Shadow as a Medium
Sunday, November 15, 2026 | 3:00 PM –4:30 PM
Leanor de San Juan | 200 South Main Ave., Aztec, NM 87410
Easy | All ages; minors with parent/guardian
$25 | All Materials Included
Move the light. Change the art.
Build the piece. Move the light. Watch the artwork change.
In Shadow as a Medium, the paper shapes are only half the artwork. You’ll create a dimensional canvas with raised forms, then use a movable light source to stretch, distort, overlap, and transform the shadows into a second composition.
What You'll Create
Create a dimensional canvas using mounted paper forms and a light source. Choose from seasonal, nature-inspired, winged, geometric, and abstract shapes, then arrange them at different heights and angles to create shadows that shift as the light moves.
Snowflakes can become long angular forms. Leaves can look like they’re moving in the wind. Wings can stretch across the canvas. Even a simple square can turn into something completely different depending on the angle of the light.
What You'll Learn
How light direction and distance change a shadow
How height, angle, and spacing affect projection
Positive and negative space
Layering, overlap, and composition
How simple forms can create surprising visual effects
What's Included
Canvas and paper materials
Pre-cut shape options
Mounting supplies
Use of lighting tools during the workshop
Step-by-step instruction
A finished dimensional shadow-art piece to take home
What to Expect
We’ll build the physical composition first, then start moving the light around and discovering what the piece can do. A tiny change in angle or distance can turn a compact shadow into something huge, merge two shapes together, or make an entirely new image appear.
There isn’t one correct final composition. The fun is in experimenting, adjusting, and seeing how many versions of the artwork you can find.
Pre-cut shapes and assisted options are available, and the project can be completed while seated.
Perfect For
Families and curious makers
Kids who enjoy hands-on S.T.E.A.M. projects
Adults who like experimental art
Friends, date nights, and creative get-togethers
Beginners—no previous art experience needed
Reserve Your Spot
Registration is required so we can have materials ready for every participant. Save your spot ahead of time, then come ready to build, experiment with light, and see what your shadows can do.
Things to Know Before You Register
This is a low-mess workshop. Participants will work with paper shapes, mounting materials, and handheld light sources. Pre-cut shapes, larger shapes, and assisted placement are available for participants who prefer less detailed cutting or assembly.
A little love for our friends at Leanor de San Juan! 🍷🌹
We're grateful to have such a wonderful local space to bring our weird and wonderful creative workshops to life!
Come make something with Rusted Rose Studios, and while you're there, show Leanor some love! Explore what they have to offer, support a local business, and help keep creative community spaces like this thriving.
Good art, good company, and supporting local. What's not to love?
Can’t Make This Workshop?
Love the project but can’t make this date? Bring the experience to your own group.
Rusted Rose Studios offers private craft parties and custom workshop experiences for friends, families, community groups, and special events.
