VALUE RECEIVED AND GIVEN

Playing around

When Suzette Rosenthal and I started teaching mixed media classes together at the Sawdust Art Festival several years ago, the decision of what to charge was not of our making.  But when we went out on our own and started teaching in my home studio, we thought long and hard about it. As I am sure most of you, too, have, we had encountered many classes where one had a long supply list to purchase and the base fee was over $200.
We could find no reason to justify this cost for ourselves.  We charged $65 for a five-hour workshop.  AND we provided all of the supplies.
Over the years this has not changed.  Suzette may now be in Colorado while I still reside in Laguna Beach, but the basics are the same.  For me, I have to say one of the greatest benefits is that because of the low cost we have created a community of artists who return again and again.  We do potluck and just graze as we create, chatting if you want or working quietly.  As instructors, we add new techniques to the mix each time while going over the basics for the "newbies."
This is a formula that has worked for us.  Our students value the space created, enjoy each other's company, share thoughts and ideas and good food.  And, speaking for myself, I value each and every one of them for what they bring to the mix.  We all stretch our creative boundaries together.