
Ellen Wagner
917-226-0008
Bio
Ellen Wagner is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about empowering youth through sustainable creativity. Originally from St. Louis, Ellen is the founder of Eldenwa Designs and brings over 20 years of experience in creative direction and design. She began her artistic journey at Clark Atlanta University, studying Fashion
Design & Merchandising, and later honed her visual storytelling skills at the Creative Circus in Atlanta. Her career has included leading campaigns for global brands like Nissan and Adidas, but her heart has always remained in hands-on, purpose-driven work. Now based in Santa Cruz, Ellen is excited to share her love for sustainable art and fashion with the local community—encouraging them to repurpose, reimagine, consume, and create with intention.
Classes
Hourly Rate: $40 *prices may vary depending on the complexity of the class.
PRETEENS
Class Title: Fab Fabric Scrap Art: Creating w/Color & Texture
Description: Unleash your creativity and learn how to turn fabric scraps into stunning works of art! In this hands-on, eco-friendly class designed for ages 10–13, young artists will create a canvas masterpiece using recycled fabric as their paint. Fabric creations can also be created on articles of clothing. No painting or drawing experience is needed—just imagination and a willingness to explore new materials. Over *10 sessions, participants will learn basic design concepts, experiment with texture and layering, and discover how to use scissors, glue, and fabric like a painter uses a brush. This class also introduces sustainable art practices, showing students how to reduce waste and repurpose materials in creative ways. Each student will finish with their own unique, fabric-based artwork to take home and display with pride.
NOTE: $$$ materials fee is due to instructor on the first day of class. Cost will vary depending on project types. Fees can also be waived in certain situations.
HIGH SCHOOL, 18+
Class Title: Fab Fabric Scrap Art: Creating w/Color & Texture
Description: Unleash your creativity and transform fabric scraps into bold, original works of art! In this hands-on, eco-conscious class for ages 13 and up, students will explore fabric as a fine art medium—using recycled textiles as “paint” to create expressive canvas pieces or wearable art on clothing. No prior drawing or painting experience is required—just curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to experiment.
Over *10 sessions, participants will learn foundational design principles while experimenting with texture, layering, color, and composition. Students will develop skills using scissors, glue, and fabric much like a painter uses brushes and paint. Along the way, the class emphasizes sustainable art practices, encouraging creative reuse and waste reduction through artistic expression. Each student will complete at least one unique, fabric-based artwork to take home and proudly display. In addition to art-making, students will gain real-world experience in artist promotion and creative production. The class will collaboratively design and execute a final Fashion Show and
Art Exhibition, with participants taking part in all stages of pre-production and production. This includes developing a theme, set design, printed promotional materials, social media content, run-of-show planning, and more—offering students a comprehensive look at how artists present and market their work.
NOTE: $$$ materials fee is due to instructor on the first day of class. Cost will vary depending on project types. Fees can also be waived in certain situations.
*Number of classes will vary depending on program needs.
SENIOR COMMUNITY CLASS: Fab Fabric Scrap Art - Creating w/Color & Texture
Experience the calming and uplifting benefits of creative expression in a welcoming, social setting. This hands-on art class invites older adults to explore fabric-based art using recycled textiles, transforming familiar materials into beautiful and meaningful works on canvas or clothing. No prior art experience is needed—participants are encouraged to enjoy the process, express themselves freely, and create at their own pace.
Over 10 sessions, participants will engage in activities designed to support cognitive stimulation, fine motor skills, and emotional well-being. Working with fabric, texture, color, and simple design concepts helps strengthen focus, memory, and problem-solving skills, while the repetitive and tactile nature of cutting, arranging, and gluing can be both relaxing and grounding. The class structure promotes routine, mindfulness, and a sense of accomplishment.
This program also emphasizes social connection and community building. Group discussions, shared decision-making, and collaborative elements encourage communication, storytelling, and peer interaction—important components of mental and emotional health. The class can be adapted for varying physical abilities, including seated participation and modified tools.
Participants will be invited to share their finished artwork in a community art exhibition or fashion-style showcase, celebrating creativity, identity, and lifelong learning. Optional involvement in light planning activities—such as choosing a theme or naming the exhibit—offers additional opportunities for engagement and purpose.
Through creative reuse and sustainable art practices, this class nurtures creativity, supports overall wellness, and provides seniors with a meaningful, confidence-boosting artistic experience they can take pride in.
NOTE: $$$ materials fee is due to instructor on the first day of class. Cost will vary depending on project types. Fees can also be waived in certain situations.
*Number of classes will vary depending on program needs.