2026

MARCH 1 - APRIL 30

8-WEEK CLASS SCHEDULE

Below are 8-week courses that BMS offers weekly over 2 months. Whether you are a beginner eager to build creative techniques, a student preparing Art School applications or an experienced artist seeking to expand your creative repertoire, these courses provide the inspiration and technical know-how to bring your artistic ideas to life.

OPTIONS!

New to us?

You can pay for individual 8-week courses at the non-member price as you go.

-Or-

Sign up for the new Blue Merle Studio Membership Subscription

Want to take advantage of more than one class? Models, different processes, studio lab coaching and open work periods as well?

Become a BMS member for a monthly subscription fee ($150) and take advantage of full access. Weekend specialty workshops excluded.

WEEKLY CLASSES

Monday night carving Session

MONDAYS     7-10PM March 2-April 27     $300 + Stone non-members (included in membership)

This 8-week course explores the techniques of subtraction utilizing two distinct yet easy to work with materials ( 1 consisting of a hydro-cal block and the second a soapstone or alabaster stone of the student’s choosing). All tools and supplies are provided to create two distinct works from inception to finish.

Beginners always welcome!

FIGURE SCULPTING IN CLAY FROM THE MODEL

AM   TUES  10-1pm March 3 - April 28    $325 non-members (Included in membership)

This 8-session day course utilizes 2 model poses. One each month. Students will learn and practice the fundamental steps to successfully create a figure in clay through observational techniques and creative choices. Special attention is paid in developing a personal approach to figure modeling, utilizing the model referentially as well as observationally. Firing of work & 1st bag clay included

DRAW- SCULPT -PAINT FIGURE MODELing session

PM   TUES  7-10pm  March 3 - April 28    $325 non-members (Included in membership)

This 8-week evening course utilizes 2 models (1 each month). Come learn to draw, sculpt, paint or mix and match disciplines during these guided evening sessions. Students will learn and practice the fundamental steps to successfully draw, paint or sculpt the human figure through observational techniques, creative choices and critique. Special attention is paid in developing a personal approach to the figure utilizing the model referentially as well as observationally in a variety of media of the students choosing. Firing of work & 1st bag clay included if applicable

Beginners always welcome!

STUDIO LAB: GUIDED JOURNEYS IN SCULPTURE

March 2 - April 28 

TUES 7-10pm  / WED  7-10pm  / THURS   10AM-1pm  $300 non-members ( Included in membership)

These individualized class sessions are designed to celebrate self-direction with expert support, emphasizing experimentation with mentorship and reflection. It is ideal for those who are interested in or are developing a personal vision and want direct feedback specifically related to their ideas and processes. It can be in any material or approach the studio facilitates, including clay.

   PORTFOLIO JAM TUesday

TUESDAYS 4-6pm March 3 - April 28 

$300 non-member ( Included in membership)

Know anyone who is interested in going to Art School? Or is building a professional portfolio? This is the course for them! Join us for an eight-week preparation course, including technical assistance w drawing, painting, design and sculptural works. 3 pieces will be completed for portfolio inclusion that highlight concepts as well as craft. Coaching during the application process and writing components to successfully apply to competitive schools, grants, residencies, etc. are included as well. Most supplies included.

ASK US ABOUT FREE PORTFOLIO REVIEWS!

 EXPLORING FUNCTIONAL SCULPTURE

THURSDAYS 7 - 10pm March 5 - April 30

$325 Non-member (Included in membership)

Discover the dynamic intersection of art and utility in this immersive functional sculpture course designed for creative thinkers and hand makers. This program guides participants through the process of conceptualizing, designing and constructing sculptural works that serve everyday purposes from innovative lighting, imaginative vessels and interactive devices we will explore how artistic vision can transform practical objects into extraordinary experiences. Some materials included.

WEEKEND

WORKSHOPS

TWO-DAY DRAPED CONCRETE MASK MAKING WORKSHOP

SAT & SUN Feb 21 and 22 10-4 pm LUNCH INCLUDED $250

In this quirky and festive approach to direct concrete and mixed media students will explore Gargoyles, Green Men and mask making utilizing dip and drape fabric techniques in concrete that can allow for installation outside in garden settings. 

