International artist Michael Hofmann will be teaching two Sumi painting workshops on July 5th at the Healy Senior Center in Redway.

The first will be “Critters for Kids”, from 10:00-11:30 a.m. The cost of the children's workshop is $25 to $40 sliding scale. Parents and guardians are welcome to observe.

The second workshop, “Playful Portraits”, will be for adults from 12:30 - 4 p.m. The adult workshop it is $40 to $70 sliding scale.

Proceeds go to benefit Daishu-in West, a Rinzai Zen Temple in Benbow. In these workshops participants will explore Sumi-e, the traditional art of Japanese brush painting using ground ink.

The course will be geared toward beginners but could be interesting for artists who usually work with more Western materials. As much as an introduction to Sumi-e, the workshop offers an opportunity to discover how painting can be a spiritual practice, with an emphasis less on formal technique and more on expressive and spontaneous brushwork. Humor is an important element in Michael's approach to painting and he encourages participants in his workshops to take a somewhat playful approach, as well.

Originally from the Bay Area, Michael Hofmann has spent most of the last 30 years as a painter based in Kyoto, where his studies were guided by the master Sumi-e painter and Zen priest Jikihara Gyokusei. Michael has had solo exhibitions of his work in galleries and museums throughout Japan, and has illustrated numerous books and magazine articles. Michael has taught workshops here for the past 3 years and we are very fortunate to have him here again.

Drinks and art supplies will be included in the sliding scale. Space is limited so an early reservation is recommended.

For information and reservations for the adult workshop call Lauris at 923-4991 and for the Children's workshop call Katy Allen at 986-7608.