Fridays, May 3 - June 7, 2024 (6 sessions)

5pm - 7:30pm

$200 + $45 clay fee

Maximum 10 students

There will be an initial demo on throwing and trimming, and you will also receive one-on-one guidance.

The class will end with learning to attach a handle to a cup and glazing the cup with your chosen colors.

The instructor will clear glaze your pieces once they have been bisqued at the studio.

Come prepared to get messy and have fun!

About the Instructor:

James Thomson has been a ceramics studio facilitator with Sebastopol Center of the Arts for over 5 years. He holds a BA from San Jose State University and has taken classes with Laney Junior College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Richmond Art Center. He enjoys sharing his acquired skills with those who are interested in broadening their relationship with clay. James approaches his classes with a friendly and encouraging attitude. When James is not in the studio, he is out in nature, hiking, and contributing to community through his art.

Saturday May 4, 2024, 10am-12pm

$35.00

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE. Pre-registration required.

Abstract Artists Laboratory is a space to meet and create together.

Finding the time to paint is always a challenge and if it has been months or years since you have painted there can be a palpable hurtle standing in one's way of getting out those brushes and sitting down in front of a canvas. This space allows you the time and space without creating an at home art studio or needing to immediately go out and buy a plethora of materials.

We will begin each session with a short meditation and then a brief and expressive experimental painting technique which will inspire freedom and movement in your painting. If you have a project that you would like to bring, feel free. Gentle guidance, inspirational ideas, artwork images and materials will be provided.

About the Facilitator: Amanda Rose Hopkins received her B.F.A from UC Santa Cruz with a concentration in painting and environmental art. Locally she has creatively taught children at Sunridge and REACH Charter schools. She spent 5 months studying under artist Kaveri Singh and Thangka painters from Nepal and Sikkim at the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute in India. Her work is currently focused on highlighting the sensuous texture and environmental importance of the kelp forests. You can view her work at https://artofnature.me/

Saturdays, May 4-11, 2024

1:30pm-3:30pm

2 SESSIONS FOR $85 + $25 Materials Fee

Located in the Painting/Drawing Studio at SebArts.

The watercolor class will focus on skill and technique development: wash, color mixing, texture, and line.

Beginning painters will practice developing a strong foundation.

Advanced painters will benefit from new approaches to the basics and sharpened skills.

Discussion will focus on the elements of visual art: light, form, color, and texture.

About the Instructor:

Lynn Zachreson studied art at the University of Minnesota and San Jose State University—Painting, Printmaking: BA Fine Art. She has experience teaching all ages: Watercolor painting skills, 30+ years, Watercolor figure painting 20+ years, and Fine Art Basics with Mixed Media 20+ years. Lynn enjoys spending her time painting, teaching, long distance hiking, and gardening.

Wednesdays, May 8-29, 2024

10:00 a.m. - 12 noon

4 SESSIONS FOR $170+ $30 Materials Fee

Located in the Painting/Drawing Studio at SebArts.

The watercolor class will focus on skill and technique development: wash, color mixing, texture, and line.

Beginning painters will practice developing a strong foundation.

Advanced painters will benefit from new approaches to the basics and sharpened skills.

Discussion will focus on the elements of visual art: light, form, color, and texture.

About the Instructor:

Lynn Zachreson studied art at the University of Minnesota and San Jose State University—Painting, Printmaking: BA Fine Art. She has experience teaching all ages: Watercolor painting skills, 30+ years, Watercolor figure painting 20+ years, and Fine Art Basics with Mixed Media 20+ years. Lynn enjoys spending her time painting, teaching, long distance hiking, and gardening.

Wednesdays, May 8 - 22, 2024 (3 sessions)

1:30pm-4pm

This course is designed for new and returning students wishing to improve their clay hand-building skills and enjoy being a part of the Sebarts clay studio community.

Each session will start with a demonstration of a specific project related to functional pottery. Class time will also include unstructured time for students to explore special projects and consult with the instructor as needed.

Week 1: Pinch pots, coils, and texture.

Week 2: Slips, slabs, and slump Molds

Week 3: Glazing success strategies

Sculptors are also encouraged to take this class.

The class fee includes firing/glazing, and 5 pounds of recycled clay. Students may purchase other clay for an additional fee online.

Thank you for selecting the “sliding scale” fee option that feels perfect for you. Your contributions help to make our community art center more inclusive.

About the Instructor:

Alice Rathjen has over 40 years experience working with clay. She was a production potter for five years. The current focus of her “art” is the sheer pleasure of playful engagement and exploration of clay and not having to be productive.

She enjoys throwing exquisite bowls, mugs and cups and seeing them go on adventures.

