Greetings friends! It’s the spring equinox at last. If at times it felt like you had to crawl on your hands and knees just to make it through the last few weeks of winter, you’re not alone. While a change in seasons will not fix everything, it’s a welcome step forward toward brighter days ahead.

In late winter, many plants and trees will still appear dormant, yet under the surface are hard at work preparing for spring blooms. Similarly, the studio has been going through a period of quiet growth and transformation. This spring, may we all bloom into a more beautiful and abundant version of ourselves. 

Spring class series

Thank you to everyone that joined us for the winter session, and welcome once again to all the new and returning students that are joining us this spring! We’re off on new adventures in drawing and painting - stretching our skills and letting go of outdated ideas about our own worthiness as artists.

If you’re on social media, we shared a few photo and video recaps from our winter session over on Instagram. Will I continue to post with any regularity? Impossible to say.

While nearly all our weekly class series have sold out, we do have 2 spots available in our Wednesday 4-5:30pm intermediate class for kids and teens ages 10-14. Reply to this email for more info!

For those who are looking forward to our next class series, we’ll be running a shorter 6 week session May 12 - June 18 leading into summer break.Signups open April 2 for returning students, April 6 for the waitlist, and classes will be available on our website on April 9.

Spring workshops now available

Looking ahead to April, May and June, we have a few more Saturday morning workshops now available! Due to overwhelming popularity we’re bringing back block printing, a new watercolor module exploring abstract techniques, and our favorite seasonal workshop - gel plate printing with spring flowers and plants. 

Printmaking: block printing
May 9, 10:30am-12pm

Painting: abstract watercolors
May 16, 10:30am-12pm

Printmaking: gel plate botanicals
June 13, 10:30am-12pm

Workshops are even more fun with friends! Sign up for two spots and use the code FRIENDS to receive $10 off

WORKSHOP SIGNUPS

Summer camps now available

JULY 27 - 31, AUGUST 3 - 7

For kids and teens ages 9-14, we’re hosting 2 weeks of summer art camp at our studio in July and August! Our 2026 theme will be printmaking, mixed media collage, and DIY art supplies. 

We will not be offering weekly classes this summer, so camps will be a special time to connect with our youth artists and support their ongoing artistic practice :)

Summer camps are our time to get messy and experimental. Our teaching artist Kim is excited to use the extended daily studio time to offer a fresh lineup of art making methods that invite exploration and play both in and out of the studio.

While the majority of our time will be spent making art, we’ll also make daily trips to nearby beaches and wooded parks to recharge and get inspired, along with a special trip downtown to Seattle Art Museum for a self guided tour.

Summer art camp, July 27 - 31
Summer art camp, August 3 - 7

SUMMER CAMPS

Save the date: spring art showcase

Thursday, April 30, 6-7:30pm @ Fellowship Hall

Join us at the end of April for our next student art show, featuring artists ages 4 - adult. We’ll be in Fellowship Hall, downstairs from the studio in the Fauntleroy Church / YMCA building. 

This is an opportunity for our weekly class students to practice preparing, curating, and presenting their work in a low-pressure community setting. What I love most about our showcases is the opportunity to see everyone’s work all in one space, and appreciate how each individual, regardless of age, approaches the creative prompts and materials differently. 

All are welcome to attend, snacks and beverages will be provided. Hope to see you there!

Snag a Low Tide gift card and support education in West Seattle

This week Low Tide Arts is supporting two local fundraisers, and we’d like to invite our studio community to join in and support! I have a personal connection with both these schools, so I’ve seen firsthand how far every dollar goes toward supporting kids in our community.

Roxhill Elementary online auction, March 23 - April 3
Roxhill is a Title 1 school in West Seattle, serving a diverse population of families. They’re raising funds to improve their outdoor play space, which is currently all blacktop with no green space. Seriously, zero. Let’s get these kids some plants and some much needed shade!!

Hazelwood Preschool fundraiser, April 3rd 5-8pm @ Tim’s Tavern
Hazelwood is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit preschool located just downstairs from Low Tide Arts. Silent auction, plus 15% of food and drink purchases will be donated. They’re also raising funds for new outdoor equipment - let’s get these kids a new playground!!

Hot tip: drawing flowers

This week in the studio we focused on drawing - breaking complex subjects down into simple shapes. This brings us to our featured hot tip - drawing flowers.

1. Sketch a circle or oval at the desired size for your flower

2. Find the middle of your circle to place the center of your flower (the pistil). You may want to move it a little higher or lower depending on the angle of the flower head.

3. Make note of the number of petals if your flower has fewer than “a lot” (eg 4-8 total). It may help to divide up your circle to match the number of petals, adding small marks to use as a guide.

4. As you draw each petal, use your outer circle as a guide for where the edges of the petals should fall

5. Once you’ve drawn your petals, add the stem

As beautiful and organic as flowers are, they are also a marvel of geometric precision. For more realistic drawings and paintings, consider using simple shapes and a bit of math to guide you :)

hold on magnolia

Magnolia Electric Co - Songs Ohia

With spring buds bursting forth, I am reluctantly accepting that we never really got to enjoy the stillness of winter this year. Talking with folks in the studio and in the neighborhood, the sentiments around this are a mix of sadness and optimism. We know that unseasonably warm weather is a harbinger of an uncertain future, but a prolonged spring also means more pleasant days ahead.

While the bright greens of spring tend to have an energizing effect on our mood, it’s also okay to move slowly still, as it is only February. My creative output tends to also slow to the pace of a meandering stream around this time every year, so I am trying to match that flow rather than push through it. If you’re also feeling a mismatch between your creative flow vs. your goals or intentions, I’ve shared some tips at the end of this newsletter for working with that tension.

Although my personal pace has slowed a bit this February, there are so many exciting things happening in the studio. Each week I feel refreshed by the warmth and creative spirit of our community, and look forward to welcoming new folks into the studio this spring. 

Spring class signups now open

March 10 - May 9

We’re in the second half of our winter class series, which means it’s time to start planning for spring. Our next 8 week series will cover drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage, with a new medium and focus offered weekly. We’re always introducing new materials and themes to keep our curriculum engaging for returning students, and beginner friendly for all :)

We have a number of returning students for spring, with each cohort supporting a range of experience levels. Our students are so supportive and collaborative - I’m so proud of how our studio reflects the values of creating in community. 

There is limited space available and a few sessions have already filled, but you are always welcome to add your name to the waitlist. We do backfill as space becomes available, and folks on the waitlist have the chance to register early for our upcoming May-June session.
-

Tuesdays 4-5:30pm, youth, ages 6-10

Tuesdays 6-7:30pm, adult classes [waitlist]

Wednesdays 4-5:30pm, intermediate, ages 10-15

Wednesdays 6-7:30pm, adult classes

Thursdays 10:30am-12pm, adult classes

Saturdays, 9-10am, early artists, ages 4-6 [waitlist]

Note: no classes April 14 - 18 for spring break

SPRING CLASS SIGN UPS

Artist call: seeking artists to show in our studio this spring

Our studio gallery is in full swing, and we want to invite our community to practice curating, preparing, and showing your work! If you have a growing collection of pieces you’re interested in sharing, we would love to support you putting together your first solo show.

We are currently seeking artists that have a body of work that would comfortably fill our studio space, primarily the charcoal colored wall. We’ll work with you to plan out how to arrange and display your works, provide guidance for framing / mounting, and help you hang your show. Featured artists have the option to host an opening reception at the studio to invite friends and loved ones to celebrate the occasion.

Interested? Send us an email with images of the work you’re interested in displaying and dimensions, so we can evaluate how we could fill the space. An artist statement is encouraged but not required - we’ll help you write one if it’s your first time preparing one.

CONTACT US

Photo provided by ICFF Art Showcase

Art connection: International Children's Friendship Festival art showcase

SUBMISSIONS DUE MARCH 1, 2026

The Seattle International Children’s Friendship Festival is seeking local students grades Pre-K - 12 to submit their artwork for the annual art showcase in Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center, on display April 18 - 19.

Students are invited to submit a 9x12 poster that expresses the spirit of the festival: fun, friendship, cultural diversity through art, unity, peace, happiness, excitement, and celebration.

SUBMISSION FORM

Hot tip: when you’re not loving your art

It happens to everyone - you’re midway or even most of the way through working on a piece, and you’re not feeling it. What’s worse is that you’re not sure why it’s not working for you. Before throwing in the towel, a few tips to help you gain some perspective:

1. Turn your piece upside-down, then examine. This is especially helpful when evaluating your composition.

2. Take a photo with your phone, and look at the piece on your phone. If your artwork is in color, consider converting the photo to black and white. Does your piece work well even if color is removed - is there good value contrast?

