Saturday, October 24th, 2026
3:30-4:00PM | Meet & Greet, See the Current Exhibition
4:00-5:30PM Artist Talk with Q&A
Encaustic’s versatility extends far beyond the traditional panel. This presentation investigates how unconventional substrates and structural materials can expand the expressive and conceptual possibilities of the medium while maintaining sound technical practices.
Through examples from our studio practice, we’ll examine the unique properties and challenges of working with found wood, glass, bisque-fired ceramics, plaster bandages, fabric, cardboard and porcelain paper. Each material contributes its own physical character—from the history embedded in reclaimed wood to the translucency of glass, the absorbency of ceramic, the sculptural potential of plaster bandages and fabric, and the surprising strength and delicacy of porcelain paper.
We’ll discuss surface preparation, adhesion, heat management, compatibility, and archival considerations, along with strategies for integrating these materials into both two-and three-dimensional encaustic work. Particular attention will be given to how substrate choice influences not only construction but also the visual language and meaning of a piece.
Designed for artists with an established encaustic practice who are ready to move beyond conventional supports, this discussion offers practical solutions, technical insights, and fresh approaches for incorporating innovative materials into contemporary encaustic work. As important as the technical considerations are, we’ll also explore how the inherent history, fragility, and physical qualities of these materials can become active participants in the narrative of the work, allowing what lies beneath the wax to shape both structure and meaning.
Tracy Casagrande Clancy
Tracy Casagrande Clancy is an American mixed-media artist working in encaustic, assemblage, collage, and sculpture. Before becoming a full-time artist more than 17 years ago, she worked as a pediatric and family grief therapist, accompanying children and families through medical crises, loss, and death.
Moving frequently throughout her life immersed Tracy in different places, communities, and ways of life, repeatedly asking her to leave what was familiar, begin again, and find connection across differences. These experiences shaped her artistic practice and belief in our interconnectedness. Equally influential, her years as a grief therapist offered an intimate view of the vulnerability, perseverance, and rituals that emerge when facing profound loss. Together, these experiences revealed how much we share beneath all that distinguishes us. Her work explores how presence, compassion, ritual, and remembrance connect and sustain us.
Casagrande Clancy holds master’s degrees in Counseling and Social Work and bachelor’s degrees in Fine Art and Sociology & Social Work. She also studied Photography at the Savannah College of Art & Design. Her work has been exhibited throughout North America and Europe and is held in public and private collections worldwide, including the Museum of Encaustic Art in Santa Fe.
Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, she teaches regionally, nationally, and online through the Painting with Fire series. Tracy also leads international artist retreats, most recently in Italy and Ireland, with Morocco planned for 2027.
https://www.tracycasagrandeclancy.com
Instagram: @badassagrande
Facebook: tracycasagrandeclancy
Michele Randall
Michele Randall is an American artist. She has lived on the East Coast most of her life, growing up near her family’s three generation farm. Her work is inspired by the craftmanship passed down through her family, her sylvan surroundings, and her eclectic love of objects. She translates the colors and materials of her surroundings into vibrant works of art.
Trained as a printmaker, Michele became enamored with encaustic when she sought an alternative method to display her works on paper. This led to a deep investigation of layered wax and imagery. Michele has worked with encaustic for over a decade, incorporating the carving and pattern-making techniques she honed as a woodblock artist.
In equal measure Michele has a love of cyanotype, a camera-less photography process. She uses this process to create source imagery and collage material.
Michele has a BS and an MFA from Penn State University. She has taught in the art department at Penn State and Susquehanna University. She works full-time as an artist and a private workshop instructor in encaustic, cyanotype, and mixed media. Michele has been an instructor at Penland, Snow Farm, Peters Valley School of Craft, and Encaustic Conferences in New England and Canada. She is on the faculty of Painting with Fire, a year-long, online encaustic course. Her is held in private collections across the US.
https://www.michelerandallart.com
Instagram: @Michelerandallart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelerandallartstudio
