Art for All Ages workshops are here to keep the kid at heart happy!
Created and hosted by myself ;)— LA based artist Shizuka—the workshops are set in a friendly, supportive environment where anyone of any age, with or without previous art experience, can dive in, get comfortable, and have fun. Each session is specifically designed to assist the child inside us who wants to play, where the creation process is highly appreciated and experimentation is strongly encouraged.
I hope to inspire adults and children alike to intentionally use art-making as a way to develop one’s own voice, broaden perspectives, and foster healthy relationships with oneself and others. Art is for everyone, and creating is a natural expression of being human. So why aren’t we picking up brushes more often if they can make us feel so free?
Below is a plethora of Art for All Ages workshops happening in my Glassell Park studio, unless otherwise noted.
Please see below for the upcoming workshops!
Contact me to book private group events, birthdays, weddings, or corporate activations—I’d be happy to create a special experience tailored to you and/or your team! Here is a flyer to find examples and more info.
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Japanese Marbling Suminagashi
Learn the art of Suminagashi marbling, a mindful practice that dates back to the twelfth century in Japan.
Sit, breathe, and float ink on water, creating beautiful patterns to be captured on paper.
All materials are provided. Water-based, nontoxic Japanese marbling is art for all ages to enjoy!* The best part is that there are really no skills involved. Everyone can enjoy both the process and the end result of the creation made simply by ink, wind, and water.
You’d have plenty to take home besides the experience, like your custom marbled hand-held fan and prints on various textured and colored papers, frame-worthy as they are, which can also be used as book covers, gift papers, collage materials, and more. You can also add things like habotai silk scarves, cotton bandanas, or cork coasters to create one-of-a-kind gifts. An informative guide sheet will be handed out to you at the end of class so that you may continue the experience and perhaps spread the joy with others you love.
Creating the ink pattern on water requires both focus and a willingness to let go of control. Each print merely captures the moment of a chance encounter between ink and water. Come with an open mind, an intention to slow down, and play!
Recommended for ages 5+, and 8+ to take the class without adult supervision.
Japanese Torn Paper Collage Chigiri-e
Come indulge in the relaxing practice of chigiri-e, a type of paper collage that means “picture made of torn pieces” in Japanese. I will guide you through various ways of composing an artwork using torn paper, in ways both traditional-Japanese and modern. There is an art to every step of the seemingly simple processes, from choosing the weight, color, size, and shape of the paper to tear, along or against its grain, and arranging the pieces one by one to create spontaneous or calculated compositions. You will get to really slow down, feel and hear the paper ripping on the tips of your fingers, and discover new ways of seeing and creating a picture. An added bonus is making your own signature stamp to complete the artwork in Japanese style.
All materials will be provided.
Recommended for ages 4+, and 8+ to take the class without adult supervision.
Paint and Sculpt Paper Koinobori
Koinobori is a carp kite that is flown on Children’s Day, May 5, in Japan. We will use this unique, emoji-established symbol as a basis for exploring the wide range of art techniques in drawing, painting, and (simple) sculpting! I will guide you on how to design a paper Koinobori with as much or as little guidance as you like, with an introduction to color theory, various painting techniques, and creating a paper pattern for 3D design.
Recommended for ages 4+, and 8+ to take the class without adult supervision. It would be lovely to fly a pair of Koi’s or a family of them!
Contemporary Turkish Marbling Ebru
Come experience the captivating art of marbling, where you float vibrant inks on water and create one-of-a-kind patterns to be printed on various materials! We will be taking a contemporary approach to Turkish Ebru, an ancient art form that dates back to the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century.
Not only will you be able to make stunning, no-fail designs, but you will surely enjoy the process of creating your own color palette by mixing inks, formulating the paint specific to marbling, splattering layers of vibrant colors on water, manipulating the patterns using various tools, and mind-dancing between control and spontaneity that comes with working with water.
I will guide you through the whole process, from color theory to making your own unique print, encouraging experimentation and supportive interactions as you work alongside others. Create various patterns on different types of paper, as well as non-paper products of your choice: a set of five cork coasters, a mini vase, a washed denim cap, a handkerchief, or a "dumpling bag." The papers and fabric products need to be treated with a mordant before applying ink, and they will be before class, so you don't have to! You can, however, bring your own bisque-fired ceramics, like unglazed terra cotta pots. The fun part of Turkish marbling is that you can marble on various materials: paper, fabric, wood, cork, ceramics, and leather.
Materials & process guide sheet will be given out at the end of class so you may continue the practice of marbling at your own pace.
Recommended for ages 5+, and 8+ to take the class without adult supervision.
Elementary School Art for Adults
A new kind of “art class” for the grown-ups who wish they could get back to their elementary school art class (supposing it was super fun and inspiring 🙃)! Or, for those itching to get their minds and hands off of serious adulting, and PLAY, CREATE, and just have a good time!
I am offering the most popular, engaging art class(es) I have taught in elementary schools to grown-ups!
This month we will be creating a paper sculpture of a water lily, in the course of two weeks. (You must take two consecutive classes of 90 minutes each.) The flower that grows rising from the mud to bloom on the water surface is cherished in various cultures as a symbol of purity, resilience, enlightenment, and rebirth. As an art form, we can learn a lot from the wide range of colors the petals come in and the unique petal arrangements that soothe the eye. We will use the motif to explore various watercolor painting, paper collage, and paper sculpting techniques to create a stunning (no fail!) artwork that brings a tranquil garden into your home.
All materials will be provided.
Recommended for ages 8+ to take the class without adult supervision. Teens also welcome!
Steep & Flow ~ Night of Tea and Suminagashi
In this calming evening workshop, participants will discover and experience the mind and body benefits and learn to incorporate the wisdom that lies in the two important cultural heritages of Japan: tea and suminagashi.
Tea instructor Tsubasa will introduce you to the history, health benefits, grades, and qualities of matcha and storage tips, as well as guide you to create your own “matcha mocktail” using the traditional chasen tea whisk.
I will let you explore the history, techniques, and meditative nature of the ancient art of Suminagashi marbling, where the simple act of floating ink on water can create numerous unique patterns to be captured on various surfaces.
All materials, including tea, snacks, paper, and fans, are included. An information sheet outlining what the workshop covered will be distributed at the end of class.
Tsubasa Sono holds the prestigious accreditation of Japanese Tea Instructor, a benchmark achieved by fewer than 35% of applicants. This accreditation is widely recognized for its rigorous standards in both academic knowledge and practical skills related to Japanese tea.
Operating under the name “Engawa Kissa,” She pops up around LA as a traveling café, offering Japanese tea and a variety of blended teas.
Private Classes / Events
Interested in the classes offered but want to learn better with one-to-one tuition? Want to bring together a group of friends or work colleagues, or can’t find a class that works with your schedule? Art for All Ages offers workshops that cater to both individuals and groups that ignite the creative spirit and keep the kid-at-hear happy, for people of any age or artistic experience.
Select a workshop from the list above, or learn about designing a unique experience just for you. Please check out the flyer below that gives you an idea of what your next special group event could be.
