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!

  Urban Sketching …Travel Sketching Workshop

Techniques and Tips for Elevated Achievement

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

Sunday, September 21, 28, and Ocotber 5

from 1 pm to 4 pm

LEVEL: BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATES. 

MAXIMUM: 8 STUDENTS PER CLASS

instructor: John Hofman

Join us for an engaging Urban Sketching/Travel Sketching Workshop led by instructor John Hofman. This workshop delves into the essential elements of urban sketching and provides methods for properly depicting urban scenery on paper. All presentations will cater to beginner and intermediate levels, fostering an enjoyable drawing and painting experience.

We will explore various techniques to initiate a sketch, including identifying shapes, estimating object proportions, and achieving credible perspectives of buildings without relying on rulers. Throughout the workshop sessions, we will touch upon compositional principles and the editing of scenery, which will complement each of the topics above. To bring your drawings to life, we will examine techniques for applying tonal values and effectively using colour. Emphasis will be placed on utilizing waterproof pen and ink in conjunction with watercolour.

Some basic materials will be provided for your use. Additionally, we will dedicate time to discussing recommendations for acquiring art materials and equipment that align with your preferences while remaining within a modest budget.

Registration fee $310. + Materials $30. + GST / Total: $357.00 tax included

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

Garden Of Eden

Evening sculpting workshop with a male Live Model

LEARN HOW TO SCULPT A MONUMENTAL PIECE

Starting dates Thursday, February 5

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

Thursday, October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30

from 7 pm - 10 pm

Level: beginners and intermediates.

Maximum: 8 students per class

Teacher: Joel A Prevost

The Hand in Motion

Learn to sculpt the mechanics of your hand

Starting dates Sunday, March 2

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

Sunday, October, 12, 19 ,and 26

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 $45. + GST (including kiln firing)

 total: $372.75 tax included

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

Discovering Yourself Through Clay

THIS IS A 3-HOUR WORKSHOP.

Date to be anounced FROM 1 PM - 4 PM

Maximum: 8 Students per class

Instructor: Amelie Blanchard

Join us for an enriching afternoon of introspection through clay. In this unique workshop, you will discover how to connect with yourself through the joyous experience of creative play. Led by art therapist Amélie Blanchard, this session offers a distinctive approach to working with clay. She believes that when our hands are engaged, our hearts are free to explore.

This hand-building workshop will help support your new goals and dreams for 2025. You will be invited to creatively reflect on your "why" and discuss concrete ways to get there. No prior experience with clay is necessary; all skill levels are welcome.

This workshop is open to adults from all walks of life. If you want to deepen your relationship with yourself and embrace your creative spirit, that’s perfect for you!

Cost: Registration fee $120. + GST ) Total: $126.00 tax included

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

The Eyes Exploration

The eyes are the window to the soul

THIS IS A 7-HOUR WORKSHOP: 2 WEEKLY SESSIONS OF 3.5 HOURS.

Sunday, November, 2, and 9 FROM 1 PM - 4 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 to be the windows to the soul, as they are the first 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 morphology of the eyes to establish the important points for proper performance. We'll also have a discussion about 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 $190. + Materials $30. + GST (including kiln firing)

 total: $231.00 tax included

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

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.