Making Art Fun

Humans are naturally inclined to art. Some people are more sensitive to art than others but we are all attracted to it somehow. For some people art is an escape from their norm. It is not about pursuing an art career or a long-term learning experience, not even a hobby. They just want to have fun, a good time, something to break away from the routine for a few hours. Sculpting and painting parties are making art fun for people. There are no formalities or expectations. It is all about having a good time.

“The wine and art event with Dr. Ivan was very fun. It was a great way to relax after a work day, and I found myself lost in my sculpture, not thinking about or worrying about anything at all. A great release. This would be a great thing to do for a birthday party, or special event…learning a new skill, sipping wine, and becoming immersed in art and sculpture with friends. Dr. Ivan did a great job of teaching, but also allowing everyone’s own personality and design to be present.”   

Megan Micola 

Photo Jul 29, 8 27 43 PMThey arrive to find all the supplies ready to sculpt or paint. At the beginning you can feel how some are nervous and maybe scared to try out something new and different from them. Most people arrive to the parties with little or no experience whatsoever. Some come with friends, family, or a date. Some people make new friends and acquaintances. It is always fun to see how they compare each other’s skills as they go. Moreover is  great when they get immerse in the process.

“Recently, I had the pleasure of attending Dr. Ivan Tirado’s Sculpture Class. I came to the lesson with some friends of varying artistic abilities. We were all able to find our creative voice and enjoy the class regardless of our creative backgrounds. Many know Dr. Tirado is a gifted sculptor, but he is a masterful teacher as well. We learned about the proportions of the human form and how to use these new tools and techniques to explore them. No one felt the least bit intimidated on this adventure together with Dr. Ivan guiding the way! We all enjoyed this class and learned something new and are planning to set up another class soon.”

Michele Kelly

People just need to relax and have a drink while creating their own masterpiece. I personally guide people step by step and try to make it entertaining. It is great to see how they impressed themselves with what they accomplish during just a few hours.  They take home their piece and brag about it to their friends. This is something that can be done for birthdays, bachelorette parties, girls night out,
employee appreciation and other company events, networking, or just to do something different with your friends.

“I would like to take a moment to thank you for helping us pull off a surprise “sculpting” birthday party. We all had a blast and had something to show for the fun time we had. I must say, I truly thought my lump of clay had no hope! Ha ha Luckily, you know how to teach and guide a class of giddy mimosa drinking gals! We all left surprised at how well our “torso” turned out. Thank you so much!! Can’t wait to do it again!!!”

Stephanie Pelizzari

You can read more testimonies and request more information here.

The Gift of Art

Here is a gift idea for you: bring someone to the sculpting party!!! Have fun together as you create your own piece. No experience necessary. Supplies, food and drinks are included. You need to sign up online: http://ivantirado.com/sculptingparty. I would like to stretch how much fun it is and all the benefits sculpting clay in such environment bring, but I’ll let the testimonials speak:


“The wine and art event with Dr. Ivan was very fun. It was a great way to relax after a work day, and I found myself lost in my sculpture, not thinking about or worrying about anything at all. A great release. This would be a great thing to do for a birthday party, or special event…learning a new skill, sipping wine, and becoming immersed in art and sculpture with friends. Dr. Ivan did a great job of teaching, but also allowing everyones own personality and design to be present.”

– Megan Micola


“Recently, I had the pleasure of attending Dr. Ivan Tirado’s Sculpture Class. I came to the lesson with some friends of varying artistic abilities. We were all able find our creative voice and enjoy the class regardless of our creative backgrounds. Many know Dr. Tirado is a gifted sculptor, but he is a masterful teacher as well. We learned about the proportions of the human form and how to use these new tools and techniques to explore them. No one felt the least bit intimidated on this adventure together with Dr. Ivan guiding the way! We all enjoyed this class and learned something new and are planning to set up another class soon.

– Michele Kelly


“Words cannot adequately express how much I appreciate Dr. Ivan Tirado, both as a teacher and as an inspiration. I had the good fortune to meet Dr. Ivan at a sculpture class where each participant created a torso.  His knowledge of the human body coupled with his encouraging teaching helped all of us to be successful!  Even if you had never touched clay before, his approach and techniques enabled all of us to walk away from his class with a piece we were proud of.”

– Leslie Alexander


“Oh what fun!  Dr. Ivan is a creative and talented artist with a flare of humor. He guides you through the entire process of sculpting and helps you make your own piece.  The best part is that you are completely in the moment, working with your hands. I would give five stars for one of these events!”

