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Sculpture Workshops 2026

VIS Studio offers workshops that deliver an immersive sculpting experience.

Located in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Sculpting Studio is a fully equipped professional art space that serves as both a home for artists and a center for creativity and growth.

Participants learn from professional sculptor Joel A Prevost in an environment designed to inspire and support artistic expression.

Our diverse workshops offer opportunities for all skill levels and interests.

Register early for upcoming art and sculpture classes, as spaces are limited.

Upon registration, a $50 non-refundable administration fee is required.

This fee will be applied to the total cost of the workshop.

A friendly reminder: Due to the nature of clay and the firing process, we cannot guarantee the final outcome of any piece. While we take great care with all work, warping, cracking, or breakage can occur.



Garden Of Eden

Evening sculpting workshop with a Female Live Model

LEARN HOW TO SCULPT A MONUMENTAL PIECE

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

Thursday, October 1, 8, 15, 22, and29

from 7 pm - 10 pm

Level: beginners and intermediates.

Maximum: 10 students per class

Teacher: Joel A Prevost

Course Description:

In this workshop, participants will explore the beauty of the human form and experience what it’s like to be a sculptor in a serene and professional setting. Whether you are a beginner or a professional artist, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn to sculpt with a live model.

This workshop is run in a group setting, where each participant can expand their knowledge. You are encouraged to explore the medium's possibilities and develop your creative style. 

Professional sculptor Joël A. Prévost teaches the techniques and use of tools necessary to sculpt a free-standing sculpture of a life model, taking you step by step by adding, subtracting, coring, and polishing.

Supplies are on the premises; you only need to bring your desire to turn 50 kg (110 pounds) of clay into a monumental sculpture. 

Cost: Registration fee $440.00 + Materials $190.00 + GST (includes kiln firing) Total: $682.50 tax included

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


The Non-Figurative

Clay and Porceleine exploration

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

Saturday, October 10, 17, and 24

from 1 pm - 4 pm

Level: beginners and intermediates.

Maximum: 7 students per class

Teacher: Joel A. Prevost

Hands‑On Sculpture: Pinch, Slab, Subtractive

Examine the distinctions between earthenware clays and porcelain and develop practical methods tailored to each. In guided, hands‑on sessions, participants will work with three clay bodies and three techniques- pinching, slab building, and additive/subtractive approaches—to create three‑dimensional pieces that reveal and emphasize negative space. Each session concludes with a completed object or small sculpture, and each participant will go home with three finished artworks. Each finished clay sculpture will receive a first (bisque) firing; glazing is not included in this workshop.

This workshop places material first: process, surface, and structural choices drive the work rather than a prescribed subject. Suitable for all levels; step‑by‑step instruction builds confidence with both clay and porcelain.

Registration $310. + Materials $65. + GST / Total: $393.75 tax incl.


The Fungus Workshop

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

Sunday, October 18, 25 and November, 1

from 1 pm - 4 pm

Level: beginners and intermediates.

Maximum: 10 students per class

Teacher: Joel A. Prevost

The Fungus Workshop — take this opportunity to create one hand‑built giant mushroom sculpture, 30–42 cm (12–14 in) tall — perfect as a striking garden ornament. Working at scale with approximately 25 lb (12 kg) of clay, you’ll focus on bulk‑building, safe hollowing, and rich surface texturing.

Joel will share signature tricks and tools developed for his mushroom series. The emphasis is on surface texture and mark‑making to create realistic or stylized fungi, with guided, hands‑on practice, step‑by‑step demonstrations, and individual feedback to refine form and surface. Suitable for beginners and experienced artists, this intensive also covers studio workflows for drying, finishing, and preparing pieces for firing. Note: glazing is not included in this class.

Registration fee $310. + Materials $65. + GST / Total: $393.75 tax included


The Eyes Exploration

The eyes are the window to the soul

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

Saturday, November 7 & 14 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 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



Christmas Tree Workshop

Craft Unique Christmas Ornaments Using the Slab Technique

6-hour workshop split into two weekly sessions: The

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

Sunday, 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 a variety of 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 immerse yourself in 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.


Private Group Workshops

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Private Group Workshops 〰️


Play with Clay / Private Group Workshop Series

This series of workshops is available only to private groups. This 2-hour workshop is ideal for transforming an afternoon or evening into a memorable creative experience.

A minimum of six participants is required. We will tailor the session to your group's goals and size. No prior clay experience is required.

Invite colleagues or friends to an engaging, hands-on workshop led by professional sculptor Joël A. Prévost, who will demonstrate techniques, guide tool use, and tailor the project to your group’s interests.

Designed as a short 2-hour workshop, it helps you develop practical skills in each session, ranging from playful hand-building to focused sculptural techniques. All supplies are included: clay, underglaze, tools, and kiln firing, so you can focus on creating and socializing. Hand-building is a pottery technique in which you shape clay by hand using slabs, coils, and simple tools rather than on a pottery wheel.

Ideal for team‑building, stagettes, corporate events, or creative gatherings—suitable for artists from beginner to intermediate levels. Interested in a custom team‑building session or a longer skills series? Based on your group size and objectives, we’ll design a program that fits your needs.

Please note that artwork must dry before firing; finished pieces will be kiln‑fired approximately three weeks after the workshop.

Pricing:

The minimum group size is 6 participants at $567.00 GST included.

Additional participants: $94.50 per person.

The maximum group size is 12 people. All materials and kiln firing are included.

Booking:

Your group will need 1 person to collect all the money and communicate with all members.

Please tell us your group size, preferred dates, and workshop choice. We’ll tailor the program specifically to your needs.

workshop selection:

Decorative Mushroom in Clay 

In this playful workshop, each participant will build 3–4 hand‑built decorative mushrooms (4–6" tall), adding textured details that give each piece its own character. As a finishing touch, you will paint your mushrooms with underglaze. Ideal for beginners and intermediates. Tools, materials, and guidance are provided in a supportive, social atmosphere.

Fantasy Corals in porcelain


In this interactive workshop, craft delicate porcelain sea creatures, tube worms, and corals using the slab technique. Roll out and cut thin slabs, then assemble organic shapes by layering and pinching. Porcelain's slow, responsive nature supports precise, detailed work—ideal for exploring fine detail. Throughout the session, you'll learn to work with porcelain's unique properties and finishing techniques that highlight texture and contrast, making your finished pieces resemble delicate undersea sculptures.



Vancouver Island Sculpting Studio: Refund and Cancellation Policies

A $50 non-refundable administrative fee is required at registration and applied to the total workshop cost.

Refund Policies:

Cancellations made seven days or more before the first class receive a full refund, less the $50 administrative fee. Cancellations less than six days before the first session are not eligible for a refund. Same-day cancellations are not eligible for a refund or rescheduling.

Workshop Cancellation Policy:

Vancouver Island Sculpting Studio may cancel or postpone workshops due to low enrolment, instructor illness, inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. If a workshop is cancelled, you may transfer to another workshop or receive a full refund. Participants will be notified as soon as possible, and refunds will be issued promptly.

Clay workshop only: Missed Classes:

If you miss a class, you may book a 2-hour Studio Drop-In session with private tutoring for $75 plus GST. Schedule the session within two weeks of your missed class. Please note: The decision to allow make-up classes is at the discretion of studio management. This balances requests based on availability and scheduling constraints.