Brush and Glaze Learning Studio approaching one year of sharing art with the community

WASILLA — Brush and Glaze Learning Studio owner Rachel Skinner is approaching the first full year of running an educational hub designed to foster creativity among all ages.

Brush and Glaze offers a wide range of classes for group settings and private lessons like classical art styles for drawing and painting, pen and ink, pottery, sculpture, and pyrography. Skinner said that she plans to add a Manga class and other types of courses in the future.

“It’s pretty multimedia,” Skinner said with a laugh.

While the focus is largely on youth classes, Skinner offers adult classes with the intent of expanding her range of options so every local has the opportunity to learn something new and express creativity.

“My overarching philosophy is that everybody can do art,” Skinner said. “It’s just this thing we’re creating and pouring ourselves into and it’s just a moment of peace, and I love that.”

Skinner spent over eight years teaching at public schools in Kansas before moving to Alaska. She said that she’s always wanted to combine her passion for education with her adoration for art and leaped headfirst at the opportunity to do so.

“I’ve done art since I could walk,” Skinner said. “I just love teaching and art is a great avenue for kids to explore their own originality,” Skinner said. “It was just kind of the perfect storm I think. It all came together.”

Brush and Glaze offer courses throughout the year. With the summer classes wrapping up, the big focus will be on homeschool and charter schools. Skinner is busy gearing up for the upcoming school year.

“Once it’s September, it’s game on,” Skinner said. “It’s really nice to partner with those schools. I like collaboration… I think it’s so so pivotal. Kids just figure out things that they never thought they could do, and that’s just great.”

Skinner said that she aims to hire an additional teacher to help her expand the studio hours and range of services. She said that she hopes to have the opportunity to expand to Anchorage one day. For now, she’s focusing on serving the community she’s taken root in with her family. She said that she’s had a lot of positive feedback and interest in adding different types of classes.

“It’s been so beautiful for the community to crave just another artistic venue,” Skinner said. “It’s been such a joy.”

For more information about Brush and Glaze Learning Studio, call 907-631-8948 or visit brushandglaze.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com