Teaching Background & Student Testimonials

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

“I was most pleased with the Encaustic Collagraph Printmaking Retreat in Guanajuato, Mexico, especially what I took away. My second class was with Elise (the first one in her studio in Portland), and I did not have any printmaking experience. Elise is a detailed, generous instructor (and press assistant Hugo, owner/artist of the Alma del Sol owner/artist). She is very knowledgeable and articulates her information with care. I Learned so much ‘more’ the second time – no matter your level, you cannot go wrong jumping on this retreat (or her other workshops).
I now own a mini-printing press!”
- Scott DS Young, Oakland, CA

“I would say that your teaching and the printmaking experience in Guanajuato was unique and extremely well organized. The workshop package, support, friendship and of course, the whole atmosphere was inspiring and full of positive energy. There is just the right balance of instruction and time to explore. We also had time to enjoy the special surroundings and bring that cultural influence into our work.  You and Hugo make great artistic partners.”
-Jan Key, Midland, MI

”Participating in Elise’s Encaustic Collograph workshop in Guanajuato was one of the best things I’ve ever experienced. The setting was magical, with a rooftop printmaking studio right there at our beautifully & authentically restored hotel, delicious nourishing Mexican based breakfasts, a daily happy hour in the rooftop bar, and evenings walking the charming, musical cobblestones streets of the town. Our days were filled with colllaboration, learning, exploring the techniques of this uniquely creative and challenging medium. Elise’s teaching was stellar. She worked on her own pieces, which was highly instructive, and she provided teaching sessions on using the wax to build plates, inking and wiping plates, and printing the piece — each in and of itself a process one needs to master. Even when we were all immersed in our own work, Elise would gently make the rounds to see what support or guidance she could offer. I never felt stranded, or hovered over. That takes teaching skill. We took time to learn about each other’s style of making art, which was so interesting, and then to review the results of the week on our final day together, which was an affirming way to pull it all together and see our work as a whole. I highly recommend this workshop, especially for someone looking to learn an unusual process and/or a way to add depth to their work. “
-Cheryl Ramette, Northfield, MN

I live in Honolulu and wanted to take Elise's workshops for two years. I was finally able to coordinate my schedule and take a three day workshop in November 2018. I loved every minute of time with Elise as well as learning new encaustic techniques. It was my first time with encaustic collagraph .. I loved it so much I signed up for her Mexico workshop in January 2019. I also will be signing up for more classes in the summer of 2019. Elise is very easy to work with and has a wonderful studio workspace. She is a very talented instructor and artist, I feel fortunate to be able to learn from her.
-Sandy Simonian, Honolulu, HI 

Wonderful! I am an extreme amateur - trained in a field Faron the other side of my brain from art, but with a firm desire to learn to express myself visually. I had a one-on-one all-day session with Elise in her studio as she took me through encaustic painting her way. I was nervous to learn from an establish artist who shows her work in galleries New York, Washington, D.C., Portland, and elsewhere but Elise is so down-to-earth, funny, witty, entertaining, and especially: supportive! What a wonderful way to spend a day and a great investment in ME! Thank you Elise! —Anton Mogilevsky, Lake Oswego, OR 
-Anton Mogilevsky, Lake Oswego, OR

I travelled from Michigan to Portland to learn more about encaustic and printmaking. I was searching online for private instruction on encaustic and I came upon Elise's work and courses. I emailed her  she was able to design a three-day, one on one instruction based on my personal interests.  I was able to spend concentrated creative time with Elise and was exposed to both mediums. We were able to work side by side and I enjoyed every minute of the experience. She was a great teacher. The entire experience was so enjoyable and if I am able, I would love to return to her wonderful studio.
-Michelle McLean, MD, Freeland, MI 

“Elise Wagner's workshops are instructional, professional and fun for artists of all experience and skill levels. Elise's extensive teaching experience allows her to tailor each class to the needs of her individual students. Her studio classroom is safe and well-equipped and even has a four-legged greeter! I have taken two of Elise's workshops and am looking forward to the next.”
- Karen Karlsson, Pamona, CA 

TEACHING
2024-2017 Encaustic Painting & Collagraph Printmaking Retreat in Guanajuato, Mexico
2023    Metchosin International Summer School for the Arts, Vancouver Island, BC
2022-2020 Live Stream Workshops and Mentoring on Zoom, Elise Wagner Studio, Portland, OR
2020 & 2015 Burning Bones Press, Houston, TX
2022-2018 Piramidal Grafica, Guanajuato, Mexico
2018 & 2014 Center for Contemporary Print, Norwalk, CT
2018    Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop, Elizabeth Foundation of the Arts, New York, NY
2018    Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, Hyattsville, MD
2017    David A. Clark Studio, Palm Springs, CA
2015    Women's Studio Workshop, Rosedale, NY
2015 & 2014    R&F Handmade Paints, Kingston, NY
2015    Metchosin International Summer School for the Arts, Vancouver Island, BC
2015    The Encaustic Center, Dallas, TX
2014    The Printmaking Center of New Jersey, Branchburg, NJ
2013    Truro Center for the Art at Castle Hill, Truro, MA
2010 & 2003 Sitka Center for Art & Ecology, Otis, OR
2010-06    Oregon College of Art & Craft Extension Program, Portland, OR
2009    Encaustic Collagraph Monotype, Rogue Gallery & Art Center, Medford, OR
2009    Guest Instructor, Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR
2008    Red Deer College, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
2002    Guest Instructor, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Portland, OR
1996     Elise Wagner Studio Workshops, Portland, OR 

