McMurray Art League upcoming events

CANCELLED - Laura Sippos, Mixed Media Collage: Landscapes (Tuesday, July 07, 2026)

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Cancelled due to low enrollment.

Explore collage in a whole new way. The instructor will guide students to select from vintage and antique materials to create a unique landscape ‘painting’ full of texture and often unexpected elements. Once you give this unique style a try, you may never want to stop!

All skill levels are welcome including the absolute beginner. Fun with a friend, or great for date night!

Workshop fee includes all materials.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

CANCELLED - Laura Sippos, Mixed Media Collage: Landscapes (Tuesday, July 07, 2026)

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Cancelled due to low enrollment.

All skill levels are welcome including the absolute beginner. Fun with a friend, or great for date night!

Workshop fee includes all materials.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Handmade Books 101 (Art/Travel/Junk Journals) (Saturday, July 11, 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

All skill levels

So on trend! Handmade books are all the rage. Whether you want to craft a special sketch or watercolor book, to create a unique travelogue from a recent trip, or start a junk journal, this class is for you. Use an array of provided materials to create covers, signatures and complete your own binding.

For the 101 class we will learn a pamphlet stitch for a loosely bound book perfect for adding in ephemera or your own unique touches.

All materials provided.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Embellishing the Handmade Book (Art/Travel/Junk Journals) (Saturday, July 11, 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 16:30:00 GMT

All skill levels.

We’ll make secret pockets, pop-ups, tags and all sorts of fun. From sturdy and serious, to whimsical and wild, you’ll have a one of a kind book that all of your friends will envy.

Bring your own handmade or store-bought blank book. See Handmade Books 101 to create your own blank book

All embellishing materials provided.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Watercolor Techniques: Florals (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

All skill levels.

The instructor will demonstrate and students will practice several techniques for creating loose and more realistic watercolor florals. Learn something new or brush up your skills.

All materials provided (you are welcome to bring your own brushes and paints if you prefer).

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Watercolor Techniques: Florals (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 22:30:00 GMT

All skill levels.

The instructor will demonstrate and students will practice several techniques for creating loose and more realistic watercolor florals. Learn something new or brush up your skills.

All materials provided (you are welcome to bring your own brushes and paints if you prefer).

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Mixed Media Collage: Portraits (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Explore collage in a whole new way. The instructor will guide students to select from vintage and antique materials to create a unique portrait ‘painting’ that is sure to delight! Once you give this unique style a try, you may never want to stop!

All skill levels are welcome including the absolute beginner. Fun with a friend, or great for date night!

Workshop fee includes all materials.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Mixed Media Collage: Portraits (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 22:30:00 GMT

All skill levels are welcome including the absolute beginner. Fun with a friend, or great for date night!

Workshop fee includes all materials.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, 7/24 Mixed Media Pittsburgh Themed Happy Hour (Friday, July 24, 2026)

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Enjoy snacks and drinks while trying your hand at an art project.

All skill levels are welcome including the absolute beginner. Supplies and light snacks and refreshments are included with the workshop fee.

Of course, happy hour is best with friends, so bring one or two, or come and make a new one! A great date night, too!

Happy hours are the fourth Friday of most months.

June 26, 2026 6:30-8:30

July 24, 6:30-8:30

Aug. 28, 6:30-8:30

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Handmade Books 202 (Art/Travel/Junk Journals) (Saturday, July 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

All skill levels.

For the 202 class we will learn a Coptic stitch, perfect for creating a tightly bound sketchbook or watercolor book.

All materials provided.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Embellishing the Handmade Book (Art/Travel/Junk Journals) (Saturday, July 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:30:00 GMT

All skill levels.

We’ll make secret pockets, pop-ups, tags and all sorts of fun. From sturdy and serious, to whimsical and wild, you’ll have a one of a kind book that all of your friends will envy.

Bring your own handmade or store-bought blank book. See Handmade Books 101 or 202 to create your own blank book

All embellishing materials provided.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Watercolor Techniques: Skies (Tuesday, August 04, 2026)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

All skill levels.

The instructor will demonstrate and students will practice several techniques for creating loose and more realistic watercolor skies. Learn something new or brush up your skills.

All materials provided (you are welcome to bring your own brushes and paints if you prefer).

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Watercolor Techniques: Skies (Tuesday, August 04, 2026)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 22:30:00 GMT

All skill levels.

The instructor will demonstrate and students will practice several techniques for creating loose and more realistic watercolor skies. Learn something new or brush up your skills.

All materials provided (you are welcome to bring your own brushes and paints if you prefer).

