CIRCUS OF THE CURIOUS AND MISBEGOTTEN: OREGON COAST WORKSHOP
CIRCUS OF THE CURIOUS AND MISBEGOTTEN: OREGON COAST WORKSHOP
Lincoln City Cultural Center
May 7, 8, 9, and 10, 2027 (Four-Day Workshop)
EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT UNTIL 12/6/26
CLASS DESCRIPTION: Step right up, my fine and freakish friends! Behind this tent flap lies a world of wonder—a traveling troupe of curious souls and misbegotten marvels, each built from the bits and bones of forgotten things.
In this mixed-media workshop, we'll create our own sideshow icons: part saint, part scoundrel, all spectacular. Using found objects, sculptural materials, and acrylic paint, we'll conjure a carnival of characters and curiosities—tattooed mystics, maniacal strongmen, contortionist clowns, shrine-like tributes to the marvellous misfits of the midway, and other oddities born of rust, relics, and imagination.
Expect plenty of painted alchemy, assemblage wizardry, and a few tall tales of woe and wonder. You'll learn to age, adorn, and assemble your piece into something that feels plucked from a traveling carnival's corner stall—a sight both strange and sublime.
So gather your scraps and wonders, your broken bits and junk drawer goodies.
The circus is rolling into town—and you are part of the act.
Supply List
● Aves Apoxie Clay 1 lbs or more.
● Small box or base or stand to house your circus character. This will be its home. The box could be a cigar box, music box, but really just about anything. For free standing displays, you’ll need a base to mount your character onto…which could be as simple as a block of wood.
● Toys and figurines. Your characters will often be made of an existing toy or statuette. They can be mixed and matched or modified with clay.
● Variety of other found objects that might be interesting additions to the reliquary. Items like watch parts, gears, typewriter parts…. just about anything, really. Weird stuff makes great adornments for the stage, but could be bizarre addition to the characters.
● Paint Brushes (a couple small detail brushes, and some cheap brushes (1/2 inch to 1 inch in size)
● String, twine and wire (a couple of different gauges)
● Paint (acrylic…preferably Golden brand…either fluid or heavy body will work: Quinacridone Gold (aka Acra Gold), Black (Mars or Carbon), Titanium White, Phthalo Blue, Dioxazine Purple, Quinacridone Crimson, Nickel Azo Yellow, Napthol Red, Phthalo Green
● Optional Paints- vibrant circus colors, Vat Orange, Cobalt Teal, Cadmium Chartreuse, etc.
● Gesso - white, black or clear
● Adhesives: E6000, Acrylic Latex Caulking (or Modeling paste) …I prefer Alex Plus Fast Dry.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Because this workshop requires advance commitments for studio rental, insurance, and other event expenses, a $175 non-refundable registration fee is included in your workshop tuition.
Cancellations received before March 7, 2027:
Your workshop tuition will be refunded, less the $175 non-refundable registration fee.
Cancellations received on or after March 7, 2027:
No refund will be issued. However, if your space can be filled by another student, a refund will be issued less the $175 registration fee.
No refunds will be given for missed workshop days, late arrival, or early departure.
If the workshop is cancelled by Michael deMeng, all workshop tuition paid will be refunded in full.
Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements. Michael deMeng is not responsible for airfare, lodging, transportation, or other travel expenses in the event of a workshop cancellation.