WE KNOW THIS FOREST, led by artist and educator Candace Garlock, is a community-based art project that uses the metaphor of a dense, shifting forest to explore the nonlinear, often unpredictable experience of living with chronic conditions and disability. It creates space for participants to share stories, images, and reflections that honor both the difficulty and resilience found in these lived landscapes while exploring shared ecological memory and identity through collaborative woodcut and casting workshops. While the project invites people with chronic conditions and disabilities to engage, participation does not require disclosing any diagnosis, disability status, or health information unless they personally choose to share it.

This is a 6 week course and we are looking for 8 participants willing to collaborate on the carving of one shared tree woodcut and 8 individual castings of feet.

More information at the link below:
www.weknowthisforest.com

Mondays, September 14 – October 26. *No Class October 12
10 am – 1 pm

Instructor: Candace Garlock
Age: Adult (16+) 

Class schedule:

Day 1 – Introduction of the entire project, including the timeline (blogging and the book publication), brainstorming, journal drawing, cohort trust building activities.

Day 2 – Collaboratively drawing the “tree” woodcut with sharpies onto the wood panel. Woodcutting demo using traditional and power tools.

Day 3 – Carving the woodcut

Day 4 – Introduction to the feet part of the project and then plaster casting our feet. Participant homework – designing and creating the part of the sculpture base where your feet will rest.

Day 5 – Carving more of the woodcut, Reflections and possible homework on writing for the blog and book that will be published in 2029.

Day 6 – Printing the woodcut together

This class simplifies the complexities of landscape and gives the beginner a solid foundation upon which to begin painting representational landscapes in oil. To many people, painting the landscape in oil is an overwhelming undertaking. It doesn’t have to be if approached systematically. Landscape basics in oil class is just that – a systematic approach to understanding and representing the landscape in oil. The student will gain a solid understanding of atmospheric perspective and the nature of light and form in the landscape. The student will then apply this understanding to painting skies, mountains, trees, rocks, water and other elements of the landscape with a particular emphasis on the Sierra landscape. During the second half of the course, the student will have the option to work on personal landscape projects under the guidance of the instructor.

*Note: No class will be held on Friday, October 16.

Fridays, October 2 – 30 
10 am – noon

Instructor: Mike Callahan
Ages: Adult (16+) | All Levels

Supply list: Show email confirmation at Nevada Fine Arts for a 10% discount. 

Paint: M. Graham brand Titanium White (37ml) Hansa Yellow (37ml), Quinacridone Rose (37 ml), Phthalocyanine Blue (37 ml) Thinner: Weber Turpenoid (pint) or similar artist’s grade odorless mineral spirits. Medium: M. Graham Walnut Oil (4oz), Silicoil cleaning jar or other small glass jar with sealable lid (for thinner), Small can such as olive can (for medium). Brushes: Synthetic Brights OR Filberts: Silverbrush Bristlon #2, #4, and #10 Or Connoisseur Pure Synthetic, #2, #4, and #10 Or any quality hog bristle in those sizes if the student already owns their own brushes. Painting or Palette knife (steel, NOT plastic), Disposable Palette, New Wave Disposable Palette (grey) or similar, Brush Cleaner, The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver – Preserver, 1 oz 4-canvas panels or stretched canvases 9”x12”, 11”x14” OR 12”x16”, Roll of absorbent paper towels (i.e. Viva or Blue Shop Towels) and nitrile gloves.

Quickly gain basic oil painting skills with this simple approach – start creating your own original art with confidence. This course simplifies the complexities of oil painting alleviating the fears and frustrations experienced by many beginners. This course is designed to equip you with the skills and know-how to create your very own, original painting and to begin your artistic journey painting many more! By the end of the course, you’ll have painted your very own, original oil painting. You’ll be learning how to gather and compose your own references and how to use a simple, repeatable process to execute a painting from start to finish.

Fridays, September 4 – 25
10 am – 1 pm

Instructor: Mike Callahan
Ages: Adult (16+) | All Levels

Supply list: Show email confirmation at Nevada Fine Arts for a 10% discount. 

• Paint: M. Graham brand Titanium White (37ml) Hansa Yellow (37ml), Quinacridone Rose (37 ml), Phthalocyanine Blue (37ml)
• Thinner: Weber Turpenoid (pint) or similar artist’s grade odorless mineral spirits 
• Medium: M. Graham Walnut Oil (4oz), Silicoil cleaning jar or other small glass jar with sealable lid (for thinner), Small can such as olive can (for medium) 
• Brushes: Synthetic Brights OR 
• Filberts: Silverbrush Bristlon #2, #4, and #10 Or Connoisseur Pure Synthetic, #2, #4, and #10 Or any quality hog bristle in those sizes if the student already owns their own brushes.
• Painting or Palette knife: (steel, NOT plastic)
• Disposable Palette: New Wave Disposable Palette (grey) or similar,
• Brush Cleaner: The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver
•  Canvas or Panels: 4-canvas panels or stretched canvases 9”x12”, 11”x14” OR 12”x16”,
• Paper towels (i.e. Viva or Blue Shop Towels)
• Nitrile gloves.

