Watercolor workshop taught by Judy Morris in 2009.
Q & A's For Instructors
We are so happy you're interested in learning more about teaching at the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology and hope the questions & answers below are helpful in your exploration process.
What time of year do you offer workshops?
Our typical workshop season is from late May to the end of September. Often we offer a few classes in January, in between our fall and spring Artist-In-Residency Programs.
How long does each workshop last?
Our workshops run from 1-day to 5-days, all days of the week. The typical length is 2-3 days. (Daily wkshp schedule can be adjusted if you need students to arrive early to go out into the field for photos, birding etc.)
Where do I stay when I'm teaching at Sitka?
Instructors stay at Sitka for no charge during their workshop. We have small residences on our property with a bedroom, bathroom, living room, and kitchen. Instructors are welcome to stay in them. The arrival time
is 7 pm the evening before the workshop and the departure time is 5 pm the day of the workshop. In one residence, the bed is in a loft with a built in ladder so let us know if you have any physical limitations that
make climbing difficult.
How are instructors paid for teaching workshops?
We recognize that instructors who teach at Sitka have varying levels of experience. We ask that you provide us with your instructor fee for a 6-hour day and the workshop expenses for reimbursement to you. For
example, we can charge the students a materials fee for materials you will provide to them and reimburse you when you arrive. We can use the same process for the model fee. Instructors are paid a fixed rate. If
enrollment is low, we will ask if you want a lessor fee in order to avoid canceling the class.
A Sitka instructor suggested we share this about setting the instructor fee:
"Some of our instructors are donating part of their teaching fee back to Sitka as a donation since they get a free room in
our magical kingdom for one or more nights. If you would chose to do so as well, please let us know. We appreciate your
help in maintaining our art community as well as your artistic expertise." Barbara Mason
Will there be anyone to assist with the workshop?
Our summer intern will be in email contact with you a few weeks prior to your class beginning to finalize your studio set-up needs. When you arrive, the intern will have the studio set-up or help you with set-up.
The first day of class, the intern will give a short orientation to the class about the Sitka Center and will check-in on the class throughout the day. When it is time to pack-up and leave, the intern will help
clean-up the studio while you pack-up your materials.
What is the daily workshop schedule?
Normally, the workshops run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 7-days a week.
What type of space will I teach my workshop in?
We will schedule your workshop in the best space for your topic. Here is a brief description of our studio spaces.
Library: Our library space has carpeted floors, access to the kitchen and windows looking out over Sitka Spruce trees and a peek at the ocean. The library's handcrafted wood table seats about 12-16 people.
Boyden Studio: This studio has rough hewn wood floors, large windows lining one wall, high ceilings and natural colored wood walls. This studio has water access, a wood burning stove and a small kitchen space. A wood burning stove is the only heat source.
Edelman Studio: This small studio has wood floors, white open walls, track lighting, high windows along one wall and electric heating.
Smith Studio: During our residency season this studio operates as a printmaking studio. This studio has radiant heat, lots of natural light, white walls, smooth finished cement floors and a kitchen along one wall.
How do I apply?
By September 1st of the previous year, send the information requested in the Proposal Guidelines to info@sitkacenter.org or P.O. Box 65, Otis, OR 97368.
For example, by 9/1/10 send your proposal for the 2011 workshop season.
Who are the typical students?
The majority of students are middle-age and up with a desire to boost their creativity!
Do I get reimbursed for travel?
We do not reimburse for travel expenses.
What kind of equipment is available?
You will need to bring most of the equipment necessary for your workshop. We provide some things like, easels, task lights, tables & chairs, projector, printing press, etc. Please talk with us about your specific needs.
Can I bring my dog/teaching partner/husband/daughter?
Yes and no. Yes, you are welcome to bring a person with you. (Let us know if you have questions about the space available in the residence.) No, you may not bring pets to stay with you in the residence.
More about our facilities.
Please feel free to contact us for more information at 541.994.5485 or info@sitkacenter.org.