Workshops offered at the Encaustic Art Institute in 2026 are listed below. Workshops are held in the workshop facility on the Encaustic Art Institute/Museum of Encaustic Art campus in Cerrillos, New Mexico.
EAI Workshops sponsored by: Enkaustikos “Goodie Bags” provided for each attendee
TO REGISTER FOR A WORKSHOP:
- Contact us first to verify space availability Mehrens@eainm.com or 505-424-6487.
- Click the LEARN MORE + REGISTER button below each workshop to find details. Then click on the Add to Cart button below the workshop you wish to attend.
- Verify that the date you wish to attend matches the date shown in the shopping cart.
- Click the Checkout with Pay with Paypal icon in the shopping cart to proceed to the payment page.
- If you don’t have a PayPal account, or if you have one but prefer to use a different payment method, scroll down to the Pay as a Guest button, which will take you to the debit/credit form. Or if you are filling out the form that pops up when you select – Elect to Pay with debit/credit, it won’t go through until you select the Pay as guest button, and then another page pops up with the same info to fill out.
1-DAY ENCAUSTIC/WAX WORKSHOP
Beginner -Advanced
Instructor: Douglas Mehrens
This class teaches you the basics of encaustic techniques, using various types of wax and different boards and papers. You will also become familiar with the essential tools and materials used in encaustic art. A demonstration will show how flexible encaustic and wax can be. You will also observe techniques for combining wax with materials such as inks and oils, acrylics, natural elements, and photographs. By the conclusion of the class, you will leave inspired to continue working with wax and with a completed piece of art to take home.
1-DAY MIXED MEDIA + ENCAUSTIC/WAX WORKSHOP
Instructor: Douglas Mehrens
Join us for a hands-on workshop open to artists of any skill level. You’ll learn the basics of six popular encaustic techniques, including encaustic painting, encaustic photography, mixed media, cold wax, and monotype.
Douglas will start by showing each technique. Then, you’ll get to try them out using different surfaces like board, canvas, or watercolor paper, and experiment with a variety of tools to create your own effects.
Whether you’re new to encaustic art or have experience, this workshop is for you. Pick the techniques you want to try or use the time to build on your current skills.
2-DAY MIXED MEDIA + ENCAUSTIC/WAX WORKSHOP
Instructor: Douglas Mehrens
Join us for a hands-on workshop open to all skill levels. Learn six popular encaustic techniques, including painting, photography, mixed media, cold wax, and monotype. Douglas will demonstrate each technique. Then, practice on different surfaces—board, canvas, or watercolor paper, using a variety of tools to create your own effects. Whether you’re new or experienced, this workshop is for you. Try new techniques or build on your current skills.
On day two, each participant can deepen their understanding of the techniques and experiment with new substrates. You may also continue developing pieces begun on the previous day.
2-DAY ECO PRINTING/ENCAUSTIC WORKSHOP
Instructor: Michael Billie
Eco-printing is a natural dyeing technique that utilizes leaves, flowers, various plant materials, and rusted metals to produce patterns and colors on fabric. The process consists of bundling these materials with fabric and boiling them to transfer both color and shape. A notable characteristic of eco-printing is its unpredictability, as the color a plant displays in nature may differ from the result on fabric. This element of surprise, contributes to the distinctiveness and appeal of eco-printing.
Silk is used as the primary material for eco-printing in this workshop. Participants will bundle their silk, prepare it for boiling, then unbundle and allow it to dry.
On the second day, participants will attach their silk to wooden substrates in preparation for encaustic wax application. The use of clear or neutral wax will enhance dimensionality.
1-DAY CYANOTYPE + ENCAUSTIC TECHNIQUES ON PAPER & COTTON WORKSHOP
Instructor: Michael Billie
This course introduces the process of creating photographic images without a camera, a technique developed in 1842 that utilizes ultraviolet rays from sunlight. Participants will coat paper or cotton with a two-part solution and arrange objects such as feathers, plants, solid items, or cutouts on the treated surface. Exposure to sunlight causes the uncovered areas to turn blue, while the objects block ultraviolet rays, resulting in white shapes. After removing the objects and drying the blueprint, participants will apply clear or tinted encaustic wax to enhance texture and dimension.
The instructor will teach a variation known as “dirty” cyanotype pour, which uses a two-part solution and additional ingredients such as lime juice and salt. These additives, combined with varying ratios of the solutions, produce a surprising abstract imagery.
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
with Douglas Mehrens
If EAI’s workshop dates don’t fit your schedule, private lessons are available by the hour for individuals or groups. These sessions are taught by Douglas Mehrens, who has over 40 years of experience painting with encaustic and wax. During your private lesson, Douglas will tailor instruction to your interests and needs. You may request a focus on mixed media with wax or bring samples to learn how to layer with wax. No experience is required, and advanced instruction is also available. All materials are provided. Each session concludes with at least one finished artwork to take home.
Looking for FUN with friends or family?
Is your group interested in a tour/demonstration?
Private celebration parties for up to 10 people, where participants are guided in basic techniques. Tools and materials are provided to make their own encaustic art sample. Guests may bring champagne or wine to enjoy in a relaxed setting. No prior art experience is needed. Everyone celebrates together, makes individual art, and leaves with a personal encaustic keepsake.
Group tours, suitable for any group size, begin with a live demonstration of encaustic painting, including an explanation of the tools and materials used in the art form. A short history of encaustic art and insight into its popularity is part of the guided visit to the Museum of Encaustic Art. You’ll view works by diverse wax artists and observe different encaustic techniques firsthand.