PAST COURSES:

Mother’s Day Book Painting Workshop

May 2nd
9am - 1pm
Hilltop Needmore Town Park Community Center
Treat yourself to an early Mother's Day celebration with a one-of-a-kind experience, painting the edge of the classic book, Little Women. All materials are included, as well as some goodies to snack on leaving you feeling creative and appreciated! 

Fee: Fuquay Varina Resident $209 / Non-Resident $262

REGISTRATION LINK

Enjoy the following work by talented past students!

Fore-Edge Painting Workshop Student Work 1

Full Day Fore-Edge Painting Course

Saturday, May 9th 10am - 5pm

Cocoon Gallery in Apex, NC

REGISTRATION LINK HERE

Discover the magic of fore-edge painting, a centuries-old and endangered art form that transforms the edges of a book’s pages into a watercolor masterpiece. Designed specifically for beginners, this hands-on workshop gently guides students through every step of the process—from learning the history of fore-edge painting to completing a fully finished, painted edition of a Pride & Prejudice hardcover. Students will gain both technical skills and a deeper appreciation for this rare craft, while creating a meaningful, one-of-a-kind work of art to take home. Whether participants are new to watercolor, curious about book arts, or simply looking for a creative project rooted in history and craftsmanship, this course offers an accessible and memorable introduction to fore-edge painting.

Cost:  $180 including materials

What Students Will Learn

    • Intro to history and tradition of fore-edge painting

    • Explore materials, gather inspiration

    • Paint on a practice paperback book

    • Step by step guidance on design and painting

    • Begin painting a hardcover book

    • Explore techniques for layering and details

    • Refine details

    • Seal edges

    • Leave with a finished, archival quality hand painted book!

About Mandy Howard

Mandy Howard is an award-winning artist and professional fore-edge painter. After over 10 years as a recognized abstract painter with work exhibited in public and private collections across the East Coast, she transitioned her practice to the rare craft of fore-edge painting, creating one-of-a-kind, hand-painted books. 
Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Richmond Magazine, and DesignSponge, and she has served as a creative consultant, guest speaker, and panelist for organizations including Google, Square, Michaels Craft Store, and DecoArt; paint manufacturing company. 
Mandy graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Painting and Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University and now runs a thriving fore-edge painting studio, combining historical craftsmanship with clear, beginner friendly instruction. She is passionate about preserving this endangered art form and creating a supportive learning environment where students feel confident and inspired.