2025 Headdress Making Workshop with Kathryn "Ka" June
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Join us for this three-day intensive workshop, as we explore playful creativity and the art of adornment by expressing your unique and powerful qualities through making your own headdress.
To wear a crown, or a headdress, has long been depicted as a symbol of authority, sovereignty and divinity. Throughout the ages, and around the world, headdresses have been worn by deities, royalty, rulers, shamans, and ceremonialists, to demonstrate their divine nature, spiritual connection, and archetypal embodiment. While this is still true today, headdresses have also been revived as a celebratory expression, worn for festive occasions and artistic statement.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
We will begin with a multicultural exploration of how headdresses have been made and worn in the past and into the present, as Ka will offer a 90 minute presentation and slide show, full of stunning images of headdresses from all over the world. Ka will share her personal journey, process and philosophy with this art form, as well as the numerous materials and techniques that can be applied within this creative practice. Seeing the vast variety of materials, styles and possibilities will inspire our imagination, and help us to envision the crowns we will make for ourselves.
This craft is a fun and lighthearted way of playing with the many facets of self. Head adornments can dramatically amplify archetypal characteristics, or transform the normal traits of daily persona. Be it your wild self, your royal self, your clown self, or your most obscure self, you are welcome to explore and embody it here.
We will also discuss cultural appropriation, and how to make a headdress with awareness to cultural sensitivities.
Ka will share some techniques and tips she has learned to help guide your process, and will hold a brief Q&A
As you construct your headdress, Ka will be at hand to advise and assist the process, offer help with structure, technique, and design, and answer any questions you may have.
After the completion of our headdresses, each participant will have an opportunity to show their unique creation and share their experiences with the rest of the class. We will also set up a mini photo shoot, and get some great pictures of you in your crown to share.
This will surely be a fun experience to express yourself in a new way, make new friends, and surprise yourself at your abilities. Every participant I have had in the past, has deeply enjoyed this time together, and has been delighted with the headdress(es) they took home with them.
Note: Materials not included. A huge part, (and a fun part!) of making your own headdress is sourcing your materials. The possibilities are limitless. I will provide a few basics, yet you will need to gather the components for your piece. I find this part of the process to be inspiring, and a lot of fun. Most of my headdress ideas come from shopping for things to create with. I will send out a materials list, via email, to each participant upon registration, which also includes ideas, tips and links to find what you are looking for.
It is encouraged to register early, as you will need a couple weeks to gather your supplies, especially if you plan to order any items online.
It is encouraged to register early, as you will need a couple weeks to gather your supplies, especially if you plan to order any items online.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
Kathryn "Ka" June
Kathryn “Ka” June is a painter, designer, and performing artist, currently residing in Asheville, NC.
She is primarily self-taught, and her former work in the healing arts is strongly influential in her craft. Her love and devotion to the healing power of beauty is the foundation of her art.
Ka’s primary vocation is oil painting, but she also enjoys a prolific career in costume design and creation. She is also a performance artist, writer, and mentor.
She has performed and exhibited worldwide, and her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Paris Vogue, US Elle, Dark Beauty, Black Chalk and Mirror magazines, as well as Rolling Stone and Beautiful Bizarre online.
Her costume work has been on display for sale at the Smithsonian American Art
Museum’s Renwick Gallery, and has been exhibited digitally in the Van Wereldculturen Museums. Ka opened her own studio gallery in Asheville’s River Arts District in 2017.
“My art celebrates the beauty I experience in this world, and the inner realms I inhabit. I aim to inspire an awareness of sovereign empowerment through creativity. Through my creations, I wish to revive spirit and curiosity, and to bring a sense of healing and wonder to my audience. I hold great reverence for our collective potential to bridge Heaven and Earth through our love and imagination, for each and every one of us is a powerful creator.” - Ka
www.serpentfeathers.com | IG: @serpentfeathers | FB: @serpentfeathers | Tiktok: @serpent.feathers | Pinterest: serpentfeathers
SCHEDULE:
All times are listed in EDT
Friday, October 10th
- 2pm-5pm: Guests arrive by 5pm and check-in to their rooms.
- 6pm: Dinner & Orientation are part of the workshop for all participants.