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
2023 Presenter, Print Arts Northwest Artist in Residence Program, Portland, OR
2022 Presenter, 15th International Encaustic Conference, Provincetown, MA
2022 Interview, Art Ladders Podcast, Midland, MI
2020 Juror, Art of Perseverance Exhibition & Competition, Exhibbits Virtual Platform
2018     Juror, Beaverton ArtsMix, Beaverton, OR
2018     Juror, Vancouver Open Studios, Vancouver, Washington
2017     Lecture and Demonstration of Encaustic Collagraph Monoprinting, Multnomah Arts Center, Portland, OR
2017     Juror, Art in the Pearl, Portland, OR
2017     PDX-CSA: Art, Concept to Completion Program, Portland, OR
2016     Presenter, SGCI Conference: Flux Portland The Edge of Yesterday and Tomorrow, Portland, OR
2014     Interview, Art Focus KBOO FM, Portland
2013     Presenter and Instructor, 7th International Encaustic Conference, Provincetown, MA
2012     Panelist, Igniting the Spark: Creativity in Our Practice, International Encaustic Conference,  Provincetown, MA
2011      Visiting Artist, Quantum + Creative Connections, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA
2011      Prop placement for the television show Portlandia, IFC Network
2011      Panelist, Women’s Studies Conference Women in Popular Culture, Wilkes University, Wilkes Barre, PA
2011      Juror, Portland Open Studios, Portland, OR
2011      Juror, Portland Metro Scholastic Art Awards, Lake Oswego, OR
2010     Guest Artist, Encaustic Collagraph Monotype, Ink & Drink, Atelier Meridia, Portland, OR
2010     Television News Interview, KJRH NBC Tulsa, OK
2010     Guest Speaker, Portland State University Art & Social Practice, Portland, OR
2009    Children's Cancer & Blood Foundation Charity Art Auction, Sotheby's, New York, NY
2009    Eva Lake Studio Visit Video, Elise Wagner Studio, Portland, OR
2009    Art for Life Auction, Cascade Aids Project, Portland, OR
2007    Major Motion Picture Prop Placement, Boston, MA
2007    Art for Life Auction, Cascade Aids Project, Portland, OR
2006    Juror, Impulse: A National Encaustic Exhibition, Portland Art Center
2006    ArtStar Radio, Featured Guest Interview, KPSU, Portland, OR
2006    Art for Life Auction, Cascade Aids Project, Portland, OR
2005    PULSE Auction, Children’s Heart Foundation, Oregon Chapter Portland, OR
2005    Art for Life Auction, Cascade Aids Project, Portland, OR
2003    Prints for PICA, Portland, OR
2003    Metropolitan Learning Center, Portfolio Presentation Panelist Portland, OR
2002    Regional Arts and Culture Council Review Panelist, Portland, OR
2002    Oregon Arts Commission Public Art Selection Committee, Portland, OR
2001     Oregon Art Beat, Oregon Public Broadcasting, Portland, OR

I was a novice and there were other people with printmaking experience. All of us learned! Elise is patient and always had a constructive comment. Her positive teaching technique is backed by her solid knowledge in art especially in encaustic collagraph printmaking. I totally enjoyed her expertise and overall kindness as a teacher and person! Plus I love her art work! Thank you Elise!!! I'll be back for another workshop.
-Alannah Ashlie, Seattle, WA

I traveled from New York to Portland to take Elise's encaustic collagraph workshop, it was absolutely worth the trip. Her studio is wonderful and the workshop was informative on so many levels. I have taken what I learned with Elise and am incorporating it while working in my own studio at home. With Elise's encouragement I have been able to take some leaps of faith in my own art.
-Valerie Zeman, Huntington, NY

If you are interested in workshops that are chock full of technical information, yet immensely enjoyable, I urge you to look into Wagnerica Workshops. My daughter and I enjoyed a week long program in Red Deer, Alberta. I have since travelled twice to Oregon for a "Wagnerica fix"! Elise is an encaustic professional who also has a gift for sharing her passion.
-Carol Lulham, Montreal, Quebec

I have taken three workshops with Elise. She is a talented and generous instructor .....I particularly appreciate the structure of her teaching, multiple comprehensive demo's with time to experiment in a great studio space. Since my last workshop I've completed several pieces and have some in gallery for sale....Being in the midst of her brilliant paintings is great inspiration! 
-Veronica Flemming, Prineville, OR 

I have taken two of Wagner’s Workshops. The first was a encaustic workshop. There were only three of us. The second was the encaustic collograph workshop.

I also felt fortunate to have started my encaustic learning with Elise. Even though my current technique of encaustic-watercolors is different from what I learned in my first workshop, I still consider that workshop as deeply influential on my development as an artist in general.  Elise’s perspective of that we are artists first and encaustic just another medium, has stayed with me.

I liked that Elise emphasized our artistic visions, as well as how the encaustic techniques she shared might achieve that vision. Elise teaches art workshops, not just encaustic workshops.  She seems to have every intention to want our very best and most adventurous art selves to be welcomed into her studio. 
–Anne Mavor, Portland, OR