MARBLING ON RICE PAPER with Candice Diaz and Pam Root

This 2 day workshop focuses on Experimental Chinese Marbling and Watercolor Painting Techniques. Use your newly learned skills to help you have fun again with painting and to be able to create artwork without any pre-planning and sketching. See a one-of-a kind piece of art evolve before your eyes while dipping rice paper in water and ink. Learn how to master paper marbling using ink and dish soap.

On Friday we will allow some drying time where you will learn to see images and abstract areas that can be painted on with watercolor and acrylic.  On Saturday, the second day, we will focus on painting on your marbled rice paper.  Finished marbled paper can also be easily used as bookmarks and note cards. Feel free to bring your own watercolor and acrylic supplies, but not required. Rice paper will be provided.  All levels welcome

A $12 materials fee paid directly to the instructor covers all class materials for the workshop

Friday 1:00 -4:00 pm & Saturday  10:00 am - 3:00 pm|  September 29 & 30, 2017  | 2 sessions

$140 plus $12 materials fee paid to instructor

Bring your lunch.

*Yupo is 100% recyclable, waterproof, tree-free synthetic “paper.” It is sold in pads or by the sheet. The pads usually come in 9 X 12 or 11 X 14 which can be cut into smaller pieces, 5x7, 4x6, 5x5, etc.

Working on Yupo with alcohol inks when applied to a non-porous surface is simple and quick, resulting in beautiful and colorful pieces of art in just a few minutes.   The spontaneity of the media and the variety of techniques are unpredictable, fascinating, and very exciting.

Few mistakes cannot be rescued. With Yupo you can always just wipe it off and begin again.  The process requires speed and patience, letting go but “sort of “ being in control. It can be meditative and stimulating, and/or frustrating and satisfying.

Barbara is a member of SAL, AWA, APAA and a juried member of Arizona Art Alliance. She has taught college, university, and studio courses in her native Midwest and in Arizona since moving here in the late 80s.   Barbara is the Professor in Charge of the Expressive Arts Therapy Program at Ottawa University in Phoenix, AZ. She has exhibited and won awards for her art in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Arizona. After painting in oils for the first part of her art career, she now works primarily in acrylics, watercolors, pastels, and only recently discovered the challenges and delight of Yupo, liquid watercolors, and alcohol inks.

Saturday |10:00 am - 1:00 pm | October 7, 2017 | 1 Session | $55

QIGONG FOR CREATIVE FLOW with Ambre Leffler

This class teaches focused breathing with slow, gentle movements to give your qi (energy) movement.  Students of Qigong will find themselves more connected to their inner creative being.

Qigong is two parts: qi or chi (energy) and gong (to move).  Students will learn techniques of tapping, breathing, slow movement, and meditation to gather energy back to the inner self.  Spending repeated time with a focus on energy flow has healing, calming and energizing benefits.  Best of all for artists is that they will leave ready to use their creative energy!

Ambre has been teaching energy work since 2012 and has brought Breath Qigong Yoga and Tai Chi to local support groups, assisted living centers, and veterans with PTSD.

This is a class for all abilities: movements can be done in standing or sitting postures.  Class will be meeting outside at the Shemer, either on the lawn or on one of the patios.  Dress appropriately.

Students will benefit most from practicing regularly.  Sign up for the full 7 week session at a greatly reduced rate or drop in on occasion for a rate of $20 per session.

Saturdays, 8:30-9:30am  | October 7 - November 18, 2017 | 7 sessions

Class fee: $87.50
Drop in rate: $20/day

FAMILY FUN NIGHT with John Erwin

Join us for a fun night of watercolor painting with John Erwin designed especially for families!

Moms, daughters, dads and sons* as well as siblings and even friends who are as close as family members will enjoy the evening; you'll be surprised what you can learn in just a few creative hours!

Instruction will include basic techniques of painting with watercolor, and some advanced techniques as well; all supplies are provided.  Attendees will enjoy a light hearted atmosphere while learning something new, and everyone will leave with at least one beautiful completed painting.

Class includes appetizers and beverages.  Space is limited, so call today to reserve your place now for this month's Family Fun Night at the Shemer Art Center!

*Designed for children ages 8 and up.

All Levels
Thursday | 6:00-8:00 pm  | October 12, 2017 | 1 session

$15

INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN BRUSH PAINTING with Martha Klare

Relax as you create and learn about the meditative and spontaneous art of Asian Brush Painting.  You will create your own variations of Chrysanthemum, one of the four Gentlemen in Asian Brush Painting.

Using the  traditional materials of bamboo brush, Chinese ink, and paper, fundamental techniques and principles relating to the orchid will be explored.

Although the materials appear simple you will be surprised at their limitless possibilities as you play!

You will also discover the power of being present.  Each piece you create is a reflection of your unique ch'i - known as energy or spirit - in that moment of time and can never be repeated.  This workshop is a wonderful way to learn a new art form and enhance your well being at the same time.