May 10, 2024, 12 - 1pm

This class takes place via ZOOM

Training on leveraging social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, etc.) to promote artwork. Guidance on content creation, engagement strategies, and building an online presence.

Free and open to the public. RSVP required.

Saturday, May 11, 2024; 11am -3pm

Fee: $105 + $10 materials fee

Ages 16 and up

Located in the Dining Room at SebArts

Learn to create beautiful designs on paper by printing with a gel plate and acrylic paint. Mixed media artist Catherine Cruz will teach you the basic skills for using this fun tool from printing textural backgrounds, to layering colors, and using stencils and other applications.

You will take home lots of prints that can be used for designing collage, mixed media art or greeting cards. This class is suitable for anyone wanting to learn this unique mono printing style and perfect for beginners.

All materials are provided:

Gel plate, brayer roller, acrylic paint, stencils, mark-making tools, paper.

About the instructor: Catherine Cruz is a French-American artist, whose work is informed by textures and patterns created by the passing of time and the effects of the natural elements on the built environment. She has taught collage and mixed media workshops in the Bay Area and France since 2019, and this is her third year at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. Her background is in interior design and green building certification. She works from her home studio in Sebastopol, and participates in Art Trails Open Studios. You may contact Catherine Cruz at beyouartstudio@gmail.com Check out Catherine's other classes here: https://www.sebarts.org/visual-arts-classes

Tuesday, May 14, 2024; 10 AM - 1 PM

DINING ROOM

These workshops are geared to the advanced, ongoing students who want in-person instruction and feedback on their colored pencil projects. Please consult the instructor before signing up, Nina Antze antze@pcquilt.com

Proof of vaccination, masks, and social distancing required.

Nina Antze is a botanical artist, quilt maker and teacher living in Sonoma County. She has a degree in Fine Art from San Francisco State University and has a Certificate in Botanical Illustration from the New York Botanical Gardens. Her paintings are part of the Filoli Florilegium and the Alcatraz Florilegium.

3 HR CLASS - $40

Saturday May 18, 2024, 10am-12pm

$25 (Special Price for Open House Event)

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE. Pre-registration required.

Abstract Artists Laboratory is a space to meet and create together.

Finding the time to paint is always a challenge and if it has been months or years since you have painted there can be a palpable hurtle standing in one's way of getting out those brushes and sitting down in front of a canvas. This space allows you the time and space without creating an at home art studio or needing to immediately go out and buy a plethora of materials.

We will begin each session with a short meditation and then a brief and expressive experimental painting technique which will inspire freedom and movement in your painting. If you have a project that you would like to bring, feel free. Gentle guidance, inspirational ideas, artwork images and materials will be provided.

About the Facilitator: Amanda Rose Hopkins received her B.F.A from UC Santa Cruz with a concentration in painting and environmental art. Locally she has creatively taught children at Sunridge and REACH Charter schools. She spent 5 months studying under artist Kaveri Singh and Thangka painters from Nepal and Sikkim at the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute in India. Her work is currently focused on highlighting the sensuous texture and environmental importance of the kelp forests. You can view her work at https://artofnature.me/

(6 sessions) Thursdays, May 23 - June 27, 2024

6:30pm - 9pm

$200 + Clay Fee: $45

Location: In person at the Ceramics Studio, Sebastopol Center for the Arts

Ages 16 and up

All levels welcome (beginner to advanced)

Come play with clay!! This is the prefect class to introduce you to most methods of working with clay.

The class will focus on the potters wheel and hand building techniques like slab, coil, and pinch to create cups bowls and other shapes to make our pottery projects.

We will finish, fire and glaze our project for you to enjoy for years to come.

This class is great for beginners and seasoned potters looking to bring it to next level.

About the Instructor:

Randy Snyder got hooked on throwing pots while in high school and kept throwing them through his college years and part-time afterward, while trying various career avenues. He finally decided that the thing he loved to do was pottery and has been a full time artist and teacher for the last 30 years. Raku Pottery is his main focus.

Check out Randy’s work here: https://www.rakufiredpottery.com/

May 24, 2024; 12 - 1pm

Fireside Room

Workshop on budgeting, financial planning, and investment strategies. Introduction to pricing artwork, sales, and income management.

Free and open to the public. RSVP required.

Saturday and Sunday, May 25-26, 2024

10 AM - 5 PM (Please bring a brown bag lunch)

$295 + $45 Materials Fee (for 2 sessions)

Ages 13 and up

Located in the Painting/Drawing Studio adjacent to Ceramics Studio

Imagine and create jewel-like art by working with beautiful vitreous (glass) enamel colors fired on fine silver!

