Now enrolling for the 2025 session
Course runs August 28 – December 5, 2025
“Lisa Call has a wealth of knowledge to share. Her passion for her field is boundless and apparent in every lecture, every review and every lesson filled with thoughtful questions and insightful links.
Finding Meaning in Your Art took me on a journey through myself, my past and my present, to arrive at a new understanding of who I am as an artist to carry me into the future.
This class touches on every aspect of the art making process, from idea source to materialization to the art world, making it the one of the best bangs for the buck.
Thank you, Lisa, for your dedication.”
~Elena Stokes, New Jersey
Course Description
What is your voice? What are you trying to say with your art? What does it mean to make authentic artwork?
And more importantly – how to do you figure out the answers to these questions?
One of the top goals of most of my students is to find their voice. And while indeed, working in a series (my most popular course) is a part of the process, the topic of voice and the meaning is a complex one, worthy of study and contemplation.
It is an important part of an artist’s ongoing studio practice. To question and explore what they are exploring with their work. And why.
We all have a why.
What is your why?
In this course you will explore and reveal your why through a variety of exercises. You will approach your voice by first finding the meaning in your artwork.
How? Through a variety of exercise that explore 5 different layers of meaning in your artwork.
Each of the modules (except the intro module) includes an exercise to help you uncover your meaning and your voice.
You’ll be doing studio work. Researching. Writing (always writing in my classes!). Sketching (yep – you get to sketch – yay!). And going for walks, or to the movies or maybe bungee jumping.
The live reviews will be slightly different in this class than my usual class. A little less critique (although there will be some of that) and more group conversations about what you are learning about the meaning of your art.
And because our life is intimately tied to our art – each module will include a lesson around mindsets, with a specific and actionable exercise to help you integrate your understanding of yourself with your art.
Syllabus
Module 1 – Introduction – What is Meaning?
Module 2 – Layer of Meaning #1
Module 3 – Layer of Meaning #2
Module 4 – Layer of Meaning #3
Module 5 – Layer of Meaning #4
Module 6 – Layer of Meaning #5
Module 7 – The Role of Research
Module 8 – Putting it together – Your Meaning / Your Voice
When we are connect to our why, we do our best work.
Are you ready to connect to your why?
This class is appropriate to be taken by all visual artists as the concepts we cover apply to all medium, not just textile art. Any media is acceptable: painting, drawing, encaustic, weaving, quilt making (piecing, applique, fusing, embellishment), surface design, etc.
This class does NOT include technique instruction. Students are expected to have the art making skills necessary to create their assignments.
As with all of my workshops, my biggest intention is to provide my students the confidence and tools so they can move their art forward by leaps and bounds.
Experience Level: Advanced Beginner to Advanced
“Taking Lisa Call’s Finding Meaning in Your Art – Find Your Voice course was a deeply rewarding experience that gave me both clarity and confidence in my artistic journey.
The course offered a thoughtful framework for exploring my creative voice, with exercises and reflective prompts that fostered personal growth. Rather than focusing on technical skills, the emphasis was on understanding the deeper meaning behind my work and how to express my true artistic intentions.
What stood out to me was how Lisa created a nurturing environment where I felt safe to explore, share, and take risks with my art. The feedback from Lisa and my colleagues helped me see my work through new lenses and gave me the courage to expand my comfort zone.
I took this course alongside Lisa’s Working in a Series course, and together, they were incredibly impactful. While Working in a Series helped me refine my creative process and focus on my artistic output, Finding Meaning in Your Art allowed me to connect more deeply with the purpose and meaning behind my work. The combination of both courses gave me the confidence to step forward with a more defined sense of direction in my art.
I wholeheartedly recommend Finding Meaning in Your Art – Find Your Voice to anyone looking to dive deeper into their artistic practice.
Lisa’s thoughtful, kind, and supportive teaching style, coupled with the engaging group dynamics, make this course an excellent choice for anyone seeking to understand and express their unique creative voice.“
~Michele Dellamaria
Finding Meaning in Your Art – Find Your Voice – Enrollment
Now enrolling for the 2025 session
August 28 – December 5 2025
Please note I currently only offer this course once per year.
