The International Guild of Miniature Artisans, Ltd., conducts Study Programs at leading museums throughout the United States for its members. The Tucson Study Program works in conjunction with The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, on this exciting weekend long workshop!
Working with the curatorial staff and Guild Artisans and Fellows, Guild members study master works in the museums many doll houses and room boxes. Instructors then teach their student how to recreate a to scale piece that is inspired by one of these master works within an eighteen-hour framework. The pieces that are made by the students can range from a historic piece of furniture, paintings, household objects, or an architectural detail such as a fireplace or paneled wall. Other weekend attractions include special guided tours of the museum that enrich the student's knowledge and appreciation of beautifully crafted objects, as well as a special “Night at the Museum” opening reception.
Beginners and experienced miniaturists alike will learn and benefit from this exciting program!
$650 for Guild members, $700 for nonmembers
Other than the Friday dinner at The Mini Time Machine Museum (TMTM) and the Monday graduation luncheon, meals are not included in the cost of the study program.
Classes will be taught at the Sheraton Tucson.
$150 includes, Museum admission to TMTM, valid from Friday to Sunday, Friday dinner, and the graduation luncheon.
Sheraton Tucson has arranged a special discounted rate of $119 per night plus tax for Guild Study Program attendees and guests. This rate is for a traditional room (two double beds) in the Sheraton Tucson and is the same whether double or single occupancy. All room rates include the Breakfast Buffet, served daily from 7-9 AM.
For room reservations call: Click here or call 1-800-325-3535. Just ask for the International Guild of Miniature Artisans Room Block.
| Friday, October 2 | |
| 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: | The Mini Time Machine Museum open for free to all IGMA program participants. |
| 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM: | "Night at the Museum" - Opening reception at TMTM including buffet dinner, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverage options. |
| Saturday, October 3 | |
| 8:30 AM-5:00 PM: | Classes at Sheraton Tucson |
| 10:00 – 10:30 AM | Coffee Break |
| 12:00 – 1:30 PM | Lunch on your own |
| 3:00 – 3:30 PM | Afternoon Break |
| Evening | Dinner on Your Own |
| Sunday, October 4 | |
| 8:30 AM-5:00 PM: | Classes at Sheraton Tucson |
| 10:00 – 10:30 AM | Coffee Break |
| 12:00 – 1:30 PM | Lunch on your own |
| 3:00 – 3:30 PM | Afternoon Break |
| Evening | Dinner on Your Own |
| Monday, October 5 | |
| 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Classes at Sheraton Tucson |
| 12:00 Noon | Graduation Luncheon at Sheraton Tucson |
Acrylic Landscape Painting
Christine Hannon, IGMA Fellow
Thomas Moran’s The Grand Canyon of Arizona from Hermit Rim Road 1912 Commissioned by Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, New York, this oil painting was reproduced as a chromolithograph travel poster to encourage tourism to the American Southwest. It delivered Moran’s work to a wide audience and is a great example of his skill in capturing monumental landscapes. Moran’s paintings of the West were critical in the founding of Yellowstone National Park; the largest was purchased by the White House and both Mt. Moran and Moran Point were named to honor him. He was a member of the Hudson River School, Rocky Mountain School and National Academy of Design.
This class will focus on painting atmospheric perspective, dramatic and realistic foliage, cloud structure and rocks. Students will learn image transfer, four value underpainting and color glazing. Step by step photos are provided and each step is demonstrated in class. Finished painting is 2" x 3" and appropriate gold frame is included. Experience in color mixing and miniature paintbrush handling are helpful.
All skill levels are welcome.
Materials Fee: $60
Camel Back Sofa
Marcia McClain, IGMA Artisan
The Camel Back Sofa traces back to the 18th century furniture design movement, and is closely associated with Thomas Chippendale. He drew inspiration from the Gothic, Rococo, and Chinese periods. Although most of this influence is seen in the legs of his sofas, it also shows up in the style of the back and arms. When the Camel Back Sofa crossed the ocean and became popular in America, Duncan Phyfe adapted the style more to the public’s desire. Today we see it adapted even more as in the skirted sofa we will make in class. The sofa can be made very formal with silk fabric or more casual with cotton fabrics. The style adapts well to fabrics with stripes as pictured or to printed patterns. For example, one could be upholstered in the “Strawberry Thieves” pattern popularized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, and would be quite grand. In a floral pattern, the sofa could look more formal or casual. Marcia has a huge variety of fabrics to choose from and will work with you ahead of time to make the right choice for your project.