Martha Klare has been practicing brush painting for over 25 years and has studied under several masters both in the US and in China; her work is collected internationally.

$30.00 materials fee payable to the instructor (cash or check please).

Note: Ink does not wash out.  Dress accordingly.

All Levels
Saturday | October 14, 2017 | 10:00-2:00 pm |1 session | $70 

$30 materials fee payable directly to instructor

 Wine and Watercolor at the Shemer with John Erwin

Join us for a fun night of watercolor painting with John Erwin.  Be surprised what you can learn in just a few creative hours.  Enjoy a lighthearted atmosphere while learning something new. You will leave with a beautiful completed painting.

Each month you will be introduced to the techniques of watercolor painting.  Learn the basics as well as some advanced techniques of watercolor painting during this fun-filled event.  All supplies will be provided.  Only a  willingness to try something new is required.

Appetizers and beverages will be provided.  Space is limited so reserve your spot now for this month's Wine and Watercolor at the Shemer!

All Levels
Thursday 6:00-8:30 pm | October 19, 2017 | 1 session

$15.

Ceramic Tile Painting workshop with Alan Jones

Alan Jones creates masterful ceramic tiles in an old-world tradition with a contemporary look.  Join Alan in this two-day workshop to learn how to make your own tiles that can be functional or purely decorative works of art. Planning a bathroom or kitchen renovation? Finished tiles can be incorporated into your design as architectural elements adding a custom look to your room. Finished tiles can be prominently displayed as a work of art either sitting upright on a display stand or hanging on a wall. Or they can be used functionally as a trivet or cheese board. You are limited only by your imagination.

During this workshop Alan will provide step-by-step instruction, with demonstration of all techniques. He will lead you in techniques for hand painting with glaze your own design on tiles. You will work on tiles that he has prepared for you as well as building your own tile (s) and wooden framework.

All tiles will be kiln fired and ready for pick up about a week after the class.

Open to all levels

Saturdays, October 21 & 28, 2017 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm | 2 sessions  | $175. plus $20 materials fee.

 THE ART OF COLLAGE with Kim Sweet

Exploring how collage can be used to reorder the material world, artists in this workshop of all levels will have the opportunity to study and apply color theory and composition as they make images with cut paper and other materials.

Students will gain an appreciation of collage as a valid art practice in its own right, and will also learn how to use collage to get a fresh perspective on their own painting, sculpture, or other primary discipline. Get ready to liberate your sensibilities with this fun, open-ended technique of cutting and pasting.

Popularized in the early 20th Century by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, collage is an accessible art form with a tremendous influence on our everyday lives.  Kim earned her BFA  from the Rhode Island School of Design and completed the European Honors Program RISD.

Bring your own materials to work with... papers to work on, scissors, and whatever you want to use to create the collage!  Elmer's glue provided.

Saturday |10:00 am - 1:00 pm | October 28, 2017 | 1 Session | $55. 

BF-15 Encaustic for Beginners with Bela Fidel

In this 2-day workshop students will become acquainted with the inherent luminosity of encaustic and the beauty of its layers, additions, subtractions and heat manipulation for special effects.

The curriculum includes:

Safety | Equipment and materials | Starting a painting from scratch | Learning to use the heat gun for maximum effectiveness | Collage |  Stencils | Stamps | Lines and Grooves | and more!

Techniques will be taught on the first day by demonstration by instructor and subsequent practice by student. On the second day students will be able to create their own original work in encaustics using the above techniques.

A $40 fee made payable to the instructor on the day of the workshop covers all materials.

Thursday & Friday | November 2 & 3, 2017 |  10:00 - 4:00 pm | $210

FAMILY FUN NIGHT with John Erwin

Join us for a fun night of watercolor painting with John Erwin designed especially for families!

Moms, daughters, dads and sons* as well as siblings and even friends who are as close as family members will enjoy the evening; you'll be surprised what you can learn in just a few creative hours!

Instruction will include basic techniques of painting with watercolor, and some advanced techniques as well; all supplies are provided.  Attendees will enjoy a light hearted atmosphere while learning something new, and everyone will leave with at least one beautiful completed painting.

Class includes appetizers and beverages.  Space is limited, so call today to reserve your place now for November's Family Fun Night at the Shemer Art Center!

*Designed for children ages 8 and up.

All Levels
Thursday | 6:00-8:00 pm  | November 2, 2017 | 1 session

$15

 Wine and Watercolor at the Shemer with John Erwin

Join us for a fun night of watercolor painting with John Erwin.  Be surprised what you can learn in just a few creative hours.  Enjoy a lighthearted atmosphere while learning something new. You will leave with a beautiful completed painting.

Each month you will be introduced to the techniques of watercolor painting.  Learn the basics as well as some advanced techniques of watercolor painting during this fun-filled event.  All supplies will be provided.  Only a  willingness to try something new is required.

