Learn the cozy craft of needlework in this relaxing, creativity-filled three-day camp! On Days 1 and 3, Adria will guide students through counted cross-stitch techniques, teaching how to read a pattern, organize embroidery floss, and bring woodland animals to life on Aida cloth. On Day 2, students will explore the art of slow stitching with Tammy, focusing on mindful, decorative techniques to create layered textile pieces inspired by the natural world. Whether you’re precise or free-form, this class celebrates the beauty of hand-stitching in all its forms.
About the Instructors:
Adria is a multidisciplinary artist and educator whose creative interests span painting, sewing, embroidery, cross-stitching, and leatherworking. She’s been sewing since the age of five and brings a deep appreciation for traditional craft into her teaching. Adria holds a teaching degree and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Museum Studies at the University of Oklahoma. Her professional experience includes fossil preparation and field trip guiding at the Missouri Museum of Natural Sciences, alongside running her own dog grooming business, Riley’s Paw Spa. With a background in history, education, and hands-on artmaking, Adria creates fun, curiosity-driven spaces where students can explore new skills and make meaningful connections through art.
Tammy brings a wealth of experience and a heartfelt passion for art education to Spiva Center for the Arts. She has had a creative vein in her since she was young, experimented and taking as many classes as possible in her lifetime from her elementary years to today. Over the year she has found herself exploring many mediums and discovering her favorite ways to express herself. Tammy has 6 years of formal training in art at Missouri Southern State University with an emphasis on Graphic Design, Studio Art, and English, including a summer program in Sweden focusing on Art History, Drawing, and Photography.
Tammy has found a LOVE for mixed media art the most; paint, paper, textiles, and everything all mixed up! She will use anything that stands still long enough for her to glue or sew it down! She is compelled to share her love of art with others and to encourage them to discover what they may love about art and its various processes. Art is a way of life and a form of therapy for her!
Tammy works full-time in a high school library, has maintained her own graphic design business part-time for 20 years, and teaches community art classes as much as possible. She has 6 kids, and 13 grandchildren! Tammy especially loves teaching and inspiring kids and adults to love art! Tammy also sings and enjoys reading as much as she can.