– Christina Roberts


 “I would like to take a moment to thank you for helping us pull off a surprise “sculpting” birthday party. We all had a blast and had something to show for the fun time we had. I must say, I truly thought my lump of clay had no hope! Ha ha Luckily, you know how to teach and guide a class of giddy mimosa drinking gals! We all left surprised at how well our “torso” turned out. Thank you so much!! Can’t wait to do it again!!!”

– Stephanie Pelizzari


“I would like to share my experience that I experienced with Dr. Ivan Tirado, an amazing sculptor and teacher. A specialist in his field. I attended an evening class. I had the most amazing experience! I had never sculpted anything in my life! It became beautiful and memorable evening of learning and being taught about the body! Dr. Tirado was very kind, patient & very knowledgeable! Without question I would highly recommend an evening discovering and participating in the Arts. I am very proud of my piece!! Thank you Dr. Tirado! I thank you for bringing light to my creative inside!!”

– Marisol Marty Valentin


“I recently began attending the BYOB sculpting class at the Milford Firehouse Gallery… and I can simply say money well spent! The atmosphere is relaxed and nonjudgmental… No matter your artistic skill level you are leaving with work of art.  Ivàn is patient and takes time to answer questions and guide each person.  You can immediately find a friend if you come alone; everyone is friendly and down to earth.”

– Jennifer Sandholm


 “The sculpting party was fantastic. Dr. Ivan is a very knowledgeable teacher and artist. He met you where you were at artistically and helped your work evolve. I went with a  group of people that varied in ability and he made everyone feel at ease. As an artist I would recommend going. It was so much fun!”

 – Brit

“Great! When can we do it again?! Totally enjoyed class and Instructions were clear and helpful; location was perfect. Couldn’t believe the finished piece. A nice escape from the norm!”
– Patty

“I thought it was an amazing class and was an awesome way to unwind the mind and not focus on anything else but the clay. Ivan was an awesome teacher who made you feel comfortable and made you feel like you knew what you were doing even if it was your first time sculpting. I would definitely recommend this to anyone and would absolutely love to do it again!”

– Kaity


I hope I can see you there and have some fun together. sign up online:

http://ivantirado.com/sculptingparty

If you want more information contact me.

The Day Has Come!

You know what I am going to say. After months of planning and preparation, long hours and little sleep, the day is finally here. The show opens tonight! You are more than welcome to join me and witness the results of all this effort at 6:00 pm at The Gallery at Elemar, 2 Gibbs St., New Haven, CT.

the show

In November 2011 I had my first solo show. After that, each year I had a show. This year is different. The place is larger and the expectations are bigger. You can imagine my nerves. Yes, I get nervous and very excited at the same time. Each show is different and has its own expectations. However, this show is in a larger place, with a larger audience, and the expectations are higher than ever. I just want to see who comes.

While it is true we are not in control of our circumstances, it is also true that we are in control of how we react to our circumstances. For me each show is a celebration. I celebrate and enjoy each one no matter the outcome because I always feel the blessing of God, and the support of my family and friends. For me, that is the best case scenario. Everybody else who comes to celebrate is an extra blessing. It would be a great blessing if you could make it too. You won’t be disappointed. I know I won’t be.

Thank you…

A week ago I began this blog because my wife insisted it was a good idea. I am glad I did. So far, the site is getting 100+ views daily and people seem to enjoy reading. I am thankful for her an all the effort she is putting into my career. She has been always my inspiration and motivation. I want to thank you too for reading the blog and for those leaving comments. I appreciate that a lot. Look forward for a daily post and leave comments. I like that.

6U4A3108It is my hope that I can contribute the little I know to help someone reach their potential in the arts and in other learning domains. Learning to learn is an essential part of growing and developing intentional learning. It helps motivate and make the right decisions. I will continue creating a bridge between art and learning psychology by sharing what I know and what I’m learning everyday. I will continue sharing these magnificent experiences when teaching and when working on my new pieces.

If you haven’t been to a sculpting party before I recommend you do. You can allow someone else to go as a gift from you. We have 2 sculpting parties coming up: November 20 Sculpting Party at Cafe Atlantique in Milford, CT and December 13 Sculpting Party at The Gallery at Elemar, New Haven, CT. You need to sign up for these. The spaces are limited. You can also sign up for private lessons and even online private lessons. Contact me for details.

One last thing. Don’t forget that the opening reception for the show TORSOS is Saturday, November 22, 6-9pm at The Gallery at Elemar. It is going to be great.