Workshops

Pearl Lau
All levels
Artists have painted portraits of their pets for centuries. Students have the opportunity to immortalize theirs with a painting or create
a wonderful gift. Students will learn several drawing techniques while working from a photo of a chosen pet. Any medium students are comfortable working in is acceptable. During this workshop, students will have the opportunity to complete four 8 x 10” portraits. Click here for a list of recommended supplies.

Workshop meets January 6 and 7, 2025
Monday and Tuesday, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 3
#25WWS-01 $205 (VBMA members $175)
Register for #25WWS-01

Sandy Bachmann
All levels
During this 2-day workshop students will create a mug with handle, from a slab of clay and use various textures, stamps and molds to decorate the mug as you wish. Students will return to paint on the glaze and get it ready for the final firing. All materials will be supplied, but feel free to bring your apron and any preferred tools you may have. Students are encouraged to bring images for inspiration. Skills learned are how to work with a clay slab, attach decorations (sprigs), the different stages of ceramic making, and working with glazes and underglazes. All materials are included.

Workshop meets January 13 and 27, 2025
Mondays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 5
#25WWS-02 $100 (VBMA members $85)
Register for #25WWS-02

Sandy Bachmann
All levels
In this all-level, 2-session workshop you will create an adorable fish plaque to hang on a wall. Starting with a slab of clay, you will use various textures, stamps and tools to decorate the fish as you wish. Once it is bisque fired, you will return to paint on the glaze and get it ready for the final firing. All materials will be supplied, but feel free to bring your apron and any preferred tools you may have. Students are encouraged to bring images for inspiration. Skills learned are how to work with a clay slab, attach decorations (sprigs), the different stages of ceramic making, and working with glazes and underglazes. All materials are included.

Workshop meets February 24 and March 10, 2025
Mondays, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 5
#25WWS-04 $100 (VBMA members $85)
Register for #25WWS-04

Jeremiah Jenner
Beginner level
Aspiring photographers will learn how to take better photos on their cell phones or digital cameras. The instructor will go over basic camera or cell phone settings along with varied artistic lessons such as color and composition, creative abstracts, portrait lighting, and basic editing with apps such as Photoshop and Snapseed. Each class will have a review and group critique of the previous lesson as they share creative ideas and photos with one another. Click here for recommended supply list.

Workshop meets January 17 and January 19, 2025
Friday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 4
#25WWS-05 $190 (VBMA members $160)
Register for #25WWS-05

Marianne Mitchell
Intermediate level
This workshop focuses on accessing personal expression in abstraction and understanding how to use visual language. The instructor will introduce students to starting a painting in “Reckless Abandon” and gain clarity about their abstract voice through demonstrations and discussions emphasizing the interrelationship between emotional expression, composition, and painting technique. Oil paint will be used for demos and technical discussions. Other painting mediums welcome. Click here for recommended supply list.

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Workshop meets February 14 – 16, 2025
Friday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: VBMA Studios 2 and 3
#25WWS-07 $510 (VBMA members $430)
Register for #25WWS-07

Vickie Marsango
All levels
An exploratory abstract painting experience for artists of all levels to discover and enhance basic techniques of non-objective mark-making media and acrylic painting through an innovative approach to color and composition. Artists will strengthen expressive painting practices through creative exercises and painting assignments merged with artist studies, color harmony, compositional balance, and spontaneity. Students are encouraged to explore their individuality. Beneficial for anyone interested in taking risks with their painting, and for artists who want to strengthen their own voice and confidence as a painter. Click here for recommended supply list.

Workshop meets February 21 – 23, 2025
Friday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: VBMA Studios 2 and 3
#25WWS-08 $510 (VBMA members $430)
Register for #25WWS-08

Katherine Galbraith
Intermediate to advanced levels
This workshop focuses on training the eye to see accurate relationships and translate them into paint, creating a beautiful painting that is also a portrait. Special attention will be given to intent, gesture, line, and edges. The goal
is for each student to understand the planes of the face and figure, as well as the values and temperatures of skin tones, to accurately express the model as they perceive him or her. Click here for recommended supply list.

Workshop meets March 14 – 16, 2025
Friday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: VBMA Studios 2 and 3
#25WWS-10 $510 (VBMA members $430)
Register for #25WWS-10

Alan James
All levels
This workshop is designed for students who want to learn the process of how to loosen up and paint with confidence. In this workshop, the instructor will share all of the secrets of what he calls “Let Go and Let It Flow” which is the process of utilizing big brushstrokes loosely and freely. Through step-by-step demonstrations and one-on-one guidance, the instructor will guide students on how to take initial inspirations through the process of creating an expressive painting that is strong in both composition and content. Click here for recommended supply list.

Workshop meets March 21 – 23, 2025
Friday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: VBMA Studio 1
#25WWS-11 $510 (VBMA members $430)
Register for #25WWS-11