The Workshop Program provides fee-based, artist-led classes in materials such as glass, metal, stone, and textile repair.

Cancellation Policy: Students must notify YVML of cancellation 30 days before the start date of the workshop for a refund (with the exception of credit card fees). No credit or refunds will be given within 30 days.

In an effort to maintain accessibility, we are offering the following scholarships in Fall Workshops:

1 50% off scholarship in Welded Steel Side Table: September 5, 6, & 7th

1 Full Scholarship in: 

Introduction to Kiln Formed Glass Casting: September 8, 9, & 10th 

Introduction to Kiln Formed Glass Casting: October 4, 5, & 6th

Repair Retreat: October 24, 25, & 26th

Introduction to Stone Carving: October 31, November 1, & 2nd 

1 Full Scholarship for a High Desert Local in Professional Practices: Writing for Art Applications and Documentation for Artists - December 6 & 7 (recipient must take both classes)

Scholarship applications are due on August 4th. Notifications of acceptance will be sent on August 8th. 

High Desert Locals receive a 10% discount on tuition.

Concept to Cast: Mastering Silicone Matrix Molds, June 5 - 8th

9am - 4pm each day

with Scott Tebeau

In this comprehensive four-day workshop, instructor Scott Tebeau will teach you how to create a professional-quality matrix mold—a versatile tool that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern materials. Ideal for artists in sculpture, ceramics, and industrial design, these molds feature a durable outer shell and flexible rubber interior, allowing precise casting in materials like wax, plaster, concrete, and resin. 

Participants will leave with a fully functional mold for an object up to 10" in size, ready to enhance their creative projects.

$650

Cuttlefish Casting: September 1st

9 am - 4 pm

with Heidi Schwegler heidischwegler.com

Cuttlebone casting is an ancient technique that was used in Mediterranean countries for centuries. This one day workshop is designed to give students a foundational understanding of the casting process. Students will learn how to transfer and carve their design for a small sculpture, pendant, ring, key chain, etc.  into a cuttlefish bone and how to melt either sterling or bronze in a crucible to pour directly into the pattern. We will also go over the steps to remove any sprues or air vents, and how to clean up and polish the final castings so that they are ready to wear by the end of the workshop!

$195

Welded Steel Side Table: September 5, 6, & 7th

9 am - 4 pm

with Ethan Primason ethanprimason.com

In this three-day workshop, participants will design and build their own steel side table using a MIG welder. Instruction includes an explanation of how to use a MIG welder, welding specific types of joints, cutting with a metal chop saw, grinding with angle body grinders, and a thorough explanation of safety procedures. Using sheet metal, students will cut shapes for the table top and create custom legs with a tube bender. Participants will also learn finishing techniques, including paint and patina, to give the table a completed look. By the end of the workshop, students will have a customized table to take home along with welding fabrication and finishing skills.

$550

Introduction to Kiln Formed Glass Casting:

September 8, 9, & 10th

Day 1: 9 am - 4 pm, Day 2: 8 am - 11 am, Day 3: 2 pm - 5 pm

with Heidi Schwegler heidischwegler.com

Join us in-person as we take you through each step of the lost wax casting process. Silicone and alginate mold making is also included. Learn the basics of lost wax kiln-casting by transforming found objects into Bullseye glass. Students will learn the essentials for mold-building, wax finishing, material calculation, color mixing, and the theory behind firing schedules.

$425

Introduction to Kiln Formed Glass Casting:

September 22, 23, & 24th

Day 1: 9 am - 4 pm, Day 2: 8 am - 11 am, Day 3: 2 pm - 5 pm

with Heidi Schwegler heidischwegler.com

Join us in-person as we take you through each step of the lost wax casting process. Silicone and alginate mold making is also included. Learn the basics of lost wax kiln-casting by transforming found objects into Bullseye glass. Students will learn the essentials for mold-building, wax finishing, material calculation, color mixing, and the theory behind firing schedules.

$425

Introduction to Kiln Formed Glass Casting:

October 4, 5, 6th

Day 1: 9 am - 4 pm, Day 2: 8 am - 11 am, Day 3: 2 pm - 5 pm

with Heidi Schwegler heidischwegler.com

Join us in-person as we take you through each step of the lost wax casting process. Silicone and alginate mold making is also included. Learn the basics of lost wax kiln-casting by transforming found objects into Bullseye glass. Students will learn the essentials for mold-building, wax finishing, material calculation, color mixing, and the theory behind firing schedules.

$425

Intro to Welding: October 18 & 19th

9 am - 4 pm

with Ethan Primason ethanprimason.com

In this two-day workshop, learn the fundamentals of MIG welding steel. Welding processes include a complete explanation of how to use a MIG welder, welding specific types of joints, cutting with a metal chop saw, grinding with angle body grinders, and a thorough explanation of safety procedures. On the second day, students are encouraged to make a small object such as a candle or incense holder in order to practice all of the techniques covered on day one.

