Principles & Policies
Please be aware that the studios are located on the second floor and unfortunately, are not ADA-accessible.
Class Policies 2024
Refunds & Cancellations
Please notify the studio by phone or email 2 weeks before the first day of class if you need to cancel. NO REFUNDS will be given for cancellations made less than 2 weeks prior to the first day of class unless the spot can be filled by someone on the waitlist, or we mutually agree that credit for a future class is acceptable and can be used within the year. **Please be aware that the studio is located on the 2nd floor and is, unfortunately, not ADA accessible.
COVID-19
Staying current on all vaccinations is highly recommended. Masks are optional. Windows can be opened and fans utilized to maintain good airflow. Class sizes are small to allow for plenty of space. Please do not attend any class if you are experiencing symptoms of illness or have had a fever within 24 hrs.
Enrollment
Please explore our class offerings and register here. If the class is full, please contact the studio or join the waitlist. Payment can be made online, or in person by check or Venmo.
Materials
We are fully aware of the cost of high-quality artist materials. Paisley Studios has an inventory of shared materials for occasional use, and we will be happy to discuss alternatively sourced or affordable substitutes for almost anything. The instructor will communicate any materials you may need to purchase before class. In most cases, there will be places to store your materials and projects for the duration of the class. Any materials left behind after the class session ends become the property of Paisley Studios.
Makeup Classes
Due to the uncertainty of these times, we realize that you may miss a class occasionally. No refunds or credits will be given, but if space allows, you may be able to attend another class or come in and complete the work at a different time. Please contact the studio to discuss your options.
Core Principles of Studio Instruction
You are creative
Creativity is a scientifically proven part of being human.“There are many paths to creative self-expression...one of them is yours”—from “Art & Fear” by David Orland and Ted Bayles
This statement makes space for many different types of artists. Your personality and life experience will influence your art-making, and it will be unique to you.“Consider everything and experiment”
—Sister Corita Kent
The beauty of approaching everything in this way, even things you know how to do already, is that it allows for many possible outcomes, and all experiments are useful regardless of their success or failure.
Traditions, yes. Rules, no.
Art runs through our past, present, and future. We can learn from ALL (not just who & what the dominant culture deems worthy) that have come before and move forward at the same time.Process over product
The process is everything. Letting go of the outcome takes tremendous courage and conscious effort.Cultivate a relationship with your materials
Like all relationships--this will take time, and along the way, you will gain confidence, experience grief, and encounter pleasant surprises.
Work from life
The world, our lived experience, in all its nuanced complexity, is a constant source of inspiration.You are not alone
Making art with others from start to finish is rare--we strive to create a supportive studio ecosystem for our members and students.
Student Testimonials
Barbara Parker Wells
“Many of us (the students in Bonnie's Wednesday class) have been pleased with what they feel is a new approach to teaching art — each of us following a path that interests us, getting individual attention, and (Bonnie) seems to be able to solve our problems in whatever media we choose. A customized art education!”
Mary Bush
“Bonnie is a fabulous instructor. She brings out something in me I didn't even know was inside.”
Melinda Jackson
The couple of hours I spend with the community of artists at Bonnie’s studio is one of the high points of my week. Bonnie is a master at approaching each person individually and gently calling forth one's best work and continuing growth.”
Shay O’Neil
“I have been a student in Bonnie Paisley's studio practice class over many years and truly appreciate her emphasis on my creativity and how it is expressed in painting, drawing, or experimenting with other mediums. Over the years she has offered month-long classes in figure drawing, printmaking, and thematic opportunities for drawing for those of us that wish to expand. But truly her gift is meeting the artist where they are in any medium and encouraging us to explore with enthusiasm. It is a studio that is welcoming to people of all ages and I find it to be a very supportive community. We love to see how everyone expresses their creativity and share our joy together with positive feedback all around.”
Emily Sturgess-Cleek
“I have been taking art classes with Bonnie for years. I really appreciate the comfortable atmosphere that Bonnie provides in her art studio; she nurtures the creative process, while still encouraging her students to explore new and different ideas, approaches and perspectives.”
