I didn't mean to discourage you from looking for an instructor by any means! Just wanted to let you know they aren't easy to find is all. You're in a much larger environment than I am so you may find someone quite easily. Try your LQS, local guilds, arts and craft organizations (we have the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen for instance), and there are always workshops at major quilt shows. Any of those may help or may send you to someone who will.
If you see work you like, contact the maker and ask about her technique. perhaps she'd be willing to teach you one-on-one or refer you to a book or workshop. Most artists respond eagerly to interest in their work and fiber artists just love to get others involved...same as "normal" quilters do! :lol:
Quilting Arts also sells DVDs and videos packed with all sorts of instructional info.
http://store.quiltingdaily.com/Quilting/DVD-Video.html
Check out the classes at Quilt University. They are adding more and more art quilting techniques all the time. Their classes are well priced and very well presented. You can 'talk' to classmates and the instructor via an on;ine forum.
http://www.quiltuniversity.com/