About Us
Artists & Instructors: Mark & Wendy DeRaud, Sophie Warren
Mark DeRaud has been a professional artist in Fresno since 1992, and spent a year as an art instructor at Fresno Pacific University. Self-taught, beginning as a child prodigy in Germany at the age of 14, Mark has produced a large body of work from Michelangelo-style gallery art to commissioned paintings to massive murals. Most well-known for his liturgical art, Mark's work can be seen at Holy Spirit Church where his Stations of the Cross and altar piece stand over 14 feet tall and 100 ft long. In addition, Mark did the humorous murals at Me 'n Ed's Pizzerias, tropical murals at Irene's Cafe', St. John's Cathedral Narthex, and a mural at Boy's and Girl's Club. Mark specializes in oil painting and the old masters technique in the style of Peter Paul Rubens, and opaque watercolor.
Wendy DeRaud has a multiple-subject teaching credential and has taught primary grades,reading intervention, and high school art. An avid artist all her life, Wendy loves teaching children,specializing in figure drawing, portraiture. She will be team-teaching with Sophie Warren, working with children grades K-6, as well as assisting Mark in working with students gr. 7 to adult.
Sophie Warren has been doing art her whole life. She has worked in oils, sculpture and has done commissioned work. She received her single subject teaching credential from California State University Fresno, and has taught art and ceramics in Fresno high schools. Sophie has a passion for teaching children, and enjoys giving them the freedom to explore and express themselves creatively.
Art Classes for People of All Ages
- Learn to see by learning to draw
- Learn to Paint like the Old Masters
- Explore a variety of medium
- Paint an acrylic painting in just 2 hours at one of our weekly Paint Parties
Art Lessons are Life Lessons
Art-making is relaxing, fun and rewarding. We love helping people discover and develop their creative side, and become successful at expressing themselves by making something beautiful through all kinds of artistic mediums and techniques. Now is the time to begin your next artistic adventure with us!
What We Offer
Art Classes
Art classes are open to children and adults in our community, during the day and some evenings. We are currently vendors for Inspire Charter School, Summit Academy, and welcome homeschool students and anyone else interested in learning from us.
Paint Parties
Paint Parties are offered once a week in the evening from 7 - 9 pm. There's no experience necessary, and we make it easy for beginners to try painting because our image is already on the canvas and all you have to do is paint. This is a fun night out for a group of friends or family members. Supplies are included.
Community Events
Open Mic, poetry readings, concerts, cabarets, Artisan Faire, these are only a few of the offerings from our venue. We are the home of the annual RogueFestival and Lit Hop Poetry Festival, and love to support the arts in our community. Check our calendar for our upcoming special events.
Create Your Own Event
Contact us if you'd like to put on a show in our venue. You do all the promotion, while we'd be happy to put your event on our social media sites.
Space Rentals
Our beautiful venue is perfect for your bridal or baby shower, anniversary , birthday, graduation, or Christmas party. You may also want to reserve our space for your upcoming conference, seminar or business meeting. Contact us for details on how we can help you make your next party or meeting successful.
Mentoring & Recovery Through the Arts
We believe that the arts are beneficial for healing and transformation as well as being used for de-stressing and relaxation. Contact us if you'd be interested in putting on a paint party or art class for your recovery or therapy group.
Paint Party
$35.00
Please give us the name and date of the party you're paying for!