2026

JAN 5–FEB 26  

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.

Monday night carving Session

MONDAYS     7-10PM     $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     $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     $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

 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   $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!

  ART IN USE:EXPLORING FUNCTIONAL SCULPTURE

THURSDAYS 7 - 10pm $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.

 JAN-FEB WEEKEND WORKSHOPS    

2 day intro to traditional soft basketry techniques

SAT & SUN JAN 10-11 1-5pm $185

Come join us for two afternoons creating soft basketry constructions with artist/designer Olivia Marcellay, who will conduct a special workshop based on traditional methods and techniques often seen in Northwest Coast traditional basketweaving. Snacks, beverages and core materials provided. Students will be asked to select and purchase an appropriate yarn of their liking prior to workshop to create their own unique and personal baskets beyond what we will have available.

SATURDAY potluck PARty and critIQUE nIGHT

SATURDAY Jan 17th 7-12pm

Bring a fav dish and drink along with an artwork of any kind to contribute to a lively night of grazing, group discussion and critiquing.

2 day intro to clay portraiture workshop

SAT & SUN FEB 7-8 10-4pm SUPPLIES/ MODEL / LUNCH INCLUDED $275

Come spend 2 full days learning how to sculpt the human head from a live model. Students will learn the basic proportions of the head, face and neck, working with an armature and clay tools. Students will have a fired clay piece that they will paint at a finishing class time that is included. No experience necessary. All materials, firing, finishing included.

 Makes a great gift certificate!

10 EASY STEPS To BETTER DRAWING

FRIDAY JAN 30th 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

INTRODUCTION TO PORTRAIT DRAWING

FRIDAY  FEB 20th    7-10pm          $75

This  3 -hour comprehensive introduction to portrait drawing will enable students to understand the fundamental proportions and alignments of the face and neck, relevant to both sculpture and drawing. This workshop will complement clay portrait modeling as well, incorporating the same approaches to proportions while employing drawing techniques covered in this evening session.  All materials and model included    

 Bases mounts and presentation formats

SATURDAY JAN 24th 10-4pm $120 OR SATURDAY FEB 28th 10-4pm $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 and lunch 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.

HOw to photography ARTwork and reference photos of models as resource

FRIDAY FEB 13TH 7-10   $75

Come join us on a Friday evening for snacks, beverages and info related to photographing your personal artwork as well as collecting effective resource photographs of models for future work as reference. Students will bring 3 pieces to photograph and will have opportunity to work with models directly in specific poses they wish to document to work from in the future.

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.