artists demonstrating their crafts, ask questions, discuss art and life, explore art-making tools, and learn more about upcoming hands-on workshops with each artist. You can also tour the Crosscurrents 2024 exhibition on display in the galleries.

All are welcome.

EQT and the Elizabeth Stifel Kline Foundation sponsor the Stifel Artist-in-Residence Program.

About the Artists-in-Residence

Frances Metcalf

“I’m a self-taught abstract artist focusing on printmaking and encaustic painting. My goal as an artist is to capture the colors of nature and shapes of common objects that exist in the world I see around me. My creativity is limitless. I use it wherever and however I find it. Each finished piece is an individual and artful expression of what I see, feel, and remember. I am an artist – free to create as I see fit. I strive to make art through the power, gifts, and talents that God has given me. I yearn to be faithful to the inner me, the person who feels more comfortable creating than doing anything else in this world.

I also want to share my original art with others. All humans are connected to the creative spirit within. With gentle guidance and instruction, it is possible for all to make art … even those who have never before believed in their own ability to do so. I create art to express myself. I pray that my art will help others to learn to express themselves, too.”

View Frances’ work on her website.

Diana Laura

“My body of work focuses on process-oriented techniques and how new designs challenge my skills and limitations. Though my work used to have a symbolic meaning, I now strive for a more visual appeal using those same subjects. To execute my designs, I employ subtractive methods, utilizing manual techniques to remove copper, wood, and stone. For instance, I carve wood and stone with a chisel and hammer. I aim to maintain a traditional approach by minimizing my use of power tools. Despite technology changing the art-making process, my copper work stands out due to its intricate and detailed designs that are executed using an 8-inch jewelry saw. This technique often surprises those who have the opportunity to view my work in person.

As I continue to grow and learn, I aspire for my pieces to evolve into striking sculptures that showcase my creativity, craftsmanship, and process-oriented techniques. Ultimately, I hope that my compositions will speak to people in a way that words cannot.”

View Diana’s work on her website.

Kellie Ahmad

“I have flirted with many artistic mediums, but only fallen deeply in love with one – stained glass. The rules of glass made sense to me early on, and once I grasped them, I then decided to break them. My art is youthful and playful, its subject matter and style is sometimes surprising in its unseriousness, all while still utilizing the materials and methods of traditional stained-glass art.

Traditionally, stained glass is reserved for religious subjects, and the homes of wealthy patrons. I incorporate flowers and snakeskin and gold leaf. I enjoy packing dense colors and textures into my artwork to explore movement and fluctuation. I see everyday objects as worthy of exploration in glass. I heavily utilize painted and fired glass to explore depth and personalization in my artwork. The beauty of glass as a material and the purity of the light it transmits, is a counterpoint to the subjects I explore. Our everyday world and its objects become more beautiful as they are rendered in glass.”

Follow Kellie on Facebook to view her work.

Workshops with Stifel Artists-in-Residence

Frances Metcalf Workshops

Monoprinting with Gel Plates presented by Frances Metcalf
Tuesday, May 14, 1:30-3:30pm; $25/$20 OI members 
Learn how to make monotype prints using gel plates. Monotypes are a type of printmaking that produce one image on paper. No printing press is required—once you take this class, you can print at home. Learn about inking techniques, using stencils, and ways you can use the prints you make including collage, backgrounds for other art pieces, and art journals.

Bring your own stencils and items for making textures or use the ones provided in class. Flowers and leaves are great for gel plate printing.  Bring an apron to protect your clothing. Note:  Gel plates will be available for use in class. Register online or call 304-242-7700.

Introduction to Stencil Monoprinting presented by Frances Metcalf
Saturday, May 18,10:30am-3:30pm; $35/$30 OI members 
Learn how to make monotype prints using a printing press and stencils. Monotypes are a type of printmaking that produce one image on paper. Discover the basics of press use, as well as inking techniques and work with paper, ink, found objects, pattern, and texture to create diverse print compositions. Bring your own stencils or make some new ones in class. Inks and paper will be provided. Bring an apron to protect your clothing. Register online or call 304-242-7700.

Workshops with Diana Laura

Copper Hand-Cut Jewelry presented by Diana Laura
Friday, May 3, 6:00-8:30pm; $25/$20 OI members 
In this workshop, we will be hand-cutting copper designs to use for jewelry. Learn simple techniques on how to finish earrings and necklaces without needing to solder. Register online or call 304-242-7700.

Copper Hand-Cutting Keychain Workshop presented by Diana Laura
Wednesdays May 8 and 15, 6-8:30pm;$25/$20 OI members (Includes material fee.)
In this workshop, we will be hand-cutting a simple keychain accessory out of copper. The class will mainly focus on developing technique and becoming comfortable using a jewelry saw. Register online or call 304-242-7700.

Copper On Copper Painting Class by Diana Laura 
Friday, May 17, 6:00-8:00pm; $25/$20 OI members
Learn how to patina a copper sheet using only 3 house-safe ingredients. The magic mainly happens after the class when you see your beautiful painting slowly turn “Liberty green,” or you can leave it as is and seal what you painted in class. Register online or call 304-242-7700.

Workshops with Kellie Ahmad

Lead Came and Glass Painting Workshop presented by Kellie Ahmad
Tuesdays May 7, 14 & 21, 5:30-8:30pm; $35/$30 OI members
Each student will work through all the steps involved from design to finishing using a small sample pattern. The emphasis for this class will be on the glass painting and differences between the copper-foil and lead came methods. Register online or call 304-242-7700.

Pressed Flower Suncatchers presented by Kellie Ahmad
Wednesday, May 22, 10:00am-2:00pm; $20/$15 OI members 
Learn how to make a beautiful stained-glass sun-catcher using pressed and dried flowers. You will learn how to press your own flowers for future projects and crafts! This makes a great gift, or you can keep it for yourself. Register online or call 304-242-7700.

About the Stifel Fine Arts Center

Housed in the historic Edemar Mansion, the Stifel Fine Arts Center is a treasure trove for artistic expression and personal fulfillment. As a public arts center, the community can enjoy our galleries, classrooms and performance spaces. Artists, art lovers, students, educators and families gather here to connect and engage in creative pursuits.

Tour our art galleries and see the work of local, regional and national artists. You can take a class in painting, pottery, jewelry making and more. Our classes and workshops provide knowledge and tools to explore the visual arts.

Attend a jazz concert, wine tasting or craft beer event. The elegant setting is ideal for date nights and evenings out with friends.