Sweetwater is hosting a Master Class series led by skilled instructors who will share their knowledge, experience, and techniques with a group of aspiring artists. Each student will receive in-depth instruction, guidance, and feedback. Our Master Classes are designed to be interactive, allowing students to ask questions, engage in discussions, and receive personalized attention.
Unique Learning Opportunity
Upcoming Master Classes
The POWER of Pastel
Instructor: Christine Swann, PSA, IAPS-EP
Dates: August 23-25, 2024
Location: Sweetwater Art Center, Sewickley, PA
Artists will build a start-to -finish life portrait with Master and Eminent pastelist, Christine Swann. She will teach her step-by-step, five-layer process in the pastel medium which focuses on accuracy and light. Understanding the “Thirds of the Head” methodology will encourage any artist to become more accurate in portrait work and obtaining a likeness, whether working from photos or a model. The class will emphasize that understanding the Law of Light and its rules dictate how value and color are related when constructing the complex topography of the head. .
All Levels are welcome. For more information and supply list, please click here.
Figuring Out
Instructor: Kensuke Yamada (He / Him / His)
Dates: September 26 – 29, 2024
Location: Sweetwater Art Center, Sewickley, PA
Students will create figurative work using basic hand-building methods, such as coil, slab building, and pinching. Demonstrations include various hand-building techniques used in making figurative forms. Individual instruction helps you make your own unique narrative figure. We will discuss glazing techniques and how to personalize your piece.
Artist bio: Kensuke Yamada was born in Japan and came to the US to attend Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA where he received his BA. He continued his ceramics education at the University of Montana, receiving his MFA in 2009. Since then, he has been a Resident Artist at the Archie Bray Foundation, MT, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA, and Guest Artist/adjunct instructor at the Tyler School of Art, Temple University Philadelphia, A visiting Artist/Ceramics Studio Technician/ instructor at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, also visiting Assistant Professor at Centre College, Danville, KY. He is currently an instructor at University of Arkansas Little Rock, AR.
All Levels are welcome. For more information and supply list, please click here.
They Will Remember You
Instructor: Samuel Dunson
Dates: October 25 – 27, 2024
Location: Sweetwater Art Center, Sewickley, PA
Over three engaging days, we’ll explore the fascinating intersection between art and memory in this unique workshop. Join us in crafting meaningful and evocative works of art that capture the essence of your unique memories. First, delve into research and creative brainstorming, followed by a hands-on studio session that brings memories to life through textile-based art. The workshop will conclude with a thoughtful and conversational critique session, fostering a collaborative and constructive environment. Personal photos and memorabilia related to cherished memories are encouraged. While drawing and painting skills are beneficial, they’re not mandatory, making this workshop accessible and inclusive for all levels of artistic experience.
Artist bio: The Arts have played a major role in my life since I was quite young. I was born in Dayton Oh, and was very fortunate to grow up in a household where exposure to the Arts was as important as academic study. I was part of an Arts club in middle school but concentrated more on sports in High School. My venture into Fine Art began due to a chance meeting with an Art Professor at my alma mater, Tennessee State University. After a brief conversation, he encouraged me to take a drawing course. That chance meeting changed my life for the better. Early in my academic and artistic pursuit, I chose to concentrate on 3D works, but soon thereafter, I moved towards painting and drawing. Upon receiving a BS in Studio Art in 1992, I searched and found gallery representation in Nashville, Tn., where I lived after college. For nearly six years, I built a favorable exhibition record while working a regular 9 to 5 job. In 1997, I made the decision to further my education by pursuing an MFA. In 1998 my wife and I moved to Hinesville, Ga as I was accepted into the Savannah College of Art and Design under a Presidential Fellowship award. In 2000, I received my MFA in painting and accepted an offer to teach at my undergraduate alma mater, Tennessee State University. I teach painting, drawing, 3D design, and Art Appreciation. I truly love teaching as it also allows me to continue creating and exhibiting my work in group and solo shows, all the while connecting with eager young creative minds. Learn more by clicking here.
All Levels are welcome. For more information and supply list, please click here.
All master class participants are invited to attend a welcoming reception on the Thursday evening before each class hosted by The Robyn Jones Group at Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty in the Sewickley Village. Mingle with other guests and the artist over refreshments and hors devours in a casual setting as you learn about the sights and attractions Sewickley, Pennsylvania has to offer. Thank you to The Robyn Jones Group and Piatt Sotheby’s for being our gracious hosts for these Thursday evening gatherings!
Explore Sewickley
Distance from Downtown Pittsburgh
Distance from Pittsburgh International Airport
Our Master Class Series is generously supported by The Heinz Endowments.
