Happy Holidays!

Abbie's holiday fashion statement 

Many thanks to all who attended our 2016 Holiday Sale.

I also want to thank everyone who supported me and many other artists and small business people this year.

May you all have a wonderful holiday full of joy, love and laughter!

Hugs from Jane,  Abbie and the rest of us at Camp Cactus.

more Holiday Sale...

Courtney Wilson and her husband make beautiful, contemporary pottery and screen printed soft goods under the name Ruby Farms. Come check out their work Friday at the Camp Cactus Holiday Sale! 

a sneak peek at the Holiday Sale!

Rene van der Spuy creates distinct eye-catching designs inspired by nature, travel and everyday experiences. Her original, limited edition prints (some black and white; others embellished with watercolor paint, paper or thread) are carved and printed by hand on a press. 

More recently she's  connected with her inner seamstress; making pillows inspired by her collages and prints. Screen printed with water based ink onto heavyweight 100% cotton fabric, she adds felt, buttons and hand-embroidery for a special touch.

Born and raised in South Africa, Rene has lived all over the world, from Australia to Brooklyn, and currently resides in Portland. 

Click here for the Holiday Sale dates and times!

It's that time again!

Thanksgiving is officially over, and our local artists and makers have been working hard crafting beautiful things for the annual Holiday Sale here at Camp Cactus Studio.

I'm excited to share their amazing work, contribute to our local economy and help raise money for Oregon Food Bank.

Please consider that when we purchase handmade local goods, most of that money stays in our community and helps our local economy.

I've been hosting this sale in the studio since 1992, and I'm happy to say that over the years we've raised thousands of dollars to directly support anti-hunger programs here in Oregon.

I sincerely hope you can join us in our efforts to keep art alive and hunger at bay!

Holiday Sale Hours:

Preview Evening and Artist Reception

Friday, December 2nd • 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Saturday and Sunday

December 3rd & 4th • 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Here we are!

Yikes, it's October already!

The months are just flying by!
Life seems to be moving ridiculously fast these days, so I've been making a conscious attempt to stop and savor every moment that I can.
In July I participated in a painting-a-day challenge for World Watercolor month (finishing just one painting shy of a full 31 little watercolors). It was lots of fun, and the biggest challenge was to carve out time every day to paint, even if it was just a tiny thing. I wholeheartedly recommend it. It really jumpstarted the creative process for me!

Of course, now I had this pile of little original paintings I didn't know what to do with, so I gave some away, framed some, and then put the rest in the Camp Cactus Etsy shop to sell at ridiculously low prices.

So, in the spirit of helping others jumpstart their own creative process, starting today I'm offering a coupon good for $5 off on future classes in the studio when you sign up for one of my Fall classes. (see sidebar for the class schedule).

What are you waiting for? Start creating!

2016 Fall Class Schedule

To register and pay for classes via our secure server on PayPal, simply choose the number of spaces you'd like to reserve and click on the "add to cart" button.

If you'd like to reserve a space and pay in person, send us an email: campcactusmail{at}yahoo{dot}com and we'll get back to you within 24 hours with your registration information. What are you waiting for? Let's get creative!  

Flip Books
Draw your own motion picture book! Using the illusion of apparent motion, we'll make a series of drawings that when put together, create an animated tale.
All materials provided.
This class is now closed
Saturday afternoon, October 8th      1:00 - 3:00       $25 
Ages 5 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Painting the Masters:
Henri Matisse
Continuing our Painting the Masters series, we'll learn about one of the great masters of Modern Art, Henri Matisse, who bridged the gap between Impressionism and the Modern Art of today. In this class, we'll explore Matisse's later works of cut paper. Come join us as we paint with scissors as well as brushes!  All materials provided.
This class is now closed
Friday morning, October 14th      10:00 am - noon       $25 
Ages 6 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Printmaking Workshops
Learn how to carve a linoleum block or stamps. We'll go through the basics of drawing images and transferring them to blocks, then carving and printing either greeting cards or prints. (Each class will have a unique project to work on). All materials provided.
Prints: This class is now closed
Friday afternoon, October 14th      1:00 - 4:00         $35 
and/or
Greeting Cards: This class is now closed
Saturday afternoon, Nov. 5th  1:00 - 4:00       $35
Ages 7 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

(Art by Sheila Klein)

Altered Book Poetry Workshop

Also known as Redacted, Blackout, or Found Poetry, this mixed media, recycled and somewhat free- form class engages our imagination in two ways: with both visual art and creative word work.  Using pages from discarded books and magazines, words are redacted to create poetry from those remaining, and then the background is painted and colored to enhance the poem.

