“Women Create” is an ongoing series exclusively for women age 16 and over. The class features a new art project, muse, and discussion each month. Our April muse will be artist John Singer Sargent's (1856–1925) daring, stylish and slightly scandalous Madame X, painted in 1883. Join us, relax, and get creative among friends! All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies are provided. The cost of this class is $35.00 per person. Pre-registration is required and online registration is preferred. Click here to register online. 

Having trouble registering for class online? Please call us at (805) 525-5554. 

About Our Muse: Per The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, “Madame X” was Madame Pierre Gautreau (1859–1915). Gautreau was known in Paris for her artful appearance. Artist John Singer Sargent hoped to enhance his reputation by painting and exhibiting her portrait. Working without a commission but with his sitter’s complicity, he emphasized her daring personal style, showing the right strap of her gown slipping from her shoulder. At the Salon of 1884, the portrait received more ridicule than praise. Sargent repainted the shoulder strap and kept the work for over thirty years. When, eventually, he sold it to the Metropolitan, he commented, “I suppose it is the best thing I have done,” but asked that the Museum disguise the sitter’s name.

About Our Teaching Artist: Mary-Gail King is an award-winning artist and self-proclaimed “Creative Catalyst.” As a Contemporary Impressionist she has a traditional Impressionist's approach to paint and focuses on creating luminous color while capturing the essence of her subject. As a Creative Catalyst she helps people recognize and unleash their own creative powers. King is also an artist-in-residence at Studio Channel Islands in Camarillo.