- 7:30pm: Opening circle and presentation
Saturday, October 11th
- 8am - 10am: Self-serve breakfast in the Dining Hall
- 10am: Work Session in the Art Lab
- 1pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall
- 3pm: Work Session in the Art Lab
- 6pm: Dinner in the Dining Hall
- 7:30pm: Work Session in the Art Lab
Sunday, October 12th
- 8am - 10am: Self-serve Breakfast in the Dining Hall
- 10am: Work Session in the Art Lab
- 1pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall
- 2pm: Closing session and photoshoot
- 4pm: Workshop ends
- 6pm: CoSM closes
CoSM and Entheon are open weekly on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 12pm - 6pm when CoSM Grounds close. Participation includes day passes during open hours to CoSM facilities and grounds for the duration of the workshop.
You are welcome to extend your stay from the Thursday before, to the Monday after the workshop by emailing [email protected].
MATERIALS:
Provided Materials:
- A display head (essential for building and showcasing your headdress)
- One headress base per person, made by Ka (the foundation that your headdress will be built on)
Participants will receive a detailed materials list upon registration, please review this carefully to ensure you're prepared.
Here's a general outline of what you'll need, though reviewing the materials list is essential to procuring the proper materials:
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks, basic adhesives, and scissors
- Wire + pliers, basic sewing kit
- Decorative elements of your choice: feathers, beads, fabric, faux florals, crystals, costume jewelry, etc.
Participants are encouraged to meditate on their creative theme or color palette beforehand.
You are welcome to write to Ka with questions about materials ahead of time: [email protected]
Lightweight materials are key! Heavy or very fragile items (like real horns or glass) are discouraged. DIY horn-making tips and inspiration links will be included in the full materials sheet.
CoSM WORKSHOP SETTING:
Class sessions will take place in the beautiful, newly renovated MAGI Art Lab.
The Grey House, CoSM's Visionary Victorian guest house, provides accommodations for all participants. Residing onsite together is a part of this immersively creative weekend, providing maximum benefit & enrichment.
Accommodations in Grey House are offered in a variety of economies, in addition to the workshop fee.
Participants are welcome to extend their overnight stay at CoSM to the Thursday before and/or the Monday after the workshop.
WORKSHOP AMMENITIES
Available for the duration of the 3 day workshop:
- Healthy meals by CoSM chefs, starting with dinner on Friday and ending with lunch on Sunday
- Coffee, tea and snacks available in the Art Lab between meals
- Access to Grey House common spaces — The Library, The Parlor, The Dining Hall & Gallery Spaces on all three floors.
- Yoga mats for self guided practice
- Accommodations include private rooms and shared dorm rooms—femme only or co-ed options.
- The Wisdom Trail offers a contemplative walk through the CoSM woods, including a labyrinth, outdoor sculptural installations by visionary artists
Participation also includes Day Admission to CoSM: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 6pm:
- Access to Facilities, grounds and self-touring Entheon
- Students are welcome to experience Entheon and Grey House Galleries, including both CoSM Shop & Entheon Shop.
- Beverages and light fare will be available for purchase in the Mushroom Cafe
TUITION:
Tuition for the 3-day Crowning Glory: Headdress Making workshop includes meals.
- $320.00 Early Bird (limited availability!)
- $400.00 GA
- Accommodations are additional.
- Payment plans available, with all funds due one month before the start of the workshop..
- For further information, contact [email protected].
ACCOMMODATIONS:
The Grey House, CoSM’s Visionary Victorian guest house, offers accommodations for all participants. Works of art by Alex Grey, Allyson Grey and accomplished artists of the international Visionary Art community are featured throughout the guest rooms and common spaces of the guest house.
Onsite accommodations are an enriching part of the course experience and are available in a variety of economies. Pricing for the two night stay, arriving Friday, October 10th and departing Sunday, October 12th, 2025 is reflective of the 10% workshop discount:
- King with ensuite bathroom $495.00
- Queen with ensuite bathroom $450.00
- Private Queen/shared bath $360.00
- Dorm bed: Single $216.00 *co-ed & women’s only options available
Workshop accommodations must be booked directly through the workshop department after ticket purchase, rather than through the website. Email [email protected] to secure your stay.
Questions about tuition or accommodation fees, payment plans, travel, retreat amenities, materials etc.?
Contact us at: [email protected] | +1 (845) 297-2323