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Diane Grguras, Plein Air Pastel at Gilfillan Farm (Thursday, August 06, 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

On August 6-7, we have a rare opportunity to paint on the grounds of Gilfillan Farm in Upper St. Clair (next to Westminster Church). Then, on August 8 6-9 PM there will be a "wet paint" sale of work fetauring Gilfillan Farm completed during the class or previously. There will also be food and music.

Register herefor the wet paint sale: "Wet Paint" Sale at Gilfillan Farm registration due August 5
Register here to paint on site days other than the class day: Plein Air Paint Out on Gilfillan Farm 8/6-8
Register here for the Gala: Art at the Farm - A Community Gala Celebration of the Arts at Gilfillan Farm 8/8 register by 8/5

On Saturday, August 8, Diane Grguras will be teaching plein air pastel, details below.

Note: the paint out will be held rain or shine (there are several porches in case of rain). No refunds unless we can fill your spot from the waitlist. The lower gate by the garden opens at 9:30 for check-in and parking and closes at 4:30. If you have mobility issues, indicate so during registration and we can accommodate giving you access to the upper gate for drop-off and pick-up. Please observe the off-limits areas on the map you will be provided with on arrival.

The public is invited to view the artists at work.

Click here for the supplies list.

"Special things to consider when painting out of doors" (from Barry Jeter)

Pack a lunch with something to drink.
Seating, if you like to paint sitting down.
Easel, if you want a support for your painting (some watercolorists simply hold a watercolor block with no support)
Sunscreen
Insect repellent, including tick spray, long pants suggested
Some artists use an umbrella, that's fine if you like, I have always found them somewhat cumbersome in that they have to be well supported or the wind or a quick breeze can shake your setup or take them away. Sometimes it's best just to find a shady spot that you can work in.
Sunglasses can help but they can change your colors.
Dress appropriately for the day... if it's a cool day, you don't want to be chilly all day painting.

Maximum class size: 16

Minimum class size: 8

Barry Jeter, Plein Air Watercolor or Oil at Gilfillan Farm (Friday, August 07, 2026)

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

On August 6-8, we have a rare opportunity to paint on the grounds of Gilfillan Farm in Upper St. Clair (next to Westminster Church). Then, on August 8 6-9 PM there will be a "wet paint" sale of work showing Gilfillan Farm completed during the class or previously. There will also be food and music.

Barry Jeter will be teaching watercolor or oil on August 7, details below.

The public is invited to view the artists at work.

Here are Barry's comments:

"Return to Gilfillan, En Plein Air"

Having taught several workshops at Gilfillan, and one as recently as last year, we return to this subject-rich location. Hope you can join us. Those workshops, as this one, were with the McMurray Art League, great times. This time around you can chose your medium, watercolor or oil. I will only have watercolors on my part but can help you with either medium. This class will center around several things but one of the main points I will try and get across while we are on location is to not be overwhelmed with so much subject matter and panorama views of the farm. We have to zero in on an item... could be a full landscape, could an old door or a door knob for that matter but isolating a subject and giving it your full attention is critical, otherwise you get caught up in too much. Of course this involves composition.... you may want to bring along "L" shaped croppers/viewfinders to help that process. I want to limit enrollment to no more that 12 students so that I can get around to each one. I will give a quick chat at the beginning of class and maybe point out a few things of interest on the property and then you can scout for subject matter and then set up and get started. I will be making my rounds, on my bicycle, to give pointers and help, and near the end of class we all gather for a class critique as usual. Hope to see you there!

"Special things to consider when painting out of doors"

Pack a lunch with something to drink.
Seating, if you like to paint sitting down.
Easel, if you want a support for your painting (some watercolorists simply hold a watercolor block with no support)
Water container and a waste water container.
Oil painters MUST have containers for their thinner and zip lock bags for their paper towels and or rags.
Sunscreen
Insect repellent, including tick spray
Some artists use an umbrella, that's fine if you like, I have always found them somewhat cumbersome in that they have to be well supported or the wind or a quick breeze can shake your setup or take them away. Sometimes it's best just to find a shady spot that you can work in.
Sunglasses can help but they can change your colors.
Dress appropriately for the day... if it's a cool day, you don't want to be chilly all day painting.

Watercolor supplies list here.
Oil supplies list here.

Maximum class size: 12
Minimum class size: 8

David Csont, Plein Air Watercolor at Gilfillan Farm (Saturday, August 08, 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

On August 6-7, we have a rare opportunity to paint on the grounds of Gilfillan Farm in Upper St. Clair (next to Westminster Church). Then, on August 8 6-9 PM there will be a "wet paint" sale of work completed during the class or previously of Gilfillan Farm. There will also be food and music.

