SJIMA sponsors Art Classes for Vets

Artist and instructor, Steven Hill is teaching an Introduction to the Pastel Medium for Veterans on May 19 and 20 at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) in Friday Harbor.

This workshop will focus on all the basics that Hill teaches in his regular pastel workshops. Of his teaching, one former students says, “Steven had an amazing knowledge of art history as well as being a master of pastel techniques… Our summer Paint-Out group was especially delighted to have such an award winning Plein air artist to observe in action.”

Steven is volunteering his time to teach the workshop after Eric Rhoads, publisher of Plein Aire Magazine challenged the 1100 artists at their worldwide convention to teach a veteran to paint. Approximately 200 artists signed up to spread the joy and healing power of art. Hill, a Viet Nam veteran himself, said, “Well, why not just do a workshop for many veterans?” Then he called SJIMA on San Juan Island.

Internationally acclaimed and award winning pastel landscape artist, Hill, from Lopez Island, is offering his services free, for a one-time workshop for military veterans. As a sought after pastel workshop instructor, Steven has taught over 70 successful workshops in the past 14 years, all over the U.S. and in Europe.

The class is limited to 12 participants and registration at www.sjima.org under “Learn” is on a first-come-first-served basis. The workshop is on Saturday May 19, 1-5 p.m., Sunday May 20, 9-5 p.m. There is a fee for space rental and for a basic pastel supplies mini-kit for a total of $135

The mini-kit specifics will be emailed to participants after they sign-up.

The Dakota Art Pastels and Art Center, in Mt. Vernon is offering a deeply discounted “mini-kit” for this veterans’ workshop only for those who do not have pastel supplies. Those who have the basic supplies for pastel painting will not need to purchase this mini-kit.

As Steven describes this workshop, he will do live demos at the beginning of each day, including his informative “basic pastel stroke exercises” on day one, plus a simple still-life rendering and a landscape painting demo from reference photos on Day 2. Then everyone will be painting the same still-life objects. Basic drawing skills are helpful, but not necessary.

Steven is a U.S. Army Veteran (illustrator – 81E20) who was drafted and served active duty at Ft. Hood, Texas, 1970-72. Craig Lemley, owner of Dakota Art Pastel is also a former active duty military veteran. Both are very happy to offer an easy way for you to learn and are totally committed to making art.

Those interested should visit www.sjima.org for a complete class description and a supply list. SJIMA is located at 540 Spring Street in Friday Harbor.

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