It's challenging and highly addictive!
Just Added!
Saturday evening, November 12th    6:30-9:30pm           $45

Adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

number of students

one student $45.00 USD two students $90.00 USD

Mummies!
Just in time for Halloween, these poseable mummies can really liven up your spooky decorating!
All materials provided.
This class is now closed
Saturday morning, October 22nd    10 am - noon           $25
Ages 5 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Pumpkin Dioramas
Another fun Halloween project, these cool little dioramas are spook-tacular!
All materials provided.
This class is now closed
Saturday afternoon, October 22nd      1 - 3 pm          $35
Ages 6 - adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required by October 15th

 

Mixed Media Collage on Canvas

In this class, we'll be using papers, paints, and glue to design an urban cityscape or rural landscape on canvas. All materials provided.
Sorry, this class has been cancelled.
Thursday morning, Nov. 10th          10:00 am - noon         $30
Ages 5- adult  • Class size is limited to 8 students  •  Preregistration required

Papier Mache Fun: 
A Two Day Workshop
A fun introduction to the art of papier mache, we'll use paint, paper and glue to create cool sculptures.
All materials provided.

Sorry, this class has been cancelled.
Two 2-hour sessions:
Thursday afternoon, Nov. 10th         1 - 3 pm          $45
and
Friday afternoon, Nov. 11th       1 - 3 pm
Ages 5- adult  • Class size is limited to 8 students  •  Preregistration required

Painting the Masters:
Vincent Van Gogh
Continuing our Painting the Masters series, we'll learn about one of the most famous and infamous Post-Impressionists, Vincent Van Gogh. In this class, we'll explore some of Vincent's paintings and paint a landscape in his style.   All materials provided.
Sorry, this class has been cancelled.
Friday morning, Nov. 11th      10:00 am - noon       $25 
Ages 6 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

 

Modern Vegetable Prints
Learn how to make and print patterns using materials found in any grocery store. We'll make beautiful stamps and use them to make stunning modern designs on fabric and paper. Paint, tools, cotton or linen fabrics and various papers provided.
Sorry, this class has been cancelled.
Saturday afternoon, Nov. 12th      1 - 4 pm       $45 
Adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

August is Fairy Month!

It's the last day of July, and I'm very excited that tomorrow kicks off Fairy Month at Camp Cactus Studio! We've got lots of magical fun to offer, from the annual Fairy House Walking Tour, to classes where you'll learn how to build Fairy houses, furniture, and gardens.

Fairy Month classes and tours are open to children of all ages, so bring your Pixie Dust and get creating!

Annual Hollywood Fairy House Tour

Get ready for the Fifth Annual Hollywood Fairy House Tour!

Join us on Saturday, August 6th or Sunday, August 14th for a fun guided tour of quaint and magical homes located in the neighborhood surrounding the studio.  Once again, the Fairies have been busy building in front yards, trees and under bushes all over Hollywood, and we'll supply you with a map and stories about the Fairy families who live in these homes.We'll start out at Camp Cactus Studio, and walk around the neighborhood, ending up back at Camp Cactus for a snack. I hope you can join us for this very special and magical event.  If we're lucky, we may even see a Fairy or two!   

 The tour is open to all ages, but you must be able to walk a fair distance (about a mile in all).  
New this year: special family rates!

Saturday, August 6th  (Sorry, this date is cancelled)
or
Sunday, August 14th  1-3 pm          (Registration for this tour is now closed)

All ages. 

