Art and Sculpture Classes 

Winter Schedules 2025

The VIS Studio presents a series of workshops, providing an immersive experience in the world of 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.

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!

Christmas Tree Workshop

Ornament Christmas Tree / Slab Technique

5-hour workshop split into two weekly sessions:

first session is 4 hours, followed by a 2-hour second session.

Sunday, December 1 / FROM 1 PM - 4 PM

Sunday, December 15 / from 1 to 2 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 $20.00 + GST

Total: $147.00 tax included

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

Winter Classe 2025

The Flair of the Nose

Sculpting Character and Expression in Facial Artistry.

Starting dates Sunday, January 12

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

SUNDAY, January 12, and 19

From 1 pm to 4 pm

LEVEL: BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATES. 

MAXIMUM: 8 STUDENTS PER CLASS

TEACHER: JOEL A PREVOST 

The nose, a central feature of the face, holds both aesthetic and functional importance. It contributes to facial symmetry and character, influencing the overall expression and balance of the visage.

Renowned artist, Joël A. Prévost, will guide participants through a comprehensive study of sculpting the intricacies of the nose typology. From defining the nostrils to shaping the bridge, participants will learn essential techniques and receive expert advice on tool selection. Through hands-on practice, attendees will refine their nose-sculpting skills.

The workshop will delve into the structure and proportions of the nose typology, emphasizing key points for accurate portrayal. Discussions on the nose as a communicator of emotion and harmony will enrich the learning experience.

Open to individuals of all skill levels, this workshop provides a valuable opportunity to enhance sculpting proficiency under the mentorship of a seasoned professional.

Cost: Registration fee $190. + Materials $30. + GST (includes kiln firing) Total: $231.00 tax included

TO REGISTER: Fill out the registration form to secure your spot and receive further details."

 The Painterly Eye

Learn how to paint vibrant, painterly eyes in acrylic

THIS IS A 6-HOUR WORKSHOP: 2 SUNDAY SESSIONS, EACH 3 HOURS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, AND FEBRUARY 2

FROM 1 PM TO 4 PM

LEVEL: BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATE

MAXIMUM: 6 STUDENTS PER CLASS

INSTRUCTOR: DENISE TIERNEY

Learn how to create the illusion of form by utilizing colours, strokes, and textures that emphasize painterly beauty. The focus will be on expression, experimentation, and friendly exchange.

Participants will:

• ●  Discover how to create form and depth when drawing/painting eyes

• ●  Learn new tips and tricks to advance their skills

• ●  Learn techniques for mixing skin tones and eye colors

  Key Techniques:

• ●  Blocking in - how to create a basic outline of the eye and establish value

• ●  Layering - how to build up layers gradually to enhance form

• ●  Detailing - how to add fine details such as reflections in the eye and subtle shadows

• ●  Glazing - how to use thin layers of paint to create depth and transition between colors

  Participants will work on a gallery-wrapped 6” x 6” stretched canvas. Acrylic paint and brushes will be provided.

Cost: Registration fee $190. + Materials $30. + GST

Total: $231.00 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.

Wednesday, February, 5, 12, 19, 26, and March 5

from 7 pm - 10 pm

Level: beginners and intermediates.

Maximum: 8 students per class

Teacher: Joel A Prevost

Discovering Yourself Through Clay

THIS IS A 3-HOUR WORKSHOP.

Sunday, February, 9 / 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 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, March, 2, 9 and 16 FROM 1 PM - 4:00 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 $290. + Materials $45. + GST (including kiln firing)

 total: $351.75 tax included

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

Unlock the Power of Your Sales Voice

While your art may resonate with people, it won’t sell itself.

Don’t let your art remain a mystery!

Starting date Saturday, March, 1

This is a 9-hour workshop: 3 weekly sessions of 3 hours.

Saturday, March, 1, 8, and 15

from 1 pm - 4 pm

Maximum: 10 students per class

Teacher: Dee Fontans

Are you an artist or artisan looking to enhance your sales skills while selling your work at markets, shows, and exhibits? During the workshop, you will uncover key strategies for explaining your creations and the processes behind them, helping to establish your credibility as an artist.

Understand your product inside and out to develop a compelling elevator pitch that showcases your expertise. Learn sales techniques that will unlock the secrets of effective communication with the public, patrons, and art collectors. Experience the power of body language and active listening to engage meaningfully with your audience.

Together, we will also explore how to write essential documents, such as your artist biography, statement, and tagline. These professional tools will serve as your introduction to the world, providing readers with insight into your background, life experiences, and creative process.

Transform Your Art's Appeal—Your Creations Deserve to Be Seen and Sold. Enhance your interpersonal skills to unlock the full potential for positive outcomes in your artistic journey, and learn to effectively promote your art and connect with your audience.

Cost: Registration fee $199.50 tax included

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

  Urban Sketching …Travel Sketching Workshop

Techniques and Tips for Elevated Achievement

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

Sunday, March 30, April 6 and 13

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 $290. + Materials $30. + GST / Total: $336.00 tax included

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

Vancouver Island Sculpting Studio: Refund and Cancellation Policies

Refund Policies: 

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