Cloisonné on fine silver is an ancient technique for decorating fine silver objects with colored vitreous (glass) enamel. The colors are separated by thin strips of fine silver wire and fired in the kiln at 1450 degrees for 1 ½ minutes. Many layers of color can be built up with individual firings.

Fine silver does not oxidize when heated and it is a joy to work with. Ribbons of fine silver are shaped and fused to the first layer of fired clear enamel. Enamel colors are wet packed in the cloisons with a fine sable brush and fired one layer at a time. Because the colors of the enamel are transparent, you build up beautiful shades and blended colors, similar to the effect of watercolor painting.

The enamel kiln is courtesy of a grant by the Enamellist Society.

About the Instructor:

Anita Selinger has an art education degree from New York University and a jewelry design degree from Fashion Institute of Technology. For 45 years she has supported herself using modelmaking, enameling, and fabrication skills to create one-of-a-kind custom orders and limited-edition jewelry. Teaching for 40 years has been a great pleasure for her as she treasures the enthusiasm of her students as they create. Her workshops include wax modeling and enameling taught in her studio in Santa Rosa, the Crafts Students League in NYC, Chimera Arts in Sebastopol, and the Mendocino Art Center.

Wednesdays, May 29 - July 3, 2024 (6 sessions)

6:00pm-8:30pm

Class fee: $200 + Materials fee: $45

Ages 16 and up

All levels welcome (beginner to advanced)

Intro to Throwing and Handbuilding

This is a great class for those who want to enjoy building something with their own hands and experience the personal benefits of working with clay. Instruction will cover the basics of wheel throwing, hand-building (slab, coil, freeform), and glazing techniques. We’ll also explore the benefits of joining in collaborative art and letting go of the need to be productive.

Students will have unstructured time to work on, fire, and glaze their own pottery to take home. A goal of this course is to familiarize students with how clay rooms work and why they’re a fun place to be.

About the Instructor:

Alice Rathjen has over 40 years experience working with clay. She was a production potter for five years. The current focus of her “art” is the sheer pleasure of playful engagement and exploration of clay and not having to be productive.

She enjoys throwing exquisite bowls, mugs and cups and seeing them go on adventures.

May 31, 2024; 12 - 1pm

Fireside Room

Learn how to curate exhibitions, design gallery layouts, and hang artwork. Assistance in creating promotional materials for exhibitions.

Free and open to the public. RSVP required.

Sundays, June 2, - July 14, 2024 (No class July 7th) 5:30-8:30pm

$200 + $45 Clay Fee

Located in the Ceramics Studio at SebArts

Have you tried your hand at pottery in the past? Are you looking to dive back in after a long break or recently learned the basics of throwing on the wheel?

This class will continue to build your confidence in your throwing skills and teach techniques on creating functional ceramics that are a little less wabi-sabi and a little more polished and professional!

Attention to detail on throwing, trimming, and decorating techniques will be the main focus of this course. Expect to come away with pieces that you can be proud of within this 6-week course!

About the Instructor: Rachel Horton has taken numerous collegiate pottery clases and various workshops over the course of 10 years. She has been facilitating at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts for several years and has been a production potter for the past 3, selling her wares at various markets locally. Check out some of Rachel's work here: https://www.up-north-pottery.com/ or on her Instagram @upnorthpottery

Tuesday, June 4, 2024; 10 AM - 1 PM

DINING ROOM

These workshops are geared to the advanced, ongoing students who want in-person instruction and feedback on their colored pencil projects. Please consult the instructor before signing up, Nina Antze antze@pcquilt.com

Proof of vaccination, masks, and social distancing required.

Nina Antze is a botanical artist, quilt maker and teacher living in Sonoma County. She has a degree in Fine Art from San Francisco State University and has a Certificate in Botanical Illustration from the New York Botanical Gardens. Her paintings are part of the Filoli Florilegium and the Alcatraz Florilegium.

3 HR CLASS - $40

Wednesdays, June 5 - 19, 2024; 10AM - 12PM

3 SESSIONS FOR $130+ $30 Materials Fee

Located in the Painting/Drawing Studio at SebArts.

The watercolor class will focus on skill and technique development: wash, color mixing, texture, and line.

Beginning painters will practice developing a strong foundation.

Advanced painters will benefit from new approaches to the basics and sharpened skills.

Discussion will focus on the elements of visual art: light, form, color, and texture.

About the Instructor:

Lynn Zachreson studied art at the University of Minnesota and San Jose State University—Painting, Printmaking: BA Fine Art. She has experience teaching all ages: Watercolor painting skills, 30+ years, Watercolor figure painting 20+ years, and Fine Art Basics with Mixed Media 20+ years. Lynn enjoys spending her time painting, teaching, long distance hiking, and gardening.