3. Step away from it. This could be for 5 minutes, an hour, or a day. Fresh eyes will allow you to look at the work differently. We are often kinder to ourselves when we detach :)

Finishing an art piece we don’t especially love may sound unproductive, but learning to work with mistakes is an important skill that grows our creativity, adaptiveness, and ingenuity as artists.

Working with creative flow

Whether your creativity has been a firehose or trickle lately, as with many things in life, it’s generally best to go with the flow. When it comes to your art practice, however, it is important to keep showing up through these natural cycles.

If you’re in a period of abundance, make space for all the ideas coming in. Write them down, a quick sketch, anything that will help your memory recall later. Act as an observer, focusing on documenting vs. editing. Enjoy the bounty of creativity!

If you’re in a period of slowness, keep showing up, even if at a slower pace. Breaks are healthy, but letting them drag out can make it more difficult to begin again. Go back to the notes or sketches you made when you were feeling more creative - do they spark something? Even for writing this newsletter, I had to go back to my notes (thank you to my past self for writing things down).

No matter what flow state you’re in, a few ideas to make space for art in your life:

1. If you feel more creative in the morning or evening, try to carve a little time out each day for your art practice that matches the time when the ideas flow a little easier. Even 5 minutes a day quickly adds up. A reminder on your phone or calendar appointment isn’t cringe if it works for you!

2. Set small, realistic goals. If you have something you’re working toward, that can be your reason to show up. It could be “I want to gift a piece of art to a friend for their birthday.” 

3. If you need more accountability or support, our weekly class series and workshops were created to provide that structure. Practice builds confidence, and consistency helps you grow. 

Pablo Picasso is credited with saying “inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” Sometimes you have to show up before the ideas come - but trust that they will come :)

unfolding slowly, gently into spring

Sunshine greetings on a cold but beautiful January day. The daily transformation from crisp, foggy mornings to blinding, glorious sunshine gets me every time. It’s easy to forget how much the sun can lift us up, especially this time of year when daylight is limited.

We’re well on our way in our winter class series, and this Saturday is our first sold out workshop of the year where we’ll be exploring color theory. I am so grateful to each and every one of you that chooses to spend time in the studio, or provides transportation and support for a family member to join us each week. We often hear that the studio feels like a safe place to lay down your burdens, if only for a short while. It’s a joy and a privilege to be that space for you <3

Our scheduled art opening at the studio on Thursday, January 22nd has been postponed due to illness. We’ll announce a new date soon!
You can preview Karen’s work here.

Next workshop: gouache painting

February 28, 10:30am - 12pm

Looking for an opportunity to join us in the studio and try something new? We’re bringing back one of our most popular Saturday morning workshops, great for artists of all experience levels that are interested in dabbling in painting.

Gouache (pronounced go-wa-sh) is a lesser known but incredibly versatile type of paint that dries to a flat, matte finish. I love how bright and saturated the colors are, and the ability to paint with white - the single biggest challenge of watercolor :)

In this workshop, we’ll work with acrylic gouache, which combines many of the benefits of both acrylic and watercolor paints. We’ll also cover a basic primer on paint mixing, color theory, and brush care.

Workshops are always beginner friendly, with all materials included. Practice art in a warm and welcoming space with a creative peer group and the support of a teaching artist.

 WORKSHOP SIGN UP 

Workshops are even more fun with friends! Sign up for two spots and use the code FRIENDS at checkout to receive $10 off

Block print mini series

3 week workshop series - March 21, March 28, April 4

New this spring, we are offering a series of workshops to provide the space to go deeper and build confidence in one medium!

Our first workshop mini series will feature block printing. Over the 3 week series, participants will have the opportunity to design, carve and print multiple designs and try different printing methods (such as reduction printing). At the end of the session, you’ll have your own custom stamps and plenty of ideas for how to print with them.

$120, all materials included. If you’ve dabbled with printmaking or always wanted to try, our hope is that this mini series will give you the space and resources to fully dive in to the joys of block printing!

 WORKSHOP SIGN UP 

Upcoming: spring class signups

It’s already that time again - we’re looking ahead to opening signups for our spring class series. The next session will run for 8 weeks from March 10 - May 9, with one week off for spring break, April 13 - 18.

Enrollment dates

February 3: class signups for returning students
February 9: waitlist signups
February 12 @12pm: classes posted online
March 10 - 14: first week of classes

Returning students and families from the current session will receive an email link on February 3. If you were part of a previous class series and would like to rejoin, you can reply to this email to join the list.

Folks that were on the waitlist from the winter session will have the opportunity to enroll February 9-11.

Newsletter subscribers will be notified when classes are posted online on February 12 at 12pm :)

Photo by Runyon Colie for Frye Art Museum

Art connection: Frye Art Museum upcoming free events

DROP-IN DRAWING, 2ND THURSDAYS
For adults + youth accompanied by an adult

Have you ever tried recreating a famous work of art? Our students practiced this in our late fall class series, and ended up making some amazing artworks. It’s a really terrific way to practice observation and push your skills to the limit.

Frye Art Museum offers drop in drawing sessions every second Thursday of the month, no registration required. They also have teaching artists present to offer encouragement and support.

 MORE INFO 

FAMILY FIELD TRIP TO THE FRYE
For families of kids ages 2-10

I love that our local museums are creating space for families of young children to engage with art!! The February family field trip will include a lively retelling of Lucia the Luchadora, followed by a hands-on art activity inspired by Wallflowers.

February 21, 11-12:30pm
Free, with registration required

 MORE INFO + REGISTER 

Hot tip: removing tape borders

Whether you’re using tape to secure your paper to your work surface, create a border, or as a design element, eventually the tape has to come off. If you have tape trauma from tearing your paper, this hot tip is for you my friend.

Tip 1: pull the tape up at a 45 degree angle (shown above)

When you’re ready to remove the tape, go slow and keep the tape at an 45 degree angle. This really does work!!

Tip 2: remove some of the stickiness before applying or removing

Some masking tape is stickier than others, and temperature can also affect stickiness. You could make your tape less sticky before applying it by first placing the tape on the inside of your forearm. The oils on your skin will remove a little bit of the stick.

Alternately, if your tape is already on the page and you’re worried about tearing, you could heat up the tape a little bit with a hair dryer before removing. Just keep in mind that some art materials might react to the heat, so I would save this as a last resort.

A closing note on community safety

I’m sure everyone in our studio community is aware of the escalation in ICE activity both locally and nationally. While we already have a building-wide policy that we do not grant entry to nor cooperate with federal agents, we are actively in conversation with Fauntleroy Church and our other building partners to outline communication strategies and safety procedures if we ever need to secure the building.

Our priority is to make sure Low Tide Arts remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Always feel free to talk to us if you have any concerns.

dreaming of a world without borders

As we end the year, a note of gratitude to our Low Tide Arts studio community. Thank you to everyone that joined us this year, cheered us on from afar, or offered a helping hand or material support to make it possible. It’s the courage and kindness of many that will allow us to continue doing what we love every day in 2026.

The joy of making art is truly incredible. It can start with the smallest spark, and grow to become a roaring fire that fuels our hearts. It spreads warmth and compassion and a sense of belonging, bridges cultures and languages and tens of thousands of years of human history. It is an extraordinary privilege to spend my days making art with you - tending the hearth of creativity in our community.

2025 year in review

It’s hard to believe that exactly one year ago to the day, the studio was carpeted, a mess of painting progress. I was moderately stressed out, driving a rented sprinter van to Woodinville to pick up our flooring before the supplier closed for the week. Luck was on our side in a million tiny ways, and we opened our doors February 1, 2025, full speed ahead since day one.

I’m so proud of what we built in our first year, and how enthusiastic this community is to show up and support more accessible arts opportunities in to the Southwest Seattle area.

• Our teaching artist Kim taught 205 studio classes in 2025, serving 132 unique students ages 4 - adult

• We hosted 24 art workshops spanning drawing, painting, printmaking and collage, serving 162 participants

• Open studio sessions served 20 individual artists in 2025

• 3 student art showcases, growing to fill Fellowship Hall

• Hosting our first featured artist: Meg O’Brien.

This year, we partnered with Rat City Art Walk, Alki Art Fair, and Fauntleroy Fall Festival to host free all-ages art activities as part of their community events. Outside the studio, we were invited to host an after school art club at Genesee Hill Elementary, and partnered with Freeway Park Association to offer preschool art classes in the park.

