MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Art Center’s Restore project features a needle felting (felt painting) workshop this Saturday, Nov. 17, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Adults and children age 12 and up are invited to join one of Lake County’s most prolific artists, Alana Clearlake, to learn some of the techniques and tricks she employs in her work with felt.

The cost of this class is $10 to cover the many specialized materials required.

The name “needle felting” describes the process of this art form: Poking repeatedly at natural animal fibers with a barbed needle that eventually entwines the fibers creating a solid fabric. The result is similar to felt that is machine made and widely available.

Since hand felting is individual, the texture and look is very different from felt, which is purchased. “Come stab with me and become familiar with a new terminology: drafting, carding, roving, tops,” said Clearlake.

Clearlake is a master of the medium. Her colorful and impressive felt paintings and evocative felt sculptures are regularly featured in MAC exhibits. She has taught extensively, and her work in a variety of media has been exhibited worldwide and featured in artisan journals and magazines.

Two large-scale felt paintings, sculptures, and traditional mixed media paintings by Clearlake are currently on view in the “All Souls” exhibit at MAC. Enjoy “All Souls” through Dec. 2: Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or by appointment.

Please register in advance for this one-of-a-kind class at www.middletownartcenter.org/restore, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 707-809-8118. Space is limited and reservations are required.

Middletown Art Center is located at 21456 Highway 175 at the junction of Highway 29.