If seeing works by Arizona artists exhibited around town has ever left you wanting to give art-making a try, this summer might be a good time to get started. Several local artists are offering classes or workshops in coming weeks and months, and we’ve found five that look especially intriguing. All welcome beginners, although some also work for those with more experience. Most run several weeks, while one is a one night only affair — with wine. Because some classes fill up fast, it’s best to get a jump on those that interest you right away.
Ceramics with Danielle Wood
Recently Danielle Wood’s ceramic pieces have been shown at ARTELPHX at The Clarendon Hotel, Shemer Art Center, and Art Intersection. She’s teaching a two-day ceramics workshop at Shemer Art Center on Friday and Saturday, July 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will learn hand-building and mold-making techniques while exploring abstract organic forms. Wood’s workshop includes a slideshow, demonstrations, and discussion. The workshop costs $130 plus a $5 fee paid to the instructor the first day or class. Find more information on the Shemer Art Center website.
Figurative Drawing and Painting with Edna Dapo
During an eight-week class open to participants of all experience levels, Edna Dapo will teach various techniques for figurative drawing and painting. Students will draw or paint live models, both clothed and nude. Topics covered include sighting and measuring, proportion, value, quick gestures, and extended poses. Supplies, which are provided, include oils, acrylics, charcoals, pastels, and various basics such as brushes and erasers. Two sessions are being offered July 11 to August 29 at Phoenix Center for the Arts. One meets 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, and the other meets 1 to 4 p.m. The class costs $198. Find more information on the Phoenix Center for the Arts website.
Arte y Vino with Monica Gisel
In addition to workshops for artists, Xico Arte y Cultura provides opportunities for community members to create art with instruction from local artists. On Friday, July 17 from 6 to 9 p.m., Monica Gisel, the newest member of the Latina artist collective called Phoenix Fridas, will doing a painting workshop in which participants create a work of art to take home with them. Materials and wine are provided. The workshop costs $60. Find more information on the Xico Arte y Cultura website.
Traditional Underpainting with Rachel Bess
Recently Rachel Bess, recipient of The Arlene and Morton Scult Contemporary Forum Artist Award, spoke at Phoenix Art Museum about her painting technique, including the underpainting that’s one step in her exquisitely detailed process. She’ll be teaching about the purpose and mechanics of traditional underpainting for oil painting — which impacts accuracy of composition, vibrancy, and more — during a four-week class at Scottsdale Artists’ School. Participants will work from still life scenes to create finished work using this method. The class meets Mondays between July 27 and August 17 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. It costs $200. Participants bring their own supplies based on a list provided by the artist. Find more information on the Scottsdale Artists’ School website.
Fusing Glass with Lynn Gustafson
During a four-week class with Lynn Gustafson, beginners and those with more experience can learn to fuse and slump glass in a kiln to make plates, bowls, and more. Classes meet on Wednesdays, July 29 to August 19, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Mesa Arts Center. The class costs $117, and the estimated cost of supplies is $35 to $100. Find more information on the Mesa Arts Center website.
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