Clay on Canvas: Sculpted Strokes

Join artist Karen Starosta-Gilinski for a hands-on, sensory art experience using water-based, non-toxic clay as your primary medium. In this unique workshop, participants will learn to apply vibrant, malleable clay directly onto canvas using their hands and various texturing tools.

Through the use of richly colored clay, rhinestones, shimmer finishes, and small tiles, students will explore meditative self-expression while creating one-of-a-kind artworks. Karen will guide participants in color mixing, encouraging them to create custom hues and experiment with layering textures using their own hands and body as tools.

Inspired by themes such as nature, memories, or dreams, each student will develop a personal concept for their piece. Karen will share examples of her own work for inspiration, and curated background music will help set the tone and stimulate creative flow.

Open to all skill levels, this workshop provides a playful and expressive introduction to working with unconventional media. The session concludes with a friendly group review, where participants can share and discuss their finished pieces in a supportive, constructive environment.

All materials are provided. No prior experience is necessary.

About The Instructor: 

Karen Starosta-Gilinski was raised in Caracas, Venezuela. She holds degrees from the Accademia Del Giglio in Florence, Italy, & a BFA from Miami International University of Art & Design. Her practice incorporates clay & altered materials to create assemblages & sculptures. She has had solo shows at the Design District Dacra’s Melin Building, Art & Culture Center of Hollywood, & PRIMARY Gallery. Her group shows include David Castillo Gallery, The Bass Museum, Locust Projects, Coral Gables Museum & The Freedom Tower. A commissioned sculpture is in the permanent collection at the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum. Starosta-Gilinski’s artwork is part of important private collections. She has presented workshops at ICA, PAMM, Site 95 Brooklyn Gallery, Design District Family Day & Coral Gables Museum. Her current studio is located at City, State Studios in Little River.