Teaching & SpeakingWorkshops & Presentations

For Adults

I teach drawing and writing to adults through one-time workshops and multi-week sessions. I also give talks about bookmaking and creativity at libraries, conferences, and arts organizations. I've spoken at book festivals, luncheons, museums and baseball games—even on an old-time trolley car. Whatever your group or event looks like, I can build something that fits.

Stephanie Watson leading a drawing workshop for adults
Partners

A few places I’ve taught and presented

What I offer

Workshops & talks

Standalone workshops

One-time, hands-on sessions for libraries, conferences and organizations. You choose the focus: drawing, idea generation, character development, revision or another topic. Everyone leaves having made something new.

  • Drawing Games workshop at Best Buy
  • Half-day picture book workshop at the Loft Literary Center

Typical format: 1–3 hours. In person or virtual.

Multi-session workshops

Courses that give adults time to build a real creative practice, one session at a time.

Past workshops:

  • Sketching Fashion at Minneapolis Institute of Art. Five weeks, for adults 55 and up, using Mia’s Paris Couture exhibition as a starting point for observational drawing, in the galleries and in the studio.
  • Picture Book Dash at The Loft Literary Center. Eight-week course in picture-book writing, featuring both story craft and interdisciplinary exercises, designed to strengthen and expand creativity.
  • Creative Workshop with Face It Foundation. A five-week class that used writing, drawing, collage, and theater improvisation to help participants cultivate joy and resilience in the face of depression and anxiety.

Typical format: Weekly sessions over 4–8 weeks. In person or virtual.

Ask about a class

Talks and keynotes

In a speech, I can share my journey as an author and illustrator, and/or turn the focus on the group to offer ideas to nurture a creative practice or career. To create a talk, I start by learning about your organization and your goals for the day, then shape my presentation to fit your audience.

  • Featured presenter at the Twin Cities Book Festival
  • Featured presenter at the Festival of Children’s Literature at the Anderson Center in Red Wing
  • Keynote speaker at the Mother-Daughter-Sister-Friend Brunch, Minneapolis Area Synod—Central Lutheran Church

Typical format: 45–60 minutes. In person or virtual.

Ask about a talk
Photos

Recent classes and events

Testimonials

Stephanie’s classes are a delight. She’s both honest and reassuring about the challenges of creative work. Better yet, she lures you back into play and shows you how to set your muse free. My first published picture book was born in her class!

—Charlotte Sullivan Wild, author of Love, Violet and The Amazing Idea of You

The group improv activities were especially fun, and I felt a sense of belonging and acceptance. Any apprehension or fear I felt before the workshop quickly faded away after we got started.

—Participant in Face It Foundation workshop

Stephanie made her presentation interesting for everyone in the multi-generational audience.

—Zylpha Gregorson, Emcee, Mother-Daughter-Sister-Friend Brunch, Minneapolis Area Synod—Central Lutheran Church

Let’s connect

Interested in a class, workshop or talk? Tell me about your group and what you have in mind!

Your name *
First
Last