Live the creative life in ‘Artful Vashon’

Vashon College will offer its popular course, “Artful Vashon,” at Courthouse Square from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday afternoons, beginning March 1 and continuing on consecutive Sundays through April 5.

Vashon College will offer its popular course, “Artful Vashon,” at Courthouse Square from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday afternoons, beginning March 1 and continuing on consecutive Sundays through April 5.

Organizers said the course will “explore the meaning and expression of artfulness on Vashon and develop ideas to increase Island artfulness.”

Each session will feature experiences, discussions and speakers that have carved unique niches in Vashon’s vibrant art scene. The first session will be led by Jim and Jackie Chobot, who have created Vashon’s Dragonfire Pirate Camp.

For the second year in a row, the Chobots will transform Courthouse Square into a pirate’s lair, and lead course participants in the same kind of pirate play that has earned Dragonfire so many accolades over the years.

Another session will include a tour of the new Open Space for Arts and Community facility. Janet McAlpin and David Godsey, who are developing the space, will lead the tour.

At another session, Islander Paul Colwell will share the stories and the songs that led to the founding of the musical group “Up with People.”

Students will also visit the home and garden of mosaic artist Claire Dohna, where they will observe the imaginative work that has been featured at the Pacific Northwest Flower and Garden Show and Sunset and Pacific Northwest magazines.

Students will also experience the indigenous tradition brought to life with award-winning Tlingit artist Odin Lonning and well-known marine naturalist Orca Annie Stateler, in a blend of science, art and culture.

Ben Meeker and Paul Motoyoshi will bring the series to a fitting close with “Food as Art,” with class members enjoying the artful results.

The registration fee for the course is $150. A materials fee of $40 will also be collected. Partial scholarships are available, and continuing education credits may be available.

Applications are available at www.vashoncollege.org and can be requested by contacting Pamn Aspiri at 408-8022, or emailing pamn.aspiri@vashoncollege.org. The class limit is 30 students.

Contact Aspiri for details about enrollment. For information on content, e-mail helenmeeker@centurytel.net.