Session Schedule
- The course content – recordings, articles, case studies, references, and assignments – is available 24/7 for you to access at anytime.
- Group Zoom Calls (where you receive detailed feedback on your work) will be held on the following days:
- September 11
- September 25
- October 9
- October 23
- November 6
- November 20
- December 4
- Calls will be 2-3 hours in length starting at 2pm Eastern Time Zone (the time it is in New York City) on the Thursdays listed above.
- If you are in New Zealand or Australia calls are on Friday mornings.
All calls will be recorded for those that are not able to attend the calls live.
Enroll for the Basic Course:
Single Payment
$875 USD
3 Monthly Payments of
$295 USD each
You will have will have access to the website and all course material for at least one year after completion of the course.
Cancellation/Refund policy: Due the small class size offered, all refunds must be requested at least 30 days prior to the first day of the program.
No refunds will be issued for requests less than 30 days prior unless
- Someone on the waitlist is available to fill the spot. In such cases, the refund minus a small administration fee will be made only after the new student has paid for the program.
- If no one is on the waitlist, the registrant identifies a person to take her/his/their place. In such cases, the refund minus a small administration fee will be made only after the new student has paid for the class, workshop, or event.
A 10% charge will be applied to all refunds. This covers the paypal fees (which paypal does not refund) and a small processing charge.
“For me, content has always been an important part of art making. Only occasionally do I come to the studio to mess about. As a result, I wondered what I would learn during this class. However, knowing that Lisa researches her subjects with consistent care, I signed up. Without a doubt, it has been rewarding and meaningful. Making concrete my personal “why” I make art provides a firm foundation from which to work.
I asked Lisa if she felt this class would be more helpful when artists are beginning their work in her classes, or after they have taken a number of “Lisa” classes – because I felt I got more out of it having studied with Lisa for close to three years? Her answer, “The experience would be different.”
I wish I had taken this at the beginning. But then, I would take it again, after studying and making for three years. I keep all of Lisa’s lessons and frequently refer to them.
I encourage all artists to take this class.”
~Ann Grasso, Connecticut
Prerequisites – Artwork
You must…
- …have made at least 5 (or more) compositions (any medium, any size) prior to taking this workshop. Composition created as exercises from my workshops count.
- …have all materials, supplies and tools you will need to create the artwork in your chosen style and technique.
- …be ready to do some sketching (do you have a sketchbook)?
- …have the knowledge and skill to create artwork in your chosen technique.
- …be willing to work hard and focus.
- …leave all self deprecating thoughts at the door and be ready to think big about your art
- …be ready to reflect upon their experience so you can grow
- …and, of course, have fun. Laughter is encouraged.
Some of those things might make you uncomfortable and they might scare you. But if you have an open mind and are willing to give it a try, you qualify.
It is recommended you document your work in this class in a journal or sketchbook.
Prerequisites – Computer
- Ability to take clear, in focus photos of your artwork with a digital camera.
- Ability to re-size and prepare your images for the internet.
- Ability to edit a word document.
- Access to internet to watch online videos and participate in group zoom calls.
Boutique Online Learning
There are a variety of options available for artists to advance their careers via online workshops.
My programs are different than most in that I keep the classes very small.
In a world of massive large online learning where you spend little time interacting with the instructor, I want to take a different route.
I believe in personal attention to each and every student. I don’t farm out your learning and coaching to my team. I am your instructor, mentor and coach.
If you are looking for a program where you matter as an individual – this is the place for you.
Wondering about Taking an Online Workshop?
…I usually enjoy in person 5 day workshops and was skeptical about an online class. But, Lisa is always available to her students, only a quick email or post away. It’s like waving one’s hand in the air and waiting for the teacher to come over.
I find I concentrate at home better than in class.
I have never been so productive.
My only problem is now need a 36 hour day to use all I have learned!
I really enjoyed this class and I will take online workshops with Lisa again.”
