Art and Blooms at the JCRA

Colorful Collage and Mixed Media Painting

Fridays, February 13 and 20, 2026 – 1:00 pm–3:00 PM

Join JCRA volunteer and artist, Debra Singer-Harter, for a two-class series on collage and mixed media painting!

In this hands-on class, Debra will guide you as you explore layers, texture and storytelling through a wide range of materials. Bring pictures of your favorite collages to spark ideas, and come with a vision for your background color to set the tone of your piece.

Gather and bring those special items you've been saving for a rainy day—copies of photos, fabric swatches, ribbons, tissue paper, patterned papers, and even unexpected treasures like an old belt! (Tip. Bring a copy of your pictures if you don't want the original incorporated into your artwork.) In honor of the JCRA's 50th Anniversary, we will have some of J. C. Raulston's stamp collection available for you to use in your collage!

Whether you're a beginner or seasoned artist, this is your chance to experiment, play, and turn everyday materials into something uniquely yours.

Important items to bring with you to create your collage:

• One or two canvases 16x20 inches which are 0.5 to 1.5 inches thick. This is the base structure for your art. If you work quickly or on your own time, then you may have time to create two works.
• Small tube or tubes of your favorite acrylic paint colors. This will be the background color.
• Brushes such as a 1 inch or larger flat or large round. These can be old brushes as we use them to brush on the mat medium (glue) to hold items onto the canvas, and a final top protective layer.
• Mat Medium (Golden or Liquidtex) – at least 4 to 6 oz (8 to 12 oz if two canvases). It is the glue and final protection layer.
• Pictures and examples of collages you like.
• Your items to put on the canvas.

Class Schedule Note:

This program consists of two sessions.

When you register, you are registering for both sessions of the class (Friday, February 13 and Friday, February 20). You may continue working on your project or can start a new project.

Cost

$50.00 per participant.

Registration

Advance registration is required. Register through our online registration store.

Registration is considered complete when payment is received. You will receive a confirmation receipt from notify@cashnet.com when registered.

Cancellation

Program cancellations can be made up to two weeks before the program's start date. No refunds will be made after this time. A 15% cancellation fee applies.

To request a cancellation, send an email to the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu with the participant name and program information.

Location

Ruby McSwain Education Center, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.

Directions

Need directions? Click here.

Parking

Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.

Questions

Contact the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.