If you are looking for a creative addition to your April plans in Mercer County, Hope Center for Arts & Technology is hosting two hands-on workshops that make it easy to spend time with local art in a meaningful way.
Workshops like these offer more than a place to visit. They give participants the chance to slow down, learn a new technique, and leave with something they created themselves. Both events take place at Hope Center for Arts & Technology, located at 115 Anson Way, making them a great fit for visitors and locals looking to explore Mercer County through a creative experience.
On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Hope Center for Arts & Technology will host a Reverse Glass Painting Workshop. This class introduces participants to a traditional folk art technique that builds the design in reverse, beginning with the fine details and finishing with the background. Guests will learn how to disassemble and reassemble a frame, paint an outline on one side of the glass, flip it, and complete the design from the opposite side. Each participant will leave with a finished piece ready to display at home. The workshop is $30 per person.
Find more information here.
This workshop is led by Carol Novosel, a folk artist known for her pysanky, or Ukrainian batik egg decorations. Her experience with traditional methods brings added depth to the class, while the format remains approachable for anyone interested in trying something new. For visitors who enjoy cultural experiences and hands-on learning, this workshop offers a quiet, creative way to spend a spring morning in Mercer County.
Later in the month, Hope Center for Arts & Technology will host the Fire Alcohol Ink Workshop on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Led by local artist Deb Derrenbacher, this evening class gives participants the opportunity to create a 6-inch ceramic tile artwork using alcohol inks and controlled use of fire. During the workshop, students will learn how to safely move the inks across the tile and briefly ignite the alcohol with a lighter to create abstract patterns and layered color. The cost is $40 per person. Find more information here.
No experience is necessary for the Fire Alcohol Ink Workshop, and all materials are provided. That makes it an easy option for anyone looking to add a creative stop to their Mercer County plans without needing prior art experience. The finished piece is abstract and one-of-a-kind, offering participants a personal keepsake to take home at the end of the evening.
Together, these two Hope Center workshops offer two different ways to experience Mercer County’s arts community this April. Whether you choose one event or both, each workshop creates space to make something by hand and learn a new creative skill!
