Ready to shake up your artistic practice and fall in love with a new medium?

Join NC artist and instructor Jodi Ohl in the charming town of Vass, North Carolina, for an energizing 3-day workshop that dives deep into the wild, unpredictable, and oh-so-satisfying world of Cold Wax and Oil Painting.  

Whether you're brand new to the medium or already experimenting on your own, this hands-on workshop offers you the perfect opportunity to embrace bold texture, explore abstraction, and let go of perfection. Cold wax invites you to play, push, pull, scrape, and layer paint like never before—it’s a journey of discovery where happy accidents are part of the magic. 

Why Cold Wax and Oil? 

Unlike any other painting experience, working in cold wax allows for lush surfaces, surprising textures, and depth that evolves as your piece unfolds. It’s an intuitive process with moments of meditation and bursts of bold decision-making—perfect for artists craving a new adventure. 

Jodi, known for her expressive abstract work and best-selling book “Abstracts in Acrylic & Ink,” will guide you through the tools, techniques, and mindset shifts needed to unlock this rich and rewarding medium. With over 15 years of teaching experience and a passion for helping artists find their voice, Jodi brings warmth, humor, and deep knowledge to every class. 

What to Expect 

In this 3-day immersive experience, you will: 

• Work on Arches Oil Paper and wood panels ( wood surfaces provided) 
• Explore mark making, layering, concealing/revealing, and more 
• Discuss composition, color mixing, and intuitive editing 
• Create a series of small abstract pieces and work toward a final project—abstract or a hybrid with realism—based on your personal aesthetic 
• Connect with a supportive group of like-minded creatives in a relaxed, small-town setting 

You'll leave with new skills, deeper creative confidence, and a solid foundation to continue your cold wax practice at home.

All Skill Levels Welcome! 

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned painter looking to expand your toolbox, you’ll find inspiration, guidance, and personal feedback every step of the way. 

Class Cost:

$579 for 3 Days plus

$99 Supply Fee for 3 Days

Payment Options:

1. Pay full amount of $678
2. Make monthly payments with the last payment due in January before your first class date. (Must establish an automated recurring payments. We will contact you to set up after you have registered.)

Supplies Included in $99 fee:

• Assorted oil paints 
• Cold wax medium 
• Galkyd medium 
• Oil pastels, drawing tools, and brush cleaner 
• Stencils and texture tools 
• Painter’s tape 
• Wood panels (1 - 16x16" and 2 - 8x8") 
• Prefer working smaller? Select option at checkout so we can adjust your surfaces accordingly. 

Student Supply List (Please Bring): 

• 1 pad of Arches Oil Paper (preferred 12x16” or 9x12” – can share if coming with a friend) 
• 1–2 flexible scrapers Catalyst Wedge #6 or a Messermeister silicone bowl scraper, highly recommended 
• 2–3 palette knives 
• Small bag of texture tools (string, stencils, rubber bands, bottle caps, etc.) 
• Medical gloves (for working with oils) 
• Optional: Your own favorite oil paint colors 
• Sensitive to fumes? While we avoid turpentine and harsh solvents, feel free to bring a mask for added comfort. 

Travel Note: 

Cold wax paintings take several days to fully dry. If flying, consider shipping your work home by bringing a small flat box (approx. 18x18”) and parchment paper. The Post Office is right around the corner for your convenience.

Class Schedule:

Saturday, Jan. 17th 9:00 to 4:00

• Intro, supplies, surface prep, and techniques demo 
• Begin on paper + wood surfaces 

Sunday, Jan. 18th, 9:00-4:00 

• Layering, composition, textural effects 
• Individual work and guidance 

Monday, Jan. 19th, 9:00-12:00 

• Final touches, critiques, and show & tell 
• Optional one-on-one consultations 

 Monday, Jan. 19th 1:00-4:00

• Optional open studio

Lunch Break is from 12:00-1:00.

• Filtered water, coffee, tea, and sweet and savory snacks are provided. (Bring a water glass!)
• Bring your own lunch and use the studio refrigerator and microwave.
• Eat out at one of a few nearby options such as Cross Roads Coffee Shop (next door), Coast Restaurant, Valenti's Italian Restaurant, Emma's Mexican Kitchen and The Piggly Wiggly grocery store.

Spots Are Limited! 

This workshop offers a cozy and personalized learning environment. Don’t wait—classes at ARTworks Vass fill quickly! 

Want to learn more about the business of art? Join Jodi Ohl and Artist/Gallery Owner, Jean Skipper for an optional Marketing Roundtable Discussion on the evening of Friday, January 16th. Select the option during registration if you are interested in attending and we will send you the details soon. 

Traveling to Attend?

The Gallery/Studio address is 129 Main Street, Vass, NC 28394 and the phone number is 910-245-4129.

If relaxing in a peaceful, wooded setting just minutes from ARTworks Vass sounds like your kind of getaway, consider glamping in one of our two new retro-inspired campers, nestled waterside on a private farm. This unique lodging experience is exclusively available to ARTworks Vass guests and is owned and managed by a trusted member of our local community. For photos and more details, text Gallery Owner Jean Skipper at 910-528-1109.

There are a variety of lodging options locally, and AirBnB is one of our favorites! ARTworks Vass is located directly in the center of Vass. Any listings showing “Vass, NC" or “Horse Country” are generally within ten minutes of the gallery. Locations in Carthage, Southern Pines or Pinehurst are generally within 20 minutes. (We're unable to include a direct link to this search, so create your own search using the destination of "Vass, NC". If you have any questions about the results, contact us anytime.)  

A few charming Bed & Breakfasts are nearby:

• 1878 Bed and Breakfast
• The Old Buggy Inn
• Tanglewood Farm B&B

We’ve also heard positive things about the following hotels:

• Hilton Garden Inn Southern Pines Pinehurst
• Hampton Inn and Suites Southern Pines
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott - Southern Pines Aberdeen
• Holiday Inn Express and Suites – Southern Pines & Pinehurst Areas
• Homewood Suites by Hilton – Olmsted Village Near Pinehurst

And finally, for those who will be traveling by RV, a few RV parks are nearby:

• Antique Town Campground - Cameron, NC
• Airport RV Park, Carthage, NC
• Farm Pond Campground - Carthage, NC
• The Heritage Camping and Recreation - Carthage, NC

Important Information:

• Beginners are welcome.
• Registration allows for one Guest per class project. 
• Only Registered Guests may attend class.
• Registrations are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.
• Class starts promptly as scheduled.
• Dress to mess or bring an apron.
• At ARTworks Vass, you're always welcome to bring your own Nibbles and Sips to class.
• Click here to read the ARTworks Vass Disclosure and Liability Waiver for All Classes and Events.

Register online here or call us at 910-245-4129 to save your space in class.