February 8th 2026 | 2-4pm | All Levels | $35M $40NM
Join us for a custom paint party where you paint a masterpiece of your own pet!
In this class, you will receive a hand drawn custom coloring book style 11x14 primed canvas of one pet or favorite animal that you submit. A palette specifically for you will be provided as well as a full color copy for painting reference. You will be guided from start to finish as a class, while also having one on one time with the instructor. Everyone is welcome, no painting experience is necessary. All Materials are supplied. Just show up ready to create!
Email your pet photos directly to Michele after registration! Please no later than Feb 1 2026: michelethepainter@gmail.com
This Pop-up is NON REFUNDABLE, please reach out to the YAA if you need to cancel for any reason.
About the Instructor:
Michele Ports Gargiulo was the kid who drew on everything.
Drawing, printmaking, and painting eventually lead into custom murals and faux finishes for homes and businesses.
After accepting a position in the veterinary industry, Michele melded together her love of animals and art.
As Michele the Painter, she specializes in custom pet portraits, creating art to donate for various animal welfare programs, rescues and educational programs. With the support of her customers over $45,000 in art and funds have been donated since 2104.
In 2017, Michele was accepted into the Creative York Adult Juried Art Exhibition.
In 2018, she was selected as one of 10 Emerging Artists for the annual Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show.
Michele illustrated a children's book in 2021, entitled 'Aladdin the Superhero', about an abused pup, who through love and support became the Rescue Dog of the Year.
She began teaching Paint Your Pet events in 2014, after attending one and partnering with a local rescue.
She currently can be found locally exhibiting in galleries, attending local Makers Markets and animal related events.
Michele credits her dog S'mores for being the best art assistant ever.
www.facebook.com/michelethepainter
RESCHEUDLED New Date: Saturday 2/21 | 1-4PM | Beginner-Intermediate | $40M $45NM
This 3-hour Pop-Up class serves as an introduction to painting with the Reductive Method using water-mixable oil paints.
The Pop-up will follow Jim’s demo by painting on a provided gesso-coated Hardboard. We will apply paint with brushes and palette knives and remove it with squeegees, paper towels, and Q-Tips. This method is fun and helps you quickly define your tonal values. Switching from harsh solvents to water when mixing oil paints is a game-changer!
Jim will provide a prepared Hardboard, dabs of water-mixable oil paint (I use Cobra brand paint), a cheap hardware store “chip brush,” Q-tips, and a small squeegee (you will still need to purchase the large one from the Supplies List or borrow from Jim – he has a few extra).
Please review the Supply List to ensure you have everything you need for the Workshop.
A chance to try it out before you take the full day Workshop using the same method in March!
Supply List
• A couple of synthetic bright brushes, sizes 14 - 18. A bright brush is a type of flat brush with short bristles that is used for applying short, controlled strokes of paint
• A rigger watercolor brush for fine detail (this is optional)
• Ettore Solid Brass Squeegee, 6-Inch- (Jim has a few extra to borrow if you don’t want to purchase) - Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQL3U4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
• Roll of Bounty paper towels
• Palette for mixing the water-soluble oil paint- a paper or styrofoam plate will do or palette paper
• Plastic Trash bag – grocery bag size for used paper towels
• Container for water (to thin paint and wash brushes).
• Soap to wash out brushes
• An apron is recommended, and gloves are optional.
• Reference Photos to paint from (prints or digital photos are OK). Consider a reference with well-defined values and contrasts. Jim will also have pictures to work from.
February 22nd | 2-4pm | All Levels Family Friendly | $20M $25NM
Bring your creativity and spend a fun, relaxing afternoon painting alongside your child! Together, you’ll re-create our whimsical Starry Night Owl inspired by Van Gogh’s masterpiece, perfect for artists of all skill levels. Come make memories, laugh, and create artwork you’ll be proud to take home. We can’t wait to paint with you!
Family friendly, Parents/Grandparents welcome! Recommended for children ages 6 and up
️ All materials are included
Just show up and enjoy the experience!
YESENIA "JESSIE" GROFT began her artistic journey as a child, often drawing alongside her father as he created beautiful oil paintings. Her love for painting was rekindled several years ago while attending a paint night with friends.
What began as a simple hobby developed into a motivating passion. As an artist, Jessie continues to hone in her style and technique. She learned techniques through tried and true methods, such as the Charles Bargue drawing course and sight-size.
As an instructor, she seeks to enthusiastically share her heartfelt belief that we all can learn to draw and paint to some degree – it just takes time to patiently learn and practice. She teaches her students to be willing to try new things and not to fear failure.
Her favorite mediums are charcoal on paper and acrylic on stretched or wooden canvas. She is a proud member of the York Art Association where she teaches youth classes.
York Art Association
717-755-0028
office@yorkartassociation.org