Art and Sculpture Classes 

Winter Schedules 2024

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.


  Urban Sketching …Travel Sketching Workshop

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

Sunday, April, 14, 21 and 28

from 1 pm to 3 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, where we delve into the art of drawing, exploring principles that enhance the joy of sketching as a delightful activity. This workshop will cover essential aspects, including:

1) Learning the construction and proportions of a sketch.

2) Understanding perspective and techniques to create a 3D effect on a 2D surface.

3) Exploring tones, shades, shadows, and textures.

4) introduction to composition and scene editing.

5) Embracing the use of ink pens for sketching.

As skills develop, participants can explore creative liberties to modify scenes, adding excitement and depth to their sketches. This workshop spans three Sunday afternoon sessions, offering a comprehensive journey into the world of urban and travel sketching.

Cost: Registration fee $230. + Materials $10. + GST Total: $252.00 tax included


 Mouth Workshop: Unleash Expressive Sculpting

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

Sunday, May, 12 and 19 FROM 1 PM - 4:00 PM

LEVEL: BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATES. 

MAXIMUM: 8 STUDENTS PER CLASS

TEACHER: JOEL A PREVOST 

The mouth, a focal point of facial expression and communication, holds a nuanced significance in portraying emotions and character. It is vital in capturing the essence of the individual's personality and speech.

Join sculptor Joël A. Prévost in an immersive workshop focused on sculpting the intricate features of the mouth. Participants will delve into the art of crafting detailed lips, defining the contours of smiles, and capturing the subtleties of expressions. Through hands-on guidance and demonstrations, participants will learn essential techniques and gain insights into tool selection for sculpting precision.

This workshop will explore the morphology and dynamics of the mouth, highlighting key elements essential for lifelike representation. Discussions on the expressive power of the mouth and its role in conveying emotions will deepen participants' understanding of facial anatomy.

Participants will also delve into the anatomy of the oral group muscles, learning how to express emotion and emotion through precisely sculpting these essential structures.

Designed for artists of all levels, this workshop offers a transformative learning experience under the mentorship of a professional sculptor.

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

TO REGISTER: Secure your spot by completing the registration form and embark on a journey to refine your sculpting skills and capture the essence of expression through the art of sculpting the mouth.


The Eyes Workshop/evening classes

The eyes are the window to the soul

THIS IS A6-HOUR WORKSHOP: 2 WEEKLY SESSIONS OF 3 HOURS.

DATE to be annouced for the fall

from 7 pm to 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 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 to 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


 Refund Policies

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

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

- 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 3-hour Studio Drop-In session.

- 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.