Wednesdays, June 5 - 19, 2024 (3 sessions)

1:30pm-4pm

This course is designed for new and returning students wishing to improve their clay hand-building skills and enjoy being a part of the Sebarts clay studio community.

Each session will start with a demonstration of a specific project related to functional pottery. Class time will also include unstructured time for students to explore special projects and consult with the instructor as needed.

Week 1: Pinch pots, coils, and texture.

Week 2: Slips, slabs, and slump Molds

Week 3: Glazing success strategies

Sculptors are also encouraged to take this class.

The class fee includes firing/glazing, and 5 pounds of recycled clay. Students may purchase other clay for an additional fee online.

Thank you for selecting the “sliding scale” fee option that feels perfect for you. Your contributions help to make our community art center more inclusive.

About the Instructor:

Alice Rathjen has over 40 years experience working with clay. She was a production potter for five years. The current focus of her “art” is the sheer pleasure of playful engagement and exploration of clay and not having to be productive.

She enjoys throwing exquisite bowls, mugs and cups and seeing them go on adventures.

Thursdays, June 6 - Jul 18, 2024 (6 weeks) No class 7/4

2 - 5pm

$205 +$45 clay fee (pre-registration required)

Using basic-level hand-building skills, participants will learn to create unique garden totem pieces. The course will cover skill building with pinch pots, coils, and slabs. We will explore applied textures, as well as the use of colored slips and glazes to personalize each piece. Participants can expect to have fun while skill-building— leading to an elegant 2’6” piece of art.

About the Instructor: Maura Palmer has been a  prolific creator for most of her life.  She specializes in the use of color and texture on organic forms. Her approach to teaching is to guide students to produce a truly unique work of art that embodies a west coast appreciation of nature and free form design.  Prior to working with clay and concrete, she operated her own garden design business for over two decades.     

Full 3 Week Program Price: $1,220.00

Mon-Fri, June 24 - July 12, 2024 (No class July 4-5)

Innovate & Create

Campers will learn how waste management can inspire ways to creatively reduce, reuse and recycle.

Identify resources, develop motor skills, and think with an eco-friendly mindset.

Join us for an unforgettable summer, building friendships through collaborative art projects.

Week 1: June 24 - 28 (9am - 4pm): Amiot Style Junk Art

Week 2: July 1 - 3 (9am - 12pm): Kelp Forest Mural

Week 2: July 1 - 3 (1pm - 4pm): Instrumental Textiles: Upcycling as An Art Form

Week 3: July 8 - 12 (9am - 12pm): EcoTopia

Week 3: July 8 - 12 (1pm - 4pm): Eco-Clay Play

Please bring a brown bag lunch. Complimentary snacks will be provided by SebArts at 12pm-1pm on each day.

ALL SALES FINAL, NO REFUNDS

WHEN: Wednesday, June 26, 2024; 5:00-7:00pm
WHERE: SebArts Dining Room
MODERATOR: Linda L Reid

Ticket price includes admission to Reverberations show

An exciting element of Reverberations Exhibit is the ekphrastic poetry. Come listen to poets read their interpretations of the various art pieces. We guarantee it will enhance your perspective and enjoyment of the artwork.

This reading features: Kehende Badiru, Fran Claggett-Holland, Susan Gunter, Katherine Hastings, Elizabeth Herron, Freeman Ng, JoAnn Smith, Tamsin Smith, Linda Stamps, Dean Rader.

WHEN: Thursday, June 27, 2024; 10:30am-12:00pm
WHERE: SebArts Dining Room

Fee includes admission to Reverberations exhibit

Join Linda Loveland Reid for a slide presentation and lecture to learn more about the artists represented in the Reverberations 2024 Exhibit. 

We will explore the artists' backgrounds, struggles, and desires, to enhance our understanding and perspective on the amazing artwork they produce.

Linda Loveland Reid lectures on art history for SSU and Dominican Universities in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. She is a figurative and abstract artist, a theater director and writer/poet.

Thursday, June 27, 2024; 3:30 - 6 pm

Join us at the Writers' Salon—a monthly in-person gathering for literary enthusiasts. Each person will have 5 minutes to read their work (any type of writing is welcome including prose, poetry, essay, etc.)

Enjoy sharing feedback and insight! Light refreshments will be served.

Max 10 attendees. RSVP required.

