Sawdust Art Festival’s spring calendar is full in May and June
Sawdust Art Festival is offering a variety of art classes for spring – a program that operates in the festival off-season. From Van Gogh to fused jewelry and castles, they offer myriad experiences from which to choose to get creative, so sign up now.
These are a few of the workshops coming up soon. For a complete listing of classes, click here.

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Photos courtesy of Sawdust Festival
Two dates for the Art of Batik Painting
–Friday, May 19, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
–Friday, June 2, 5-7 p.m. (After Dark! Includes complimentary wine.)
Learn the Art of Batik Painting!
Create a beautiful wearable work of art with artist Nancy Villere. Using a variety of different dyes and resists, Villere will talk you through the process step-by-step on how to apply the resist to the silk to create a striking design. You will then work with different colored dyes to fill in your pattern, creating a stunning silk scarf painting that you can either frame or wear as a piece of art.
Cost: $95, includes all materials.

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Colorful Carp on May 19
–Friday, May 19, 5-7 p.m.
After Dark: Colorful Carp in Acrylics with Fernando Micheli
Experience the joy of painting these beautiful colorful carp under Fernando Micheli’s expert guidance. Step-by-step, he will show you how to build your composition, from the initial design right through to the final stages of your painting. You will learn how to use bold, expressive paint strokes, layering the paint so that your finished piece will have that feeling of lightness and movement. This is a two-hour class which is inclusive of all materials and a complimentary glass of wine. A great way to start your weekend.
Cost: $95, includes complimentary wine.

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Intro to Mosaics, May 20
–Saturday, May 20, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Day 2)
Workshop Option #2
Intro to Mosaics with Ron Shearer, a two-day workshop over two weekends
The ancient art of mosaics is one of the most beautiful and oldest in the history of mankind. Working closely with Ron Shearer, you will create a mosaic that you will not only be proud to display, but will open a whole new world of creativity that you can easily continue on your own. Step-by-step, he will take you through the process of design, materials, cutting techniques and then carefully guide you through the application, initially using glue for positioning. You’ll have a little bit of fun “homework” to do between classes. When you return to the second workshop, you can really home in on the fine details and finishing your artwork. A wonderful, informative and creative workshop, and one that they have had many requests for. This workshop is suitable for absolute beginners or those who want to fine-tune their skills. All materials are provided including supplies from WitsEnd Mosaics.
Cost: $300 per student which is fully inclusive of six hours of intensive tuition over two weekends, and all materials including a pair of nippers that you can keep, mosaic glass tiles, design and backing board. Maximum 10 students per class – if you are a larger group, please contact them directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Photos courtesy of Sawdust Festival
Acorn Faerie - May 24
–Wednesday, May 24, 4-6 p.m.
Acorn Faerie and Home
Whimsical and Magical – enter the fantastic faerie world of artist Nansea Williams. In this extended class, Williams will show you how to create your very own quirky faerie using pipe cleaners, felt, wool felting and acorns as well as making a little house for your faerie to live in. Step-by-step, she will take you on a playful journey into a faerie wonderland, where you will leave with an elvish little friend and their home.
Cost: $95 per student. Includes all materials and magic. All ages are welcome, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Beaded Baubles on May 26
–Friday, May 26, 2-4 p.m.
Beaded Baubles with Nansea Williams
Watercolor painting made simple! Make these colorful, stretchy beaded bracelets with artist Nansea Williams. Choose from a huge selection of colorful bobbles and beads which you can mix and match to create whimsical, sparkly additions to your jewelry collection. This is a creative and imaginative class where you will be able to make two to three bracelets and is super fun for both adults and children.
Cost: $65, includes all materials.

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Collage and wine! on May 26
–Friday, May 26, 5-7 p.m.
After Dark: Couture Collage with Nansea Williams
An evening session of collage and wine.
Piece together fabulous frocks, heavenly heels, perfect purses and awesome accessories using a variety of mixed media including patterned paper, fabric, sequins, feathers, skeleton leaves, glitter and glue. Working on a canvas panel, you will also incorporate different stamping and painting techniques to produce a whimsical background, suitable for any supermodel.
Cost: $75 per student. Includes all materials and wine.

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Going Marbles with Paint Pour - May 26
–Friday, May 26, 5-7 p.m. (includes wine!)
Going Marbles with Paint Pour! with Joshua Hill
An alternative paint pour experience. Join local artist Joshua Hill in this expressive class where you will learn how to create intricate, one-of-a-kind designs with fluid paint. Hill will show you how to create striking patterns and color combinations with unconventional tools. This is a super fun class where you can really let your inner artist go.
Cost: $95. This class is suitable for all age groups, but children ages 7-10 yrs. must be accompanied by an adult. This class is not suitable for children under 7 years of age.

Glassblowing classes to choose from
–Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 2-4 p.m.
–Sunday, May 28, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 2-4 p.m.
Glassblowing
Encounter the magic of glassblowing with one of their master Sawdust glassblowers! In this truly unique experience, you will be taken through the glassblowing process step-by-step in their famous glass demo booth. You will receive individual, one-on-one instruction to create a beautiful piece of artwork.
Cost: $300 per student for a private two-hour lesson. All materials are provided. Students are required to wear a long-sleeved, button-up shirt and closed-toe shoes.

