EcoSpaces, a local green building supply showroom, is offering more than just green construction materials to the community. Part of their mission is to educate and inform this region on the latest in innovative green building technology in order to empower builders with sustainable choices that are available to them.

“The educational component of green building is very important to us, and we enjoy sharing with our community what we are learning about in the world of sustainable building,” says owner Joanna Kanow.  So on Friday and Saturday, EcoSpaces is sponsoring the first of its seasonal green building workshops, this one focused on American Clay natural earth plasters.

American Clay is quickly becoming the desirable and appealing wall finish in homes, offices, schools, businesses, or anywhere interested in healthful beauty that is visually striking to interior walls and ceilings. American Clay uses natural clays, recycled and reclaimed aggregates, and vibrant natural pigments, available in three finishes.

Harvested from American soils and manufactured in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this material is non-toxic, 100 percent natural, non-dusting, mold and fade resistant, repairable and moisture controlling.  Best of all, it is easy and fun to install. 

EcoSpaces invites homeowners, builders, designers, architects, painters, faux finishers, and do it your self-ers to a free presentation on Friday, May 9 in the Program Room of the Library from 4:30-6 pm.  Deborah Hall, master certified American Clay installer visiting from Colorado Springs, will demonstrate the magic of this one hundred percent natural wall finish, its limitless possibilities, and how to transform spaces using a beautiful and natural material.  She will also address specifics of this wall finish, and answer technical questions.

Then, on Saturday May 10th, EcoSpaces will offer a full day American Clay Hands-on Workshop at the Lucas Gallery, located at 151 South Pine Street.  Attendees will have the opportunity to learn the intricacies of applying and finishing American Clay plaster on walls as well as their own individual practice panel.  Get experience and professional training while refinishing walls and working on your individual panel at the Lucas Gallery.  You will apply the clay in the two-coat system of Loma and Marittimo (clay with sea shell aggregate), and Loma and Porcelina (a smooth Venetian-type plaster finish).  Daniel Kanow, owner of EcoSpaces, Kale Timme, owner of EcoGreen Paint and Plaster, and Lars Carlson, certified installer from Durango will be assisting this workshop on Saturday.   Deborah Hall, instructor for the workshop, has a showroom, gallery, and teaching center for American Clay called Hall’s Walls in Colorado Springs.

This workshop is geared towards all levels of experience from beginner to advanced applicator.  Learn the basics of using a trowel to applying clay plaster, and refine your advanced skills with finishing and burnishing on your individual panel and on the walls of the gallery themselves.
  
Enrollment is limited for Saturday’s workshop.  Please call Daniel Kanow at EcoSpaces, 728-1973, to see if space is still available.

Workshop is $20 to cover the cost of materials.

Informational presentation at Wilkinson Public Library is free for all to attend!