In stock
In this three-day workshop, you will create richly layered paintings on a custom-made panel designed specifically for exploration and discovery. Each panel features a reverse pocket area, a recessed space that can securely hold a found object, merging painting and assemblage into one unified artwork. Using oil & cold wax medium, you will build translucent layers, incorporate texture, and experiment with mark-making to achieve depth and luminosity. The process encourages intuitive composition and personal expression, while the inclusion of found objects adds meaning, history, and depth. This unique substrate transforms the traditional painting surface into an interactive storytelling element, making each finished piece both visually and conceptually distinctive. Materials Fee includes: a gessoed custom made 20″x16″ panel with a 3″x5″ “pocket” cut-out area.
Class size 10
Level Intermediate and above
Student Supply List See supply list
Mara Manning is a painter based in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Colorado. Since retiring from teaching in 2017, she has devoted herself to exploring abstraction through oil and cold wax painting. Known for her masterful use of color, composition, and texture, Mara’s work has earned recognition in numerous juried exhibitions throughout the Midwest and Colorado over the past decade. Her paintings are represented by galleries in Colorado, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
A 1984 graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee’s Painting and Drawing program and a 1998 graduate of Lesley University in Arts and Education, Mara brings both technical skill and conceptual depth to her practice. Her process integrates stencils, printmaking techniques, and the layered application of cold wax and oil paint to create richly textured surfaces. Through the gradual buildup and partial obscuring of patterns, she invites viewers to discover subtle traces and hidden messages within each piece.
When not in her studio overlooking Lake Michigan or the sagebrush landscapes of Colorado’s Western Slope, Mara enjoys mountain biking with friends and exploring new trails with her cardigan corgi, Pippa.
Workshops
Class Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation of your workshop registration via email about a week prior to the class. If you do not have an email address, you will receive a snail-mail confirmation. Please check the online class listing for supplies to bring to class (there will also be a link to the Supply List in your class confirmation). Some supplies may need to be ordered well ahead of time.
Please note that your class registration will not be confirmed without full payment.
Please read your class confirmation carefully as it may include a supply list and other important details, and note our community standards on our Planning Your Workshop Experience page.
Materials Fees
Many classes have materials fees in addition to the tuition. These are identified in the class listing and are usually paid with the tuition payment; however, in some cases materials fees are paid directly to the instructor at class time (check the class listing).
Cancellation Policy
While we recognize that life intrudes and plans change, in consideration of the time and energy instructors invest in preparing for classes, we must adhere to the following cancellation policies:
Student cancellations
> Cancellations made 30 days or more before the start date of the workshop are eligible for a 75% refund OR a gift certificate in the full amount. The gift certificate can be applied to workshops or lodging one year from the date of cancellation and is transferable.
> Cancellations made 29 days or fewer before the start date of the workshop are not eligible for refunds or gift certificates. We encourage all students to purchase trip insurance, which is available for a reasonable fee.
> Cancellation requests must be made by contacting our office at info@shakeragalley.org or (608) 987-3292.
> If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with your class and cancel less than seven days in advance of your reservation, a $50 cancellation fee will apply.
Cancellations by Shake Rag Alley
> If Shake Rag Alley must cancel a class for any reason, you will be notified via email or phone and will be eligible for a full refund or, if you prefer, a transferable gift certificate. You may also consider donating your refund to support our operations or scholarships.
If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with a class canceled by Shake Rag Alley, you may receive a full refund on lodging or gift certificate should you wish to cancel.
Waiting Lists
If a workshop you are interested in is sold out, please fill out this waiting list form. We will contact you if a spot becomes available. The class code requested on the form is the Workshop ID shown at left, beneath the Add to Cart button.
18 Shake Rag St.
Mineral Point, WI 53565
(608) 987-3292
