An Outlet for Your Artsy Side

Art comes in many colors, shapes and forms and is defined by the hands of the artist. A group of students learned this firsthand at a recent art class in Corona del Mar.

The Beginning Art Sampler class at the OASIS Senior Center was created to introduce students to a variety of art forms each week, including watercolor, clay sculpting, acrylic painting and mixed media.

Nancy Wahamaki,  a local working artist, teaches the art sampler class and said it is all about having fun and encouraging artistic expression.

"We want creativity to flow," Wahamaki told students at a recent class. "Let it go; surprise yourself."

The class worked on sculpting angels out of clay. Each student was given a square block of water-based clay, a great medium because it air-dries rather than needing to be fired and can be painted later with acrylic paint.

Other tools included a paper plate, a toothpick, a chopstick, a plastic knife and a fork. The clay assignment was very specific, but the students were encouraged to use their own interpretations to sculpt their angel.

"You are free to have fun," Wahamaki said. "That's the beauty about clay: You can wipe it right off and start over."

The Beginning Art Sampler class meets Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the OASIS Senior Center at 801 Narcissus Ave.

For more information on Nancy Wahamaki and her art classes visit nancysartworld.com.