Blog

Mixed Media Ceramics: Clay + Beading

November 03, 2024

In this course, you will discover the process of planning and creating mixed media artworks incorporating ceramics and beading. Over the course of eight weeks, we will start by brainstorming project concepts, followed by crafting the ceramic components in the first four weeks. Subsequently, over the next four weeks, we will delve into various beading […]

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Glass + Wood Sculpture: Part I (Part II in Winter 2025) (Adult 18+)

October 22, 2024

Combine two mediums to create a free-standing art piece. In this two-semester class, you'll explore basic woodworking skills and learn how to incorporate glass into your sculpture. You'll select and prepare free-form wood pieces with your own designs, using various tools and methods to accommodate your glass pieces created in the following winter session. This […]

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Paper Mache Sculpture (Ages 6-8)

July 09, 2024

Paper mache is a very tactile/sensory media. We'll be using a variety of papers, flour, and glues to create a few different paper mache textures. Together we'll discuss putting new life into recyclable and reusable items such as paper, bottles, egg cartons and cardboard tubes to create art. Students will leave with sculptures they have […]

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Introduction to Sculpture Through Puppetry

July 09, 2024

Students will learn skills such as paper mache, basic woodworking, and wire armature construction to build functional puppets and marionettes. Special emphasis will be placed on bringing an original character from the student’s imagination to life.

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Customizing Action Figures

July 09, 2024

Learn how to upcycle old toys and turn them into your own characters! Want to make a fully posable action figure or an abstract art toy? How about both? Students will use epoxy clay to sculpt various additions to our creations as well as implementing the “kit-bash” technique of mixing odds and ends for the […]

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Introduction to Sculpture (Ages 15-18)

July 09, 2024

“Sculpture” means so many things! Ceramic pots, stuffed bears or clumps of painted paper. In this course, we’ll explore all the ways to create 3D work, big or small! Techniques may include clay hand-building, sewing/quilting and light woodworking (little carvings, whittling) along with drawing + painting.

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Mask Magic: Transforming Identity with Paper Mache

July 09, 2024

Embark on a transformative journey into the art of mask making, guided by experienced instructors. Participants will learn to construct paper mache forms, create homemade glue, shape structures with paper, refine their creations through sanding, and add vibrant color and detail with acrylic paint. Every step is infused with exploration and self-discovery as students delve […]

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Family Studio: Free InLight Workshop: Make a Lantern

July 09, 2024

Come and make art side by side as a family. Families will explore a new medium each week and create a beautiful project together. Come and make art side by side as a family. Families will explore a new medium each week and create a beautiful project together. In this free class you will be […]

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Giant Paper-mâché Sculpture (Ages 9-11)

January 23, 2024

Want a giant pet or an impossibly huge shoe? Make one! Paste, newspaper, cardboard and wire—that’s just about all you need to explore the world of papier-mâché and make big sculptures. Work hard, have lots of fun, get really messy and end up with the most amazing sculpture you've ever made!

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Wearable Art: Become a Bug (Ages 6-8)

January 23, 2024

Play with cardboard, paint and sewing textures while learning all about bugs! We'll create wereable art and costumes. Let's attach giant legs and move around the hallways eating aphids and visiting flowers. Each student will pick out their bug and collect all sorts of information about it. Does your bug have hair on its legs? […]

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Customizing Action Figures (Ages 6-8)

January 23, 2024

Make action figures out of discarded toys and parts! We will be using parts of existing toys to alter, reassemble and make unique creations. We will be upcycling and sculpting additional parts out of clay and whatever else we can find! Bring your own toy parts or use ours!

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Build Your Own Fairy House (Ages 6-8)

January 23, 2024

Students will learn about fairy houses, see examples, and create their own. They may build pieces of a fairy house to take home, build a diorama, or place their house in an area near VisArts while on a Friday field trip around the block.

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Abstract Piñata Sculptures (Ages 6-8)

January 23, 2024

Artists will explore their creativity in sculpting by crafting abstract piñata sculptures and connecting their artwork to cultural traditions by delving into the hisotry and origins of pinatas. .

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Giant Paper-mâché Sculpture (Ages 9-11)

January 23, 2024

Want a giant pet or an impossibly huge shoe? Make one! Paste, newspaper, cardboard and wire—that’s just about all you need to explore the world of papier-mâché and make big sculptures. Work hard, have lots of fun, get really messy and end up with the most amazing sculpture you've ever made!

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Building Cardboard Worlds (Ages 9-11)

January 23, 2024

We're going to build cardboard worlds! Get your imagination and recyclables ready for this cardboard construction class. Students will create blueprints for their unique designs and will have all sizes of cardboard at their disposal. We'll begin with small structures and move to larger collaborative environments as the week progresses.

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Mythological Masks + Costumes (Ages 9-11)

January 23, 2024

Draw from ancient mythology or come up with your own character from mythology. We'll draw, construct, paint and finally bring a beautiful, monstrous, or fierce mask and props together. Your creativity is the limit.

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Piñata Party (Ages 6-8)

January 23, 2024

Create a paper mache piñata of your own! A piñata is an object made of paper that is decorated, filled with treats, and then broken open as a celebration. Mexican culture often use piñatas to celebrate a happy occasion. After you create your art, on the last day of class we will celebrate by smashing […]

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Giant Paper-mâché Sculpture (Ages 12-14)

January 23, 2024

Want a giant pet or an impossibly huge shoe? Make one! Paste, newspaper, cardboard and wire—that’s just about all you need to explore the world of papier-mâché and make big sculptures. Work hard, have lots of fun, get really messy and end up with the most amazing sculpture you've ever made!

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3D Cardboard Maker Studio (Ages 6-8)

January 23, 2024

In this studio class, we will focus on the experience of building with cardboard. We'll imagine, design, and create a variety of things like buildings, vehicles, and more. We will also work together to build one incredible collaborative structure as we expand our skills and explore many creative uses for cardboard.

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ONSITE: WTF (Woman, Trans, Femme) Woodworking: Design Your Own Project (This class is only offered a few times a year!)

November 05, 2023

This class is a safe space for women, trans, and femme folks to expand and explore woodworking techniques. You'll design and fabricate your own project, learn new techniques for joinery, gain experience using the table, mitre and band saws, drill press, power sanders, jointer and planer. We will respect marginalized identities, be patient with one […]

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ONSITE: Small Concrete Vessels

November 05, 2023

A great introduction to concrete. During this workshop, you will learn how to choose molds, create your own from common household items, mix, pour, and finish concrete. Students will make small vessels that you can later use for succulents, candles, or containers.

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ONSITE: Sculptural Wooden Vases

November 05, 2023

Students will learn safety, skill building and personal expression in a safe, supportive environment. Students will learn and use hand and power carving techniques to create their own wooden vases. Plan to leave with one finished piece.

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ONSITE: Create Your Own Wooden Spatula

November 05, 2023

Create your own spatula exploring a variety of techniques for shaping wood. We will think about how the form of an object relates to its use. We'll use both hand and power tools. We will begin by using the jointer and planer to mill our dried hardwood. Next, we’ll learn how to mark and plan […]

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