Sea Stacks - Photo by Pete Chasar
Apart from miles of breathtaking coastal rock formations, Brookings may look like a lot of other seaside towns. The signpost on the highway says population 6,000. But if you even slow down as you pass through you'll see several art galleries. If you stop in at local businesses you're likely to find an abundance of art on the walls. This is a town of artists. Artists determined to the be best they can be. Many have retired from a successful career in another arena and are thrilled that they now have the time to devote to painting. Others are juggling a job and painting. A few are full time, professional artists. Most are enthusiastic about taking painting workshops. Some are willing to travel to study with artists they admire. Some like to stick nearer to home and lately the opportunities for workshops in Brookings have been outstanding. Aspiring artists from as far away as Portland, Oregon and Fortuna, California have come to Brookings for the workshops offered.
During 2009 The Manley Art Center offered workshops by watercolor artists Larry Johnson, Keith Sluder, and Jay Mosby, sculpture artist DJ Garrity, and oil painters Elio Camacho and Ernest Principato. 2010 will not disappoint.
Keith Sluder has already completed two water media workshops in Brookings in 2010. The first workshop covered painting the sea and rocks and the second focused on lighthouses. In April Keith will offer a third workshop at Southwestern Oregon Community College. This 2-day water media workshop is titled "The Changing Seasons". It will be held April 16-17, 2010 and the cost is $175. Keith Suder teaches the techniques that make his work unique - and also emphasizes the principles of design to his students. For information call Aleta Mankamyer at 541-469-5017.
Frank "Gus" Gustafson taught an oil painting workshop at Manley that met every Monday for four weeks in February/March. The students painted primarily seascapes and florals. Gus reviewed the principles of design and composition and encouraged students to make value studies and to be aware of values as they paint.
Audi Stanton, who regularly teaches watercolor classes for beginners and advanced students, has also offered a schedule of workshops this year, including collage, handmade books, and mat cutting. Her March week-long acrylics workshop filled up with such a waiting list that she added a second session. The second session will be held March 22-26 and there MAY be a spot left. Phone Audi at 541-412-7948. More about Audi Stanton.
The Watercolor Society of Oregon (WSO) will hold their Spring Convention and Aqueous Media Show in Brookings. The show will hang at Manley Art Center. During the convention there will be workshops for members held all over Brookings, led by local professionals including Audi Stanton and the artists below:
Sara Broderick
Brookings
More about Sara Broderick
Alexandra Eyer
Gold Beach
More about Alexandra Eyer
Pat Renner
Gold Beach
Duana Roberts
Gold Beach
The WSO show at Manley will be judged by internationally known artist, author, and instructor, Stephen Quiller. After the convention Stephen Quiller will hold a week long workshop in Brookings. This workshop was filled long ago, and has a very long waiting list of artists from several states. Check with Manley Art Center if you are interested in attending a lecture/demo by Stephen Quiller on the morning of Sunday, April 11 ($10). More about Stephen Quiller.
During the April Brookings Second Saturday Art Walk (April 10 at 4 pm) the WSO show at Manley will open to the public and will be open Tues through Sunday 11am to 4 pm for the remainder of April. Also during the Art Walk on April 10 there will be a water media demonstration at the Chetco Community Library (4:30-6:30) by Keith Sluder and a plein air oil demo somewhere along the Art Walk route by Bay Area oil painter Elio Camacho. Elio will set up his easel in a location that inspires him at that moment. For the past two years Elio has held a week long plein air oil painting workshop in Brookings. This year's Brookings workshop will be held September 6 - 10. Sign up for the workshop on Elio's Website. More about Elio Camacho.
In July, Manley Art Center is offering two 3-day workshops by another internationally known artist, author, and instructor - Ron Ranson. Sign up at Manley for either July 9-10-11 (Fri-Sun) or July 13-14-15 Tues - Thurs). $300 for PBAA members and $350 for non-members. Non-members may join PBAA for $25 for the year of 2010 and get the member price. More about Ron Ranson.
This is far from a complete list of 2010 workshops in Brookings. More will be announced when information becomes available. Ongoing art classes are held at Manley Art Center (for adults and children) and SWOCC.
