Upcoming Events
Workshop: Oil and Cold Wax with Bela Fidel
Ready to loosen up and let your creativity flow? Join us for a relaxed, hands-on workshop and dive into the lush world of cold wax and oil paints. Cold wax medium is a buttery, beeswax-based paste that mingles beautifully with oil colors. The moment you blend the two, the magic begins: rich textures, soft translucence, and velvety layers that seem to glow from within. It encourages experimentation—scraping back, adding layers, embedding marks and collage—all without the long drying times or rigid rules of traditional oil painting. No previous experience needed, this class will guide you through simple techniques for mixing, spreading, and layering, then let you follow your own creative instincts. Discover how cold wax can create dreamy, matte surfaces that invite touch, build depth with subtle veils of color, and capture spontaneous textures—from smooth sweeps to rugged, weathered effects. Come as you are, bring a curious spirit, and leave with art that feels uniquely yours. All Levels Encouraged!
Architecture Lecture: The Design of Houses with Ned Sawyer
In this lecture, architect Ned Sawyer will explain his thoughts on design and how it applies to residential architecture. “The DESIGN OF HOUSES is true Architectural Design, as art in the fourth dimension.What makes it true design, is because the client is involved in all phases of the design and its execution. That is rewarding because they begin to recognize the Art of Design and how the function is solved for their needs and the site they have chosen.”
Architecture Lecture: The Unique History of Arcadia with Scott Jarson
Arizona was Scott Jarson’s boyhood home. Join him as he explores the unique history of Arcadia, from irrigated citrus groves to one of the Valley’s most desirable luxury enclaves. He shares insights into the area’s historically referenced name, innovative land use, early settlement, and architectural development, along with engaging stories and little-known facts. With roots in a family of growers and produce shippers, and a career spanning decades in real estate, design, and storytelling, Jarson brings a rare firsthand perspective to the Arcadia story and is widely recognized as an expert in Arizona history and architecture. Scott Jarson is a Realtor®, writer, artist, and lecturer whose firm specializes in the marketing of Architecturally Unique Homes™. He co-founded azarchitecture/Jarson & Jarson Real Estate with his wife and partner, Debbie Jarson, a brokerage dedicated to distinctive design and architecture. A top-producing agent since 1987, he has earned numerous awards and industry recognition. An Arizona native, he holds a fine arts degree from Arizona State University and is publisher of Defining Desert Living magazine. Widely respected for his expertise in architecture and regional history, his career reflects a lifelong passion for design, preservation, and Arizona’s cultural landscape.
ART HISTORY LECTURE: Why Them? Talent, Timing, and the Making of an Art History “Master”
ART HISTORY LECTURE: Why Them? Talent, Timing, and the Making of an Art History “Master”
Why do certain artists become household names while others — equally gifted — fade into the background? We’ll engage in conversation about the myth of artistic genius by exploring the circumstances that elevate some figures above their peers. Through comparisons between artists like Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro or Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, as well as artists beyond the traditional canon, we’ll look at how timing, networks, technique, personality, and market forces shape artistic legacy. Stories of these artists challenge the idea that fame equals merit, ultimately revealing how opportunity, visibility, and historical context help determine who art history remembers.
Workshop: Explore Texture! with Bela Fidel
Dive into the realm of tactile artistry in this immersive course. Explore the possibilities of compounds, pastes, collages, art- and non-art – materials. Throughout this course, students will embark on a journey that transcends conventional artistic boundaries. Engage in hands-on exploration, sculpting both smooth and sculptural forms, weaving together a tapestry of sensory experiences without limits. Students will have the opportunity to harness their creativity, through experimentation with diverse mediums, and crafting unique compositions that stimulate not just sight, but touch, and imagination. Let your creations speak volumes through their tactile richness and artistic depth, enroll now and redefine the boundaries of artistic expression! All levels are welcome!