“A polka-dot has the form of the sun, which is a symbol of the energy of the whole world and our living life, and also the form of the moon, which is calm. Round, soft, colorful, senseless and unknowing. Polka-dots become movement ... Polka dots are a way to infinity.” —Yayoi Kusuma
As we find ourselves busy this October, the colorful leaves begin their decent. Some of you may be planning for costumes, birthdays, taking art classes, or celebrating life in all kinds of ways. There are many fun things in the works for both kids & adult art classes, exciting art events, and family fun! I’ve been happily busy working on new fall classes, prepping for the holiday art festival, art shows, and visits with family.
You’re invited to join me at the next downtown art walk on October 5th! Join us at the Imagine Art Studio, to see 4 local artists & our artwork - from paintings, to drawings, cards, artistic sea-fairy-chandeliers, gorgeous glass mosaics, and a variety of sculpture. It’s located at D5 Studio 301 West Holly Street - downstairs. We’ll have art on display/for sale, sharing stories, snacks & beverages for our reception.
You can find out more about all the fun art events and art classes on my Instagram/Facebook pages Rachel’s Whimsical Art.
You’re invited to join me at the next downtown art walk on October 5th! Join us at the Imagine Art Studio, to see 4 local artists & our artwork - from paintings, to drawings, cards, artistic sea-fairy-chandeliers, gorgeous glass mosaics, and a variety of sculpture. It’s located at D5 Studio 301 West Holly Street - downstairs. We’ll have art on display/for sale, sharing stories, snacks & beverages for our reception.
You can find out more about all the fun art events and art classes on my Instagram/Facebook pages Rachel’s Whimsical Art.
WCC – Beginning Experimental Painting, Holiday Platter, & Holiday Ornaments Ceramics Art Classes are Here!
October 6th, 2:30pm-6:30pm is Beginning Experimental Painting - Have you ever wanted to see the range of things you can do with paint? From learning about watercolor paints to thick layers of glossy acrylics, we will try it all! We will pour, brush, scoop, squeegee, and soak, creating unpredictable and surprising results. Even if you only plan to paint in a traditional way in the future, this will show you ways to use your materials that you never dreamt of before. Beginners and experienced artists welcome. $35 materials fee payable to instructor at class. Bring your own canvas to paint on; sizes can range from 12"x16" to 18"x20". Register Now!
October 27th & November 3rd is the Holiday Platter to Keep or Gift - Add a little handmade glamour to your table this year with your very own ceramic holiday platter. Under local artist Rachel Simpson's guidance, you'll spend the first session learning how to build your own platter from clay and add design elements. The second session will be two hours learning how to apply glaze to your fired platter. All skill levels welcome. Finished platters will be ready for pick up by November 9--just in time for all your holiday celebrations. All materials included. Ages 10 and up are welcome to register with an adult. Register with WCC!
November 17th 9:00am-12:30pm is the Holiday Ornaments in Clay - Break out your creativity and have fun making a set of 4-6 holiday ornaments in this ceramic workshop! Learn how to use molds to make shapes such as stars and hearts, or learn how to create your own shape out of clay, applying underglaze to add a dash of color and shine. Your ornaments will be stained and fired in the kiln, ready for pickup November 26--just in time for the winter holidays and decorations or handmade gifts. Please bring sketch paper, pencil, eraser, and a ruler to class. All other materials included. Ages 10 and up are welcome to register with an adult. Register with WCC!
You can find out more about each of these Community Art Ed classes (for Teen + Adult) via Whatcom Community College online, in person, or by phone: (360)383-3200
October 27th & November 3rd is the Holiday Platter to Keep or Gift - Add a little handmade glamour to your table this year with your very own ceramic holiday platter. Under local artist Rachel Simpson's guidance, you'll spend the first session learning how to build your own platter from clay and add design elements. The second session will be two hours learning how to apply glaze to your fired platter. All skill levels welcome. Finished platters will be ready for pick up by November 9--just in time for all your holiday celebrations. All materials included. Ages 10 and up are welcome to register with an adult. Register with WCC!
November 17th 9:00am-12:30pm is the Holiday Ornaments in Clay - Break out your creativity and have fun making a set of 4-6 holiday ornaments in this ceramic workshop! Learn how to use molds to make shapes such as stars and hearts, or learn how to create your own shape out of clay, applying underglaze to add a dash of color and shine. Your ornaments will be stained and fired in the kiln, ready for pickup November 26--just in time for the winter holidays and decorations or handmade gifts. Please bring sketch paper, pencil, eraser, and a ruler to class. All other materials included. Ages 10 and up are welcome to register with an adult. Register with WCC!
You can find out more about each of these Community Art Ed classes (for Teen + Adult) via Whatcom Community College online, in person, or by phone: (360)383-3200
Guest Art Teacher at Museum of Northwest Art
Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA) in LaConner, WA, will have fun kids art activities in November and December...
