The Workshop Program provides fee-based, artist-led classes in materials such as glass, metal, paper, and experimental sound.

We offer one scholarship in each class for 50% off tuition, in an effort to make our offerings more accessible. The Fall application will be made live in early summer 2025.

High Desert Locals receive a 10% discount on tuition.

Cancellation Policy: Students must notify YVML of cancellation 30 days before the start date of the workshop for a refund (with the exception of credit card fees). No credit or refunds will be given within 30 days.

Introduction to Kiln Formed Glass Casting: April 4 - 6th

Day 1: 9 am - 4 pm, Day 2: 8 am - 12 pm, Day 3: 2 pm - 5 pm

with Heidi Schwegler heidischwegler.com

Join us in-person as we take you through each step of the lost wax casting process. Silicone and alginate mold making is also included. Learn the basics of lost wax kiln-casting by transforming found objects into Bullseye glass. Students will learn the essentials for mold-building, wax finishing, material calculation, color mixing, and the theory behind firing schedules.

$425

Foundry Bronze and Aluminum Casting: April 18 - 22nd, 9 am - 4 pm

with Chris Collins chriscollinssculpture.com

In this five day introductory workshop on foundry casting students will make a wax model that will be cast in bronze or aluminum. Techniques covered include wax work, ceramic shell slurry molds, metal casting and finishing. After the wax model is made, students will make ceramic shell molds, the wax will be burned out and bronze or aluminum ingots will be melted and poured directly into the mold. We will also go over the steps to cut off and grind any sprues or air vents, and how to finish/polish and patina the final castings.

$725

Foundry Bronze and Aluminum Casting: April 25 - 29th, 9 am - 4 pm

with Chris Collins chriscollinssculpture.com

In this five day introductory workshop on foundry casting students will make a wax model that will be cast in bronze or aluminum. Techniques covered include wax work, ceramic shell slurry molds, metal casting and finishing. After the wax model is made, students will make ceramic shell molds, the wax will be burned out and bronze or aluminum ingots will be melted and poured directly into the mold. We will also go over the steps to cut off and grind any sprues or air vents, and how to finish/polish and patina the final castings.

$725

Patina for Metal Sculpture: May 10th, 9 am - 4 pm

with Chad La Fever lafeverbronze.com

In this one-day, in-depth course designed for beginners, we will explore the classic techniques of bronze and aluminum sculpture patination. We will start by learning the basic theories behind chemical patination of metal sculpture and by the end of the class students will have solid understanding of metal preparation, chemical reactions, and the methods for preserving a beautiful patina. Limited bronze material will be available for participants to use in class; however students are encouraged to bring their own small sculptures to practice on.

$195

Paper Casting Relief: May 13 - 14th, 9 am - 4 pm

with SR Lejeune sarahroselejeune.com

With experimental processes rooted in hand papermaking techniques, students will learn to use paper pulp to hold texture and surface. Beginning with technical basics such as pulp processing and sheet formation, students will apply these skills to an array of non-traditional techniques that use papermaking as a material and conceptual recording device. This workshop will predominantly cover low-relief casting processes such as site-specific paper rubbings and carved and collage low-relief mould making and use. This course will cover ways of working applicable to more improvisational paper studio contexts. All levels are welcome.

SOLD OUT

Paper Casting Sculptural: May 15 - 18th, 9 am - 4 pm

with SR Lejeune sarahroselejeune.com

Using experimental casting processes rooted in hand papermaking techniques, students will learn to record dimension and texture with paper pulp. Building on technical basics such as fiber processing and sheet formation, students will apply these skills to a variety of non-traditional paper casting methods. This workshop will cover various approaches to found moulds, mould making with oven-bake clay and multi-part plaster mould making and filling strategies. This experimental workshop will emphasize the unique nature of paper as a casting medium through a wide exploration of this material. This course will cover ways of working applicable to more improvisational paper studio contexts, and will dimensionally build on processes taught in Paper Casting Relief. All levels are welcome.

SOLD OUT

Mold Making: May 21 - 22nd, 9 am - 4 pm

with Heidi Schwegler heidischwegler.com

Learn how to make basic silicone and alginate molds. This workshop will explore the technique of creating flexible molds of found objects, sculpted models and skin. Students will finish the class with a mold that could potentially be used in future YVML casting classes such as glass or metal. These molds can be used to cast resins, plaster, concrete, or to produce wax models for casting later in glass and metal. Mold making materials are included.

$295

Introduction to Kiln Formed Glass Casting: May 23 - 25th

Day 1: 9 am - 4 pm, Day 2: 8 am - 12 pm, Day 3: 2 pm - 5 pm

with Heidi Schwegler heidischwegler.com

Join us as we take you through each step of the lost wax casting process. Silicone and alginate mold making is also included. Learn the basics of lost wax kiln-casting by transforming found objects into Bullseye glass. Students will learn the essentials for mold-building, wax finishing, material calculation, color mixing, and the theory behind firing schedules.

SOLD OUT

Concept to Cast: Mastering Silicone Matrix Molds, June 5 - 8th

9am - 4pm each day

with Scott Tebeau

In this comprehensive four-day workshop, instructor Scott Tebeau will teach you how to create a professional-quality matrix mold—a versatile tool that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern materials. Ideal for artists in sculpture, ceramics, and industrial design, these molds feature a durable outer shell and flexible rubber interior, allowing precise casting in materials like wax, plaster, concrete, and resin. 

Participants will leave with a fully functional mold for an object up to 10" in size, ready to enhance their creative projects.

$650