About the Facilitator: Linda Loveland-Ried is the author of two novels available on Amazon (Touch of Magenta and Something in Stone). Her stories, essays, and poems have been published in over 30 anthologies and magazines. Linda has two B.A.s from SSU, graduating cum laude. She lectures for SSU and Dominican Universities in the Osher Lifelong Learning program. As president of Redwood Writers for three years, a branch of the prestigious California Writers Club, she is a recipient of the Jack London Award. Several of Linda’s short plays have been presented by Readers Thater. She has directed community theater in Sonoma and Marin Counties for over 30 years, most recently “readings” of Dylan Thomas’s Under Milkwood and the Pulitzer Prize play Our Town. Linda professional career began as Associate Executive Director of United Way in Sonoma County. She then founded an insurance firm specializing in employee benefits, now managed by her daughter. You can see Linda’s figurative and abstract paintings, along with her writing, at her website: LindaLovelandReid.com

WHEN: Saturday, June 29, 2024, 1 - 4pm
COST: Pay what you can, Sliding scale options available. No one turned away for lack of funds.

Fee includes admission to Reverberations 2024 on June 29

Crochet Jam, hosted by sculptor Ramekon O'Arwisters, uses the folk-art tradition of crocheting strips of fabric into free-form and organic soft sculptures to foster social interaction, creativity, and liberation. There are no rules or patterns to abide by.

Crochet Jam is an opportunity for play, experimentation, and for allowing the material to transform naturally without any expectations nor any attempt to control the outcome. Participants become a conduit for the transformation of the material without any resistance, whether they like what they see or not. Participants will crochet and calmly observe without judgment or critique. Collective creation is the goal. Independent sculptures will be collectively linked together to create a piece that will be displayed in the SebArts lobby for the community to enjoy. Check out Crochet Jam here.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 9, 2024; 2:00-4:00pm
WHERE: SebArts Dining Room
MODERATOR: Linda L Reid

Ticket price includes admission to the Reverberations exhibit

An exciting element of Reverberations Exhibit is the ekphrastic poetry. Come listen to poets read their interpretations of the various art pieces. We guarantee it will enhance your perspective and enjoyment of the artwork. This reading features: Margaret Barkley, Amrita Skye Blaine, Terry Ehret, Robin Gabbert, Patricia Hartnett, Alicia Hugg, Karl Kadie, Briahn Kelly-Brennan, Patricia Nelson, Jean Wong.

WHEN: Sunday, July 14, 2024; 1:00-2:30pm
WHERE: SebArts Dining Room

Ticket price includes admission to Reverberations 2024 exhibit

Join Linda Loveland Reid for a slide presentation and lecture to learn more about the artists represented in the Reverberations 2024 Exhibit. 

We will explore the artists' backgrounds, struggles, and desires, to enhance our understanding and perspective on the amazing artwork they produce.

Linda Loveland Reid lectures on art history for SSU and Dominican Universities in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. She is a figurative and abstract artist, a theater director and writer/poet.

WHEN: Sunday, July 21, 2024; 1:00-3:00pm
WHERE: SebArts Dining Room
MODERATOR: Linda L Reid

Ticket price includes admission to the Reverberations exhibit

An exciting element of Reverberations Exhibit is the ekphrastic poetry. Come listen to poets read their interpretations of the various art pieces. We guarantee it will enhance your perspective and enjoyment of the artwork.

This reading features: Susan Ackerman, Barbara Armstrong, Laura Blatt, Abby Bogomolny, Fran Carbonaro, Nancy Daugherty, Gwynn O’Gara, Linda L Reid, Lee Rossi, Robert Thomas.

Thursday, June 27, 2024; 3:30 - 6 pm

Join us at the Writers' Salon—a monthly in-person gathering for literary enthusiasts. Each person will have 5 minutes to read their work (any type of writing is welcome including prose, poetry, essay, etc.)

Enjoy sharing feedback and insight! Light refreshments will be served.

Max 10 attendees. RSVP required.

About the Facilitator: Linda Loveland-Ried is the author of two novels available on Amazon (Touch of Magenta and Something in Stone). Her stories, essays, and poems have been published in over 30 anthologies and magazines. Linda has two B.A.s from SSU, graduating cum laude. She lectures for SSU and Dominican Universities in the Osher Lifelong Learning program. As president of Redwood Writers for three years, a branch of the prestigious California Writers Club, she is a recipient of the Jack London Award. Several of Linda’s short plays have been presented by Readers Thater. She has directed community theater in Sonoma and Marin Counties for over 30 years, most recently “readings” of Dylan Thomas’s Under Milkwood and the Pulitzer Prize play Our Town. Linda professional career began as Associate Executive Director of United Way in Sonoma County. She then founded an insurance firm specializing in employee benefits, now managed by her daughter. You can see Linda’s figurative and abstract paintings, along with her writing, at her website: LindaLovelandReid.com

Sunday, July 28, 2024; 10:30am - 1 pm

$25 + $5 (Recycled Clay)

Located in the Painting/Drawing Studio at SebArts

A guided handbuilding experience. Transform clay into a one-of-a-kind little friend, using your imagination, and your sense of humor!