Appetizers and beverages will be provided.  Space is limited so reserve your spot now for this month's Wine and Watercolor at the Shemer!

All Levels
Thursday 6:00-8:30 pm | November 16, 2017 | 1 session

$15.

FIGURATIVE CLAY VESSELS with Jane Kelsey-Mapel

In this hands-on workshop, participants will stretch their imaginations to create fun characters, either human or animal!  The small sculptures created will actually become functional vessels, such as tea pots, cups or vases.  The first day of class will be spent working in wet clay.  Jane will address basic anatomy and proportions and demonstrate slab building and modeling techniques.  The pieces will be bisque fired and students will return for a half-day class to apply the final surface color.  Underglazes will be used as stains and washes similar to watercolor.  The pieces will be glaze fired and ready for pick up after the workshop.

Jane Kelsey-Mapel creates narrative ceramic figure sculpture. She holds a bachelor's degree in Art from Arizona State University and a master's degree in Ceramics from the University of North Texas.  Her work is held in numerous public and private collections and has been featured in U.S. and international publications. She exhibits her work nationally and when she is not at the Shemer Art Center she teaches ceramics and sculpture at Glendale Community College and the Mesa Art Center.   www.janekelseymapel.com

All Levels
November 18 & December 2, 2017  | 2 sessions | $140 plus $25 materials fee
Saturday | Nov 18, 2017 | 9:30am - 4:00 pm
Saturday |  Dec 2, 2017 | 9:30am - 12:30 pm

AM-15 FUSED GLASS FOR BEGINNERS with Anne Mello

In this workshop you will be introduced to basic glass fusing concepts. In a light, fun environment, you will learn about the principles of glass compatibility and how glass is kiln-formed.

Techniques reviewed and demonstrated include: scoring, breaking and grinding glass; glue-tacking, glass selection, placement and layering.

Design and create your own unique work of glass art!  No prior experience necessary.  Workshop includes use of fuse glass tools, equipment and kiln firing to complete an original glass design.  System 96 COE glass will be used in this workshop.

(Safety NOTE: Students are required to wear closed toe shoes for this workshop.)

Flat glass work produced in this workshop will be kiln fired and available for pick up one week later at the Wrap Up!

Workshop Wrap-up on the following Saturday   10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Wonder why your glass creation has ‘bumped out’ or ‘contracted’ here and there? Or, why a color fired so differently than you thought it would? Or, what would have happened if you ‘did this’ instead of ‘that’?  Or, how your glass art should be displayed?  This two hour Wrap-up will give students a chance to ask questions of workshop instructor, Anne Mello that are specific to the glass work produced in the Fused Glass Workshop a week ago.  The same relaxed pace Anne conducts in the workshop will be the guide for a friendly Wrap-up discussion with a little light refreshment.  You will take home your finished glass pieces along with some tips, suggestions and options that may spark and initiate creative ideas for your next fused glass design.

A $30 materials fee paid directly to the instructor covers all glass materials for the workshop.

No one under the age of 18 permitted unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.  If under 18, no glass cutting or grinding will be allowed.  No one under the age of 13 allowed.

This class is now full.  If you would like to be added to the wait list, please call 602-262-4727 or email info@shemerartcenter.org.

Workshop December 2, 2017 |  10:00am - 4:00pm  | Wrap Up December 9, 2017 | 10:00am - 12:00pm

Workshop fee: $120

Materials fee: $30 paid directly to instructor on first day

INTRODUCTION TO OIL PAINTING with Julie Gilbert Pollard

If you have wanted to try out oil painting before investing in the supplies, this is the workshop for you! All paint, brushes and one small canvas, plus a few miscellaneous necessary painting supplies will be furnished for the day of the workshop.  You will need to bring minimal supplies such as paper towels, apron, etc.  A list of supplies will be available upon registration.

Get your feet wet with a simple landscape using one of the methods featured in Julie’s new book Discover Oil Painting. 

There will be demos, exercises, critique and lots of painting time. All levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. The only prerequisite is an attitude of joy in the act of painting!

All Levels
Saturdays | December 9 & 16, 2017 | 10:00am - 4:00pm | 2 days

Workshop fee: $210

Materials fee: $15 to be paid directly to instructor on first day

 Wine and Watercolor at the Shemer with John Erwin

Join us for a fun night of watercolor painting with John Erwin.  Be surprised what you can learn in just a few creative hours.  Enjoy a lighthearted atmosphere while learning something new. You will leave with a beautiful completed painting.

Each month you will be introduced to the techniques of watercolor painting.  Learn the basics as well as some advanced techniques of watercolor painting during this fun-filled event.  All supplies will be provided.  Only a  willingness to try something new is required.

Appetizers and beverages will be provided.  Space is limited so reserve your spot now for this month's Wine and Watercolor at the Shemer!

All Levels
Thursday 6:00-8:30 pm | December 14, 2017 | 1 session

$15.