The Workshop Program provides fee-based, artist-led classes in materials such as glass, steel, paper, and wood.

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 have awarded seven 50% off and full ride scholarships this season, and High Desert Locals receive a 10% discount on most workshops.

Cuttlefish Casting: April 26, 2026

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

Introduction to Adobe: April 26, 2026

9 am - 1 pm

with Eric Linnert and Lucy Lloyd of Adobeisnotsoftware

This four-hour class is a condensed introduction to adobe block and construction taught in a single afternoon. This is an in-person, hands-on class. Attendees will have the opportunity to get dirty and use tools and equipment typical of adobe construction. Topics covered include soil selection and testing, making adobe blocks, stabilization, and an introduction to California earthen building codes. This session is suitable for all levels, from beginners, to building professionals, DIYers, natural building enthusiasts, adobe homeowners, aspiring owner builders, and the adobe curious. As an AIA-accredited class, architectural professionals will also have the opportunity to earn 2 HSW Learning Units.

$95

Techniques in Steel Jewelry: May 2-3, 2026

9 am - 4 pm

with Rebekah Frank www.rebekahfrank.com

full scholarship available

If you’re intimidated by using steel for jewelry, this is the class for you. We'll go through the properties of steel, review some of the misconceptions and truths of working with steel, demonstrate how to use jewelry tools effectively, and how to solder or weld components. Through the weekend, we'll focus on technical skill sets so you leave with practical skills you can apply in your own studios. Demos will cover chainmaking, cutting/piercing, soldering, welding, finishing and more. Whether you have some experience with steel or none at all, you are welcome to come learn with us. There will be time for you to bring in your questions and your problem projects to troubleshoot with the group.

$450 

Rapid Prototyping: May 8-10, 9 am - 4 pm

with Nathaniel Ober nathanielober.com

From idea to fruition, explore the world of rapid prototyping. In this three day course, participants will learn how to create physical models from digital designs using traditional hands on skills combined with new modern technology. Each person will create a functional model and learn how to fabricate it using 3-D printing, laser cutters and more. 

Some computer skills are recommended, but not required. Open to all levels of exploration! 

$325

Foundry Bronze and Aluminum Casting: May 8-12, 2026

with Chris Collins chriscollinssculpture.com

In this five day introductory workshop on foundry casting students will make a wax model that will be cast in bronze or aluminum. Techniques covered include wax work, ceramic shell slurry molds, metal casting and finishing. After the wax model is made, students will make ceramic shell molds, the wax will be burned out and bronze or aluminum ingots will be melted and poured directly into the mold. We will also go over the steps to cut off and grind any sprues or air vents, and how to finish/polish and patina the final castings.

$725

Adobe Horno Building: May 15 - 17, 2026

9 am - 4 pm

with Adobeisnotsoftware, Ben Loescher
Earthen ovens are inexpensive to build, fun to use, and provide a baking environment impossible to recreate in the kitchen. Attendees will build an earthen oven, leaving the class with the knowledge to build one of their own, with materials that you may already have in the yard. Suitable for bakers, building professionals, DIYers, and the earth curious, this class is also a great introduction to adobe construction, cob and natural plasters

$445

Foundry Metal Casting in Bronze and Aluminum: May 15-19, 2026

9 am- 4 pm 

with Chris Collins www.chriscollinssculpture.com

half scholarship available

In this five day introductory workshop on foundry casting students will make a wax model that will be cast in bronze or aluminum. Techniques covered include wax work, ceramic shell slurry molds, metal casting and finishing. After the wax model is made, students will make ceramic shell molds, the wax will be burned out and bronze or aluminum ingots will be melted and poured directly into the mold. We will also go over the steps to cut off and grind any sprues or air vents, and how to finish/polish and patina the final castings.

$725

Intro to Welding: June 13-14, 2026

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

Introduction to Kiln-Formed Glass Casting: June 16-18, 2026

Day 1: 9 am - 4 pm, Day 2: 8 am - 12 pm, 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