JR Events & Workshops
Unlike traditional art instruction, these workshops focus on strengthening the artist behind the artwork. By combining the expertise of licensed art therapists with Juniper Rag's artist-centered philosophy, participants gain practical wellness tools, greater emotional awareness, stronger creative confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the remarkable ways artistic practice supports mental health, resilience, and personal growth.
These experiences are designed not only to help artists make better work—but to help them build healthier, more fulfilling creative lives.
We will be offering workshops for all. You don’t have to be an artist to participate in many, but some will be developed specifically for arts and professional development.
Our space is small and it is an intimate experience with a nice ratio for personal attention. Please read the descriptions to ensure you are a good fit for the workshops. You do not have to take intros before others, we’ll make the workshops easy to jump right in, always starting with some basics.
5 Reasons to Take an Art Workshop at Juniper Rag
1. Try Something New. No Experience Required. Curious about art but not sure where to start? Our workshops make it easy to explore new materials, learn approachable techniques, and discover the satisfaction of making something yourself. No talent required. Just a little curiosity.
2. Make Time for the People You Love. Trade the usual dinner or drinks for a shared creative experience. Bring a partner, gather your friends, or plan a memorable afternoon together. You'll make something with your hands, share a few laughs, and leave with more than just a good memory. Gift Certificates for workshops are in the works.
3. Give Your Brain a Different Kind of Break. Step away from the screen, put the to-do list aside, and immerse yourself in the creative process. Making art invites you to slow down, experiment, and recharge. It's a refreshing change of pace from the everyday. Magic for people who need a little art therapy.
4. Learn From Working Artists, Curators, Art Therapy Pros and Behavioral Psychologists as well as Co-Founders of Juniper Rag. Get an inside look at how others approach art and art-making or how our brains operate as artists. Our workshops offer hands-on instruction, practical techniques, and the chance to learn directly from people who work in professional arts and creative industries. You might discover a new hobby, develop an existing skill, or simply gain a fresh appreciation for creativity.
5. Experience Art (and maybe life) in a New Way. Juniper Rag is an artist-centered contemporary art space dedicated to discovering artists and elevating original art. Our workshops invite you into that world of creativity—not just to look at art, but to experience the ideas, experimentation and possibilities behind it.
Come for the experience, take in our exhibitions. Perhaps, leave with something you made, something you learned and many reasons to look at the world a little differently.
First Collection
First Collection: An Intro to Art Collecting
Good taste is subjective & great art is always original.
Friday night fun…
You’ve figured out your style. You know all the coolest restaurants, the designers, where to find vintage treasures in every town, the places worth discovering before everyone else. So why should art be any different? You know what you like and don’t like…even if that one piece of art makes you feel both things at once!
First Collection by Juniper Rag is your invitation to step inside the world of original art collecting—without the intimidating price tags, insider language or feeling that you need an art history degree to belong. That is not the case here. We want you to explore all the ways living with art can enrich your life and fill your head with dopamine on the regular. Collecting art is such a cool experience, we want to empower potential collectors by giving them with insight.
Make it a night out with friends. Meet us at Juniper Rag Contemporary in Worcester. Discover original work by exceptional local and regional artists, hear the stories behind the pieces, and learn how to choose art that speaks to you, fits your space and most of all—means something to you long after the moment you bought it.
We’ll talk about what gives original art value, how to start building a collection, what to look for when buying, and how to live with art in a way that reflects who you are. You might find a painting for your first apartment, a piece that transforms your home or even an artist whose work you’ll follow for years to come. People do!
This is all about you and—-it is totally OK! There are no rules about what you should like. There is absolutely no pressure to buy, ever, but to learn, view some really great art and learn what collectors and curators see.
Collecting art is 100% not reserved for people with inherited collections or houses full of masterpieces. It starts with wanting your home to reflect your personality, to show your curiosity, point of view or the willingness to bring something original, made by someone in your community into your world. THAT is pretty damn cool for every artist that makes art. Another human wants to live with something you made. Wow!
Come curious. Leave inspired. Maybe low-key start a collection.
First Collection. An introduction to original art, the artists who make it, and the pleasure of owning something that is entirely your own, uniquely made by another human’s imagination and hands.
This is a deliberate entry point for all folks who love art but feel they like they just don’t know enough to begin.
We have created a workshop that is a thoughtful introduction to collecting original work for your home or office.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
This is a salon style session. We will provide a couple bottles of vino and a cheesy nosh. Feel free to bring a bottle or bev of your choice.
This is a chill conversation, not a lecture style.
Introductions & background, peruse the gallery, taking note of what speaks to you
Learn to look and to find your taste—may be shocking
Art prices, costs and value—demystify pricing
Learn about artists behind the work
Living with art & exploring your actual artwork criteria for in your space
Feature artist stories and why their work matters to us and the greater community
A free 15 minute consultation to be scheduled post.
We will be viewing our exhibition, entitled “Collector's Edit”, where we will showcase a number of works to inform you of what we look for when purchasing work. Our #1 must have on the list may surprise you!
We want to empower new collectors as they begin to start their independent lives, purchase their first home, or simply, the art lover still in high school who falls in love with a painting of waterlillies by an artists we feature from Boston who loves the outdoors.
You will never forget buying your first few pieces of art, or any one after. It is such a meaningful experience that we want to share with everyone. It is an intimate experience when you fall in love with a piece, make the decision to purchase it and hang it on your wall. No matter the details, it is always your first. Yeah, like that.
Each participant will leave with a complimentary work on paper to kick off their art collection!
The picking order of the art will be by the order you register. (1st in gets 1st choice)
Location: Juniper Rag Contemporary, Studio 201, The Crompton Building 138 Green Street, Worcester, MA 01604
A guided conversation about being an empowered first time collector. A unique way to spend an evening out with friends while learning about art.