The Workshop Supply List

You have just spent hundreds of dollars on tuition for a workshop from an artist you admire. You may even have flown in and paid for a hotel for the week. So why would you risk the success of your experience by not bringing the items on the instructor's supply list?

Some art workshop instructors are very general and say "bring what you have." Others will provide unusual art materials for an added supply fee. As a workshop instructor, I have learned to divide my supply list into two categories: "Absolutely Required" and "Nice to Have." My email address is included on the list if my prospective students have any questions. And yet, in nearly every workshop I have taught or attended, participants show up lacking essential items. The student is frustrated because they are not able to follow along, the instructor must take valuable time to figure out alternatives, the other students are annoyed that class time is being wasted . . . and none of this is conducive to a positive learning atmosphere.

If the workshop sponsor does not give you a supply list when you register, be sure to ask if the instructor has one. If there are items on the supply list that are puzzling or unavailable, please contact the instructor for alternative solutions before the workshop. You will increase the enjoyment of the experience, not only for yourself, but for the instructor and other students. Thank you!