All BreyerFest ticket types will be on sale later this month, but if you’re still trying to figure out which ticket is the right one for you, perhaps we can entice you with some fun workshops! Workshops won’t go on sale until after tickets are on sale, so there is plenty of time to figure out which sessions you’re most interested in.
All in-person workshops are hosted in the South Expo Hall of the Alltech Arena (on the opposite side of the building from there the Model Horse Shows are hosted) and are open to VIP and All-Access ticket holders only, with a select few only open to VIP ticket holders.
As a reminder, VIP ticket holders can register up to two people in a VIP workshop, but both of those people must be VIP ticket holders – accounts and class rosters are checked in advance of BreyerFest.
All in-person workshop sessions, even kids and beginner sessions, are geared towards ticket holders aged 7 and older, so please keep that in mind when planning your activities at BreyerFest. Our younger fans can enjoy activities in the Hands-on Hobby Tent and the Craft Tent, which are free!
Check out this year’s awesome lineup of VIP workshops –
Thursday, July 10th, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
75th Anniversary Party Outfits
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
This Thursday session is open to VIP ticket holders only and is the exclusive in-person offering of Trinity Honaker’s virtual workshop for this year’s BreyerFest. Celebrate Breyer’s 75th anniversary in style by creating festive accessories for a Traditional-sized Breyer model! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll craft a custom rope halter, colorful party hats, a celebratory sash, and a miniature flag banner to commemorate this milestone! Bring your model to life with unique, handcrafted pieces that capture the spirit of celebration and showcase your creative flair. This workshop is perfect for all skill levels, from beginner crafters to experienced hobbyists. All supplies are included – just bring your creativity and passion for model horses. A Breyer model is included with this session.
Please note that this session is at the same time as the Thursday sessions of Seeing Spots!, Diamond Jubilee Breyer Bridles, Coffee & Canvases, and Drawing Phish.
Friday, July 11th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Fleabitten!
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Join renowned finishwork artist Stephanie Blaylock as she teaches students how to paint an incredible fleabitten grey horse using pan pastels, acrylics, and colored pencils. In this session, Steph will show participants how to create the basecoat and then move on to splattering the fleabites. She will touch on patterning and how to detail and finish your horse, as well as teach techniques for working with acrylics and pastels. This class is suited to all skill levels, but some painting experience would be helpful. A model will be provided to students participating in this session.
Please note that this session is at the same time as Day at the Races Props, Circus Ponies, Introduction to Collecting & Showing Model Horses, and Repairing Horses.
Friday, July 11th, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Traditional Scale Carousel Horses
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Join long-time model horse artist and Breyer carousel ornament creator, Laura Rock-Smith, as she teaches you how to create a semi-armored signature carousel horse out of a Breyer Traditional scale model. In addition to learning the tricks and techniques of trapping designs, you’ll learn how to use a scaling tool to make fish scale armor, which is the most common form of armor for antique carousels. Participants will also receive a very special mini medallion marking Breyer’s 75th Anniversary which was sculpted by Laura and cast by her daughter just for this workshop! This special little medallion is what will be used to make your carousel horse into a signature horse – the star of any carousel! A Breyer model is included in this session.
Please note that this session is at the same time as Painting on Canvas for Kids, Just for Kids! Painting, Kids Rainbow Holo Pony Party, and Model Horse Photography.
Friday, July 11th, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Diamond Jubilee Breyer Bridles – Friday Session is Open to VIP Ticker Holders Only
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Skilled tackmaker LeeAnn Masters is back at BreyerFest with this anniversary-inspired bridle workshop! Learn how to create your own diamond jubilee bridle to use with your Traditional scale model horses. This will be an English-style bridle created with blue leather lace and blinged out with sparkly “diamonds” – a great keepsake for this anniversary celebration! A Breyer model is included with this session.
This class will be offered on Thursday morning to VIP & All-Access ticket holders, but on Friday afternoon to VIP ticket holders only. Participation in the Thursday session will preclude you from registering for the Friday session.
Please note that the Friday session is at the same time as Pinots & Pintos Painting, Rainbow Holo Happy Hour, Zebra Rainbow Rave, and Blending Acrylics.
Saturday, July 12th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Seeing Spots! Painting Appaloosa Blankets – Saturday Session is Open to VIP Ticker Holders Only
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
There will be two chances to participate in this sell-out session! Join Darynn Bednarczyk of DeeJayBe Studios in this workshop all about painting appaloosas. You will learn the different patterns, their relation to hair growth, and how to achieve realistic spots using various methods with acrylic paints. A Breyer model is included with this session.
This class will be offered on Thursday morning to VIP & All-Access ticket holders, but on Saturday morning to VIP ticket holders only. Participation in the Thursday session will preclude you from registering for the Saturday session.
Please note that the Saturday session is at the same time as Leather Armor Crinet, Board & Bristol, Freedom Series Carousel Horses, and Mini Whinnie Barns.
Saturday, July 12th, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
75th Anniversary Clocks
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Inspired by the clock that started it all, the #57 Palomino Western Horse clock, as well as the 50th Anniversary Palomino Saddlebred clock, this workshop will guide you through creating your very own Breyer 75th anniversary clock. Artist Vincent Lange will take you through the process of creating and painting your working wooden clock and adorning it with the Breyer Freedom Series Palomino Saddlebred! A model is included with this session.
Please note that this session is at the same time as Watercolor Painting, Dragon Fire Fantasy-Inspired Costume, Mosaic Horses, and Making Mari Lwyds.
Sunday July 13th, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Creating Kirins
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Let your imagination run wild! Canadian artist and master of fantasy Janine Haq is back with us in-person at BreyerFest to teach this incredible and unique customization class. In this workshop, participants will customize a Breyer Freedom Series model into a fantasy creature known as a “Kirin.” These mythological beasts include features like scales, fur, horns, and lion’s tails. Janine will guide you through the addition of these components to your model as you let your imagination come to life! A Breyer model is included in this session.
Please note that this session is at the same time as Drawing Phish, Every Day we Scuttling, Western Fringed Breastcollars, and Sculpting Mini Manes & Tails.