About the class

Originally made of rye straw, traditional Finnish himmeli were hung over the dinner table to ensure a bountiful harvest. Modern adaptations of these geometric mobiles have become popular worldwide – contemporary versions include light fixtures, wall décor, jewelry and hanging plant holders.

Learn how to create your own himmeli to hang in your home or give as a gift. All materials will be provided, including an air plant.

Please share any special considerations (medical, physical, learning) that will help your instructor make your class accessible and accommodating for you. You can share these considerations when

The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.register or by emailing Sean at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org.

About the instructor

Jill Valavannis

Fiber Arts Director

Jill Valavanis is the Visual Arts Director at the Sonoma Community Center and a teaching artist working primarily with fiber. She completed her graduate work at California State University, Long Beach where she earned a Master of Fine Arts in Integrated Three-Dimensional Media, utilizing skills developed in working with fiber, metal, and wood. Currently she is exploring free motion machine embroidery and relief printing on fabric.

Website www.jillvalavanis.com
Instagram @jillvalavanis

Questions and Answers

What skill level is right for me?

• All Levels
• Welcomes participants from beginning through advanced. Instructor provides a balanced and flexible curriculum suitable for participants with any level of experience.
• Beginning
• Participant has little to no experience with this medium and needs or expects guidance at every step during the class. Participant wants to learn about materials, techniques, and vocabulary of the medium.
• Intermediate
• Participant is comfortable with the medium and expects both guidance and time to work alone with the medium.
• Advanced
• Participant is very confident with all aspects of the medium. Participant is self-motivated; ready to experiment and develop their artistic voice.

Is there a building map so I can find my room ahead of time?

You can click on the images below to expand them.

What is the process for cancelling my registration?

We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class. 

Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee, or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.

Do you pro-rate late additions to classes?

Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org to request a late addition.

I am interested in teaching, where can I find more information?

We are always looking for new instructors. You can find more information about the process here, or fill out the form directly here.

Where can I find your full class policies and guidelines?

You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.

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