Fore-Edge Painting Workshops in the Raleigh-Durham Area

Discover the art of fore-edge painting with North Carolina artist Mandy Howard! Join a hands-on workshop in the Raleigh–Durham area and learn to transform the edges of book pages into beautiful works of art. Beginners are welcome, and you'll receive step-by-step guidance to create your own one-of-a-kind painted book.

Full Day Fore-Edge Painting Workshop: Little Women

November 14th, 2026

10am - 5pm

Cocoon Gallery in Apex, NC

$180 per person

Price includes all supplies and light refreshments.

Register Here!

Half Day Fore-Edge Painting Workshop: Holiday Themed Little Women

December 12th, 2026

4 - 8 pm

Fable Books & Cafe in Holly Springs, NC

$150 per person

Price includes all supplies and light refreshments.

There will be the option to paint a Christmas tree OR a lit candle with a velvet bow.

Registration Link coming soon!

Weekly Open Studio Sessions: BYOB (Bring Your Own Book)

Wednesdays starting mid-January, 2027

11am - 1pm

Cocoon Gallery in Apex

$45 per person

Bring your own book. Supplies will be provided.

Registration Link coming soon!

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!

Open book with floral illustrations on a wooden surface, with a stack of books and a blue folder in the background.

Past Workshops

The Wizard of Oz

A full day fore-edge painting workshop at Cocoon Gallery on Oct. 3rd, 2026.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

A half day workshop on July 26th, 2026 with The Vintage Teapot, and a mad-hatter theme complete with a tea party break halfway through the lesson.

Pride and Prejudice

A full day fore-edge painting workshop at Cocoon Gallery in Apex on May 9th, 2026

Little Women

A Mother’s Day themed half day workshop at Hilltop Needmore Town Park Community Center in Fuquay-Varina on May 2nd, 2026.

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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.
A person with reddish-brown hair and blue eyes holding a stack of fore-edge painted books, including The Lord of the Rings painted with Merry, Samwise, and Boromir, Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice, A Little Princess, and Eclipse.