Clay on Canvas Workshop

In this three-hour workshop, participants will experience and learn from Artist Karen Starosta-Gilinski to maneuver water-based, non-toxic clay and apply it on a canvas using their hands and texture tools.

By using a variety of vibrant colored clay and rhinestones, along with other media such as shimmered finishes, tiles and found small objects, the students will express their creativity through their hands by manipulating the clay in a meditative way of self-expression, creating a unique artwork.

Students will learn how to use their own hands and body parts to manipulate the clay on the canvas and learn how to make their own color hues by mixing the clay.

Karen will share images of her work to get inspiration, music in the background will motivate different moods and results and each one will get the concept for the piece inspired by a specific theme, such as nature, memories, or dreams.

It will be a unique media and experience for all levels to enjoy. There will be a review at the end of the session for students to learn about each other’s final work, also constructive critique will be shared. All materials are included. No previous 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, and a BFA from Miami International University of Art & Design. Her practice incorporates found objects and altered materials, as well as comforting objects such as clay, plush toys and recycled objects to create a variety of assemblages and sculptures that are humorous, provocative to touch and heartfelt. She has had solo exhibitions at the Design District Dacra’s Melin Building, Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, and PRIMARY Gallery. Her group shows include David Castillo Gallery, The Bass Museum, Coral Gables Museum & The Freedom Tower. A commissioned sculpture is in the permanent collection at the Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum. Starosta-Gilinski’s artwork is part of important private and public collections.

Since 2012, she has presented workshops for adults and children at The Art & Culture Center of Hollywood, Site 95 Brooklyn-based Gallery at Bayfront Park, Design District Family Day, and Coral Gables Museum. She had a studio at Fountainhead Studios in Little River until Dec. 2022.