WORKSHOP II
WEIRD/WILD/WITHERING:
SCULPTURE & INSTALLATION WITH FORAGED BOTANICALS
October 26, 2025 / 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: The Commons
$100 per person
Botanical installation is the nexus of art and floral design. Sculptural principles and techniques allow the floral artist to create fantastical environments such as arches and entryways, overhead clouds or canopies, and abstract suspended shapes. In the world of botanical installation, creativity—well, and gravity—reign supreme. Although some practitioners use toxic floral foam, the industry is moving to more sustainability conscious materials. In this workshop, participants
will learn and apply the principles of sculpture by collaborating on the design and execution of a large, foam-free installation to be exhibited outside the Commons. In an exciting twist, participants will learn foraging tips and techniques on an instructor-led foraging walk in the Shank Painter Road area. No heavy lifting is required; selected botanicals will be transported by truck. Participants and instructor will collaborate on sculpting a botanical installation outside the Commons’ front entrance. Learning to use botanicals in this way will allow participants to create installations at home (at holiday parties, for example) and add three-dimensional botanical sculpture to their artist toolbox. The forging walk is optional and will be customized to suit participant needs. In the event of inclement weather, foraged botanicals will be provided, and the installation will occur indoors. Workshop fee includes instruction, tools, and materials. Participants will spend much of the workshop outdoors and should dress accordingly. Plan to bring gardening gloves (or similarly protective gloves), such as GARDENING GLOVES
This workshop is part of our From the Earth series. Workshops will guide participants through exploring, recognizing, learning, and using the natural resources in abundance on Cape Cod. We'll focus on foraging, ink and paper making, and quiet observation of the fragile ecosystems that surround us. All workshops are artist-led with an emphasis on the human responsibility to protect and sustain our natural resources. From the Earth is supported by a grant from the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod.
WEIRD/WILD/WITHERING:
COMPANION WORKSHOPS ON FLORAL DESIGN & SCULPTURAL INSTALLATION
(register separately or together)
WORKSHOP I
WEIRD/WILD/WITHERING:
AUTUMNAL FLORAL DESIGN
Oct. 24, 2025 / 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: The Commons
$125 per person
Floral design and fine art involve similar principles and ideas. Drawing inspiration from the Dutch Masters, local artist and designer Jason Potter will guide workshop participants as they create their own wild, romantic floral arrangements. Participants will learn to balance texture with color, create movement with color and gesture, prioritize seasonality, develop unexpected color stories, and incorporate foraged botanicals. Participants will also learn to use environmentally friendlier mechanics and techniques. In celebration of Halloween week, participants will be challenged to incorporate a selection of weird, wild, and withering elements into their designs. Participants will receive individual guidance and feedback throughout. They will leave with their own arrangement and the skillset to create unexpected, painterly arrangements at home. Workshop fee includes instruction, tools, and materials, as well as beautiful blooms, foliage, and foraged botanicals.
Materials: Simple floral shears, such as FLOWER SCISSORS
Instructor Bio
Jason Potter is a Provincetown-based artist and floral designer. His avant-garde “Mycelium Bride” garment/sculpture appeared in the Commons’ 2025 Fashion Show and the accompanying group show. As a floral designer, Jason’s designs are inspired by textures of Cape Cod, the change of seasons along the coast, avant-garde fashion, and contemporary art. He owned and operated a floral studio in Provincetown from 2019 to 2021 and has designed for local and Boston-area retail and event floral designers, such as Heavy Petal, Botanique of Cape Cod, and Wilson Farms. Jason has extensive experience designing and executing botanical installations, such as floral “clouds” and “waves” for events. Today, his floral design practice is limited exclusively to designing and creating fantastical floral installations.