Please note: Children under 6 are free, 

but must be accompanied by a paying adult. 

Meet at Camp Cactus Studio, 4458 NE Brazee. The tours will begin 15 minutes after the hour. See you there!

Fantastical Fairy Architecture

Along with our imagination, we'll use natural, recycled and found materials to design and build tiny dwellings for those magical beings who live all around us.  Feel free to bring materials from your own garden, such as pine cones, acorns, pebbles and seed pods. We'll provide ample building materials for everyone. This 3-hour class is open to everyone ages 7-100

Monday, August 8th     1 - 4 pm                       cost: $35 

Ages 7- adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

(Registration for this class is now closed)

Fairy Homes and Gardens 
Let's plant a little fairy garden! First, we'll design and plant a tiny landscape, then we'll build structures, like fairy benches, bridges and swings to entice the fairies to move in!  

All materials and plants provided.

Tuesday, August 9th     10 - 12 pm                       cost: $30

Ages 6- up  •  Class size is limited  

Preregistration required by Sunday, August 7th

(Registration for this class is now closed)

Fanciful Fairy Furniture

Fanciful Fairy Furniture....say that three times, fast! Come over to the studio and make tiny little rustic chairs, tables, beds and other things to furnish your Fairy house (it also makes a sweet display on a shelf). We'll show you how to put together twigs, moss and leaves to create truly fanciful little pieces that will tickle your imagination and make you smile every time you look at them!

Tuesday, August 9th    1 - 3 pm                       cost: $25

Ages 7- up  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

(Registration for this class is now closed)

Fabulous Fairy Footwear

Make your very own designer Fairy or Elf shoes. We'll draft a custom-sized pattern and sew and embellish with threads and buttons and ribbons and magic. No prior sewing experience necessary. All materials provided. This class teaches basic pattern making, embroidery and hand-sewing skills.

Monday, August 15th   1:00-4:00 pm       $30

Ages 6 and up  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required
(Registration for this class is now closed)

2016 Summer Classes

This summer we've got some really fun projects guaranteed to get your artistic juices up and running!

To register and pay for classes via our secure server on PayPal, simply choose the number of spaces you'd like to reserve and click on the "add to cart" button.

 If you'd like to reserve a space and pay in person, email Jane at: campcactusmail{at}yahoo{dot}com and we'll get back to you within 24 hours with your registration information. 

Happy summer!

 Doodlefest:  Line & Color 
Join us for the latest in a series of classes dedicated to jumpstarting the creative spirit.
Studies have shown that doodling and noodling around not only helps stimulate the creative juices, but it has also been found to improve concentration, listening and recall skills.
No drawing experience required. All materials provided.

Monday, June 27th       1 - 3 pm               cost:  $25

Ages 5-up    •     Class size is limited   •   Preregistration required

(Registration for this class is now closed)

NEW! 
A.C.E. : ART/COOK/EAT! 
A Five Day Printmaking and Cooking Camp for Kids

I'm pleased to announce I've talked my sister, aka Chef Kathy Russell (a well known teacher from Berkeley Public Schools' Cooking and Gardening program) into collaborating with me on a very special camp this summer. 

This all-day blended curriculum will combine fine and culinary arts to create masterpieces for both the eye and the belly.

The cooking section will include basic culinary techniques, knife skills and nutritional guidance
taught in a fun and informative way, using mostly local fresh produce (kids will also get to harvest foods fresh from the organic garden beds at Camp Cactus). Even picky eaters will enjoy preparing nutritious and delicious meals and snacks to share. Sample menus may include Mexican chicken or vegetable soup, refried beans, homemade tortillas, guacamole, and watermelon agua fresca; peach cobbler,  fruit hand pies, homemade ice cream sandwiches, and more...
Chef Kathy's motto is "If they cook it, they will eat it".




The fine art section will focus on printmaking and fiber arts. Students will begin by making handmade, recycled paper and will learn various forms of printmaking, from vegetable stamps, to carved block prints, culminating with a beautiful hand-bound book.


Each student will spend ½ their day in the kitchen, and ½ their day in the studio.

