Design Ranch 2025: Full Schedule

Get ready to get inky with Aaron in this fun, experimental block printing workshop. Participants will explore the art of pattern-making using wooden printing blocks and hand-carved designs. Whether printing on fabric like tote bags or experimenting with paper, this session encourages layering, texture play, and creative expression. Suitable for all skill levels, this workshop blends technique and artistic freedom.

Workshop Leaders

Aaron Michalovic

Michalovic Wood Art

Inspired by hand-made, process-evident building and art making, Aaron Michalovic has an eye for color and meticulous detail. After moving to Austin in 2008, he started collecting reclaimed materials that were being thrown away as houses in his neighborhood were torn down, and with... Read More →

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
Archery Pavillion

Wood Block Printing

2:00pm CDT

Layered Rodeo: Mixed-Media Street Art Posters

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Gully Shop

Design meets street art in Layered Rodeo, a hands-on poster workshop exploring bold composition, mixed-media techniques, and urban aesthetics. Using collage, spray paint, and acrylics, you'll build a character-driven poster that plays with texture, contrast, and layered visuals. This is about process as much as outcome — expect to experiment, break rules, and embrace imperfection. By the end, you'll have a finished piece that merges street art grit with a refined design sensibility — perfect for your portfolio or studio wall.

Workshop Leaders

Chris Tobar

Creative Director, __OFCOLOR & TOCO STUDIOS

Chris Tobar Rodriguez, known as Tobar, is an Austin-based artist, curator, and designer who thrives on pushing creative boundaries. Drawing from his Afro-Latino heritage and experiences in Chicago and Orlando, Tobar’s work blends bold visuals with rich storytelling, challenging... Read More →

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Gully Shop

Mixed Media Signs

2:00pm CDT

Viva la Mâché

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Bunkhouse

About the Workshop
Dive into the colorful world of paper clay sculpting through the lens of Mexican cartonería and piñata making! Led by Kat Talley, an El Paso-raised artist and sculptor behind &daughters, this hands-on workshop invites you to explore traditional papier-mâché techniques while transforming everyday materials into vibrant 3D sculptures. Inspired by the textures and bold colors of piñatas, this class will guide you in crafting unique, durable pieces of functional decor or playful art.

What You’ll Learn
Gain the skills to bring your creative ideas to life from start to finish. This includes conceptualizing and planning your design, crafting a strong armature from household materials, mixing and making your own paper clay, and shaping and refining your piece into a polished, three-dimensional work of art.

What You’ll Create
Whether you choose to sculpt a vase, a wall mirror, a funky table lamp, or let your imagination run wild, this hands-on session will have you experimenting with foam bases, layering techniques, and fun textures. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a vibrant, piñata-inspired sculpture ready to display, hang on your wall, or take home to paint and decorate later!

Who Should Attend?
This workshop is perfect for makers of all skill levels who want to explore their creativity, learn foundational sculpting techniques, and leave with a handmade treasure (and maybe some clay under their nails).

Workshop Leaders

Katherine Talley

Kat Talley is a multidisciplinary artist and founder of &daughters, a female-led studio in Austin, Texas. With a background in sign painting, fabrication, and large-scale installations, Kat combines precision and creativity to bring bold ideas to life. Her work reflects a passion... Read More →

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Bunkhouse

Paper Clay

2:30pm CDT

Thread Wrangler

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

Round Up - Upstairs

Students will explore a range of classic embroidery stitches, from beginner to advanced, from straight stitch and chain stitch. They'll wrangle their skills by working on a Western-themed design, which they can personalize on a tote bag to take home. All materials will be provided.

Workshop Leaders

Chelsea Craft

Howdy, My name is Chelsea Craft and I work in embroidery which has been regarded as a dying folk art meant for your Nana. However this isn't your Nana's embroidery. I find inspiration in modern architecture, fashion, nature and textiles. I love creating unique color palettes which... Read More →

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Round Up - Upstairs

Embroidery

2:30pm CDT

Mosaic Meditation

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

Ceramics Garage

Mosaic mandalas - minimal cutting, maximum Zen
Make a circular mosaic coaster(s)/trivet/tray/tabletop, using assorted pre-cut and repurposed glass tessera.

Workshop Leaders

J Muzacz

Artist, The Mosaic Workshop

J Muzacz is best known for his exciting and energetic large-scale mosaics, vibrant murals, and unique style of community engagement involving community members of all ages and abilities. Inspired by cultural diversity, humanitarian leaders, and the natural world, he bestows reverence... Read More →

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Ceramics Garage

Mosaics

2:30pm CDT

Emily Eisenhart & Industry Print Shop present: Spontaneous Screenprints

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

Round Up - Downstairs

Workshop attendees will be guided through artist Emily Eisenhart’s playful creative process while exploring unconventional techniques of screen printing led by Industry Print Shop. Participants will walk away with an art print they design and print themselves, focused on creating from scratch with limited resources.

Workshop Leaders

Tony Diaz

Industry Print Shop

As the founder of Industry Print Shop, Tony Diaz has cemented himself as an authority on all things screenprinting.After starting his print career as a means to produce his own band merchandise, Tony identified the uniquity of his position and was able to quickly develop a reputation... Read More →

Emily Eisenhart

Emily Eisenhart turns the world into her canvas. From kinetic sculpture to sky-high murals, she is dedicated to infusing cities with art and creativity. Specializing in creative direction, custom artwork development, and art advising, she partners with clients to create vibrant artwork... Read More →

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Round Up - Downstairs

Screen Printing

6:00pm CDT

DINNER | WELCOME | MARIACHIS | ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thursday April 10, 2025 6:00pm - 8:30pm CDT

Dining Hall

Thursday April 10, 2025 6:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
Dining Hall

Events for All, Meals

6:30pm CDT

Print Addiction

Thursday April 10, 2025 6:30pm - 8:30pm CDT

Pavillion

Thursday April 10, 2025 6:30pm - 8:30pm CDT
Pavillion

Events for All

8:30pm CDT

Sketch Social Hour

Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30pm - 8:45pm CDT

Pavillion

Come draw with me. Unwind and enjoy drawing, painting or just coloring with your fellow Design Ranchers in a casual setting where there is only right, and there is no wrong. Explore some new mediums, play some drawing games, or just doodle and chat the evening away.

Workshop Leaders

Ami Plasse

Gonzo-in-chief, Gonzo Viz

Ami Plasse is a New York City native (turned Austin transplant). Ami honed his skills as an artist on his daily subway commutes from Brooklyn, capturing his often fleeting subjects as they moved across the city. Now in Austin, Ami frequents music venues and creative gatherings, capturing... Read More →

Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30pm - 8:45pm CDT
Pavillion

Events for All

8:30pm CDT

PARTY!

Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30pm - 10:30pm CDT

Pavillion

Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30pm - 10:30pm CDT
Pavillion

Events for All

Design Ranch 2025

From $815.17