This class is suitable for ages 6 to adult and tailored to a family-friendly environment. For children under the age of 10, we recommend having an older sibling or adult register to join us and make a monster, too!

About the Instructor: From her earliest memories, Jenny Lauck has always loved making little odd ball friends, using a variety of mediums. After too many years without a creative outlet, Jenny took a few ceramics courses at Santa Rosa Junior College. As soon as she got her hands on the clay again, simple shapes started to develop personalities of their own, and families of ceramic monsters were born. Jenny is the Saturday morning facilitator for the Sebastopol Center for the Arts Ceramics Studio.

WHEN: Sat & Sun, August 3-4, 2024; 9:30am-4pm
COST: $225 + $15 materials fee (for 2 sessions) (Please bring a brown bag lunch)

Fee includes admission to Reverberations 2024 on June 29

“Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks," said the classical Greek lyric poet Simonides of Ceos. We get to experience this first hand at Reverberations: A Visual Conversation between painting and poetry here at SebArts this summer.

Traditional Chinese painters used both word and image on the page to integrate the two. In this workshop we will begin with ink and Asian brushes to invoke a similar practice, but our aim will not be to write the words of the poem but to infiltrate our paintings with the feeling of the words.

We will explore the use of abstract calligraphic marks inspired by poetry. We will add watercolor and work with gestures and movement, rhythm and contrast as well as quality of line, size of strokes, shape, energy, color, value and texture.

We will study the poem each of us chooses — to reflect, feel and explore what comes up for us as we allow a poem to lead the way. We will open to our intuitive self, perhaps even leave the poem behind, as the paintings evolve and create their own path.

No painting, calligraphy or even poetry experience is needed. You will be gently led on the path of abstract ink and watercolor painting and leave with several works that are inspired by poetry.

About the Instructor: Sherrie Lovler has a BA in Studio Art and has been teaching calligraphy and related arts for several decades. She is well known in the western calligraphy world, having taught at several international calligraphy conferences, Ghost Ranch, Friends of Calligraphy in San Francisco, Society of Scribes in New York City, LaRomita School of Art in Italy, accredited classes at Northern Arizona University and has been a popular teacher at SebArts. She is the author, illustrator and designer of On Softer Ground: Paintings, Poems and Calligraphy, which won a gold medal for Most Outstanding Book Design from Independent Publishers Book Awards, 2016. Sherrie exhibits her work regularly, is an Art Trails artist and loves teaching both online and in person. www.artandpoetry.com Sherrie has a poem in Reverberations III and had a painting in Reverberations II.

Saturday, August 3, 2024; 10:00am – 12:00pm

$35.00

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE. Pre-registration required.

Abstract Artists Laboratory is a space to meet and create together.

Finding the time to paint is always a challenge and if it has been months or years since you have painted there can be a palpable hurtle standing in one's way of getting out those brushes and sitting down in front of a canvas. This space allows you the time and space without creating an at home art studio or needing to immediately go out and buy a plethora of materials.

We will begin each session with a short meditation and then a brief and expressive experimental painting technique which will inspire freedom and movement in your painting. If you have a project that you would like to bring, feel free. Gentle guidance, inspirational ideas, artwork images and materials will be provided.

About the Facilitator: Amanda Rose Hopkins received her B.F.A from UC Santa Cruz with a concentration in painting and environmental art. Locally she has creatively taught children at Sunridge and REACH Charter schools. She spent 5 months studying under artist Kaveri Singh and Thangka painters from Nepal and Sikkim at the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute in India. Her work is currently focused on highlighting the sensuous texture and environmental importance of the kelp forests. You can view her work at https://artofnature.me/

Wednesdays, August 7 - 28, 2024; 10AM - 12PM

4 SESSIONS FOR $170+ $30 Materials Fee

Located in the Painting/Drawing Studio at SebArts.

The watercolor class will focus on skill and technique development: wash, color mixing, texture, and line.

Beginning painters will practice developing a strong foundation.

Advanced painters will benefit from new approaches to the basics and sharpened skills.

Discussion will focus on the elements of visual art: light, form, color, and texture.

