Boulder Mountain Clayworks is launching an aprés-ski art program with an array of classes that give the feel of attending a mini art school in the Wood River Valley.
"It's a little taste of art school, and it's first-class with very talented and professional local artists," said Boulder Mountain Clayworks owner Susan Ward. "We wanted to do something fun in January because there is not much going on."
The aprés-ski art program will begin Monday, Jan. 19, and will continue through Friday, Jan. 30. The two-week mini workshops are designed to expose the skiing community, both locals and guests, to the joy of self-expression.
"We have amazing artists as part of the arts community here," Ward said. "The studio at Boulder Mountain Clayworks does not have to be pristine—it can be messy and there is so much we can do here."
Six artists will conduct the workshops, which are open to the public and previous experience is not required.
Jack Burgess, a wood sculptor, will begin the program with a three-part project to stimulate the creative process. Marjolaine Refro, a clay artist, will follow with card making, which involves collage and found papers.
Raku artist Michael Conger will have pots for participants to glaze and will make the fire to finish them in. In addition, well-known painter David DeVillier will design a project that is suitable for framing and will help artists enlarge their vision.
The second week will include Ralph Harris, a skier and painter of great repute, who will lead a painting project bound to inspire and bring in requests for more. Renfro returns with creating a clay box with door or some type of opening. This project can be done by anyone and in two sessions pieces will be ready to fire.
Deb Gelet will finish up the week with a textile printing session that will result in four place mats and napkins for personal entertaining.
"It is a shot of creativity," Ward said. "We are under-utilizing our space. It is not just for clay."
Aprés ski art program schedule
Classes are 4-6 p.m. for adults and a single session is $25 and $10 for members, a double session is $50 and $20 for members and the entire workshop is $200 and $100 for members. For details, call 726-4484 or e-mail bouldermtnclay @yahoo.com.
Week I
Monday, Jan. 19
· Studio staff member
Tuesday, Jan. 20
· "Cutting Edge Cards" with Marjolaine Renfro.
Wednesday, Jan. 21
· Raku "Playing with Fire" Part I with Michael Conger.
Thursday, Jan. 22
· "Drawing with a Difference" with David DeVillier.
Friday, Jan. 23
· Raku "Playing with Fire" Part II with Michael Conger.
Week II
Monday, Jan. 26
· "Painting with a Purpose" Part I with Ralph Harris.
Tuesday, Jan. 27
· "Clay box with a Door" Part I with Marjolaine Renfro.
Wednesday, Jan. 28
· "Painting with a Purpose" Part II with Ralph Harris.
Thursday, Jan. 29
· "Textile Printing for a Party" with Deb Gelet.
Friday, Jan. 30
· "Clay box with a Door" Part II with Marjolaine Renfro.
Boulder Mountain Clayworks is offering a variety of classes for an Aprés ski art program. Photo by
