Rachel Gardner - November Artist in Residence

Welcome Reception

Wednesday, November 4

FLOW Gallery + Workshop l 4 - 5:30pm

Price: Complimentary

Join us at FLOW Gallery + Workshop in welcoming our November Artist in Residence, Rachel Gardner, and encounter a new world of three-dimensional art. Inspired by the natural forms of the world around her Houston home, Gardner has developed a singularly beautiful form of papier-mâché that incorporates intricate details into hauntingly gorgeous shapes. During the reception, you can preview some of the workshop techniques Rachel has planned for her time at Palmetto Bluff and watch a live demonstration of crafting papier-mâché.  

Papier-Mâché Birds

Thursday, November 5

FLOW Gallery + Workshop l 10am - 1pm

Price: $100

Through intricately crafted designs, Houston-based artist Rachel Gardner coaxes astoundingly lifelike forms from simple papier mache materials, and this workshop will give you incredible insight into her process. From initial armature through to painting the details, she will guide you as you create your very own papier-mâché bird. The relaxed pace of this workshop at FLOW Gallery + Workshop will provide time to capture each detail, with a lunch to allow for drying.

Beyond the Brush: Creating with Nature’s Tools

Friday, November 6

FLOW Gallery + Workshop l 2 - 4pm

Price: $90

Sometimes art requires you to think outside the bristle, and in this exciting workshop, our November Artist in Residence, Rachel Gardner, will take you beyond the brush. Join Rachel at FLOW Gallery + Workshop for a session where you will create works of art using found “brushes” from the outdoors. Under her guidance, you’ll discover how everything from sticks and leaves to acorns can become a tool for creating art. With a focus on experimentation, texture, and the creativity unleashed by found materials, this workshop will have you exploring the outdoors to create your own captivating works of art.



Papier-Mâché Holiday Ornaments

Saturday, November 7

FLOW Gallery + Workshop l 10am - 1pm

Price: $80

Get the entire family ready for the season during this fascinating workshop helmed by our November Artist in Residence, Rachel Gardner. Using the techniques Rachel incorporates into her celebrated three-dimensional works of art, children and adults alike will design and create a whimsical papier-mâché ornament, lending artistic flair to this year’s tree. Designed with families in mind, this session offers a relaxed, creative all-ages environment where everyone can share in the joy of artistic creation.

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About the Artist

Rachel Gardner is a Houston-based artist and professor known for her hauntingly playful papier-mâché sculptures. Growing up in Texas, Rachel’s love of nature and the wild inspired a lifelong fascination with the natural world, which now informs her sculptural practice. After earning her BFA and MFA, Rachel transitioned from painting to sculpture, developing a distinctive style that blends the detail of painting with three-dimensional form. She is currently teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses. During her time at Palmetto Bluff, Rachel will guide participants through hands-on workshops exploring papier-mâché sculpture, creative form, and finding tools in nature to create ink-drawn works of art.