Etegami is a Japanese art combining simple hand-painted images with words. Translated as “picture letter,” etegami values expression over perfection.

Join Darcy Lanz-Sage to learn etegami, an art form that encourages slowing down and close observation. The workshop emphasizes embracing imperfect lines and intuitive brushstrokes for etegami’s distinctive style. Participants use ink and watercolor to create 4 x 6” pieces of everyday subjects with brief personal text. You’ll also design a custom hanko (signature stamp) to sign your work. Etegami is often shared as a gift or mailed, making each piece a personal connection.

Presenter: Darcy Lanz-Sage

Darcy Lanz-Sage is an accomplished artist and retired art educator from the Madison, WI area, bringing more than 45 years of experience teaching art to students of all ages. Her approach emphasizes curiosity and experimentation, grounded in the belief that art fosters deeper attention and connection. In her personal work, she creates layered, textured surfaces on fabric and paper, drawing subtle inspiration from nature. Darcy’s art has been widely exhibited and featured in publications such as Cloth Paper Scissors, Quilting Arts, Interweave, and Pages.

Materials to be provided by presenter: All materials, including ink, rice paper, watercolor paper, brushes, painting subjects, and supplies to make a personal signature stamp (hanko).

Materials to be brought by participant: Fruit or vegetables to paint, special objects, and optionally their own line drawing brushes.

Workshop Fee:  $10 for Members, $20 for Non-Members.

Materials Fee: $5 Participant buys materials directly from presenter at the workshop

Participant capacity: 15