• Friday, May 2

• Time: 6-8:30pm

• Uninstructed

• led by: Lee Ballard

Building on the fundamentals of figure drawing, participants will explore how to stylize the human form and bring garments to life through expressive line work. Figure drawing is used to heighten skills of observation. Simple tools are taught which help students see the relationships of forms, shapes and values to each other and to the whole. Underlying anatomy is discussed to support the structure of the drawing. Students will draw from a costumed model.

Suggested materials include: 18”x24” smooth newsprint or 18”x24” smooth paper, carbathello charcoal pencil or any medium charcoal pencil, drawing board and kneaded eraser.

Pysanky Egg Painting Workshop

• $20. Community Workshop

• Youth ages 6 -12 must be accompanied with an adult

• Sunday, May 4, 2025

• 10am to 12pm

• Pre- Registration is required

• Teaching artist: Mona Lewis

Explore the beautiful Ukrainian tradition of Pysanky egg decorating. Using wax-resist techniques, participants will create intricately patterned eggs rich in color and symbolism—each one a unique expression of love, creativity, and cultural heritage.

Led by a skilled teaching artist Mona Lewis, this hands-on workshop is designed for all skill levels. All materials will be provided, including traditional tools and dyes. Participants will leave with a beautifully decorated egg.

• Saturday, May 17, 2-4pm

• $20. per person

• Pre-Registration Required

• Ages 6 thru Adult

• Youth ages 6 -12 must be accompanied with a registered adult

• Instructors: Alan Salazar & Mona Lewis

Join Chumash elder Alan Salazar and artist Mona Lewis for a special hands-on workshop celebrating the traditional art of Chumash abalone jewelry. Participants will select a piece from Alan’s personal abalone shell collection, learn how to carefully polish and oil the shells, and create their own unique necklace to take home.

As you work, Alan will share traditional Chumash stories, offering deeper insight into the cultural significance of abalone and its role in Chumash life. This workshop is a rare opportunity to connect with Indigenous traditions through both art and storytelling, guided by two inspiring teachers.

All materials are provided. Open to all ages 6 & up no prior experience necessary.

MOTHER/CHILD WORKSHOP

• $20. Community Workshop

• One child ages 8 & up and one adult per registration

• Saturday, May 10, 2025

• 3pm-5 pm

• Pre- Registration is required

• Teaching artist: Kathleen Kaller

• Reiki infused Soundbath: Kimmy Braget

• Please bring a yoga mat, blankets and dress comfortable and warm.

  In celebration of Moms, grandmothers, aunts, and all the wonderful mother figures in our lives. You are invited to this Suminagashi workshop and relaxing Reiki infused Soundbath. Suminagashi is the Japanese art of marbling, dating back to the 12th Century. Translating directly to 'floating ink', the marbling process uses a richly pigmented sumi ink floating on water, which is then manipulated into distinctive patterns. We will finish the day with a sound bath to nurture your body, mind and soul. Join Kimmy Bragat, Reiki Master and Sound Healing Practioner for an immersive sound experience. Let the sound wash over you while you are laying in a restful posture. A combination of chimes, crystal singing bowls and other healing instruments will be used to lull you into relaxation.

  We can only accommodate one adult and one child per registration.

• Sundays from 2:30-4:30

• May 18 Watercolor

• May 25 Gouache

• June 1 Oil

• June 8 Ink

• $45. per workshop

• Pre-Registration Required

• Adults

• Instructor: Alexis St. John

Discover the art and alchemy of making paint from scratch using natural earth pigments and plant-based materials. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to create their own paints using non-toxic, professional-quality, and archival ingredients.

You'll be guided through the process of mixing pigments with natural binders to create beautiful, rich paints that honor both tradition and sustainability. After learning the fundamentals of paint-making, you'll have time to experiment and create artwork using the paints you've made.

This workshop is perfect for artists and anyone curious about traditional and eco-friendly approaches to art-making.

All materials provided. No experience necessary.

• Saturday, May 24,

• 2-4pm

• Instructor: Kathleen Kaller

• $55.

• materials included

Exploring Hapazome & Bundle Dying techniques.  A joy-filled experience connecting with nature and creating beautiful textiles art on cotton.  No experience necessary & all materials included.  This is a fun one to do with family or friends. Optional:Bring Flowers from your garden or things from home you want to upcycle!

• Adults

• Saturday, May 31, 3-5pm

• $25. per person

• Pre-Registration Required

• Instructor: Laura Mullen

Set in the VITA gallery, in between shows, this workshop (for writers in all genres) will explore the fecundity of the encounter with zilch, zip, zero, the vulnerability of fresh starts, the rich strangeness of the liminal, the not-yet-this-not-yet-that, the breathing space of the pause. Rest as resistance and nourishment, the beauty of the secret, and the ability to, as Wallace Stevens said (in “The Snow Man”), behold “Nothing that is not there and the nothing that is.” Let’s think together about what “nothing” offers and silence wants to say to us—and what we want to say to silence. Bring the supplies you want to use… 

• Thursdays, June 5 through July 10

• Instructor: Michelle Wilson

• Time: 6-8:30pm

• $315 for 6 classes

• Materials included

• Limited to 8 students

Explore the fundamentals of metalsmithing through jewelry making. We will learn the basics of sawing, filing, and soldering nonferrous metals. We’ll experiment with stamping, hammering, and finishing techniques. Students will leave with finished pieces, and a foundation in jewelry and metalsmithing.