Save the Date!

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 COMING SOON

Book Painting Series

Wednesday evenings: 6:00-8:00pm
Session 1: May 6 - May 20th
Session 2: June 3rd - June 17th
Session 3: July 1st - July 15th
Session 4: August 5th - August 19th
Hilltop Needmore Town Park Community Center

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

REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON

What is the Book Painting Series?

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, these three-week hands-on workshops gently guide students through every step of the process—from learning the history of fore-edge painting to completing a fully finished, floral-painted edition of Pride and Prejudice. 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.

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 hardcover Pride and Prejudice 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 holds 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.