All materials, healthy lunches and snacks provided.

Mon - Fri,  July 11th - 15th       10 am  - 4 pm                     cost: $285
Ages 7 - 14  •  Class size is limited to 10 students 
Preregistration required by Saturday, July 9th
(Registration for this class is now closed)

 

NEW! 
Adult Paper & Printmaking Workshop

Join us for an all-day retreat where we'll first make paper from scratch, and then explore the fundamentals of printmaking. Six hours of instruction will cover block prints, stamps, monoprints and simple binding techniques. Included in tuition are a basic linoleum carving set, carving blocks, a gourmet lunch and delicious snacks.

Saturday, July 16th           9 am - 4 pm                                 cost: $200

Adults  •  Class size limited to 8 students

(Registration for this class is now closed)

* * *  August is Fairy month!  * * *

Annual Hollywood Fairy House Tour

Get ready for the Fifth Annual Hollywood Fairy House Tour!

Join us on Saturday, August 6th for a fun guided tour of quaint and magical homes located in the neighborhood surrounding the studio.  Once again, the Fairies have been busy building in front yards, trees and under bushes all over Hollywood, and we'll supply you with a map and stories about the Fairy families who live in these homes.We'll start out at Camp Cactus Studio, and walk around the neighborhood, ending up back at Camp Cactus for a snack. I hope you can join us for this very special and magical event.  If we're lucky, we may even see a Fairy or two!   

 The tour is open to all ages, but you must be able to walk a fair distance (about a mile in all).  

Saturday, August 6th  10am-noon                      cost: $20

All ages. 

Please note: Children under 6 are free, 

but must be accompanied by a paying adult. 

Meet at Camp Cactus Studio, 4458 NE Brazee. The tour will begin at 10:15. See you there!

(Registration for this tour is now closed)

Fantastical Fairy Architecture

Along with our imagination, we'll use natural, recycled and found materials to design and build tiny dwellings for those magical beings who live all around us.  Feel free to bring materials from your own garden, such as pine cones, acorns, pebbles and seed pods. We'll provide ample building materials for everyone. This 3-hour class is open to everyone ages 7-100

Monday, August 8th     1 - 4 pm                       cost: $35 

Ages 7- adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Number of students attending

One student $35.00 USD Two students $70.00 USD Three students $105.00 USD

Fairy Homes and Gardens 
Let's plant a little fairy garden! First, we'll design and plant a tiny landscape, then we'll build structures, like fairy benches, bridges and swings to entice the fairies to move in!  

All materials and plants provided.

Tuesday, August 9th     10 - 12 pm                       cost: $30

Ages 6- up  •  Class size is limited  

Preregistration required by Thursday, August 4th

(This class is now closed) 

Fanciful Fairy Furniture

Fanciful Fairy Furniture....say that three times, fast!Come over to the studio and make tiny little rustic chairs, tables, beds and other things to furnish your Fairy house (it also makes a sweet display on a shelf). We'll show you how to put together twigs, moss and leaves to create truly fanciful little pieces that will tickle your imagination and make you smile every time you look at them!

Tuesday, August 9th    1 - 3 pm                       cost: $25

Ages 7- up  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

(This class is now closed)  

Painting Aboriginal Art:

Symbols and Stories

Learn about dreamtime and walkabouts, and how the native people of Australia use symbols and paintings to tell the story of the world around them. We'll paint our own dream images and stories on canvas using aboriginal art techniques.

Canvas and paint provided.

Monday, August 15th     1-4 pm                     cost: $35

Ages 6 - up  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

(This class is now closed) 

It's that time again!

Please join us in the studio for the annual summer sale!

Over 20 local artists will fill the studio and garden with handmade art.

Artists reception and preview evening

Friday, June 3rd  •  6-9 pm

Saturday and Sunday

June 4th and 5th

10 am - 6 pm

Celebrate summer!
We're located at 4458 NE Brazee, between NE 44th & 45th Avenues
in Portland's Hollywood neighborhood.
Click here for a handy map to the studio