Amanda Jolley

Reflection on pattern and abstraction of the subconscious

Crystal Marie: Art and Assemblage

Instructor: Crystal Marie
Date: Fri, May 2 – Sun, May 4, 2025
Time: 9:30-4:00 
Location: Studio Joy, 608 E 30th St, Kansas City MO 
Cost: $570 (includes instructor supplies)
Deposit option: $350 with remainder due March 1
Maximum: 16 students

Art and Assemblage is a comprehensive workshop that will guide you through the process of elevating your artwork, collections, found objects, and salvaged materials into beautiful assemblages and fine artworks.

Join artist, Crystal Marie, for this three-day experience, including a partial day outing to hunt and gather materials on the sidewalks of the urban neighborhood around the studio, local resale shops, and salvaging discards from the wood shop next door.

→  Receive objective critique and guidance as you compose and arrange the materials you’ve gathered into abstract works of art.

→ Learn to find meaningful connections between the objects you gravitate to and your own artwork.

→ Elevate your unfinished artworks into complete works worthy of exhibiting and selling. 

→ Learn simple deconstruction and construction techniques in assemblage that don’t require complicated tools or carpentry skills.

→ Learn to attach objects without relying on glue for long lasting integrity in your work. 

→ Create patinas to distress and age the surface of new wood. 

→ Create unique frames for your work from salvaged materials.

→ Feature found objects and collected memorabilia.

→ Compose objects with a nod to Joseph Cornell and Hannelore Baron’s box assemblages.

→ Learn to think outside the box, and in it, when it comes to the art, materials, and objects you gravitate to!

Supply List and Notes 

Please bring the following tools and supplies:

  • Needle nose pliers
  • Heavy duty work gloves
  • Scissors
  • Ruler and/or tape measure
  • Specialty hardware you wish to utilize for your works — hardware for attaching objects and building your assemblages will be supplied. You may opt to bring small hinges, decorative nails, etc to incorporate into your designs if you have something specific in mind. There is also a Home Depot located less than a mile from the studio for any last-minute extras.

Gathered Materials:

Note: there will be an opportunity to hunt, gather, and shop for materials on the first day of the workshop. You do not need everything on the this list. Use it as a guide for types of materials and objects to bring.

  • If you have it, a selection of your own artwork NO LARGER THAN 18″ ON ANY SIDE. Can be on paper, textiles or created on flat panels, cradled panels, canvas boards, stretched canvas, cardboard, etc. (Don’t overlook art that you created, but didn’t feel satisfied with or doesn’t feel finished. This workshop just may be the thing that inspires you to complete it.)
  • Found objects and collected items of all types.
  • Old yardsticks and other items to be deconstructed and utilized in your work.
  • Textiles, interesting cardboard bits, and collage materials.
  • Assorted gauges of wire.

Foundations and Supports:

  • Traditional artist cradled panels up to 18″ on any side.
  • Cigar boxes, antique or vintage wood boxes, or other containers.

While most of the tools and attachments will be provided for this workshop, you are welcome to bring any of the following to ease the wait time if you have them available:

  • Dremel or similar rotary type tool
  • Basic screwdrivers or electric screwdriver and bits
  • Basic hammer
  • Ball peen hammer
  • Basic drill and drill bit set
  • Utility knife
  • Miter box and handsaw
  • Heavy duty wire cutter
  • Heavy duty shop sheers
  • Clamps of all types

Crystal Marie: Art and Assemblage

$350.00 – $570.00

REGISTER

Lunch: 12:30-1:30
Fabulous restaurants are within walking distance or bring a sack lunch. A refrigerator and microwave are available.

Notice:  Janus, the studio cat, frequents Studio Joy and while she will not be joining our workshop, please bring any allergy medication if you may need it.

About Crystal:

Website: crystalneubauer.com
IG: @crystalmarie_artist

Crystal Marie considers herself to be “a material girl” when it comes to her art practice, which is rooted in collage. Evolving to include three-dimensional sculptures and assemblages, Crystal’s work speaks to both physical location and identity. Her process begins with an experimental approach, allowing what she’s brought to the table to inform her decisions as she builds layers of texture and meaning.

A Chicago based mid-career artist currently residing in Kansas City, Crystal Marie has one book published on the art of collage and is writing a second book about overcoming the blocks commonly encountered in the studio. Crystal has exhibited her work in many fine art exhibitions and solo shows, earning her gallery representation and the coveted 2018 Racine Art Museum Artist Fellowship.

Studio Joy Policies:

Accessibility:
Studio Joy strives to be accessible and accommodate the needs of its students. The old building does not allow for ability to accommodate all physical needs YET, but accommodations can be made for table height, type of seating, and most sensory issues. Please communicate your requested accommodations when you register. This is a fragrance free space. Please refrain from wearing perfumes or scents.

Travel:
Do not book travel until confirmation is received that the workshop has reached its minimum required enrollment. Minimum required for this workshop is 7 students. All who register will be notified by Amanda when the minimum is met. Due to COVID, travel insurance is suggested for a worst case scenario cancellation. 
Amanda will also share a list of suggested accommodations upon request. Email amanda@amandajolley.com for the list.

Refund Requests:
Students will receive a full refund of tuition less related transaction fees if a request to withdraw is received by Amanda Jolley, Studio Joy no later than 30 days prior to the first day of the workshop. At 15 days prior to the workshop, 50% tuition less related transaction fees will be refunded. Request to withdraw from a course less than 15 days prior to the first class session will not be eligible for refunds.

Cancellation:
Students will receive a full refund of tuition if at 30 days prior to the workshop, the minimum required enrollment is not met.