We offered over $800 in student scholarships through the support of our community fund, donated $200 to White Center Food Bank, offered a “pay it forward” workshop in support of Lavender Rights Project, and contributed workshop gift certificates to help raise funds for Hospitality House, Hazelwood Preschool, and Roxhill Elementary. To end our year, we lent our creativity and support to Fauntleroy Art Show and this year’s Festival of Trees food drive.

—

Next year, we plan to collaborate more with local artists, organizations, schools and small businesses, so we can grow our impact in a way that reflects our values. Resilience through connection, and a shared responsibility to the communities we serve. If you’re excited about the mission and would like to support this work or get involved in the coming year, more info at the link below.

 SUPPORT THE STUDIO 

Artist feature: Karen Mason

Opening reception: Thursday, January 22, 6-7:30pm

Save the date! For our next installment in the studio gallery, we’re excited to feature mixed-media artist Karen Mason. Her creative use of gel plate prints, drawing, painting, and collage are sure to inspire you to try combining materials in new and exciting ways. Karen’s fluid and flexible approach to art is also a huge creative influence behind the studio - as a lifelong artist and studio founder Kim’s mom, Karen has been a pillar of support as we’ve built our studio program. We’re looking forward to sharing her art with you in the coming months.

Join us for an opening reception to welcome Karen’s work to the studio on Thursday, January 22 from 6-7:30pm, with light refreshments served. Hope to see you there!

Upcoming class series

Classes begin next week, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the studio. We have a really exciting program planned, with new and returning materials, and a fresh approach to our curriculum to support our growing student community.

We’ll be sending out a welcome email in the coming days to folks in our weekly class series. If you’d like to join us, there are a few spots left in our daytime adult class:

Thursdays 10:30am-12pm, adult classes

If you’ve signed up for the waitlist for any of our classes, we’ll notify you if space becomes available, which does happen from time to time! Otherwise we’ll contact you in February when registration opens for the next session, which will run March 10 - May 9.

 THURSDAY ADULT CLASS 

Next workshop: intro to color theory

When I reflect back on my growth as an artist, I believe a deeper dive into color theory was one of the most transformative points in my practice, and very likely why I ended up falling in love with teaching!

Color theory is the practical application and use of color in artwork. While art is a highly intuitive, sensorial experience, there is so much that can be gained from understanding how color works and influences our perceptions of art. If you’re someone who struggles with the left brain side of art, you might really love and connect with the practical side of working with color. We hope you leave this session more confident and energized to be bold in your use of color!

 WORKSHOP SIGN UP 

Workshops are even more fun with friends! Sign up for two spots and use the code FRIENDS at checkout to receive $10 off

Art connections: free family programming at Seattle Art Museum

For parents and caregivers of young children ages 2+ looking for local art activities, this one is for you!

Seattle Art Museum hosts a storytime, a family-focused gallery tour, and art making on the first Saturday of each month.

“Create art that connects you and your family with the art on view at SAM. Each Family Saturday features activities that include storytelling, art making, gallery tours, performances, or movement workshops.”

 MORE INFO 

If you’d like to share a free or accessible local arts opportunity, reply to this email! We’ll include it in an upcoming newsletter.

Hot tip: refresh your paint pens or felt tip markers

Did you know the felt tip of some pens are double sided? If you have a worn out or damaged pen tip, instead of tossing it - grab a pair of pliers! Pull gently to remove the felt tip, just enough pressure to grip it without smooshing the tip. If it’s double sided, you can insert the damaged side into the pen, so the fresh tip faces out.

This works for most paint pens (eg. posca), and some water or alcohol based pens. The crayola “super tips” (the wide ones) are not double sided, but some of the fine tip ones are :)

see you in 2026 <3

Happy winter solstice! The shortest day of the year has a special place in my heart. I like to use this time to tidy up at home, light candles, and sip a warm drink as the last dregs of sunlight fade away in the late afternoon.

We’ve officially wrapped up our studio program for 2025, and I’m reflecting on how much artistic growth I’ve seen in our students and studio community this year.

Everyone has their own reasons for showing up to the studio - a chance to step away, connect with your creativity, be in community, or an act of self care. Some folks are returning to art after a long time away, and some are motivated to deepen their ongoing practice. Regardless of how folks arrive, that weekly commitment culminates into more adventurous and technically skilled artwork.

As our studio community matures, so does the work. I see students from our youngest ages through adulthood creating more and more incredible art. As we close out the year and prepare for the next, my commitment to you is to keep growing as a teacher, so I can continue to support your journey.

Upcoming workshops: January - March

Workshops are a great way to get a crash course in a medium, with guidance to continue practicing at home. We’re excited to offer some new programming (and bring back our favorites) in 2026.

Intro to color theory, January 24, @10:30am
For practicing artists interested in diving deeper into the theory behind using, mixing and combining colors. We hope you come away from this session with more confidence to express your artistic point of view through color!

Painting with gouache, February 28 @10:30am
Gouache (pronounced go-wa-sh) is a lesser known but incredibly versatile type of paint that dries to a flat, matte finish. If you’re familiar with acrylic or watercolor and are interested in branching out, you may just fall in love with this medium!

Block print mini series (3 sessions), March 21, 28, April 4
New this spring, we’re offering series of workshops to provide the space to go deeper and build confidence in one medium!
Over three weeks, we’ll carve designs into a soft eraser-like material, and make prints with our custom blocks using a variety of inking and printing methods. 

 WORKSHOP SIGN UPS 

Workshops are even more fun with friends! Sign up for two spots and use the code FRIENDS to receive $10 off

New weekday morning adult class

January 8 - March 5, 2026

If your schedule offers you flexibility during weekday mornings and you’re interested in taking a class with us, we have space available in our new Thursday morning class series, beginning January 8 and running for 8 weeks.

Thursdays 10:30am-12pm, adult classes

This class series will follow the same curriculum as our evening classes, exploring drawing, painting, printmaking and collage. Each class will offer a new medium, focus, and technical knowledge to build confidence in your creative practice.

 CLASS SCHEDULE + SIGN UP 

Give the gift of studio time

Digital gift cards are a great way to show a friend or loved one you’re inspired by their creativity, and support our small community art studio <3

A $50 gift card covers the cost of our one-day Saturday morning workshops. We offer a rotating schedule of workshops throughout the year, including watercolor, gouache, gel plate printing, block printing, and collage. Gift cards can also be purchased in any amount, and used for any class or workshop we offer.

 SHOP GIFT CARDS 

The studio is closed until January 6

With heartfelt gratitude, we’ll be taking the next few weeks off from studio programming to recharge, make art, and plan out all the things we hope to share with you next year.

This time last year, we were hard at work installing flooring, painting walls and assembling furniture in the studio. It feels particularly sweet to be stepping away a year later from this fully fledged community space. Art on the walls, stocked with all kinds of supplies, and developing the patina of a well used and well loved space.

take care, be well, see you soon.

Greetings from the midst of the atmospheric river. I’ve been checking in on friends and family who live up north in Skagit and Whatcom (where I grew up), but our friends to the south and east of us are also being impacted by rising rivers and coastal flooding.

If there is one thing that has been constant this year, it’s the reminder that we are all connected. The waters, the land, our food, our communities. I deeply believe that renewing our commitment to ourselves and each other is the essential ingredient for what comes next, and is part of why we built this shared community space. Interdependence is not weakness - it’s collective strength. To recognize that we need each other is what I hope to carry into 2026.

We have a few studio updates to share today. Thanks for being here.

Limited space available in our next weekly class series

January 6 - March 7, 2026

Thank you to everyone that has signed up for our next class series. Many of our classes have filled for the next session, but we do have space available in our older kid / teen after school class on Wednesdays, and our new adult class offered on Thursday mornings.

Wednesdays 4-5:30pm, intermediate, ages 10-15

NEW! Thursdays 10:30am-12pm, adult classes

If you’d like to join the waitlist for our other classes, the link is below. We recently switched to new software for class signups, so if you were previously on the waitlist, you’ll need to sign up again.

We are grateful to have so many returning students from our fall sessions, and modestly increased our capacity to serve more folks starting in January. Our goal is to grow the studio community with intention and care, and appreciate your patience and support.

 CLASS SCHEDULE + SIGN UP 

Last printmaking workshop of 2025

If you’re feeling festive and looking for a creative activity for your weekend, we have space available in our DIY gift wrap workshop this Saturday @10:30am. Participants can make stamps and custom printing objects to create unique DIY wrapping paper, for the holidays or any occasion.

$50, all materials included - all proceeds go to our youth scholarship fund for 2026 students.

