How do I contact Nancy Howells and the Painted Chair Studio?

Where are you located and how do I get directions to the Painted Chair Studio?

The Painted Chair Studio is located at 421 Gharkey Street in Santa Cruz, California. Next to surfside views of the Santa Cruz beach Boardwalk and in a quiet residential area, the Painted Chair Studio provides a friendly, casual atmosphere.

Click Here for Map and Directions!

Does Nancy do commission work?

Yes! Nancy does do commission work. She has completed many works on a commission basis and welcomes your ideas. To view examples of some commission work in the Gallery, click here.

How do I sign up for classes?

You can easily sign up for classes online at the Painted Chair Studio. Just click here to go to the online sign up form. All you need to do is enter your name and contact information, along with the class and date you are interested in attending. There is no payment available online. Nancy will then confirm the class appointment with you either by email or telephone. A place in class is then reserved for you!

What is the class schedule and when are classes offered?

Classes in Broken Plate Mosaic, Painted Furniture and Painted Floor Cloth are offered on various Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month. To view this month's schedule and the upcoming class schedules for 2004, click here.

How much do classes cost?

Two versions of the Broken Plate Mosaic classes are offered:

Do I need to bring my own materials?

This depends on which class you are taking.

If you are taking the Broken Plate Mosaic, Super Broken Plate Mosaic or Glass Tile Mosaic class, you do not need to bring any of your own materials. Nancy provides everything for you!

If you are taking the Painted Furniture Workshop, you will need to bring a small piece of furniture (bare wood or previously painted) which you will transform in one day! Bring comfortable, layered clothing and a sack lunch. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

What is Pique Assiette?

Pique Assiette (pronounced "peek oss-see-yet") is a Broken Plate Mosaic artform using recycled broken plates and tiles. Pique Assiette can be applied to many surfaces, creating a nostalgic, whimsical and colorful piece of functional art.

I don't have much artistic experience - will this class be all right for me?

No prior experience is necessary to enjoy and succeed with either class. All are welcome! Whether you have advanced experience or none, the classes are geared toward you own level. Even if you have limited artistic experience, the relaxing and creative task of making a piece for yourself or another will inspire your own personal expression!

Do you offer private classes?

Yes! Private classes can be scheduled for groups of 4 or more. Some examples of groups Nancy has hosted in the past include those for families, wedding and bridal showers, birthdays, work groups and team building workshops.

What materials does Nancy use?

For the Broken Plate Mosaic class, Nancy uses recycled broken plates and tiles. For the Painted Furniture Workshop, she uses all water-based paints which come from as far away as England and Australia.