Drop in for live demos and stress-free classes on a variety of art projects. Meet with an experienced artist to help guide you along the way.
Artist bio
Tomás Araya (he/they) is a multimedia artist. His work centers around storytelling, cultural healing, indigenizing practices and environmental awareness. His goal is to make artwork that praises nature in a powerful, mystical way to remind us of connection to this ecosystem. His main mediums are murals, sculptures, watercolor, acrylic and ink paintings, and digital illustrations.
Araya is native to the Diaguita Nation of the Andes Mountains. Although raised in the city, his family is deeply tied to Indigenous culture of the Andean people. Based in the Twin Cities since 2018, he's been part of several public art projects such as murals, sculptures and community workshops and art classes.
As a teaching artist he believes that when you believe in something, you create it. This idea enables us to empower our creative freedom and use it to grow as people in healthy ways. Araya tries to pass that sentiment along as much as possible to fellow students and colleagues.
Minnesota Nature & Landscape Perspective Drawing
Create images that include depth and wide spaces in natural environments from Minnesota. Develop your ability to sketch a large area in a few minutes, focusing only on the details that stand out and capturing ephemeral thoughts that would normally pass through our minds. Presented by Tomás Araya. Registration required. For adults.
Galaxie
Thursday, Sept. 18, 5–7:30 p.m.
Thompson County Park Activity Center
1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul
Friday, Oct. 3, 1–3:30 p.m.
Burnhaven
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 5:15–7:45 p.m.
Live Nature Drawing and Painting
Learn how to sketch flowers, trees, rocks and animals under the guidance of teaching artist Tomás Araya. With step-by-step drawing tutorials of several organic compositions gaining the ability to focus on general aspects of drawing like proportions and basic lighting. Registration required. For adults.
Inver Glen
Saturday, Sept. 20, 1–3:30 p.m.
Kaposia
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 5:30–8 p.m. (Presented in Spanish/English)
Pleasant Hill
Saturday, Oct. 11, 1–3:30 p.m.
Pet Portraits
Learn the basics of drawing and coloring the facial features of dogs, cats, birds, fish or other animals using watercolor. Bring a picture of your pet or favorite animal to use as a reference and receive a step-by-step demonstration on how to create its portrait. Presented by Tomás Araya. Registration required. For adults.
Robert Trail
Thursday, Sept. 25, 5–7:30 p.m.
Wescott
Saturday, Sept. 13, 1–3 p.m. (presented in Spanish)
Saturday, Sept. 27, 1–3:30 p.m.
Meditation with Flowers and Watercolor
Engage with flowers and watercolors in a peaceful and calming way. Create compositions with different mixing techniques while learning breathing exercises that help your creativity flow and discovering the importance of freeing your thoughts from self-criticism. Presented by Tomás Araya. Registration required. For adults.
Heritage
Saturday, Oct. 4, 1:30–4 p.m. (Presented in Spanish/English)
Farmington
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2–4:30 p.m.