 WORKSHOP SIGN UP 

2026 workshop schedule coming soon

Just a closing note that we’re still working on our schedule for workshops in early 2026, and will share more updates in our next newsletter.

Thank you for all your support this year - it’s really incredible to think that this time last year, we didn’t even have the keys to this space. Now we are working hard to think through how we can support our growing studio community. That’s all possible because our friends and neighbors showed up, and kept coming back.

take care, be well, see you soon.

Hi friends! We’ve made it to late November. Over the last few weeks, we’ve had drawing, painting and printmaking activities keeping us busy in the studio. The drying racks are always full, and portfolios are quickly filling with curious and courageous works of art.

The studio will be closed this week for the holiday, and an opportunity to rest and recharge a bit after a very full and exciting fall in the studio.

Miniature masterpieces

The past few weeks, our youth and adult classes tackled the challenge of recreating famous works of art in miniature. The photo above is just a small sampling - our students really outdid themselves, and if there wasn’t an image limit, we would show you each and every one.

These will be displayed as part of our submission for the Festival of Trees, a friendly competition with the church and building community to spread cheer and collect donations for local food banks, on display Dec 1 - Jan 8.

We’ll make time in December for students and families to view our tree submission, so they can appreciate the result of their efforts. More info on that soon!

Class signups begin early December

Next session: January 6 - March 7, 2026

We know many folks are looking forward to joining us for weekly classes beginning in January, and wanted to share an update. Here’s the schedule for when signups open:

Dec 2 - 7: Priority signup for returning students
Dec 8 - 10: Waitlist signups
Dec 11 @ 12pm: Classes available on our website

We plan to keep the same weekly class schedule:

Tuesdays 4-5:30pm - Youth, ages 6-10
Wednesdays 4-5:30pm - Intermediate, ages 10-15
Saturdays 9-10am - Early artists, ages 4-6

Tuesdays 6-7:30pm - Adult classes
Wednesdays 6-7:30pm - Adult classes

This fall was the first time we had active waitlists, and our weekly classes selling out. It is humbling to have this level of interest in our studio, and behind the scenes we’re putting a lot of thought into how we can improve the signup experience for folks. We appreciate your patience as we learn and grow with our community.

Ways to support the studio this season

Instead of traditional fundraising, we’re looking at creative ways for folks to support the studio this holiday season.

Sign up for a workshop in December

We have two festive workshops lined up next month, and all ticket sales go to our youth scholarship fund for 2026. However you celebrate this season, a personal touch is always a meaningful gesture for friends and loved ones.

Gel plate print cards
December 6 @10:30am

Printmaking: DIY gift wrap
December 13 @10:30am

 WORKSHOP SIGN UPS 

Purchase a gift card

Gift cards are a great way to support the studio, and give the gift of time and space to be creative.

Digital gift card options include gifting a workshop, class credit, or an open studio pass. If you know someone that already has art supplies, but maybe needs support or space to work, the studio is here to help kickstart a sustaining creative practice.

 GIFT CARD OPTIONS 

Use our affiliate links when shopping for art supplies or books

We earn a small commission when you make a purchase with Blick and Bookshop.org - use the buttons below to shop.

If you’re looking to buy something you used in the studio or a book you browsed, we’ve compiled a list of commonly requested items in the links below.

We always encourage you to use the art supplies you already have or shop local first, so feel free to use these as a resource without the pressure to buy. NW Art & Frame carries many art supplies we use the in studio, and Pegasus Book Exchange can order almost any book for you.

 OUR FAVORITE ART SUPPLIES 

 OUR BOOKSHOP RECS 

Donations and employer matching

As a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit, donations support our efforts to expand access to art opportunities in Southwest Seattle. We always appreciate your support in any amount. $5 covers the cost of a fresh set of markers, $10 buys us a cold-temp glue gun, $20 a set of canvas panels for our after-school classes. We’ve recently switched to PayPal for fundraising, as they don’t charge a service fee.

If you’ve made a donation to the studio this year and your employer offers donation matching, we encourage you to take a few minutes to submit the paperwork to double your contribution. We have profiles setup on Benevity and Candid.

 DONATE 

Reminder: no classes this week :)
The studio is closed November 25 - 29

wishing you time to rest and recharge

Hi friends, I hope you are finding your way through the darkness of November. Despite the actual and existential absence of light in our lives, we had a very sweet and cozy start to our next series of classes and workshops this past week.

Today, I am thinking about what it means to be courageous. To put yourself out there - your heart, your values, your art. As a studio, we talk a lot about building creative confidence, and offering support to pursue art more freely and authentically. That comes in many different forms, both tangible and intangible. Some folks need tangible support: the space to work or show their art, access to materials and resources. Some folks need human connection: motivation, guidance, emotional support. Usually, it’s a bit of all of the above.

It’s easier to be courageous when we have a community behind us. We can show up more authentically, be brave, put ourselves out there. I hope that the studio community can be a part of that support structure for you, so you can take that next step.

This week, there are several opportunities to support local artists and be in community. Hope to see you there <3

Artist feature: Meg O'Brien
Opening reception Nov 13, 6-7:30pm

In the studio! 9140 California Ave SW, Suite 406

Having a studio gallery was part of the original vision for Low Tide, and I am so happy to share that we are hosting our first artist feature starting this month.

Meg O'Brien is a printmaker, designer and art director based in West Seattle. Meg utilizes relief and monoprint techniques to interpret traditional expressions and community-based practices through the use of quilt block patterns.

Meg will be showing her work in the studio Nov 13 - Dec 20, with an opening reception on Thursday, November 13 from 6-7:30pm to coincide with West Seattle Art Walk. Join us for light refreshments and to meet the artist! As always, kids and families welcome.

 MORE INFO 

This weekend! Fauntleroy Art Show at Fellowship Hall

Just downstairs from the studio in Fellowship Hall, this weekend is the annual Fauntleroy Art Show, featuring 19 local artists showing and selling their work. You can check out the full list of artists here - pottery, fiber art, jewelry, paintings, woodcut, photography, mosaic! Lots to see and be inspired by, and a great way to show support for fellow artists and creatives :)

Show hours are 5-8pm Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday, and 11am-3pm Sunday. Our teaching artist Kim will be helping out with the event, so be sure to say hi!

 MORE INFO 

Private studio events

Our favorite part of the holidays is spending time with friends and loved ones, and we would like to offer our studio as a space for you to connect through creativity.

We host private workshops for up to 12 people in our cozy studio, with all materials provided and the support of our teaching artist to guide the session. Suitable for work events or fundraisers, or get a group of friends together to split the cost.

For more info and pricing, contact us at the link below.

 MORE INFO 

Hope to see you in the studio soon <3

Last week was the fullest week we’ve had in the studio since opening in February. We began with the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, followed by a full week of classes, our last preschool art class at Freeway Park, the fall student art showcase, and wrapped the week with a sold out gouache painting workshop. All week, I was humbled by how much our studio community has grown, and the connections we’re forging with art and each other.

This is our last week of classes for the autumn session. Since we have the holidays fast approaching, classes will continue next week for the beginning of our next session on November 4.

Thank you to everyone that has joined us this fall - through classes, workshops and community events, your participation is a showing of support for more local arts opportunities. We are looking forward to connecting with you in the studio in November and December.

Next workshop: block printing, Saturday Nov 8 @10:30am

Our popular block printing workshop is back for a second session, so folks that missed out last time have the chance to join us in the studio before the end of the year :)

Participants will design, carve and print a custom 2x3 stamp that they can take home with them after the session. Create art prints, cards, or add a personal touch to your outgoing mail this season.

$50, all materials included. Fall in love with relief printing in this beginner-friendly workshop!

 WORKSHOP SIGN UP 

After school weekly classes resume next week on November 4th

Weekly classes continue next week - there is no break between sessions, as we will be taking the week of Thanksgiving off in just a few short weeks. This is a short session, just 6 weeks, welcoming new and returning students.

Our adult classes and pre-k class on Saturdays are sold out until next year - join the waitlist to be notified when we open up enrollment again in December. Space is currently available in both our weekday after-school sessions:

Tuesdays 4-5:30pm, youth, ages 6-10

Wednesdays 4-5:30pm, intermediate, ages 10-15

A reminder that we have need based scholarships available - partial and full tuition options. No one will be turned away due to a lack of funds. The studio is here to support you.

 CLASS SIGN UPS 

When we chose the name for our studio, we made the deliberate decision for Low Tide Arts to be a “community art studio.” While art is our focus, we put community first. We try to practice those values in many small ways - providing a daily snack for all after school classes, offering youth scholarships, and creating a shared space that feels safe and welcoming to all. Behind the scenes the last few months, we’ve also been working hard to secure grant funding, so we can expand our program and provide more free and affordable art opportunities beginning in 2026.

