Stephanie Fisher was nervous the first time she enrolled in a painting workshop. A Cave Creek resident, she had recently retired after working more than four decades in the printing industry. Now she has been painting or drawing every day for the past year and two months. She is “exploring everything” by taking multiple art classes at the Sonoran Arts League Studio, and she credits the instructors with helping her grow in her artistic journey.
“I remember standing up in class after finishing my first painting and proudly expressing my joy,” Fisher said. “The more classes I took, the more I realized how passionate I am about painting and drawing. The satisfaction of seeing my progress has been so great, it’s like my spirit is meeting my bones.”
The Sonoran Arts League Studio in Cave Creek offers a variety of art workshops for adults and children at all experience levels. Located at Stagecoach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd., Suite 144, the Studio is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it also stays open later some evenings when there are workshops. Fees range depending on each class. Veterans and first responders can attend free classes every Thursday, thanks to a generous grant from the Kiwanis Club of Carefree. Free and low-cost classes are also available for children in 3rd to 12th grade.
Jules Gallatig, the League’s Studio coordinator, said the non-profit Sonoran Arts League is constantly adding more workshops and art instructors to meet the diverse needs of students.
“The Sonoran Arts League’s mission is to celebrate and advance the arts through education, exhibitions, and community outreach and to inspire a life of art,” said Gallatig, a League member and fine art photographer. “Whether you are a beginner or you’re seeking to hone your skills, the Studio offers dozens of workshops to choose from, ranging from acrylic, oil, and watercolor painting to ceramics, pottery on the wheel, fiber clay sculpting, fused glass, and other classes.”
Cynthia Eral, an Anthem resident, has been teaching painting classes at the Studio for nearly a year. She keeps her classes small, up to 10 people maximum, so she can provide personalized instruction to each student.
“Most of the classes I teach are three-hour acrylic painting so my students can walk out the door with a completed piece,” Eral said.
She often has Native American flute, jazz, or classical music playing in the background, so students feel welcomed and relaxed.
“Some of my students have never been near a canvas, and it’s important for them to feel comfortable. But I don’t tell them everything…I guide them and let them experiment with the paints, so they learn for themselves,” she said.
Fisher has taken several painting workshops with Eral and credits her instructor with helping her to overcome the anxiety she experienced when she enrolled in her first class.
“I had a hunger to be creative, but I was very nervous. Cynthia has a wonderful gift of walking you through the process. She pushed me to challenge myself, and because of her, I had that ‘Aha’ moment. I love painting and drawing, and I am much more confident now,” she said.
Eral said it has been rewarding to watch students grow artistically, and it has also been fun to watch friendships form.
“There’s a wonderful sense of camaraderie in the Studio. Everyone is there to support each other. The variety of art workshops really provide a creative way to tune out life and tune into your soul,” she said.
To learn more or register for an art workshop, visit SonoranArtsLeague.org.