About the Instructor:

Lynn Zachreson studied art at the University of Minnesota and San Jose State University—Painting, Printmaking: BA Fine Art. She has experience teaching all ages: Watercolor painting skills, 30+ years, Watercolor figure painting 20+ years, and Fine Art Basics with Mixed Media 20+ years. Lynn enjoys spending her time painting, teaching, long distance hiking, and gardening.

Saturday, August 10, 2024; 11am -3pm

Fee: $105 + $10 materials fee

Ages 16 and up

Learn to create beautiful designs on paper by printing with a gel plate and acrylic paint. Mixed media artist Catherine Cruz will teach you the basic skills for using this fun tool from printing textural backgrounds, to layering colors, and using stencils and other applications.

You will take home lots of prints that can be used for designing collage, mixed media art or greeting cards. This class is suitable for anyone wanting to learn this unique mono printing style and perfect for beginners.

All materials are provided:

Gel plate, brayer roller, acrylic paint, stencils, mark-making tools, paper.

About the instructor: Catherine Cruz is a French-American artist, whose work is informed by textures and patterns created by the passing of time and the effects of the natural elements on the built environment. She has taught collage and mixed media workshops in the Bay Area and France since 2019, and this is her third year at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. Her background is in interior design and green building certification. She works from her home studio in Sebastopol, and participates in Art Trails Open Studios. You may contact Catherine Cruz at beyouartstudio@gmail.com Check out Catherine's other classes here: https://www.sebarts.org/visual-arts-classes

Saturday, August 31, 2024; 11am - 3pm

$105 + $10 materials fee

Number of participants: 14 max.

Ages 16 and up

Collage artist Catherine Cruz will teach you how to paint and alter paper to create interesting patterns and textures. We will play and experiment by testing different mixed media techniques on various types of paper, and you will have an opportunity to create your own collection of painted and textured papers to incorporate in your abstract collage artwork or other mixed media art. This workshop is appropriate for artists working with collage, journaling, altered books, and mixed media painting. It is part of Catherine’s abstract collage 3-part series but it can also be taken on its own.

About the instructor: Catherine Cruz is a French-American artist, whose work is informed by textures and patterns created by the passing of time and the effects of the natural elements on the built environment. She has taught collage and mixed media workshops in the Bay Area and France since 2019, and this is her third year at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. Her background is in interior design and green building certification. She works from her home studio in Sebastopol, and is a participant in Art Trails Open Studios. You may contact Catherine Cruz at beyouartstudio@gmail.com Check out Catherine's other classes here: https://www.sebarts.org/visual-arts-classes

Tuesdays, September 3 -September 24, 2024 ; 10am-11:30am

$100 for 4 Weeks

Located in the Painting/Drawing Studio at SebArts

This class offers Creative Time for the Family and a time for parents and caregivers to connect, sip tea and socialize while their children enjoy a stimulating, guided artistic activity.

Each week there will be fun themed activity centers set up to activate your child’s fine motor skills, awareness of color, texture and form and their ability to share space and create with other children. This is a Reggio Emilia inspired art class for Ages 2-6.

The weekly themes of garden of herbs, spring sprouts, rain drops, and rainbows will inspire the child's love of exploration and activate their five senses.

About the Facilitator: Amanda Rose Hopkins received her B.F.A from UC Santa Cruz with a concentration in painting and environmental art. Locally she has creatively taught children at Sunridge and REACH Charter schools. She spent 5 months studying under artist Kaveri Singh and Thangka painters from Nepal and Sikkim at the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute in India. Her work is currently focused on highlighting the sensuous texture and environmental importance of the kelp forests. You can view her work at https://artofnature.me/

Saturday, September 7, 2024; 10:00am – 12:00pm

$35.00

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE. Pre-registration required.

Abstract Artists Laboratory is a space to meet and create together.

Finding the time to paint is always a challenge and if it has been months or years since you have painted there can be a palpable hurtle standing in one's way of getting out those brushes and sitting down in front of a canvas. This space allows you the time and space without creating an at home art studio or needing to immediately go out and buy a plethora of materials.

We will begin each session with a short meditation and then a brief and expressive experimental painting technique which will inspire freedom and movement in your painting. If you have a project that you would like to bring, feel free. Gentle guidance, inspirational ideas, artwork images and materials will be provided.

About the Facilitator: Amanda Rose Hopkins received her B.F.A from UC Santa Cruz with a concentration in painting and environmental art. Locally she has creatively taught children at Sunridge and REACH Charter schools. She spent 5 months studying under artist Kaveri Singh and Thangka painters from Nepal and Sikkim at the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute in India. Her work is currently focused on highlighting the sensuous texture and environmental importance of the kelp forests. You can view her work at https://artofnature.me/

Saturday, September 15, 2024; 11am - 3pm

$105 + $10 materials fee

Number of participants: 14 max.

