Art and Sculpture Classes 

Fall Schedules 2025

The VIS Studio presents a series of workshops, providing an immersive experience in art and sculpting.

Located in Nanaimo, the Vancouver Island Sculpting Studio stands as a fully equipped professional art space that is home to professional artists and sets the stage for creativity and growth.

Our participants have the privilege of learning from professional artists within an environment designed to inspire and nurture artistic expression.

Our diverse range of art workshops ensures that there is something for everyone.

Secure your spot for the upcoming sessions of art and sculpture classes as soon as possible, as availability is limited.

Upon registration, a $50 non-refundable administration fee is required. This fee will be applied to the total cost of the workshop.

On the Road Workshops

Bringing Sculpting to Your Community

At Joel A. Prevost's VIS Studio, we are thrilled to offer our sculpting workshops to your community! If you’re interested in hosting a workshop in your area, we warmly invite you to get in touch with your request.

"When reaching out, please include your contact details, the name and address of the potential hosting venue or organization, and your preferred dates and times for the workshop."

Let me know if you need further adjustments! We look forward to collaborating and sharing the art of sculpting with your community!

The Eyes Exploration

The eyes are the window to the soul

THIS IS A 6-HOUR WORKSHOP: 2 WEEKLY SESSIONS OF 3.5 HOURS.

Tuesday, October 14 and 21 FROM 7 PM - 10 PM

LEVEL: BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATES. 

MAXIMUM: 8 STUDENTS PER CLASS

TEACHER: JOEL A. PREVOST 

The eyes are a prominent feature, playing a significant role as elements in the face and conveying vital expressions that communicate how we feel.

The eyes are often considered the windows to the soul, as they are the primary conduits for sight. Expressive changes around the eyes can influence how we see, and in turn, communicate to others how we think and feel.

In this workshop, Joël A. Prévost, a professional artist, will begin by demonstrating various techniques and sharing tricks of the trade for sculpting the elements of the eyes. He'll also provide tips on choosing the appropriate tools for the job. Participants will then have the opportunity to practice sculpting these elements repeatedly on a clay tablet.

The workshop will include an in-depth study of the eye's morphology to identify key points for optimal performance. We'll also discuss the language of the eyes and symmetry.

This workshop is designed for beginners and professionals, offering a useful approach to sculpting for every skill level. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to learn from a seasoned artist and refine your sculpting skills!

Cost: Registration fee $210. + Materials $35. + GST (including kiln firing)

Total: $267.75 tax included

TO REGISTER: Please fill out the registration form and will get back to you

The Hand in Motion

Learn to sculpt the mechanics of your hand

THIS IS A 9-HOUR WORKSHOP: 3 WEEKLY SESSIONS OF 3 HOURS.

Sunday, October 19, 26, and November 2

from 1 pm to 4 pm

LEVEL: BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATES. 

MAXIMUM: 8 STUDENTS PER CLASS

TEACHER: JOEL A. PREVOST 

Throughout the workshop, we will tackle the challenge of achieving harmony in proportions and symmetry, allowing the hand to convey the fluidity of movement and emotion. Our expert instructors will guide you through step-by-step instructions, providing the necessary skills to sculpt with precision.

Gain an understanding of the muscles and tendons that give the hand its strength and agility, as they connect to the forearm. Explore their interplay and discover the secrets behind the hand's dexterity.

"The Hand in Motion" Workshop is suitable for artists of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sculptor, this workshop offers a valuable opportunity to enhance your artistic abilities. Experience the joy of sculpting the hand and reserve your spot in "The Hand in Motion" Workshop today.

Cost: Registration fee $310. + Materials $55. + GST (including kiln firing)

 total: $383.25 tax included

TO REGISTER: Please fill out the registration form and will get back to you

Meaningful Play with Mixed Media 

A Collaborative Exploration with Judith and Darcy

THIS IS A 6-HOUR WORKSHOP: 2 WEEKLY SESSIONS OF 3 HOURS

Sunday, November 23 and 30 FROM 1 PM -4 PM

LEVEL: BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATES

MAXIMUM: 10 STUDENT PER CLASS

Co-Head: Judith Tye & Darcy Johnson

Course Description:

This course offers an opportunity to explore making meaningful art using a variety of mixed-media techniques and materials. Students will gain insights and experience in the visual arts’ capacity to express both the personal story and its universal appeal. 

Judith Tye and Darcy Johnson will co-teach various techniques to create layers of colour, marks, patterns, photo images, and text in mixed media art. We will experiment with creating and combining separate ‘layers’ into a personal piece of artwork that each student will take home. Students will also end up with extra materials they can use in the future and the knowledge of how to use them in various ways. This is an opportunity to explore your visual language through creative play. 

We will begin with an abstract layer in acrylic paint by choosing a colour palette that creates a unique mood and atmosphere. There will then be time for spontaneous mark-making that will later add a layer to enhance visual balance and movement. Finally, students will be given several techniques for transferring photographic images and/or text to finish the art piece. Throughout the workshop, there will be opportunities for gentle and positive critique.

Techniques Covered:

• Colour mixing from primary pigments to create different colour harmonies, a student can choose from.