On Saturday, August 8, David Csont will be teaching plein air watercolor, details below.

The public is invited to view the artists at work.

The Gilfillan Farm plein air seminar taught by David Csont immerses participants in the practice of painting outdoors, directly from nature, rather than in a studio. For over 20 years, David has specialized in plein Air painting, competing and designing many events for the arts community both local and national. David offers a unique opportunity to learn from an experienced instructor, engage with the natural environment, and develop skills in capturing the essence of a landscape or subject in a spontaneous and expressive way. While his primary medium is watercolor, discussion of composition, color use, drawing and other artistic approaches that will be discussed, are valuable to working in any media.

Here's a more detailed look at what you can expect from the seminar: Csont Gilfillan Farm.pdf

Materials list: Csont Materials List Gilfillan Farm.pdf

David has been a professional artist and illustrator for over 35 years. HE has a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. He has taught extensively and specializes in Watercolor and Plein Air Painting. In July 2021, he won the award for best watercolor at Plein Air Easton, The largest outdoor painting competition in the country.

Whether you are a professional or amateur artist, David’s hands-on approach and personal attention will provide you with new and positive ways to approach your painting.

"Special things to consider when painting out of doors" (from Barry Jeter)

Pack a lunch with something to drink.
Seating, if you like to paint sitting down.
Easel, if you want a support for your painting (some watercolorists simply hold a watercolor block with no support)
Water container and a waste water container.
Oil painters MUST have containers for their thinner and zip lock bags for their paper towels and or rags.
Sunscreen
Insect repellent, including tick spray, long pants suggested
Some artists use an umbrella, that's fine if you like, I have always found them somewhat cumbersome in that they have to be well supported or the wind or a quick breeze can shake your setup or take them away. Sometimes it's best just to find a shady spot that you can work in.
Sunglasses can help but they can change your colors.
Dress appropriately for the day... if it's a cool day, you don't want to be chilly all day painting.

Maximum class size: 12
Minimum class size: 8

Laura Sippos, Mixed Media Collage: Fantasy Landscapes (Tuesday, August 11, 2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

All skill levels are welcome including the absolute beginner. Fun with a friend, or great for date night!

Workshop fee includes all materials.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Mixed Media Collage: Fantasy Landscapes (Tuesday, August 11, 2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:30:00 GMT

All skill levels are welcome including the absolute beginner. Fun with a friend, or great for date night!

Workshop fee includes all materials.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Mixed Media: Creating with Fiber and Beadwork (Saturday, August 15, 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The instructor will guide students to select from vintage and antique materials to create a unique ‘painting’ with paper. Then stitchery and beading techniques will be demonstrated and student will participate to take the art to the next level.

All skill levels are welcome including the absolute beginner. Fun with a friend, or great for date night!

Workshop fee includes all materials.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Watercolor Techniques: Trees (Tuesday, August 18, 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

All skill levels.

The instructor will demonstrate and students will practice several techniques for creating loose and more realistic watercolor trees. Learn something new or brush up your skills.

All materials provided (you are welcome to bring your own brushes and paints if you prefer).

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Watercolor Techniques: Trees (Tuesday, August 18, 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 22:30:00 GMT

All skill levels.

The instructor will demonstrate and students will practice several techniques for creating loose and more realistic watercolor trees. Learn something new or brush up your skills.

All materials provided (you are welcome to bring your own brushes and paints if you prefer).

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Introduction to Polymer Clay (Saturday, August 22, 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Perfect for the absolute beginner or someone who has dabbled in working with polymer clay. Techniques include working, cutting, rolling, folding, blending, and caning.

All skill levels are welcome including the absolute beginner.

Workshop fee includes all materials.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Drawing Fine Details from Nature (Tuesday, August 25, 2026)

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Practice drawing larger than life to capture the unique aspects of items from nature.

Some drawing experience is helpful.

All materials provided.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, Drawing Fine Details from Nature (Tuesday, August 25, 2026)

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Practice drawing larger than life to capture the unique aspects of items from nature.

Some drawing experience is helpful.

All materials provided.

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16

Laura Sippos, 8/28 Watercolor Notecards Happy Hour (Friday, August 28, 2026)

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Enjoy snacks and drinks while trying your hand at an art project.

All skill levels are welcome including the absolute beginner. Supplies and light snacks and refreshments are included with the workshop fee.

Of course, happy hour is best with friends, so bring one or two, or come and make a new one! A great date night, too!

Happy hours are the fourth Friday of most months.

June 26, 2026 6:30-8:30

July 24, 6:30-8:30

Aug. 28, 6:30-8:30

Minimum: 4
Maximum: 16