As I thought about what to write in this newsletter, it felt important to address the millions of people that are about to lose access to food aid in this country starting November 1st. In Washington alone, 930,000 people will be impacted.

Hunger is not political. There is no justification for letting children and families go hungry. With the support of our Board of Directors, Low Tide Arts has donated $200 to White Center Food Bank. Food banks have expressed that cash donations are the most impactful, as they can purchase in bulk and focus on buying what is of greatest need.

It often feels so small, when the problems that confront us are so big. But if I can leave you with one thing today, it’s that any small action you chose to take matters. Whether you are in a position to give or receive during this time, I hope you feel seen and supported by this studio community.

We will choose love and community, again and again, because that is what truly matters.

Hi friends. If you’ve been in the studio recently, you’ve seen the brilliant hues of yellows, oranges and reds that adorn the trees facing our windows. Watching the fading light illuminate the trees during our afternoon and evening classes has made the space feel liminal.

With times of transition, it can be easy to get swept up in all that is changing. I never expected the studio to grow so much in our first year, and this fall has been a process of learning how to expand and stretch my time, energy and resources to meet the moment. The studio is hosting 6 classes with over 50 students this session, on top of our scheduled workshops and community events. It’s a beautiful thing to see so many folks making time for art and for themselves.

We are just over 2 weeks out from the end of our autumn class session and have multiple events happening in the next week, so let’s get to it.

Low Tide Arts at Fauntleroy Fall Festival this weekend

Sunday, October 19, 2-5pm

Rain or shine, we’ll be outside (under cover) in the Fauntleroy Church parking lot as part of this year’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival, a free annual community event.

We’ll be offering free all ages art activities, so be sure to stop by and say hi! While our booth is fully staffed, the festival is still looking for volunteers - a great way for teens to earn service hours.

Student art show next Thursday, October 23, 6-7:30pm

In Fellowship Hall (downstairs from the studio)

As part of our class curriculum, we learn about curating and showing our work by putting together a student art show a few times a year. This is a small, low key event that gives our students the opportunity to feel pride in their own work, and also see the diversity in how our students across different classes and age groups worked with the same materials over the session.

I want to acknowledge that I have not done a great job communicating this date in advance, but this part of our curriculum is important to students, so we’re going to make it happen! We’ll be hosting a small opening reception with refreshments and a chance to view student work from all classes on the evening of October 23rd from 6-7:30pm.

While I wish we could keep the art show up longer, we are returning student work the last day of class (the following week). In the spirit of this transitional season, it will be a brief and beautiful moment that is gone too soon.

Gouache painting workshop, Saturday October 25 @10:30am

There are just two spots left in our next Saturday morning workshop - painting with gouache. If you’re a fan of watercolor or acrylic painting, we’d love to introduce you to this unique medium!

We’ll discuss what makes gouache unique, cover some painting basics, introductory color theory, and learn through making. No experience necessary, just a willingness to try :)

 WORKSHOP SIGN UP 

Reminder: when you book 2 workshop spots in the same transaction, you’ll receive $10 off in checkout. Workshops are a great place to connect with a friend or loved one through creativity.

November - December class signups begin next week, October 20

We’ll be running a shorter 6 week session to close out 2025, continuing the same schedule and age cohorts from the autumn session.

Tuesdays 4-5:30pm, youth, ages 6-10

Wednesdays 4-5:30pm, intermediate, ages 10-15

Wednesdays 6-7:30, adult classes

Saturdays, 9-10am, early artists, ages 4-6

There are no classes the week of November 25-29 (Thanksgiving) and the last week of classes will be December 16-20. We’ll resume classes in January, including bringing back our Tuesday adult class.

Folks on the waitlist will receive the signup link tomorrow, and we’ll open up public registration next Monday until November 4 (or whenever classes fill).

Art asks us to stretch beyond our limiting beliefs, and discover what we’re capable of.

Take care, be well, talk to you soon.

Greetings in the shadow of the autumn equinox. The days are growing cooler and shorter, and it feels good to settle into new routines. Our classes are full, and the studio has felt so energetic since we started this new session.

In class today, one of our younger students said “I love art class so so much. Sometimes it’s hard to get out of the house because I want to stay home and watch tv and eat snacks. But then I come here and remember I love making art, and I love being here.”

This felt so honest and relatable, and I couldn’t have said it better. Sometimes we want to lay in bed, but we show up anyway, and we remember why once we begin.

New adult art class Tuesdays 6-7:30pm starting September 30

Based on how much interest there's been in our adult classes this fall, it seems like the right time to add a second class to our roster. Classes will follow the same structure and cadence as our Wednesday adult classes. Our hope is this allows us to serve more folks, and keep class enrollment accessible to the community.

Signups were opened last week to our waitlist, and now classes are available to everyone on our website. There are just 3 spots left, and we will begin next week (!!)

If you feel called to start a weekly art practice and find new creative community, I hope you’ll join us!

 ADULT CLASS SIGN UP 

Paper collage workshop this Saturday, September 27 @10:30am

We’re offering a collage workshop for the first time this fall, and I’m so excited to share this medium with you.

Paper collage is not only a fun and accessible way of making art, it also helps you think in shapes and color (vs line). Practicing collage has invited me to be more free and experimental in my art practice, which has led me to try larger and more ambitious works.

In this beginner-friendly workshop, we’ll demonstrate how to prepare your collage materials, composition guidance, establishing values, working in layers, and finishing artworks for display.

We’ll learn through making, relax and be in creative community together. Whether you’re a new or experienced artist, I hope this time allows you to discover something new in your art practice.

 WORKSHOP SIGN UP 

Reminder: when you book 2 workshop spots in the same transaction, you’ll receive $10 off in checkout. Workshops are a great place to connect with a friend or loved one through creativity :)

Submit to the studio gallery

In the last few weeks, I’ve been rearranging the studio space and did some touchup painting on the walls, so we’re ready to start exploring what it would look like to have a rotating studio gallery :)

When I talk to new and emerging artists, I’ve often heard that showing your work feels out of reach - there is an abstract idea that you have to be at a certain level before you can begin. That’s part of the motivation behind our student art shows - to help you build confidence in your work being shown and seen.

My hope is that the studio can be a space for you to practice finishing and displaying your work, so you can take that next step.

The concept for the gallery is still in development, and I’d love to have a volunteer from our studio community do a pilot with me. Experience showing your work is not required, but would be helpful for this first round so we can create a framework for future submissions.

If you’re interested, please reply directly to this email. Thank you!

 ——————————-

In a moment where things that once felt stable are crumbling before our eyes, we may be left thinking “is there a point in doing this now?”

It may sound naive, but I deeply believe that art is always important. When we are creating, sharing, connecting with others, we are free.

hello@lowtidearts.org

Greetings friends. We returned to our full studio schedule this week, welcoming back our weekly classes and open studio hours. Having the studio full and lively again feels so good. We’ve had the windows open, and with afternoons still warm enough to sit outside in a t-shirt, we did some plein air drawing with our intermediate class.

This afternoon we’re hosting a private workshop, and next week we begin our autumn workshop series! One thing I love about teaching is it pushes me to keep learning and growing as both an artist and instructor, and I’m excited to share the new tips and techniques I’ve picked up as I prepared for this next series.

Building your collection of references and inspiration

One of our class activities this week was to create sketchbooks, and we talked about some of the benefits of collecting photos, sketches, and ideas for your art practice. To build on this, some suggestions to help get you started:

Take photos of things that catch your eye
Maybe the dappled light through the trees is nice, or you see a color combination that you like. Part of our job as artists is to collect lots of little mementos of visual inspiration, so when we sit down to make art, we have ideas to explore and combine to create something new.

Sketchbooks
How I use sketchbooks has evolved with my art practice. For a long time, it was a place to keep quick sketches, practice drawing technique, and note taking. Because it was a very tactical, process focused space, my sketchbook wasn’t a place I would necessarily look to for inspiration when starting a project.

Now, I keep two types of sketchbooks - one for the gritty process, and one for creative experimentation. In the second sketchbook, each page is treated like a canvas, and I work on a page until it feels finished. The sketchbook format feels low stakes, so I am more inclined to get out of my comfort zone and try things. Now, I visit this creative sketchbook often when I want to try a larger or more ambitious project, and build on those explorations.