Ages 16 and up

In this workshop, collage artist Catherine Cruz will focus on the basics of grid composition and how it can be used to create interesting abstract collages. This class is designed for people with no previous art experience as well as artists interested in exploring a new medium. Catherine can meet you wherever you are in your art practice and guide you. She will discuss how grids are used in design and show how many contemporary collage artists use a form of grid composition. Participants will have an opportunity to select papers, learn about the elements of composition, and practice several exercises for different types of composition. They will take home several abstract collages on paper.

Provided materials: Glue sticks, Scissors, Templates, Collage papers. Participants are welcome to bring their own collage papers if they want.

About the instructor: Catherine is a French-American artist, whose work is informed by textures and patterns created by the passing of time and the effects of the natural elements on the built environment. She has taught collage and mixed media workshops in the Bay Area and France since 2019, and this is her third year at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. Her background is in interior design and green building certification. She works from her home studio in Sebastopol, and is a participant in Art Trails Open Studios. You may contact her at beyouartstudio@gmail.com Check out Catherine's other classes here: https://www.sebarts.org/visual-arts-classes

Tuesdays, October 1 - October 22, 2024 ; 10am-11:30am

$100 for 4 Weeks

Located in the Painting/Drawing Studio at SebArts

This class offers Creative Time for the Family and a time for parents and caregivers to connect, sip tea and socialize while their children enjoy a stimulating, guided artistic activity.

Each week there will be fun themed activity centers set up to activate your child’s fine motor skills, awareness of color, texture and form and their ability to share space and create with other children. This is a Reggio Emilia inspired art class for Ages 2-6.

The weekly themes of garden of herbs, spring sprouts, rain drops, and rainbows will inspire the child's love of exploration and activate their five senses.

About the Facilitator: Amanda Rose Hopkins received her B.F.A from UC Santa Cruz with a concentration in painting and environmental art. Locally she has creatively taught children at Sunridge and REACH Charter schools. She spent 5 months studying under artist Kaveri Singh and Thangka painters from Nepal and Sikkim at the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute in India. Her work is currently focused on highlighting the sensuous texture and environmental importance of the kelp forests. You can view her work at https://artofnature.me/

Saturday, September 7, 2024; 10:00am – 12:00pm

$35.00

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE. Pre-registration required.

Abstract Artists Laboratory is a space to meet and create together.

Finding the time to paint is always a challenge and if it has been months or years since you have painted there can be a palpable hurtle standing in one's way of getting out those brushes and sitting down in front of a canvas. This space allows you the time and space without creating an at home art studio or needing to immediately go out and buy a plethora of materials.

We will begin each session with a short meditation and then a brief and expressive experimental painting technique which will inspire freedom and movement in your painting. If you have a project that you would like to bring, feel free. Gentle guidance, inspirational ideas, artwork images and materials will be provided.

About the Facilitator: Amanda Rose Hopkins received her B.F.A from UC Santa Cruz with a concentration in painting and environmental art. Locally she has creatively taught children at Sunridge and REACH Charter schools. She spent 5 months studying under artist Kaveri Singh and Thangka painters from Nepal and Sikkim at the Sarnath International Nyingma Institute in India. Her work is currently focused on highlighting the sensuous texture and environmental importance of the kelp forests. You can view her work at https://artofnature.me/

Saturday, November 9, 2024; 11am - 3pm

$105 + $10 Materials Fee

Number of participants: 14 max.

Ages 16 and up

In this workshop, collage artist Catherine Cruz will demonstrate her process for creating abstract collage artwork. She will discuss materials, composition and abstraction. Participants will choose papers from a wide collection of hand-painted, colorful, patterned papers as well as vintage books, selecting images and text that speak to them. Then they will design an abstract collage on a 12”x12” wood panel.

Catherine’s goal is to provide a non-judgmental and supportive environment where participants can challenge themselves to respond intuitively to their art and unleash their creativity. No previous art experience needed. Other classes she provides include gel plate printing, collage composition, and mixed media techniques on collage.

About the instructor: Catherine Cruz is a French-American artist, whose work is informed by textures and patterns created by the passing of time and the effects of the natural elements on the built environment. She has taught collage and mixed media workshops in the Bay Area and France since 2019, and this is her second year at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. Her background is in interior design and green building certification. She works from her home studio in Sebastopol, and she is participating in Art Trails Open Studio. You may contact Catherine Cruz at beyouartstudio@gmail.com Check out Catherine's other classes here: https://www.sebarts.org/visual-arts-classes