How can we take control of the stories that we tell ourselves and others? This class will focus on creating character and storytelling through figurative sculpture. There will be an emphasis on developing a personal artistic style through character design and the utilization of motifs and symbols. Inspired by artists of the past and present, students will use a variety of tools, materials, and techniques as they consider figurative poses, the power of gesture, and understand how to develop their own visual language. Representational or abstract, there are no boundaries as to what you can create in this multimedia workshop! Students will be assigned to their very own studio space in our residency Barn. No prior experience necessary.

How does an artist develop their own personal “voice”? In this course we will focus on ways to convey ideas and feelings while painting from observation by using color, expressive brushwork, and a range of techniques in paint application. Students will build fundamental skills in oil painting through explorations in color mixing, value, and composition. Daily presentations of work by contemporary painters and their studio processes will inform our goal of learning to find inspiration in the world around us. During the week, students will participate in quick studio games and exercises while also creating one or more finished oil paintings on canvas based on the landscape and sculpture at Art Omi. No prior experience is necessary!

Join us on Saturday mornings for safe exploration of the Sculpture & Architecture Park and art-making for kids ages 5-12. Weekly workshops host a maximum of twelve children, with a minimum of two teachers. This program will be held almost entirely outdoors with art-making occurring under the open-air Education Pavilions.

In this course, participants build expressive drawing skills while working from observation using still life, the figure, and the gallery architecture and exhibitions at Art Omi as references. Using a variety of drawing materials, we will explore fundamental two-dimensional art principles such as perspective, value, form and texture, while working towards developing a personal artistic "voice". Our studio time will consist of quick sketches and drawing games, viewing work by contemporary and historical artists, and extended individual projects. No experience necessary!