Gathering references
Finding photos to reference is important, especially if you want to draw or paint something that’s not part of your daily life. There are so many out there, but here are a few to get you started:

Free use photos and art: Public Domain Image Archive, Unsplash, Pexels, Nappy, Getty

Landscape and nature photos: National Park Service, NPS Gallery, Pixabay, NASA, iNaturalist

Pose and gestural: Posemaniacs, Line of Action

I hope these tips will encourage you to start collecting. Whether you’re joining us in the studio or making art at home, having references and resources ready can help you get going when inspiration strikes :)

Watercolor landscape workshop next Saturday, September 20

We still have a few spots left in our next weekend workshop, and if you’re interested in watercolor painting, we’d love to have you join!

In this beginner-friendly workshop, we’ll cover the basics of working with watercolor, choosing your brushes and materials, and will dive in to a range of techniques to create depth and interest in our landscape paintings.

I love teaching this workshop because there are so many practical tips you can incorporate right away to level up your work! We’ll learn through making, relax and be in creative community together.

 WORKSHOP SIGN UP 

Teen open call - apply by Sunday

A late breaking opportunity was passed on to me, so I’m sharing it here for the teen artists in our community.

Graphite Arts Center in Edmonds, WA will be hosting a teen art exhibit October 10 - November 29. Here are the details:

• Open to all teens (13-19)

• All mediums welcome (procreate is OK)

• Enter up to 3 works of art

• Art does not need to be framed at time of entry

• Deadline to enter September 14

If you need support with finishing / framing your work, Graphite encourages you to reach out. I’m also happy to help support you in the studio!

 MORE INFO + ENTRY FORM 

In the building - Second Time Sale happening at Fauntleroy Church

If you love a rummage sale or a bake sale, this one is for you! The Fauntleroy Church is hosting a their annual Second Time Sale this weekend - Sept. 13, 9 am-4 pm and Sunday, Sept. 14 11:30 am-3 pm.

Proceeds support the church, which does so many amazing things in the community to support some of our most vulnerable community members. The folks that organized this event put so much work in to make it a great event!

with care and compassion

hello@lowtidearts.org

Greetings on this warm September afternoon. Amidst the flurry of activities that come along with back to school, I’m trying to enjoy the small things this season brings. Golden hour walks, afternoons with the doors and windows open, scattering seeds from purple asters for future years.

While it’s tempting to jump straight in to fall routines, I want to gently suggest that it’s also okay to rest. We can ease in to what’s next. If you’ve been taking time away from your creative practice, that might be what rest looks like for you. I’ve been taking a break from making art the last two weeks, and found a lot of benefit in the pause. Rest and reflection allows us space to listen to ourselves - so we can return to making art with a clearer idea of what we hope to express.

I’m looking forward to returning to the studio next week, reconnecting with students and families, and making lots of art again. Hope to see you there <3

Last call for autumn class signups

Do you know a kid or teen looking for after school activities this September and October? We have a few spots left in both our afternoon classes for youth ages 6-18.

Youth + teen class, Tuesdays 4-5:30pm [3 spots available]
Our youth + teen class is our open format class for ages 6-14. Lessons are generally very brief, and we spend the bulk of our time on self-directed work. After a long day at school, we’ve found that our students are seeking a calming space to unwind and make the kind of art they love the most. This class is great for artists looking for exposure to a variety of ways to make art, and to connect with fellow creative kids outside of school.

Intermediate class, Wednesdays 4-5:30pm
Our intermediate class is for youth and teen artists ages 10-18 that are interested in diving a bit deeper into art history, skill building, and devoting time to a larger art project. Lessons will provide guidance on technique and process, and artists will be encouraged to set goals and tackle more complex subjects, such as drawing in perspective :) :) :)

If you know a 10-14 year old that is interested in art and looking for a class that will encourage them to build their skills, the intermediate class is absolutely for them! All skill levels are welcome - our only requirement is a willingness to try.

—

Open enrollment ends September 9, so we can update our drop-in calendar for students looking for classes on a more flexible schedule.

 SIGN UP FOR CLASSES 

Thank you to everyone that signed up!!! Our pre-k and adult classes have both sold out for autumn (wowow).

We’ll send a welcome email later this week with more info on getting to the studio and to prepare you for your first class.

Autumn workshops & open studio sessions

Although our adult classes are full until the end of October, there are lots of other ways to join us in the studio this fall.

Q: What is the difference between classes, workshops and open studio sessions?

We got this question, and thought it was so great we would share it here with everyone.

Weekly classes (1.5 hours)
For folks who are looking for the structure and commitment of coming to the studio every week, classes are a great way to learn about different mediums and ways of making art. Each week has a theme and guided activity, such as watercolor painting flowers, practice drawing a still life in charcoal, or experimenting with sumi ink. Lessons are generally brief, as students have time over the ~8 weeks to revisit, ask questions, or go deeper.

Weekend workshops (1.5 hours)
For folks who are looking to go deep on a particular medium. A great fit for someone who is looking for a one-time activity, a chance to try something new, and would like more detailed instruction on the materials and process. Lessons are more in-depth, with the goal of equipping you with the information you need to continue practicing at home after the session.

Open studio sessions (3 hours)
For folks who are interested in longer studio sessions, with all materials provided and ample space to work. While we don’t provide lessons during open studios, our teaching artist is always available to help get you setup, collaborate on ideas, and offer encouragement. Open studio is also a great way for folks who have previously taken a class or workshop to continue practicing what they learned.

If you’re looking for the structure and accountability of a weekly commitment, save $5 / session and get a custom scheduling link to quickly book your open studio time with studio pass.

 WORKSHOP SIGN UP 

 OPEN STUDIO SESSIONS 

Studio supply donations

If you’re doing a bit of decluttering this fall, please do keep us mind if you decide to part ways with art supplies or materials. We are currently accepting these items:

• Acrylic craft paint

• Paint pens (eg. Posca)

• Sketchbooks or pads of paper (no lined / grid paper please, partially used OK!)

• Canvases / canvas wrapped boards (all sizes, used OK!)

• Gift wrap tissue paper - we always need more blue and red

• Cloth aprons (all sizes)

• Art / art instruction books

• Reference books with large photos of animals, landscapes, birds, ocean life, bugs, mushrooms, etc etc

Send us an email to let us know what items you'd like to donate and we’ll coordinate with you for donation drop-offs.

reminder: you can always email us your art, we will reply back and tell you all the things we like about it (yes, really!)

hello@lowtidearts.org

Hi friends! Somehow we’ve arrived at the last week of our summer session in the studio. Although it was short, it was a lively season. Between Alki Art Fair, summer camps, weekly classes and our weekend workshops, we’ve had the chance to connect with so many new folks during these long, warm days.

Thank you to all the parents that dutifully transported their kids to and from the studio so they could be messy and creative with us this summer. I also want to give a special shoutout to our board and all our summer volunteers that helped out in countless ways to make it all happen.

And to all our friends and supporters, thank you for spending time in the studio this summer. Every time you join us for a class or workshop, you are directly investing in making arts opportunities more accessible in our neighborhood. We just passed 6 months of the studio being open, and are working hard on plans to make the studio sustainable so we can continue to serve you for many years to come.

Whether you’re new to the studio or you’ve been cheering us on since the beginning, I hope you can come join us for our open house next Saturday and celebrate the end of summer with us.

Studio open house, this Saturday, August 23, 11am - 3pm

We’re opening our doors this Saturday! Join us for free art activities, snacks, and a chance to tour the studio and ask our teaching artist questions in person!

Stop by, make some art, and be sure to enter our raffle to win a gift certificate good for any Saturday morning workshop. This fall we’re hosting sessions to explore painting watercolor landscapes, paper collage, block printing, and painting with gouache. With 2 brand new mediums to share and the return of our popular painting workshops, we would love to see lots of new people in the studio this fall :)

Join us for autumn classes!

September 9 - November 1, 8 weeks

Our next weekly class series starts in just a few short weeks, and space is available in both our youth and adult classes (our early artists series is sold out for autumn, wow and thank you!)

If you’re looking for an opportunity to invest in your (or your kiddo’s) art practice, weekly sessions are a great way to see growth in both skills and creative confidence. Every session is different, as we’re always trying new mediums and ways of making art. Practice drawing, painting, printmaking and collage in a relaxed, beginner-friendly setting that emphasizes creative autonomy and enjoying the process.

Youth + teen, ages 6-14
Tuesdays 4-5:30pm

Intermediate, ages 10-18
Wednesdays 4-5:30pm

Adult, beginner + intermediate
Wednesdays 6-7:30pm

A common question we get: will my kid or teen mesh well with such a wide age range?