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Sew a Whale on May 27
–Sunday, May 27, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sew a Cute Whale with Carmen Gundelach
Learn the basics of sewing and pattern making in this class that is ideal for ages 9 and over (adults are welcome, too!). Carmen Gundelach will show you how to trace the pattern onto fabric, cutting it out and hand sewing it together. This is a class that you can do with your kids or just have fun and do it yourself. You can either bring your favorite fabric or choose from supplies that Gundelach will have.
Cost: $69 per student which includes all materials. This class is suitable for all age groups, but children under 9 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
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Pottery Wheel Experience
–Saturday, May 27, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Pottery Wheel Experience with Robert Jones
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit at a potter’s wheel and actually throw a pot? Robert Jones will take you through the process step-by-step, allowing you to gain confidence so that, with his help, you will make your own pottery pieces on the wheel. Each student will make approximately three to four pieces that he will then fire and glaze in his own studio so that you will end up with a beautifully glazed mug or bowl which you can truly call your own.
Please note: The firing and glazing time will take approximately three to four weeks before your art is ready to collect. If you wish your items to be mailed, there will be an additional cost to cover postage and packing. Absolutely no experience is necessary to take this class, however closed-toe shoes and casual, comfortable clothing are recommended. All materials are included in the cost.
Cost: $100 per student (there may be an additional charge if you wish to have your items mailed).

Whimsical Watercolor Wonders on May 27
–Saturday, May 27, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Whimsical Watercolor Wonders with Kate Cleaves
Discover the various aspects of visual texture, pattern and mark making through a variety of hands-on explorations and process art. Dive into a world of whimsy, let those creative juices flow, learn how to have fun using everyday objects. Cleave’s magical approach will lead you step-by-step to a final project of a paper cutout collage using your own handmade art papers. A truly fun yet educational class with lots of hints and tips about how to make your own mark on your work. This class is great for both absolute beginners, and those with some experience who want to learn more about textures and pattern making. All materials for this project are included in the price.
Cost: $75.

After Dark: Van Gogh Cypress Tree and Star on May 27 and June 9
–Saturday, May 27, 4-6 p.m.
–Friday, June 9, 5-7 p.m.
After Dark: Van Gogh Cypress Tree and Star with Lisa Rainey
Learn the techniques of Master Impressionist Vincent Van Gogh while sipping on a glass of wine! Brush work, color, light and movement are the key elements of what you will be focusing on in this class. Leave with knowledge and appreciation for this famous artist who pioneered new territory and techniques. Gain a sense of freedom of expression, as you play with shapes and color.
High quality art materials will be provided including acrylic paints, a variety of brushes, 11”x14” canvas, palette knife and printed colored reference image. And of course, wine.
Cost: $95 per student. Includes all materials and wine.

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Coral Bowl or Wall Art, May 28
–Sunday, May 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Coral Bowl or Wall Art with Barbara Lolli
Learn how to turn an abstract idea into a beautiful glass bowl (or decorative wall art) with fused glass artist Barbara Lolli. Choose from a rainbow of vibrant colors and different types of sheet glass and frit (small pieces of glass), then learn to cut and assemble your pieces. The firing of your pieces will be done off-site and will be available for pick-up, or can be mailed to you by USPS Priority Mail (at a small extra cost).
Cost: $125 per student. This two-hour class includes all materials and firing costs.

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Magic Castle Workshop on May 31
–Wednesday, May 31, 4-6 p.m.
Magic Castle Workshop
In this magical workshop with Nansea Williams, students will create a one-of-a-kind fairy princess or prince, and an enchanting castle playhouse. Each castle is a blank canvas, ready to be decorated and painted in the class. It measures 12x12 and has an easy to carry handle so your little artist can take their playhouse and handmade doll on the go. Paints, decorative papers, glitter and more will be provided so that every castle is unique. Students can create a realistic exterior by painting “brickwork,” or they can make it a fantasy castle in bright pinks or blues, with sprinkles of fairy dust. And that’s just the outside. The castle hinges open to expose two floors of rooms that will need papering, painting and decorations. The more imaginative you are – the better. And of course, no castle is complete without a Prince or Princess (one Prince or Princess per child). Williams will then show you how to make a little royal doll to live there.
This workshop offers a huge amount of fun and creativity that can be shared with your child(ren) or grandkids. Only one castle per family.
Cost: $125, which includes one adult and child. Materials for an additional child is $25. If you would like to add additional children, call Art Education directly on 949.497.0515, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange a payment separately.
This three-hour workshop includes an intricate wooden castle to take home – please note, only one castle per family, materials to make a little prince or princess for your castle, and everything you need to decorate it with.

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Art of Batik Painting on June 2
–Friday, June 2, 5-7 p.m. (After Dark! Includes complimentary wine.)
Learn the Art of Batik Painting!
Create a beautiful wearable work of art with artist Nancy Villere. Using a variety of different dyes and resists, Villere will talk you through the process step-by-step on how to apply the resist to the silk to create a striking design. You will then work with different colored dyes to fill in your pattern, creating a stunning silk scarf painting that you can either frame or wear as a piece of art.
Cost: $95, includes all materials.

I Spy Your Eye Photography on June 16
–Friday, June 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
I Spy Your Eye Photography with Mary Church
Join artist Mary Church in this three-part class covering the key principles of photography. In the first part of the class, Church will talk you through the key elements including perspective, composition, color, design and imagery. Then, under her guidance, you will explore the grounds of the Sawdust Festival to create three different printed images (one 8.5”x11” and two 4”x6”) that you will take home. The final element of this class will be a display of your images and discoveries that you made during your time with us.
To participate in this class, you will need to have either a digital camera, an iPhone/iPad, or Android/smart phones (all digital devices welcome!). This class is suitable for ages 10-110.
Cost: $95 per person. To register, click here.
To visit the Sawdust website for more information, an update on classes and to register, go to https://sawdustartfestival.org/classes.
Sawdust Art Festival is located at 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.