Linoleum Print Class
Instructor: Brian Fisher
Class Description:
Linocut printmaking is a fun, easily understood method of making a relief print with simple materials. This two-day linocut print workshop is designed to accommodate all skill levels. The first class will be held at Swiftwater Gallery where you will draw, transfer your drawings and carve your plates. On day two, you will print your cut linoleum plates at Quartermaster press by hand and with the press.
The intention of the workshop is to educate those interested in the art of printmaking and to build a community of artists who might want to participate in the “Really Big Print” event happening in August of 2026 at Vashon Center for the Arts.
Date and Time:
Saturday, October 25, 12-4 PM at Swiftwater Gallery; and Sunday, October 26, 10 AM – 4 PM at Quartermaster Press
Class Fees: $180 (+tax) per student, paid to Swiftwater Gallery.
Materials: Students will need to bring 8 ½ x 11” paper and a soft pencil for drawing.
Experience Level: All levels welcome
Class Size: Minimum - 6; Maximum - 11
About the Instructor:
Brian lives and creates on Vashon Island, Washington. He shows locally, regionally and has for many years exhibited with JG Gallery of Bainbridge Island Washington. Brian has a long association with Vashon’s local print cooperative, Quartermaster Press, having first joined in 1997.
* Must be fully paid to be registered.
* Registration deadline is Saturday, October 18th.
See class and cancellation policies below.*
‘Tis The Season:
Turn your art into greeting cards to gift, use, & sell
Instructor: Ray Pfortner
Class Description:
Greeting cards are one of the most cost-effective ways to use, share and promote your art, whether it be 2D or 3D. Ray will share his experience making and selling his own cards on Vashon and elsewhere. He also works with a commercial card company. He will discuss the Why’s, What’s, and How’s of making professional greeting cards for sale, promotion, and personal use. Learn what makes a good card vs. a poor one, pricing, marketing and much more. At the end of class, you will be able to make effective cards and know how to sell them. All you need to bring to this class is your curiosity, and (15) 4”x6” printed images of your own artworks that you will transform into ready-to-sell cards with envelopes and enclosures. You will gain all the knowledge necessary to continue production into the future.
Date and Time:
Saturday, November 1st (1-4:00 PM) at Swiftwater Gallery
Class Fees:
$75.00 (+tax) per student, paid to Swiftwater Gallery.
Materials Fee & Supplies:
Additional $10.00 materials fee, to be paid to the instructor on day of the class.
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The instructor will provide all class tools and materials.
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The student brings (15) 4”x6” photo reproductions of their art, NOT on glossy paper.
Experience Level: All levels welcome
Class Size: Minimum 5; Maximum 25
About the Instructor:
Ray is an educator and photographer. He has lived on Vashon for over 30 years and has sold his cards, which are mostly photographic images of Vashon Island, for most of those years in more than 10 local retail venues. He also licenses his work to commercial card companies. He has taught from middle schoolers to retirees through UW, Bellevue College, King County, Seattle Public Libraries, Vashon Center for the Arts, and Bellevue Botanical Garden. His own photography focuses on nature and environmental issues. He is represented by Getty Images. He is a Fellow and Board member of the North American Nature Photography Assoc. He received the Instructional Legacy Excellence Award for 2025 from UW. Ray’s passion for photography is exceeded only by his passion for teaching – and wanting to “make a difference” through his art.
* Must be fully paid to be registered.
* Registration deadline is Sat. October 25th.
See class and cancellation policies below.*
Mosaic Coasters and Trays
(Class full, waiting list only)
Instructor: Janice Mallman
Class Description:
Design your own colorful and unique mosaic coasters or a small tray for your home or to give as a gift. You'll have access to Janice's expansive collection of mosaic tiles in many beautiful colors, shapes, and sizes. Learn basic techniques for transferring tile designs, gluing, grouting, and finishing your final piece. Each student will have their choice of a pair of bamboo coasters (or) a small bamboo tray to mosaic. All tools, tiles, glue, and grout will be provided.
Date and Time:
1st Session - Sat. November 8th, 1-4pm (Design and glue mosaic)
2nd Session - Sat. November 15th, 1-3:30pm (Grout and finish mosaic)
Class Fees:
$125 (+tax) class fee (paid to Swiftwater Gallery).
Additional $25 materials fee (paid to instructor on first day of class).
Experience Level: Beginner
Class Size: Maximum 6 (requires minimum of 5 people for class to run).
About the Instructor:
Janice, a lifelong artist spent 32 years working for VCA in Arts Education and Gallery Curation. Having retired in 2017, she now spends her time making art focusing on mosaics, paper collage, functional fabric designs, and gardening. Janice teaches in the Puget Sound area, on Vashon Island, and in Mexico. She is thrilled to help people create something truly beautiful and find their own creative spirit.
* Must be fully paid to be registered.
* Registration deadline is Friday, October 31st.
* Class Policies:
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Registration closes one week prior to the class start date.
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If the one-week deadline has passed, additional students may be accepted at the discretion of the instructor.
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Class participation cancellations:
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Up to 7 days in advance - 100% refund of instructor fees paid to Swiftwater Gallery.
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2-6 days in advance - 50% refund of instructor fees paid to Swiftwater Gallery. (Because instructors often purchase materials in advance of a class, the materials cost may be deducted from the refund.)
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Less than 2 days in advance - No refund. Special circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Swiftwater Gallery Board.
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Cancellation by Swiftwater Gallery:
A workshop will be cancelled if it does not have the required minimum number of registered and paid students within seven days of the workshop date. (On occasion, an instructor may choose to hold class for fewer than the minimum number of students.) A full refund will be given to the paid students if the class is canceled by Swiftwater Gallery.
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Cancellation due to weather or instructor illness:
A class may be rescheduled at the discretion of the instructor, or full refund will be given.
In the event the instructor cancels the class due to lack of registration, a full refund will be issued.