Introduction to Silver Smithing: Pendants

In this hands-on silversmithing workshop, you’ll learn the essential techniques to create your own unique pendant from start to finish. Under the guidance of the instructor, you’ll cut metal using a jeweler’s saw, refine the shape through filing and sanding, and learn how to solder sterling silver onto a copper base. You’ll explore texturing methods to give your piece character, attach a bail for hanging, and finish with professional polishing techniques to bring out the shine. No prior experience needed and all materials provided.

 Note: There will be a 30 minute break for lunch.

Saturday, October 3
10 am – 4:30 pm

Instructor: Jill Atkins
Age: Adult (16+) | Beginner and Intermediate

Book Arts: Articulated Binding – An Indestructible Cover

An indestructible cover, inspired by Italy’s 1970’s solution to the Yellow Pages in public phone booths, this 360-degree flexible binding offers many advantages because it bends and does not break! It offers visual and tactile delight, employing strips of articulated boards and marbled fabric. In this workshop, instructor Pietro Accardi will instruct students in the art of this rare binding technique. Students will create a large and small articulated blank journal that can beautifully withstand the ravages of time. All materials provided.

Saturday, October 3
10 am – 5 pm

Instructor: Pietro Accardi
Ages: Adults (16+) |  All levels: Some book arts experience is helpful but not required

Native Basket Weaving: Basic Market Basket

Join Loretta Burden, a contemporary artist of Northern Paiute ancestry, to create a basic market basket. Burden uses a blend of traditional and commercially sourced materials to weave beautiful baskets inspired by her family’s traditions. She is a member of the Great Basin Native Basketweavers and was named one of six “Nevada Women Making a Difference” during the 2005 Las Vegas Centennial Celebration. She was also featured as a community leader in the documentary Women of Diversity. Burden’s baskets are included in the Museum’s permanent collection. All materials will be provided.

Saturdays, September 19 and 26
11 am – 3 pm

Instructor: Loretta Burden
Age:
Adult (16 +) | All Levels

Fall Break Teen Camp: Digital Art and Illustration

Teens ages 12– 15 will explore the basics of Procreate on the Museum’s iPad Pros as they work on story-boarding, character design and animation in this after school series. Students will also have an opportunity to learn drawing fundamentals and techniques that can be applied to all forms of drawing. A snack and all materials are included with registration.

Monday – Friday, October 5 – 9
1 – 4 pm

Instructor: Mars Pancoast
Ages: 12 – 15 | All levels

Fall Break Camp: Creative Drawing

Kids ages 7 – 11 will explore their creativity in this Creative Drawing Camp! This exciting and hands-on camp is designed to spark imagination while teaching the fundamentals of art. Students will explore color theory, character design, and basic art forms in a fun and supportive environment. Through guided lessons, engaging activities, and plenty of creative freedom, campers will develop their drawing skills while expressing their unique ideas. All supplies and a mid-camp snack will be provided.

Monday – Friday, October 5 – 9
9 am – noon

Instructor: Angellise Lobato
Ages: 7 – 11 | All Levels

Fall Break Camp: Fun with Clay

Kids ages 7 – 11 will have fun exploring the tactile nature of clay.  Instruction will encompass basic hand building, throwing on the wheel, and sculpture.  In this 5 day camp, students will learn about the basics of pottery, glazing and the transformation of their pieces from the heat of kiln. This will be a fun and educational class.  All works will be fired in the Museums’ kiln. Snack and materials are included.

Monday – Friday, October 5 – 9 
8:30 am – noon

Instructor: Gina Tarantino
Ages: 7 – 11 | All levels

Salsa Social Dancing 101

Have you ever wanted to learn how to dance salsa but didn’t know where to start? Join Tiempo Latino Dance Companys’ Director, Gerzon Chaves for Salsa Social Dancing 101. This class is designed to teach you everything you need to become a confident and comfortable social dancer in just four weeks.

This engaging 4-week class goes beyond learning basic steps. You’ll develop rhythm, timing, footwork, turns, partner connection, and dance-floor awareness. All the essential skills that make social dancing both fun and enjoyable. Along the way, you’ll also learn important dance etiquette, including how to navigate the dance floor, communicate effectively with partners, and create a welcoming experience for everyone you dance with.

Most importantly, you’ll discover that great social dancing is about more than helping your partner have fun—it’s about building confidence, connecting with others, and enjoying yourself on the dance floor. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to strengthen your foundation, this class will prepare you to step into any salsa social with confidence. No partner or previous dance experience is required.

Wednesdays, September 9 – 30
6 – 8 pm

Instructor: Gerzon Chaves 
Age: Adult (16+) | Beginner

*Note: Gerzon Chaves is from Costa Rica and is one of the premier dance instructors in the Reno/Tahoe area.

Clothing Alterations 101: Learn to Hem and Repair

Do you have a piece of clothing that you’ve always wanted to fix or alter? This is the class for you! Bring in any article(s) of clothing that need alterations or repairing except for clothing with waterproofing material. Students will work under the guidance of the instructor and learn introductory techniques for altering and repairing your clothing. Some sewing machine experience is helpful. The Museum will have machines for students to use during class. 

*Note: Only bring in your machine if you are very familiar with using it. 

The Museum will have an embroidery and serger/overlock machines for student use. 

Thursday, September 24
5:30 – 8:30 pm

Instructor: Selah Peña
Age: Adult (16+) | All levels

Clothing Alterations 101: Learn to Hem and Repair

Do you have a piece of clothing that you’ve always wanted to fix or alter? This is the class for you! Bring in any article(s) of clothing that need alterations or repairing except for clothing with waterproofing material. Students will work under the guidance of the instructor and learn introductory techniques for altering and repairing your clothing. Some sewing machine experience is helpful. The Museum will have machines for students to use during class. 

*Note: Only bring in your machine if you are very familiar with using it. 

The Museum will have an embroidery and serger/overlock machines for student use. 

Thursday, August 27
5:30 – 8:30 pm

Instructor: Selah Peña
Age: Adult (16+) | All levels

Intro to Needle Felting: Pumpkin Tower

Celebrate the colors of fall in this fun and creative needle felting workshop! Using soft wool fibers, you’ll create a charming pumpkin tower featuring three pumpkins in graduating sizes, topped with whimsical sheep locks for a playful finishing touch. Students will learn basic needle felting techniques while crafting a unique autumn decoration that’s perfect for displaying throughout the season. No prior felting experience is necessary.

All materials and supplies are provided.

Wednesday, September 23
5 – 8:30 pm

Instructor: Lynn Short
Adult: (16+) | All levels