Marine Life in Mixed-Media Painting Art – for kids and adults on November 10th, 1:00pm – 4:00pm. In this fun kids art class, we’ll focus on the marine life in and around Padilla Bay, learn to draw a few different kinds of animals such as Salmon, Flatfish, Herring, Dungeness Crab, or Otters, while we use recycled brown paper bags to draw/paint with a wide variety of materials, watercolors, tempera/acrylic paints, print bubbles with paints, and collage our beautiful marine life animals onto a larger piece of paper that will be designed for our backgrounds of the underwater scene. Dress for mess, and enjoy this fun kids activity!
Upcycled Books in Mixed-Media Art - kids (ages 8+) & adults on December 1st, 1:30pm – 3:30pm. This art class is all about learning how we can transform an old book that’s been discarded or gently-worn, into something new, and you’ll use your imagination to make an Art Book or Journal of your very own! You can choose the theme, such as your favorite hero, story, passion, or character. We’ll use layers of paints - watercolors & acrylics, choice of colors, use adhesives, gesso, washes, inks, stamps, colored pencils, markers, and many more choices of materials. This fun class will allow you to explore a whole new way of repurposing old worn books, and being creative. Dress for mess, and enjoy this fun art activity! (Note: Children under the age of 12, must be accompanied by an Adult)
Marine Life in Mixed-Media Painting Art – for kids and adults on November 10th, 1:00pm – 4:00pm. In this fun kids art class, we’ll focus on the marine life in and around Padilla Bay, learn to draw a few different kinds of animals such as Salmon, Flatfish, Herring, Dungeness Crab, or Otters, while we use recycled brown paper bags to draw/paint with a wide variety of materials, watercolors, tempera/acrylic paints, print bubbles with paints, and collage our beautiful marine life animals onto a larger piece of paper that will be designed for our backgrounds of the underwater scene. Dress for mess, and enjoy this fun kids activity!
Upcycled Books in Mixed-Media Art - kids (ages 8+) & adults on December 1st, 1:30pm – 3:30pm. This art class is all about learning how we can transform an old book that’s been discarded or gently-worn, into something new, and you’ll use your imagination to make an Art Book or Journal of your very own! You can choose the theme, such as your favorite hero, story, passion, or character. We’ll use layers of paints - watercolors & acrylics, choice of colors, use adhesives, gesso, washes, inks, stamps, colored pencils, markers, and many more choices of materials. This fun class will allow you to explore a whole new way of repurposing old worn books, and being creative. Dress for mess, and enjoy this fun art activity! (Note: Children under the age of 12, must be accompanied by an Adult)
Allied Arts 39th Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts - 11/16 - 12/24
Save the date! This year’s Holiday Festival of the Arts will be even bigger and better than the last. There will be over 100+ artists booths, thousands of art work to choose from, and a wide range of fun family and kids activities to celebrate together. You guessed it! I’ll have an art booth set up for Rachel’s Whimsical Arts, at this festive event, where you can find my drawings, paintings, sculpture, cards, & prints. I’ll even be teaching a Free Kids Art Activity on Dec. 8th 12:00pm-3:00pm, Shrink-a-Dink-with-Bling! You can find out more with Allied Arts of Whatcom County.
Throwing Basics with Rachel @ Baker Creek Ceramics
Throwing Basics with Rachel, on Wednesdays 6:00pm – 8:30pm in September & October – Each Class Session is 4 Weeks
Join us at Baker Creek Ceramics for this short and exciting throwing experience! This class is for absolute beginners. You will learn the basics in the introductory class. You will practice wedging, centering and throwing clay cylinders and bowls. In week three, you will trim and decorate your pieces. In week four, you will learn how to glaze. Class will meet Wednesdays 6 to 8:30 pm for 4 sessions. Bring your pottery tools, some plastic to cover your work in progress, a small hand towel, dress for mess and be ready for some fun! This is a beginning class, ages 16 and up. Register with Baker Creek.
Join us at Baker Creek Ceramics for this short and exciting throwing experience! This class is for absolute beginners. You will learn the basics in the introductory class. You will practice wedging, centering and throwing clay cylinders and bowls. In week three, you will trim and decorate your pieces. In week four, you will learn how to glaze. Class will meet Wednesdays 6 to 8:30 pm for 4 sessions. Bring your pottery tools, some plastic to cover your work in progress, a small hand towel, dress for mess and be ready for some fun! This is a beginning class, ages 16 and up. Register with Baker Creek.
After School Arts Enrichment Programs
I teach at a few different elementary schools in the Bellingham School District as an independent contractor, private art lessons, and as a Teaching Artist with Allied Arts of Whatcom County. This non-profit is one that brings the arts to many kids throughout the schools, and I’m so thankful I can be a part of it and this community.
Thank you for all your enthusiasm for The Arts and keeping it alive within our community!
~ Rachel Simpson
~ Artist, Art Teacher, (K-12)
~ http://rachelsimpsonart.weebly.com/
Thank you for all your enthusiasm for The Arts and keeping it alive within our community!
~ Rachel Simpson
~ Artist, Art Teacher, (K-12)
~ http://rachelsimpsonart.weebly.com/
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