$295

Repair Retreat: October 24, 25, & 26th

9 am - 4 pm

with Claire Beaumont @foreverywear_

Join us for a transformative three-day Repair Retreat, where you'll learn the skills to bring new life to your worn garments and become part of a group focused on sustainable reuse. This workshop is designed for participants who want to deepen their knowledge of garment repair through hands-on demonstrations and individual work time. We’ll start with demos on machine darning, patchwork, knit mending, and zipper repairs. Throughout the weekend, you'll have ample time to work on your own projects, receive personalized guidance, and leave with practical skills you can apply at home. Whether you're a novice or a sewing enthusiast, this retreat offers a welcoming space to learn, create, and rebuild your favorite garments with care and creativity.

$375

Introduction to Stone Carving

October 31, November 1, & 2nd

9am - 4pm

with Cara Chen

Explore the art of stone carving in this three-day workshop, using alabaster—a soft, luminous stone known for its beautiful colors and patterns. Ideal for all skill levels, this hands-on class covers the use of traditional tools like hammers, chisels, rasps, and files to carve, sand, and polish your own sculpture. 

Starting from a sketch, maquette, or abstract imagination, students will learn essential techniques and leave with a finished piece and the skills to continue carving at home. Basic tools are provided and Cara encourages students to bring their own stones. Some alabaster will be available for purchase at YVML.

No prior experience is necessary—just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to get dusty.

$395 

Area Zero: Yucca Valley November 7, 8, & 9th

10 am - 3 pm

with Leah Bachar, Nathaniel Ober, and Haydeé Jiménez

nettnettradio.com, nathanielober.com, haydeejimenez.net,

Area Zero: Yucca Valley is an immersive three-day workshop inviting participants to explore sound, space, and movement through creative storytelling as a tool for community building, resistance, and celebration in the borderland regions. Drawing from the rich cultural and environmental landscapes of the desert, the workshop emphasizes the use of storytelling to amplify local voices while highlighting the resilience and unique nature of these communities. With a somatic, experimental, and grassroots approach, the workshop engages participants in hands-on creative processes that are both accessible and deeply connected to the land. Rooted in earth art and a commitment to accessibility, these workshops offer a space for participants to create collectively and build sustainable communities in the desert’s complex, ever-changing landscape.

Day 1: Group Walk & Talk, Spatial Exploration, Experimental Storytelling

Day 2: Instrument Design, Instrument Making, Experimental Listening / Improvisation Practice - with Nate Ober

Day 3: Listening & Improvisation Practices, DIY Internet Radio Broadcasting, Radio Broadcast & Public Performance

$95

Mycomaterials: November 15th

9am - 4 pm

with Sam Shoemaker www.samshoemaker.com

Join Sam Shoemaker for a hands-on workshop exploring the sculptural and material potential of living fungi. Participants will learn how to cultivate and shape mycelium into a variety of functional materials. During this workshop each attendee will build, inoculate, and take home a light fixture made entirely out of mushroom mycelium.

$225

Experimental Slumping & Draping with Fused Glass Panels November 21, 22, & 23rd

9am - 4pm

with SaraBeth Post Eskuche sarabethposteskuche.com

Learn how to make a 2-D fused glass panel with sheet glass and slump it in a kiln to give it three dimensions. Students will create models in clay and create alginate molds to capture forms in plaster and silica. Plaster and silica molds will further be altered with carving techniques to finalize unique molds to melt our glass panels over. Each student will create at least two slumped panels. Two dimensions easily become three with a little heat of 1200-1300 degrees! 

$450

Writing for Art Applications, December 6th

9 am - 4 pm

with Frank Montesonti frankmontesonti.com

Are your application materials dusty, uninspired, or in need of updates? Bring them in! In this workshop, we will review principles of strong art writing and then share and critique each other's statements. The workshop will be led by poet/writing studies professor Frank Montesonti. Frank has helped many artists compose or revise their artist statements and applications for competitive residencies around the country. Artist statements will be the focus, but you may also bring in statements of purpose for individual artist grants, cover letters for art-related jobs, or teaching statements.

$75

Documentation for Artists, December 7th

9 am - 4 pm

with Sarah Lyon sarahlyon.com

This workshop offers practical techniques for photographing artwork using digital cameras, lighting, and seamless backgrounds.  Participants will learn lens and camera settings, lighting methods, and post-processing skills to produce professional-quality images suitable for galleries, online displays, or prints. We will also explore simple methods to take better photos with the equipment that you have, such as your phone, using only natural light. The session covers adapting photography techniques for different art forms, framing and composition to best showcase artwork details. Attendees will have hands-on opportunities to photograph their own work (sculpture or 2D). By the end, you'll gain confidence in capturing high-quality, accurate images of your artwork and connect with other artists!

$75

Intro to Welding: December 13 & 14, 9 am - 4 pm

with Ethan Primason ethanprimason.com

In this two-day workshop, learn the fundamentals of MIG welding steel. Welding processes include a complete explanation of how to use a MIG welder, welding specific types of joints, cutting with a metal chop saw, grinding with angle body grinders, and a thorough explanation of safety procedures. On the second day, students are encouraged to make a small object such as a candle or incense holder in order to practice all of the techniques covered on day one.

$295