 Bases mounts and presentation format

SUNDAY MAR 1st 11-4pm $120

In this one-day workshop, students will learn to create and construct base types in wood, concrete, found objects and metal for existing and future sculptural works. Additionally, students will also be instructed on how to successfully mount their sculptural pieces for exhibition display purposes and installations, most materials included. Students will be asked to identify the pieces that they are interested in mounting prior to attending the workshop and may be required to purchase specific or unique materials.

10 easy steps to better drawing

FRIDAY MARCH 6     7-10pm       $35

Learn the 10 vital steps in creating a better still life drawing utilizing composition, rendering and perspective in conjunction with other drawing principles over the course of the evening, all materials and drawing supplies provided

2 day ROAD TO ABSTRACTION workshop

SAT & SUN MARCH  21 & 22    1-4pm    $275

This 2-afternoon custom workshop is designed to provide a variety of techniques, strategies and tools to successfully move into abstracted forms using a logical approach, preferences and goals. Over the two days, students will discuss, analyze, plan and experiment with the language of abstraction and create a smaller starter piece to move forward from. Some general materials provided as well as refreshments.

 EASY STEPS to understanding PERSPECTIVE DRAWING

FRIDAY MARCH 27th 7-10pm    $35

In this fun yet effective workshop students will learn simplified vital steps in seeing and utilizing perspective in drawing exteriors, interiors and objects in perspective utilizing linear perspective principles (1pt & 2pt) over the course of the evening, all materials and drawing supplies provided.

3 Day MOSAIC GUEST WORKSHOP

 SAT APRIL 4   10-4  &  SAT APRIL 18   &  FRI MAY 1ST 7-10

SCULPTURAL MOSAIC WORKSHOP $ 350

Mixed Media Mosaic Surface Application on Three-Dimensional Art

This 3-day studio workshop explores mosaic as a surface application technique over sculptural structures. Participants will design and build their own three-dimensional structure and learn how to apply stained glass, ceramic tile, grout tiles, fabric, stone, beads, and mixed media materials onto uneven and dimensional surfaces. The focus is on working across volume, navigating curves and edges, and layering materials with intention and structural awareness. Designed for sculptors, mixed media artists, and curious creatives, this workshop introduces mosaic as a way to expand sculptural language. Through texture, color, pattern, and material contrast, participants explore how layered surface treatments can deepen both the visual and conceptual impact of their work.

Workshop emphasis:

• Building a stable sculptural structure

• Preparing dimensional surfaces for mosaic adhesion

• layering diverse materials with intention

• Understanding composition of texture, color, movement and pattern on a dimensional surface.

Workshop Structure

Day 1 (10-4pm):  Introduction to sculptural mosaic & structural build

• Introduction to sculptural mosaic principles

• Overview of materials and structural considerations

• Concept planning and scale guidance

• Building the sculptural structure

• Surface preparation for mosaic application

• Introduction to grout tile pigmentation

Participants will leave Day 1 with a completed structural base ready for surface application.

Day 2 (10-4pm): Mixed Media Mosaic Application

• Working with stained glass and tempered glass on curved and uneven areas

• Integrating ceramic tile, grout tiles, fabric, stone, beads, and mixed media

• Grout adhesion methods for uneven and vertical surfaces

• Focus on composition and layered material relationships

• Understanding how different materials interact across volume

Day 3 (7-10pm): Continued Application & Refinement

• Continuing mosaic placement

• Refining transitions between materials

• Strengthening compositional balance

• Addressing technical challenges across dimensional surfaces

* Optional Studio Session (7-10pm as needed)

Sunday LAMP CONSTRUCTION DESIGNS W SHADES WORKSHOP

SUNDAY  MAY 3  & SUNDAY MAY 8th  12-4               $200

In this simple yet exciting workshop students will learn two specific techniques: one of simple braising and fastening approaches to create a framework for wiring, hanging and shade construction. And the other will relate to shade material construction and effects utilizing fabric, mixed media or metal. Most materials, supplies and refreshments included.