Come for the Drama: A Dark Academia Wall Art Workshop

Have you been dreaming of a space that feels deeply personal, cozy, and filled with old-world soul? If you’re tired of sterile, plain white rooms and find yourself constantly pinning moody library walls, vintage botanical illustrations, and candlelit study spaces, this one’s for you.

In this three-hour workshop, you’ll build an Archivist’s Relic — a dimensional wood-panel piece that looks like it was pulled straight from an old university library. Layered textures. Deep, saturated color. Real gold leaf. It looks like an antique. It’s made by you, in one afternoon.

Permission to be Dramatic!

I love this aesthetic because it gives you permission to be dramatic. There’s no such thing as “too moody” here — we’re leaning all the way into rich color, aged texture, and a little bit of gothic romance.

No matter where you are in your experience with art, you’re welcome here. Whether the last thing you painted was a school project years ago, or you’ve never picked up a palette knife in your life, you’ll have all the step-by-step guidance you need. High-end design ideas, broken down into simple, foolproof steps. All materials included — just bring your imagination.

What We’ll Explore Together

• The Magic of Antiquing — Simple paper-tearing and ink-staining techniques that turn fresh paper into beautifully aged parchment.

• Fun Texturing — Molding paste and stencils to build raised, historic patterns with real touchable depth.

• The Shine of Gold Leaf — Surprisingly simple steps for applying (and gently distressing) real metallic gold leaf.

• Storybook Layering — Composing small dimensional objects — a vintage-style key, a paper tag, a wax seal — into one balanced, eye-catching piece.

You’ll walk out with a real, finished, dimensional piece. Not a half-done project you’ll never touch again. Just you, candlelight, and gold leaf.

If you have something you want to bring to add to your work – please do. I will do my best to help you navigate the process.

Workshop Dates & Details

📍 Whatcom Art Center, 1105 11th St, Bellingham, WA 98225 (paid parking available)
📅 October 19, 2026 · ⏰ 1:30–4:30 PM
💲 $65 (includes all materials)
Class size: limited to 16 · Ages 16+

Book ASAP — fall classes fill quickly, and spots are limited to keep the room peaceful and personal.

P.S. — Know someone who’d love an afternoon like this? A home-decor lover, a history buff, someone who’s always got a candle lit? Gift certificates are available for birthdays, holidays, or just because.