Blog

ONSITE: Slab-built Boxes

February 07, 2023

Create boxes using clay slab construction techniques. We’ll cover slab rolling, accurate measuring and cutting, texturing techniques, as well as construction methods to bring it all together. Learn to build both inset and hidden and self-contained lids.Time permitting we'll also include other projects like votives, planters, and boxes.

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ONSITE: Introduction to Metal Jewelry (B)

February 07, 2023

Learn how to transform metals into beautiful works of wearable art. We’ll cover techniques such as sawing, drilling, texturing, working with wire, filing, sanding and polishing. We’ll also cover riveting, soldering with a torch and basic stone setting. You’ll use these skills to make one finished piece of jewelry.

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ONSITE: Introduction to Chinese Ink Painting

February 07, 2023

This class is an introduction to basic Chinese ink and watercolor painting, including brush line drawing and ink wash techniques. Students will make small studies of a variety of subjects and a final painting from their own design.

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ONSITE: Introduction to Acrylic Painting

February 07, 2023

In this acrylic painting class for all levels, you will learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting and discover your own style of painting as you advance through the class. We will learn how to paint in three dimensions, learn about color theory, facial anatomy and how to paint from life. More advanced students will […]

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ONSITE: Introduction to Hand Building (B)

February 07, 2023

Create functional ceramic pieces using slab, coil, pinch and slump techniques. Learn how to use tools, create a variety of forms and apply slips. By the end of the class you’ll have a good understanding of basic hand-building methods and clay studio practices.

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ONSITE: Linocut Printmaking

February 07, 2023

Students will learn how to create a single-color linocut print from start to finish! We will talk about contemporary linocut artists, learn about carving tools and safe handling, determine ways to transfer an image to block, try different carving techniques, and different methods of printing the carved image. Students will leave the class with a […]

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ONSITE: Introduction to the Wheel (E)

February 07, 2023

Learn to throw clay on a potter’s wheel. We’ll cover the foundations of wheel work, including wedging and centering clay and forming cylinders, cups and bowls. Basic glazing information will help you finish your final forms.

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ONSITE: Experimental Comics

February 07, 2023

Study experimental comics of the past and present and explore different artistic mediums and methods of storytelling to make our own comics.

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ONSITE: Short Story Fiction Writing

February 07, 2023

Explore short story fiction writing by studying narrative craft elements like story, plot, character, scene, structure, archetypal patterns and dialogue. We’ll examine professionally published pieces and your own work. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to begin a story based on a word or an idea. You’ll also understand how to evaluate […]

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ONSITE: Introduction to the Figure

February 07, 2023

Conducting figure studies can improve your representation of the human body, as well as the way it interacts with light. We’ll use various media, including graphite, charcoal, sanguine and conte chalk, as we work through a series of quick-gesture and long-pose drawings. Enjoy demonstrations and discussions about anatomy and drawing techniques.

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ONSITE: Mastering Multicolor Screenprinting

February 07, 2023

Learn how to create multicolor screen prints of your own design. This class will expand on the registration techniques learnt in intro classes, focusing on adding layers/colors to create more complex images. We will look at how to break apart an image by hand and in the computer. Color theory will be discussed through the […]

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ONSITE: Introduction to the Wheel (A)

February 07, 2023

Learn to throw clay on a potter’s wheel. We’ll cover the foundations of wheel work, including wedging and centering clay and forming cylinders, cups and bowls. Basic glazing information will help you finish your final forms.

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ONSITE: Introduction to Laser Cutting + Engraving (A)

February 07, 2023

Learn how to cut and engrave into a variety of materials using a laser engraver. We will create 2D graphic files in Adobe Illustrator that can be used to experiment with different materials. With a laser cutter you can work with wood, fabric, paper, other organic matter like leaves to create several objects you will […]

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ONSITE: Intermediate Poetry Workshop

February 07, 2023

This workshop is for students who have some experience writing poetry and are looking to dig deeper into their writing practice. In this poetry workshop, we'll read published poems (written by contemporary and historical poets), and we'll use this work to inspire our own creative writing work. We'll write poems, and we'll spend time discussing […]

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ONSITE: Writing Poetry Through a Buddhist Lens (Only offered once a year!)

February 07, 2023

Learn about different facets of Buddhism including Zen and Pure Land Buddhism and explore poets from ancient to modern times that wrote poetry heavily influenced by the questions Buddhism asks. We'll spend class time writing from prompts that ask you to examine the world around you from the philosophies discussed in class. We'll also spend […]

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ONSITE: Painting Abstract with Color

February 07, 2023

Starting with a basic color wheel we'll learn the elements of color and practice color mixing and color matching using the grid painting technique. Then we'll apply what we've learned to color experiments and free studies done as paper collages. By the end of class, we'll translate our paper collage "studies" into gouache paintings.

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ONLINE: Journaling for Artists, Writers + Photographers

February 07, 2023

This course is designed for anyone interested in the techniques and development of visual journaling. We'll review the contributions of visual diarists such as Dan Eldon and Frida Kahlo. Each session will begin with a short presentation on a visual diarist, technique or significant artist with follow up time for guidance, feedback and group discussion.

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ONSITE: Silver Metal Clay Jewelry (B)

February 07, 2023

Learn to work with metal clay, a malleable, metal-bearing material that is perfectly suited for creating jewelry. Use your hands to shape it and a variety of tools to add detail and texture. You’ll fire the metal clay to transform it into a silver object. Add a new skill to your repertoire each week and […]

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ONSITE: Introduction to Letterpress

February 07, 2023

Explore the letterpress printing process, which dates back to the 15th century and the time of Gutenberg. We’ll cover typesetting, inking, printing and paper selection as you become familiar with the terminology and VisArts’ presses. You’ll have time to create multiple pieces and trade work with classmates, which will help you build a small collection […]

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ONSITE: Stained Glass (B)

February 07, 2023

Learn the basics of glass cutting, foiling, soldering and framing in order to embellish your home with stained glass panels, decorative mirrors or handmade lampshades. By the end of the class, beginners will have learned the fundamentals and completed a panel. Returning students will be able to explore more advanced techniques.

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ONSITE: Secrets of Classical Drawing: The Still Life

February 07, 2023

Learn skills taught in ateliers and academies in centuries past and put them to use to create your own fresh artwork. You'll learn tricks of the trade and classical drawing techniques like proportion, value and form-building in two dimensions. These skills can be used to capture traditional subjects like figures and nature scenes, or they […]

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