Anacortes Senior College

Note: No Thursday Class on April 25; Last Class May 30.

Embark on an artistic journey as I delve into the world of driftwood art, telling the story of how this passion opened the floodgates of my hidden creativity. In this immersive 6-week course, I aim to ignite the artistic flame within each student, encouraging them to explore and pursue their own creative interests.

Throughout the course, I will not only share the narrative behind my personal discovery of driftwood art but also provide hands-on experiences. Witness the evolution of driftwood sculptures as I showcase my own artworks. I will reveal the secrets of identifying the perfect driftwood specimens on the beaches of the great Pacific Northwest, offering practical insights on where and what to look for and providing invaluable tips on structural techniques that bring these sculptures to life. Delve into the artistry of knotholes, as I discuss how they play a pivotal role in infusing character, especially around the eyes and nostrils of my creations. Uncover the significance of incorporating driftwood bark into driftwood artworks, adding texture and depth to the sculptures. As an important part of this 6 week course we will be working together through the step-by-step process of actually creating a driftwood sculpture. Join me in this experience, where driftwood art becomes a medium for self-discovery, expression, and the unleashing of hidden artistic potential.

The highlight of this course will be the final class, which will be held at the enchanting "Bowrassic Park", my home sculpture garden and workshop. Immerse yourself in my driftwood sculptures. It is my goal that you will leave this course not only with newfound skills but also with a renewed desire to embark on your artistic journey.

Instructor: Joe Treat

My discovery came during a trip to my wife’s native Thailand, where artisans make horses out of teak. When I got home, I decided I was going to try and make something. I made a little triceratops. Within hours, people were pulling over, knocking on my door, asking me questions, wanting to buy it. And then someone called me an artist, and I haven’t been able to stop since.

I am a driftwood sculpture artist with no formal art education or woodworking experience, who has become known locally and regionally for my collectible art and my driftwood “zoo” at my home in Bow. Although I have sold many collectible pieces, I prefer to just pursue the evolution of my artistic driftwood sculpting skill.