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Unlocking Creativity through Material Exploration & Experimentation

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.

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. No credit or refunds will be given within 30 days.

Robotics, Device Hacking, Arduino: Jan 30, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27th, 5 - 8pm.

with Nathaniel Ober www.nathanielober.com 

Do you want to learn how to use technology in creative ways to take your artistic practice to the next level? In this 5 part workshop series, participants will learn the basic fundamentals and uses of microcontrollers using Arduino. An Arduino is an open- source electronics platform enabling users to create interactive electronic objects. In this series you will learn to write code, breadboard an electronic circuit, use sensors to detect environmental changes and create an interactive project. Each participant will receive their own Arduino starter kit.

$295 

** A Laptop is required for this course

*** This course will run for five weeks meeting from 5pm-8pm on Thursday evenings

3D Printing and Scanning: Jan 31 - Feb 2

with Nathaniel Ober www.nathanielober.com

Learn the fundamentals of the 3D extrusion-based printing process from beginning to end using various industry standard software and 3d scanning methods.

In this 3-day workshop you will learn the basics of digital 3D modeling and produce your own sculptures comprised of PLA (“Polyactic Acid” - A biodegradable and environmentally friendly plastic). This workshop may be combined with a Foundry Casting class to take your model from 3D print to bronze or aluminum. 

$295

*A laptop is required. **Some computer design knowledge is helpful but not required.

Intro to Welding: Feb 8 - 9th 

with Ethan Primason ethanprimason.com

In this two-day workshop, learn the fundamentals of MIG welding steel. Welding processes include a complete explanation of how to use a MIG welder, welding specific types of joints, cutting with a metal chop saw, grinding with angle body grinders, and a thorough explanation of safety procedures. On the second day, students are encouraged to make a small object such as a candle or incense holder in order to practice all of the techniques covered on day one.

$225

Laser Cutting and Engraving: Feb 15th

with Abbey Sarver (web)


Learn the basics of laser cutting with a 60 watt CO2 laser machine paired with Lightburn software. In this 2-day* workshop, students will learn how to turn their handmade drawings into a custom made plexiglass mirror or sign. Students will also have the opportunity to explore cutting and/or engraving different materials; such as plywood, cardboard, acrylic, and even old books.


$195

Cuttlefish Casting: Feb 16th

with Jennifer Mineer jennifermineer.com

Cuttlebone casting is an ancient technique that was used in Mediterranean countries for centuries. This one day workshop is designed to give students a foundational understanding of the casting process, with additional focus on three-part molds to create a signet ring. Students will learn how to transfer and carve their design into a cuttlefish bone and how to melt either sterling or bronze in a crucible to pour directly into the pattern. We will also go over the steps to remove any sprues or air vents, and how to clean up and polish the final castings so that they are ready to wear by the end of the workshop!

$195

Electronics / mini DIY Amp: Feb 22 - 23rd

 with Nathaniel Ober www.nathanielober.com 

Learn the basics of electronics for use in artistic projects with this 2 day hands-on workshop. Participants will learn how to solder and conceptualize an electronic circuit while creating their own DIY electronic mini sound amplifier. Each student will receive an electronic stater kit to take home for continued use along with their completed audio amplifier. This class is for beginners and no previous knowledge is required.

$225

Welded Steel Side Table: Feb 28 - March 2nd

with Ethan Primason ethanprimason.com

In this three-day workshop, participants will design and build their own steel side table using a MIG welder. Instruction includes an explanation of how to use a MIG welder, welding specific types of joints, cutting with a metal chop saw, grinding with angle body grinders, and a thorough explanation of safety procedures. Using sheet metal, students will cut shapes for the table top and create custom legs with a tube bender. Participants will also learn finishing techniques, including paint and patina, to give the table a completed look. By the end of the workshop, students will have a customized table to take home along with welding fabrication and finishing skills.

$425

Demystifying Pewter: Lidded Containers: March 7 - 11th

with David Clemons @harperclemons

In this five-day workshop, we will explore the fundamentals of working with the mystery metal that is pewter. Within this course the unique properties of this material will be demystified as students are guided in the methods to create a small lidded pewter container. Daily demonstrations will provide participants with techniques for texturing, forming, torch fabricating using soldering and welding, simple mold construction using low-tech materials (MDF, cuttlefish, and more), casting, and finishing to create their own lidded container.  Some understanding of basic metalsmithing techniques is helpful but not required; the class is open to all levels.


$650

Glass Casting: March 12 - 14th

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.


$425

Glass Cold Working: March 15 - 16th

with Joshua Hershman hershmanglass.com

Coldworking includes all of the many techniques used to finish, alter or decorate glass after the annealing (or cooling) process is complete. For this introductory workshop, students will learn grinding, polishing, gluing, cutting and sandblasting. The instructor will teach all of the coldworking equipment in the Lab including a diamond tile saw, flat lapidary wheel, dremel tools and pneumatic water fed grinders. So that students are not dependent on the equipment, many basic 'low tech' techniques will be covered that can be done in a home studio. Other 'tricks' demonstrated will be HXTAL as a glass adhesive and removing scratches and spot healing.

$295




Art Packing 101: March 21st

with Andy Ralph andyralph.com

Learn how to make boxes and pack your art for safe shipping!

Whether for storage or transit, this workshop will cover the basics of creating a customized cardboard box for sculptures and shadow boxes or slipcases for paintings. Students will be able to determine what materials are best for future boxes and gain insight into how to ensure that their work travels safely. While every object may be unique, understanding industry standards for packing and crating can provide a framework with which to tackle any tricky packing problem. This workshop will provide an overview of the basic methods, materials, and vocabulary used when packing and crating art and other objects for transport.

$195

Glass Casting: April 4 - 6th

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

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.

$695

Foundry Bronze and Aluminum Casting: April 25 - 29th

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.

$695

Paper Casting Relief: May 13 - 14th

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.


$295

Paper Casting Sculptural: May 15 - 18th

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.

$450

Mold Making: May 21 - 22nd

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

Glass Casting: May 23 - 25th

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.

$425