This format has worked really well for us, although we understand it’s uncommon. Everyone in our classes join because they love art, so they are all there for the same reasons. The younger kids often inspire the older kids to loosen up, and the older kids inspire the younger ones to challenges themselves :)

 AUTUMN CLASSES 

If you’re interested in classes but have questions, we encourage you to send us an email. We’re always happy to work with you to figure out if the studio is a good fit - and if not, direct you to other opportunities!

hello@lowtidearts.org

New workshop: paper collage!

Saturday, September 27 @10:30am

This summer I spent time diving into papier collé, also known as paper collage, and fell in love with the sustainable quality of reusing old artworks and scraps to create something new. I think you’ll love it too, so I decided to add one more workshop to our roster for fall.

If you’ve joined us for a gel plate printing or a painting workshop in the past, we’ll show you how to use your prints and pieces as the foundation for a completely original work of art. We’ll also provide a variety of printed, painted and textured papers to experiment with, so prior workshop experience (or collage experience!) is not required :)

 WORKSHOP SIGN UP 

Help request: can we quote you?

If the studio has made a positive impact for you or your family, we encourage you to send us an email (or reply directly to this email) and share a few sentences about your experience at Low Tide Arts.

With your permission, we’d like to include your feedback in our upcoming grant applications, and potentially on our website. We also always welcome your ideas and constructive feedback for ways we can better serve you and the community.

hello@lowtidearts.org

Hi friends, hope that August has offered you a moment to pause and take a few deep breaths. Maybe listen to the soft sound of the wind in the trees, and find comfort in the gentle music of late summer.

We just wrapped up a really special week of summer art camp, and I’ve spent the last few days reflecting on our time together. With a group of artists ages 8-14, we made art every day, went beach combing, hiked our local parks, and took a trip downtown to the Seattle Art Museum. I’m so proud of everyone’s willingness to try all different kinds of ways of creating, and engage with works of art that explore challenging subject matter.

It was a really sweet group, and I’m looking forward to our second cohort of summer camp next week. We sold out our camps this summer, but will definitely plan to offer them again next year.

Gel plate botanical workshop this Saturday, August 9 @10:30am

If you’ve been in our studio community for a while now, you know I’m all about gel plate printing. It’s beginner friendly, requires no drawing or painting skill, and produces gorgeous prints worthy of framing, making a special birthday card for a friend, or to incorporate into your collages, sketchbook or junk journal explorations.

Our last botanical printing workshop sold out, so we’re offering it again this weekend so more folks can join the fun! I also made a recap video from our last session so you can see what it looks like.

$50, all materials included. Bring a friend and receive $10 off when you book 2 workshop spots - we love the energy and joy folks bring when they share the joy of being creative!

 GEL PLATE WORKSHOP 

Sign up now for fall classes and workshops

Our youth and adult classes and workshops are now open through the end of October. We’ve made some revisions to the schedule originally posted in July, but the offering remains the same!

Early artists, ages 4-6 [4 spots available]
Saturdays 9-10am

Youth + teen, ages 6-14
Tuesdays 4-5:30pm

Intermediate, ages 10-18
Wednesdays 4-5:30pm

Adult, beginner + intermediate
Wednesdays 6-7:30pm

With so much outside our control constantly in flux, we decided to split the fall into two shorter sessions to make the price and commitment for our class series more accessible. We’re also planning to be at Genesee Hill later this fall to join their after-school enrichment program, and are excited to expand our offerings in new ways to better serve our community.

Need-based scholarships are available for youth 4-18, and we encourage you to apply if cost is a barrier. Thank you to our generous studio community that has contributed to our scholarship fund to make this offering possible.

 AUTUMN CLASSES 

Curious what kind of art we make in classes? Check out the student gallery, featuring art from our spring class cohorts, ages 4 - adult.

We also have 3 really fun workshops coming this fall! Workshops are on Saturday mornings, $50 with all materials included and always beginner-friendly.

Watercolor landscapes
September 20 @ 10:30am

Block printing (aka linocut)
October 4 @ 10:30am

Painting with gouache
October 25 @10:30am

 AUTUMN WORKSHOPS 

Save the date: studio open house
Saturday, August 23, 11am - 3pm

Whether you’re a studio regular or new to our community, we hope you’ll stop by and say hi at a small end of summer celebration. We’ll be hosting free art activities suitable for all ages, chatting about our fall class and workshops, and offering tours of our little studio.

The past few weeks, I took multiple trips to the Seattle Art Museum and spent time with the work of Ai Weiwei, whose work exists at the intersection of art, activism, and protest. Ai’s commentary on government-sanctioned violence and corruption feels more timely than ever, despite that the majority of his work on display spans the past 3 decades.

After reading this article about a powerful art exhibit created by teen artists, I am also reminded that there are people in positions of power even within our art institutions that continue to uphold the belief that art is something that should not be too honest, as though art can somehow be politically neutral. Messages like "free palestine” continue to be controversial within works of art, even as a devastating humanitarian crisis unfolds in Gaza. Instead, these teen artists were met with censorship and threats of retribution, twisting the message that genocide is wrong into a false equivalence to hate speech.

To create art, you need to closely observe the world around you. Those observations often reveal uncomfortable truths, that once seen, are hard to unknow. Ai Weiwei’s work reminds us that authoritarianism is not new, nor is it limited to one continent or system of beliefs. Art and creativity will continue to be an essential tool in critiquing our oppressors, bringing awareness to causes that matter to us, and imagining a better future for ourselves and our communities.

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE

A reminder that today is election day in King County, and primary ballots are due today!

hello@lowtidearts.org

Greetings friends! I’m writing to you on a cool and overcast Friday in July. After so many warm, dry days this month, it felt refreshing to wake up to the misty air and smell of the ocean.

Last weekend at Alki Art Fair was a loving affirmation of how community, creative confidence, and expanding access to visual arts opportunities are the heart of what we do at Low Tide Arts. Over three days hosting our booth offering free art activities, we created a community gallery of over 180 artworks from friends and neighbors as well as visitors from other states and abroad. Many folks also opted to take their pieces with them. I hope those art pieces are being displayed with pride, and gently encourage you to continue creating art at home.

Theme of the week: watercolor

This week, our youth, teen and adult classes focused on watercolor painting. One of the techniques we practiced is wet-in-wet, a method of applying water to your paper first, then adding pigment to the wet surface, creating beautiful blooms of color.

Watercolor can be a precise medium with trained practice, one example being the pomological watercolor collection created by artists commissioned in the late 19th and early 20th century. It’s worth remembering that technical skill in art comes from practice (not talent), so in the studio we need to relax our expectations when we are getting acquainted with new materials or ways of making art.

Personally, I love the imperfections and spontaneous nature of watercolor - it always yields surprises. I also firmly believe that the best pieces of art are born when we are having fun and enjoying the process. It was gratifying to see students soften their ideals and play with the materials this week.

Family workshop this Saturday!
July 26 @10:30am

Have a creative 2-3 year old, and looking for plans this weekend? There is still space available for a few more families to join us in the studio for a fun-filled hour exploring a variety of art making materials. Parents and caregivers will learn ways to support art making at home, along with a list of suggested materials specifically for this age group.

Space is limited to 4 families, siblings welcome!

 FAMILY WORKSHOP SIGN UP 

hello@lowtidearts.org

Have a great weekend <3

Hope you all made it through the hottest part of the week. As part of our summer plans, my aspiration was to host classes outside when it warmed up, so we could enjoy the sunlight and maybe a cool breeze coming off the sound. Unfortunately, it really was too hot to be outside on Wednesday, so we practiced drawing a still life to the hum of the fan and our humble AC unit doing it’s very best for us.

This week, in addition to summer classes, we’ve been hard at work preparing for Alki Art Fair and getting our fall schedule online. We’re looking forward to being at the beach this weekend, supporting a great local art event and meeting more of our neighbors.

We’re at Alki Art Fair this weekend!

Friday, July 18 - Sunday, July 20

Low Tide Arts is proud to be a nonprofit sponsor for this year’s Alki Art Fair, supporting local artists and a great free community art event right here in our neighborhood. Join us at beautiful Alki Beach this weekend and check out amazing local artists showing their work, live music, food trucks, and a kids zone. We’ll be there all weekend, offering free art activities, hosting demos of our favorite mediums and ways of making art, and chatting with folks about what we do at the studio :)

Friday 2 - 8pm
Saturday + Sunday 10am - 6pm

More info about where to find us below - we’ll be by the bathhouse on the water side. Hope to see you there!