All skill levels are welcome.
Materials Fee: $50
1/144 Scale Southwestern Room Box
Fran Sussman, IGMA Artisan
In this class, students will construct and fill a 1/144th scale (dollhouse for dollhouse sized) stand-alone wooden roombox inspired by the New Mexico Dining Room (A34) in the Thorne Gallery at the Art Institute of Chicago. The interior of our roombox is about 1 5/8" wide, 7/8" deep, and 1 1/8" tall. The roombox is fronted by a picture frame so that it can be set into a wall (if desired), and the top is partially open to allow light in.
The focus in class is on furnishing a scene full of detail that entices the viewer to look more closely. Due to class length, the box itself will be partially assembled and some wood components will be pre-stained for the students. After completing the box structure, students will work with spackle, paint, and weathering powders to build the fireplace. Students will then both scratch build and use 3D printed parts to make furniture and accessories. The floor rug is printed on fabric, but students can purchase an optional petit point chart and kit (from Natalia Frank of Art of Petit Point), if they would like to add that extra detail.
As much as possible, real wood and wood veneer are used to produce an authentic look. Paints, weathering powders, and inks give added realism. Etched metal pieces, jewelry findings, and other items provide fine detail. Students will learn how to work with and combine these diverse materials to produce a harmonious and realistic interior. The students should complete the roombox and furnishings during class time, although some final details may be added and assembly may occur at home after class.
Students should have adequate magnification (if needed) and lighting appropriate for working in small scale. It will help if students are comfortable reading an imperial (1/32", 1/16", etc.) ruler.
All skill levels are welcome.
Materials Fee: $110
Sign Making/Carving Creative Paperclay®
Tori West, IGMA Fellow
Creative Paperclay® modeling material is the perfect medium for carving signs and creating trade signs. Unlike carving in wood, clay mistakes can be seamlessly repaired, and there’s no need to worry about - “going with the grain”. The finished carving can be made to look like wood or just about any other material. In this class students will carve and paint a rustic “Welcome” sign (signpost not included). Other types of signs will be discussed, and students will learn about how to use various techniques for painting, transfers, adding additional material, hanging the signs, etc. Completion of the welcome sign is very likely, and the instructor will have additional clay and clay “blanks” so that students can work on creating their own sign designs.
All skill levels are welcome.
Materials Fee: $30
A deposit of $100 is required to secure a space in the Guild Study Program at Tucson. Full payment is due by July 1, 2026.
If registering after July 1, 2026, include full payment. Instructors will contact their students with further information regarding their classes and instructions on payment of materials fees.
Students who are registered and paid in full by July 1 will be assigned to their first-choice class if at all possible. If any classes are oversubscribed, a drawing will be conducted to determine class assignments. If the first-choice class is filled, the student will be assigned to his/her second, or if that is filled, then third, or fourth choice as listed on the registration form. Any student who lists only a first choice and does not get into the class will have his/her registration fee returned. In the event of all classes being filled, your registration fee will be returned.
Cancellations: In the event you must cancel, a refund minus a $25 cancellation fee will be made for cancellations prior to July 1, 2026. After July 1, a refund will be given only if another student can fill your place.
You can pay your deposit and register online or by mail.
To pay your $100 deposit and register through our secure online payment system, click on the red button below.
You also have the option to pay for the full tuition now.
*Please note that any registrations made without payment will be automatically deleted from our system and we will not see them. If you wish to pay by check please send by mail with your printed application below.
To register by mail, click on the button below to download the registration form. Fill out the form and include payment information or check and mail to: Sophia Harris, Guild Administrator, International Guild of Miniature Artisans, Ltd., PO Box 3643, Hollywood, FL 33083.
Download Registration Form (PDF)
Sophia Harris, Guild Administrator
Phone: 800-711-4462
Email: sophia.harris@igma.org