How to Take a Workshop

I have facilitated workshops for nearly 10 years and am passing on the torch to someone else in the art club I belong to. I have thought about workshops and what people expect from them. After sitting through two a year I have a few ideas. You are spending alot of money so hopefully you go prepared to learn something new. I have seen so many people arrive, set up, watch the teacher and sit down and do their own thing...why come? Don't bring everything you own ...bring what the teacher has specified and not much more. Space is always limited and it causes confusion and sometimes dissention in the group if you take up too much room. Bring a notebook and take copious notes. Taking pictures as the teacher demos is always a good idea if you get permission. Some teachers don't like constant flashing in their eyes. Shut off your cell phone...very annoying! Be ready to stretch yourself and do something you didn't think you could. Some of the most successful workshops have been ones I thought held no interest to me personally. Clean up your space when you leave. Expect to have fun and you will!