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In this five-day creative exploration, Kate will teach you the techniques she uses to build her captivating sculptural figures using polymer clay, cloth, and wire construction.
The class will delve into the idea of metamorphosis, transformation, and magic. Kate’s Butterfly Transformation character is a teaching example, but students will be free to design and create an individual metamorphosis figure using personal symbols and meaning. Starting with a drawing or image, you will design and make a fabric pattern, then use wire to build the internal form that will animate your piece. You can use paint, found objects, fabrics, or collage to embellish your work of art. Kate will also have designs and patterns available.
Get ready for an extraordinary, fun, and inspiring adventure. Open to all levels.
Class size 9
Level Beginner and above
Student Supply List
Please bring an object to use as a base for your figure. A personal object can help create a sentimental energy toward your figure. Most importantly, the base should support the height and balance of the figure so I suggest it be something with some weight to it and a material we can drill into.
“Combining the line and form of sculpture with the playful animation of puppetry has been my primary work for more than twenty years. I stumbled into it while working with the renowned Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, an international children’s puppetry company. During a quiet winter of refurbishing shows, a friend and colleague decided we needed to be doing something creative and proposed we all make an art doll. Enchanted from the first moment, that little figure sits in my studio charming me to this day. I spend my creative time in both Nova Scotia and in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. In Mexico, I have studied and developed work in multiple disciplines including life drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and painting. It has been my way of evolving and challenging the figurative work. I am proud to have created figures for P’lovers stores throughout the Maritimes. I created a cast of character dolls for Cirque du Soleil and they have sold my original figures and reproductions at their retail shops and shows around the world. Presently, a considerable amount of my time is spent traveling and teaching where I share the techniques I have developed over the past twenty years and which I use in creating my signature work. My work has appeared in chosen fine art galleries, national magazines, and special exhibits.”
Workshops
Class Confirmation
You will receive a registration confirmation via email. If you do not have an email address, you will receive a snail-mail confirmation.
Please read your class confirmation carefully as it may include a supply list and other important details, and note our current COVID-19 protocols on our Planning Your Workshop Experience page.
Materials Fees
Many classes have materials fees in addition to the tuition. These are identified in the class listing and are usually paid with the tuition payment, however in some cases materials fees are paid directly to the instructor at class time (check the class listing).
Cancellation Policy
While we recognize that life intrudes and plans change, in consideration of the time and energy instructors invest in preparing for classes, we must adhere to the following cancellation policies:
Student cancellations
> Cancellations made 31 days before the published registration deadline date for any given workshop are eligible for a full refund less 25% of the workshop fee OR a gift certificate in the full amount of the workshop fee. The gift certificate can be applied to workshops or lodging through Dec. 31 of the following year and is transferable.
> Cancellations made 30 days or less than the published registration deadline date for any given workshop are not eligible for refunds. We encourage all students to purchase trip insurance.
> Cancellation requests must be made by calling our office at (608) 987-3292.
> If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with your class, please refer to our lodging page for the lodging cancellation policy.
Cancellations by Shake Rag Alley
> If Shake Rag Alley must cancel a class you will be notified immediately via email or phone and will receive a full refund.
> If a class does not meet a minimum number of students, it may be cancelled. A decision to cancel a class due to under enrollment will be made on the day following the published registration deadline.
> If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with a class cancelled by Shake Rag Alley, you may receive a full refund on lodging should you wish to cancel the lodging. Please call the office at (608) 987-3292.
Waiting Lists
If a workshop you are interested in is sold out, please fill out this waiting list form. We will contact you if a spot becomes available. The class code requested on the form is the Workshop ID shown at left, beneath the Add to Cart button.
18 Shake Rag St.
Mineral Point, WI 53565
(608) 987-3292