• Composition: creating balance, space, and movement in an artwork using line, shape, and pattern.

• Collaging using acrylic mediums to combine made and found images

• Experimenting with techniques photo transfer, Gelli plate printing, stamping, and stenciling.

This course is suitable for both beginners and experienced artists. Students will walk away with at least one painting and a deeper knowledge of mixed media and creating art with personal meaning. Come and explore your creative process and unique responses to visual art. You are encouraged to bring a willingness to try new things and a courageous mindset for exploration and play. 

Materials: Judith and Darcy will provide various drawing materials, paper, paint, ink, mediums, and brushes. Please bring any painting materials that you like to use. Also, bring images or objects that have colour palettes you enjoy. Any photos you wish to use should be photocopied to transfer them. Also, consider bringing magazine images that can be transferred using a different process.  

Cost: Registration fee $210. + Materials $35. + GST

Total: $267.75 tax included

TO REGISTER: Please fill out the registration form and we‘ll get back to you

Christmas Tree Workshop

Craft Unique Christmas Ornaments Using the Slab Technique

6-hour workshop split into two weekly sessions:

first session is 3 hours, followed by a 3-hour second session.

Saturday, November 29 / FROM 1 PM - 4 PM

Saturday, December 13 / from 1 to 3 pm

LEVEL: BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATES.

8 Students per class

instructor: Joel A. Prevost

Join us for our exciting 'Christmas Tree Workshop' and get ready to create beautiful and unique Christmas tree ornaments! This workshop is specifically designed for students with no prior experience working with clay - it's a fun and playful way to learn the slab technique.

Under the guidance of instructor Joel A. Prevost, you'll begin by learning valuable techniques for preparing and handling slabs as well as building techniques on an armature. Throughout this delightful introductory hand-building workshop, you'll acquire essential skills for constructing various ceramic projects.

By the end of the workshop, each participant will have successfully created their own textured Christmas tree ornament. It's a wonderful opportunity to delve into the festive spirit and craft something special for the holidays.

The price includes clay, glaze, and Kiln firing.

Registration fee: Registration fee $120.00 + Materials $35.00 + GST / Total: $162.75 tax included

TO REGISTER: Please fill out the registration form, and we will get back to you

Christmas Private Clay workshop party

Please note that the Christmas tree workshop can be offered for a staff party or as a delightful gathering for a group of friends. The private Party workshop starts on November 17.

Garden Of Eden

Evening sculpting workshop with a male Live Model

LEARN HOW TO SCULPT A MONUMENTAL PIECE

This is a 15-hour workshop: 5 weekly sessions of 3 hours.

NEXT sessions in February 2026, date to be announced

from 7 pm - 10 pm

Level: beginners and intermediates.

Maximum: 8 students per class

Teacher: Joel A Prevost

3D Dog Portrait

Learn how to sculpt a dog head from a photo

Starting Date is:

This is a 21-hour workshop: 7 weekly sessions of 3 hours.

Dates: TO Be ANNOUNCED

Level: For intermediates and Advanced: Maximum: 6 students per class

This workshop is taught in a group structure where each individual will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skill. Individuals will receive one-to-one sculpting instruction using water-based clay.

You are encouraged to learn the structure of the dog's muscles, and skull to develop your own creative style.

In this workshop, the participant will work with the photos of their dog. We will learn to sculpt the structure of the skull, the musculature, eyes, and muzzle, as well as how to sculpt dog hair.

Professional sculptor Joël A. Prévost teaches the techniques and use of tools that you need to carve a freestanding dog's head and hair, taking you step-by-step through adding, subtracting, and polishing.

COST : REGISTRATION FEE $882.00 + MATERIALS $90.00 + GST (INCLUDES KILN FIRING) TOTAL: $926.10 tax included

The student should have clear photos of their subject, taken from different angles. To help you photograph your dog, we have created a resource sheet:

Vancouver Island Sculpting Studio: Refund and Cancellation Policies

Upon registration, a $50 non-refundable administration fee is required, which will be applied to the total cost of the workshop.

Refund Policies: 

- Cancellation requests made 7 days or more before the first class will receive a full refund, with the $50 administration fee deducted.

- The registration fee will not be refunded if the cancellation is made less than 6 days before the first scheduled session.

- Cancellations made on the same day as the workshop will not be eligible for a refund or rescheduling.

Missed Classes:

- If you have missed any classes, you can make them up by booking a 2-hour Studio Drop-In session, which includes private teaching

- There is a fee of $75. + GST for this service.

Please note that the Studio Drop-In session must be scheduled within two weeks of the missed classes.

Workshop Cancellation Policy: 

- Vancouver Island Sculpting Studio reserves the right to cancel or postpone workshops due to enrolment, instructor illness, inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. 

- If a workshop is canceled, you have two options: you can transfer to another workshop or receive a full refund.

- Participants will be notified of any cancellations as soon as possible.

- Full refunds will be issued to participants without delay.

Please note:

- The decision to allow make-up classes is at the discretion of the studio management.

- This decision is made to balance the requests based on availability and scheduling constraints.