Autumn classes for youth + adults

September 10 - November 1, 2025

Classes are now open for signups for the first 8 weeks of fall. Our early artists and adult classes will continue at the same weekly time. For our youth classes, we’re continuing our format from summer with a broader age range, and offering a new intermediate level for youth and teens that are looking to go deeper in their art practice.

Classes

Early artists, ages 4-6
Saturdays 9-10am

Youth + teen, ages 6-14
Thursdays 4-5:30pm

Intermediate, ages 10-18
Wednesdays 4-5:30pm

Adult classes
Wednesdays 6-7:30pm

 AUTUMN CLASSES 

Join us for printmaking and painting workshops in the studio

Late summer and early fall workshops are now on our website. By popular request, we’ll be offering a new block printing workshop (also known as linocut). We’re also bringing back our watercolor landscape and gouache workshops, both mediums I love teaching and sharing with others.

Gel plate printing: botanicals
Saturday, August 9 @10:30am

Watercolor landscapes
Saturday, September 20 @10:30am

Block printing
Saturday, October 4 @10:30am

Painting with gouache
Saturday, October 25 @10:30am

 VIEW ALL WORKSHOPS 

Family workshop: art with early learners on July 26 @10:30am

Have a creative toddler 2-3 years old? Join us in the studio for a fun-filled hour exploring a variety of art making materials. Parents and caregivers will learn ways to support art making at home, along with a list of suggested materials specifically for this age group.

Space is limited to 4 families, siblings welcome!

 FAMILY WORKSHOP SIGN UP 

hello@lowtidearts.org

See you at the beach!

Happy summer, friends. Hope you’ve been finding ways to slow down a bit and savor these long, light filled days. The studio will be quiet until the second week of July, when summer quarter kicks off.

Now that I’m out of the studio for an extended break, I’m reminded how luxurious it is to have a dedicated space for making art. Our home is small and full, so making art happens at my desk in the living room or at the kitchen table, while the kids are bouncing around in the background (or chatting away next to me). Sitting on a picnic blanket painting at the park has its own charms, but I miss the quiet focus the studio offers.

Waiting for the perfect time and conditions to make art is something I think many of us can relate to, even if we know it holds us back. Whether it’s waiting for a quiet moment, a clean work surface (or entire house, anyone else?), or the spark of inspiration, procrastination is what I struggle with most as an artist.

The best advice I can offer is to make your art practice a priority. Perfect conditions are rare and elusive, so we have to learn how to be creative even when it feels challenging or inconvenient. Whatever art supplies, paper or a sketchbook you already have at home are perfect. 10, even 5 minutes most days very quickly adds up. You can work on the same drawing, painting, or collage in very small amounts of time — it will become something impressive before you know it.

Next workshop: gouache painting
Saturday, July 12, 10:30am-12pm

Gouache (pronounced go-wa-sh) is a lesser known but incredibly versatile paint medium. You can work in layers, similar to oil or acrylic, with the fluid and flexible quality of watercolor. In this workshop, we’ll dive into the unique properties of gouache, basic color theory and paint mixing. Participants will have ample studio time to experiment and paint, with a teaching artist available for questions and support.

Our workshops are especially fun when friends attend together. Book 2 spots and receive $10 off at checkout, no code needed.

 GOUACHE WORKSHOP SIGN UP 

Summer class signups now open
July 9 - August 23

Drop-in class calendar opens July 6

Summer quarter begins July 9, and we’d love to have you join us in the studio. Space available in all classes!

Early artists, ages 4-6
Saturdays 9-10am

Youth + teen, ages 6-14
Wednesdays 4-5:30pm

Adult classes
Wednesdays 6-7:30pm

Classes focus on drawing, painting, printmaking and collage. As we have many returning students, we’ll be sure to introduce new materials and ways of working, so you can discover something new each session.

When the weather is nice, we’ll also be drawing inspiration from our environment by making art “plein air” (making art outside).

If you plan to join, please do sign up by July 5 or reach out before then with questions.

 SUMMER CLASSES 

Low Tide @ Alki Art Fair, July 18-20

Save the date! We’ll be on beautiful Alki Beach for Alki Art Fair later this month, offering free art activities for the community and chatting with folks about what we do at the studio :)

Low Tide will need a handful of volunteers over the weekend to help with our booth - feel free to reply to this email to let me know if you’re interested! Alki Art Fair is also currently seeking volunteers, a great opportunity to support local artists and be part of a really fun event - more info here.

Celebrate creativity, community, and culture at the 2025 Alki Art Fair! Join us July 18-20 for a weekend of local art, live music, food vendors, and hands-on activities, all set against the stunning backdrop of Alki Beach. 

hello@lowtidearts.org

stay hydrated, make art, see you soon <3

Spring quarter is nearly over, and I’m perhaps the most surprised by this of anyone. Classes are wrapping up this week, and students are bringing home their portfolios.

The time when we transition between seasons always seems to be busy, and there are no shortage of things happening at present that are asking for our attention. Our heartfelt gratitude to everyone that made time in their schedule to attend classes, workshops, and open studio hours this spring. Whether you’re returning for another session or moving on, we hope you continue to take care and find joy in your art practice.

Pride workshop: watercolor
Saturday, June 21, 10:30am-12pm

Space is still available in this special free workshop for LGBTQIA+ folks this Saturday, June 21 at the studio.

We’ll be exploring watercolor and bleeding art tissue to create vibrant, flowing paintings. I chose this medium because it can be very soothing to work with - come decompress with us in our quiet, bright studio nestled in the trees.

Our workshops are especially fun when friends attend together. Please do share this event with your communities and let them know we’re here for you <3

 PRIDE WORKSHOP SIGN UP 

Summer classes and workshop sign ups are now open

Summer session begins July 9, and we’d love to have you join us in the studio. It’s our shortest quarter, just 7 weeks, with a limited offering of classes and workshops.

We’ll be sure to make the most of the weather, and incorporate some special outdoor activities. Come draw, paint, collage and try printmaking with us this July and August!

 SUMMER CLASSES 

 SUMMER WORKSHOPS 

Drop-in classes will open in July as space allows :)

Thank you to everyone who made it out to our student art show. We filled Fellowship Hall completely with all our students’ art!

It’s a lot of work to put a show together, but 100% worth it every time. You can really see everyone’s unique style and perspective shine when given the opportunity to curate and present the pieces that mattered most to our students.

We’ll take the summer off and plan to host our next student show in the fall. I’m already looking forward to it.

hello@lowtidearts.org

trans people will always exist <3

July 9 - August 23, 2025

Signups now open for summer classes, workshops and open studio hours

Summer class schedule

This summer, we’re running a limited class series of 3 age cohorts for new and returning students:

Wednesdays 4-5:30pm, youth + teen, ages 6-14

Wednesdays 6-7:30, adult classes

Saturdays, 9-10am, early artists, ages 4-6

In the fall, we’ll resume our fuller schedule of after-school classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 SUMMER CLASS SIGNUPS 

CLASS AGE COHORTS + FOCUS

Early artists, ages 4-6
This is our current pre-k cohort, now open to kids up to 1st grade. As a 1 hour Saturday morning class, this cohort is best for kids looking for more interactive and play-based art activities. We learn about art, try new materials, and follow our curiosity each session.

Youth + teen, ages 6-14
For elementary and middle school aged kids who are looking for a weekly session to consistently practicing art over the summer. We’ll incorporate new materials, techniques and visual art fundamentals to keep classes engaging for students that have been with us the previous quarter(s).

Adults
In our adult cohort, we’re rekindling our relationship with art, trying new things, and decompressing from the weight of the world in our relaxed evening sessions. There are so many mediums and techniques we haven’t covered yet - look forward to continuing this series.

Summer workshops

Start your weekend with a fast, fun and casual workshop to kickstart your creativity! No experience necessary, beginners always welcome.

Pride workshop: watercolor
a free workshop for LGBTQIA+ folks
Saturday, June 21 @10:30am

Painting: gouache
Saturday, July 12 @10:30am

Art with early learners
Saturday, July 26 @10:30am

Gel plate: botanicals
Saturday, August 9 @10:30am

 WORKSHOP SIGNUPS 

Find us at Alki Art Fair! July 18-20

We’re excited to share we’ve been selected as a nonprofit sponsor for the 2025 Alki Art Fair. Throughout the weekend, we’ll be demonstrating our favorite mediums and hosting a variety of free art activities for folks of all ages. Come check out an amazing lineup of local artists and enjoy a summer weekend on Alki Beach.

Questions always welcome, feel free to reply to this email

hello@lowtidearts.org

Have a great summer, and look forward to seeing you soon.

- Kim Hamlet, teaching artist + founder