Celebrate the Museum’s galleries-wide exhibition, “Into the Time Horizon,” by needle felting a tiny bird, emblematic of why environmental stewardship is so important. This beginner workshop will offer an overview of needle felting tools and techniques, types of wool, as well as basic blending methods, while sculpting wool into a three-dimensional bird. This course is perfect for beginners or more advanced students.

All materials and supplies are provided.

Wednesday, August 12
5 – 8:30 pm

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

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, August 5 – 26
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.

In this class students will work from a live model, and a single pose for the entire 8 hour session over 2 days. Long pose portrait drawing gives students the time to develop a drawing beyond a gesture, and focus on more accurate measurements, as well as taking a deeper dive into value. Feel free to bring in any drawing or painting mediums for this class. There will be materials in the classroom for students to use. This class runs like an open studio, and the instructor will be present to give as much or as little instruction as each student requests.  

Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16
10 am – 2 pm

Instructor: Rachel Moseley
Age: Adult (18+) | All levels

Supply list: Show email confirmation at Nevada Fine Arts for a 10% discount.

• 18×24″ US Art Supply Canvas Pad (can be found on Amazon)
• Long handle flat brushes, various sizes
• Turpenoid odorless mineral spirits
• Pallet or pallet paper
• Roll of blue shop paper towels
• vine charcoal
• compressed charcoal
• HB, 2b, 4b, 6b charcoal pencil 
• Pastels
• Suggested oil paints:
• Lamp black
• Titanium white
• Alizarin Crimson

What makes a story unforgettable? In this class, students will explore the art of short story writing by learning how to craft engaging narratives that capture a reader’s imagination. Unlike news or business writing, creative writing prioritizes storytelling over strict facts, allowing room for invention, personal experiences, and even reimagined fairy tales. Through guided exercises, students will practice key elements of storytelling—such as character development, setting, dialogue, and conflict—while experimenting with both real-life inspiration and pure fiction. By the end of the class, participants will have written their own short stories and discovered tools to continue their creative writing journey.

Saturday, September 5
10:30 am – 3:30 pm

Instructor: Em Tomeo
Ages: Adult (16+) | All Levels

What makes a story unforgettable? In this class, students will explore the art of short story writing by learning how to craft engaging narratives that capture a reader’s imagination. Unlike news or business writing, creative writing prioritizes storytelling over strict facts, allowing room for invention, personal experiences, and even reimagined fairy tales. Through guided exercises, students will practice key elements of storytelling—such as character development, setting, dialogue, and conflict—while experimenting with both real-life inspiration and pure fiction. By the end of the class, participants will have written their own short stories and discovered tools to continue their creative writing journey.

Saturday, August 1
10:30 am – 3:30 pm

Instructor: Em Tomeo
Ages: Adult (16+) | All Levels

Nageire is a natural and informal style of ikebana that originated in the 12th century. This style is typically arranged in a tall, cylindrical vase, which presents a unique challenge. Since a kenzan cannot be used in such a container, Nageire requires advanced techniques to secure branches and flowers effectively. This added complexity makes it a more intricate and fascinating approach compared to other ikebana styles. This is a level II class of Ikebana, so it is important that you have previously attended the introduction class unless you already have experience in Ikebana.  

*Note: Truus Ten Kate Sharp has 40+ years of experience practicing Ikebana.

Thursdays, September 10 – October 1
5:30 – 7:30 pm

Instructor: Truus Ten Kate Sharp
Age: Adult (16+) | Intermediate

Supplies List: 

• Garden Sheers or Large Kitchen Scissors

In this introduction to Ikebana class, students will embark on a journey of traditional flower arranging, delving into the profound beauty and cultural significance of Japanese floral art. Ikebana is more than just arranging flowers – it is a mindful practice that harmonizes nature, balance, and form. Students will work with the instructor to learn the fundamental principles of Ikebana, exploring the different styles and schools that have evolved over centuries. No prior floral design experience is necessary; this class is open to students of all levels. All supplies will be provided. 

*Note: Truus Ten Kate Sharp has 40+ years of experience practicing Ikebana.

Thursdays, August 13 – September 3
5:30 – 7:30 pm

Instructor: Truus Ten Kate Sharp
Age: Adult (16+) | All Levels

Supplies List: 

• Garden Sheers or Large Kitchen Scissors