Making a journal using recyled items is among the September workshops at Valley Ridge Art Studio near Muscoda.

Located in the rolling hills of Grant County just a little over an hour from Madison, Valley Ridge Art Studio offers courses with some of the most influential artist. The workshops and visiting artists in September are:

-- "Intuitive Mixed Media Collage: Visual Board Journal” with Katie Kendrick. Sept. 13-14. In this course you will make a journal using recycled items. You will be able to fill the journal with your own words and artwork.

-- “The Book of Talking Ribbons” with Pamela Sussman will be held Sept. 20-21. Use Romanesque braid binding to create a book with hard covers, watercolors and fabulous ribbons.

-- “Dwell: The Coffee Table Book” with Traci Bautista will be held Sept. 26-28. These visual coffee table journals include folded pages that are unconventional. You will add your own artwork to this visual journal that measures up to 16” by 21”.

Artists and students who visit Valley Ridge Art Studio routinely say the beautiful and intimate environment make it one of their favorite workshop spots. Many comment that Valley Ridge Art Studio inspires them and rejuvenates their spirits.

Because Valley Ridge Art Studio limits enrollment, students are given extraordinary access to the artists and in turn the artists are able to focus their attention on individuals.

Valley Ridge Art Studio owner Kathy Malkasian and her husband Bill work to create a rich art community for all who come to the carefully restored farm. As artist Misty Mawn recently wrote, “Perhaps you have read other blogs about Valley Ridge or have been there yourself, then you already know that it is a magical place run by Bill and Kathy Malkasian, two of the kindest souls you will ever meet, they open up their lives to so many and give so much, it’s beautiful and amazing to witness.”

Class size is limited, so register soon. For more information about class offerings, visit Valley Ridge Art Studio’s Web site at www.valleyridgeartstudio.com/sept or call 608-943-6212. Limited accommodations are available in a beautifully restored farmhouse, additional information available on the Web site.