~Pam Morris
Florida
Online Course Logistics
- Course material will be provided via a private course website. You can read the articles, browse the references and listen to the recordings at any time.
- The course includes 7 studio exercises to guide you through applying the concepts to your own art practice.
- I will review student assignments during live web-conferences (see below for specific dates and times for your session).
- Reviews will be recorded for those that can not attend live.
- A portion of the review will be reserved for questions and answers.
- Ongoing online discussion with myself and fellow classmates on our private course website.
“I’m not quite sure how to describe Lisa’s classes, because they’re not “instructions”, they are prompts to help you more forward.
Sometimes it’s hard to break down the steps of how to get to where you want to go with your art, Lisa does that in an incredibly supportive way, she helps you see what you were having trouble discovering in your own art.
I have taken two classes from Lisa: Create a Body of Work and Finding Meaning in Your Art. Both of these classes encouraged sketching, thinking about what you are trying to express, freewriting, and examining your own strengths in your personal art expression.
Lisa encourages all forms of expression, and it is fascinating to see fellow artists who are going through the same thought processes and struggles you are having: perhaps at a different time in their lives (or maybe the same); perhaps in a different medium; perhaps in a different stage of their artistic development… but Lisa emboldens you to examine what you are struggling with and where you want to go in an incredibly encouraging, validating way.
Lisa helps you to see the positive in your art, and helps you to realize what is coming from your heart and how you are best at expressing that. “
~Elizabeth Gould
Not Sure If You Should Take this Workshop?
Please Don’t Signup for This Workshop If…
- …You don’t want to learn more about yourself and your art making. I’ll be encouraging introspection and reflection.
- …You are happy with your status quo. This is a workshop for those that are ready to dig in and move forward in a big way with their art.
Maybe another class is a better fit. See all of my online workshops here.
“Through Lisa’s class I have been able to find my artist voice.
Through articles tips and ticks she has led me to find some of the reasons why I make what I make and how I make it.
Some of my clearest and most expressive works are now starting to emerge.”
~Tracey Appleton
About Lisa – Your Instructor
In my early twenties I spent 5 years at a top rated university working on my PhD in computer science, pursuing my dream of becoming a professor. Turns out I wasn’t much interested in the research.
What I was excited about was the chance to teach. To stand up in front of a classroom and help people learn and grow.
I discovered my passion and love of teaching.
I love the transformation that happens when a student realizes they can and do understand something.
While I didn’t quite jump through enough hoops for my computer science PhD, I did gain wonderful experience as a university lecturer and I bring that level of professionalism to my art programs and classes. They are structured, thorough and grounded in academics.
I have been offering both in person and online learning opportunities since 2011, helping hundreds of artists reach their dreams.
In 2015 I became a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach® (CPCC) – or in other words – a trained and certified life coach. I found addressing mindset was a critical aspect of what I was doing in my workshops and I want my coaching to be grounded in proven methods.
The addition of coaching skills into my teaching curriculum allows my students to make meaningful, significant and lasting life changes in both their art practices and in their lives.
While both academics and coaching bring a depth to my workshops, they are rooted in my personal experience as an artist. I have actively been a practicing artist for over 20 years.
I have created over 1000 textile paintings and exhibited and sold over 600 of them in the past 15 years, (107 sold in 2018!) using the techniques, exercises, business practices and studio methodology I teach in my series of online programs.
I’m not just teaching theory – I’m teaching what I know has worked for me. Being able to maintain a sustainable business practice requires a strong foundation. Including solid systems, clear structure and plans that are easy to follow. This allows me to pursue exhibition opportunities and still have plenty of time to create in my studio.
My experiences – as an academic, as a software engineer/project manager, as a successful practicing artist, and as a life coach – these all come together into unique programs that can help you move from possibilities to realities.
My intention is to provide students with the vocabulary and tools they will need to go back to their studios with their own ideas and move forward with confidence for the rest of their careers.
You can see samples of former students work and read their thoughts on my workshops on my alumni directory.
For my complete artist bio and resume see artist website lisacall.com.
I look forward to working with you!
—lisa