Big Oak Arts is located in the beautiful Sierra Foothills, where the oaks meet the pines. Our grounds feature a wide variety of lush foliage, gardens, paths and ponds - a quiet forest retreat where students can focus on their own personal learning experience. There are paths, ponds and garden vignettes where you can wander during breaks. Comfortable, affordable lodgings are available just 5 miles away in historic Placerville in the heart of the California Gold Country. This is a resort area with excellent restaurants, shopping, B&B's, hiking and gold panning, and is less than 90 minutes from Lake Tahoe. Plan on spending an extra day or two if you can. Click Here for tourist information

When should I arrive?
Classes start at 9 am unless otherwise listed. On the first day please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early, and about 10-15 min. early on subsequent days, so everyone is ready to start on time. We will have coffee, tea, fruit and snacks available, and regular breaks will be allowed. Although most classes are scheduled to 5pm, it's best if you can be somewhat flexible about the end time each day, as sometimes classes may go over. Back to Top

How do I get there?
From Sacramento, take Highway 50 East toward South Lake Tahoe. Exit at Missouri Flat Road and turn right (South) toward Diamond Springs about 1 mi. At the Tee, turn left (East) on Pleasant Valley Road. Continue through Diamond Springs and beyond about 3.5 miles until you see Select Video/Country Kitchen on the right and turn right (South) at Oak Hill Rd. Turn right again on the first street, Big Oak Road. We are the 4th property on the right at 1671 Big Oak Road, there's a wood slat fence and gate (should be open). There are two driveways, either of which has parking available. The first driveway will lead directly to the house, so just walk past the house to the smaller building beyond. The second driveway will lead directly to the workshop building. Google Map

For your convenience, having a car is recommended. Although public transportion is available, times and routes are limited, and several transfers are required. Contact us if you want more information.
If you are interested in sharing transportation and/or lodging expenses with another student, let us know and we will provide a way for you to contact one another when the workshop is within about 30 days. However we can't guarantee you a room mate or ride-share partner Back to Top

What do I need to bring?
• Most classes will have supplies included or loaned, unless noted. However, each class is a little different, see the description for details. Or you may optionally want to bring your own familiar brushes or other materials.
• Because this a studio environment, be sure to wear comfortable clothes that you won't mind getting paint on.
• Morning snacks and full lunch will be provided, and a variety of snacks and drinks will be available throughout the day.
• Let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or other special needs.
• If applicable, we are happy to help you pack up your class samples for return travel. If you don't want to take it on an airplane, we will be happy to ship it to you. Back to Top

What are your payment/cancellation policies?

• A 50% deposit is required for class registration, via credit card or check. The balance is due the first day of class.
• You may cancel a workshop up to four weeks before the start date to receive a full refund of your deposit, less a $25 administrative fee, or you may apply it towards another workshop.
• If you cancel within 30 days of the workshop, we cannot refund the deposit, but you can apply it to a future workshop. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the workshop is scheduled to begin, the deposit is forfeit and cannot be refunded or applied to a different workshop.
  
• If we must cancel or reschedule a workshop, you can receive a full refund, or apply it to the rescheduled class.
• Upon receipt of your deposit you will receive a confirmation letter or email.

What else is there to see and do?
• The Gold Country is rich with history, and offers world class rafting, hiking, mountain biking, boating, kayaking, gold panning, fishing and other seasonal activities within easy driving distance. Placerville has a charming downtown shopping district, and several other famous Gold Country tourist areas are within a fairly short drive.
• Apple Hill Harvest Festival takes place nearby during the fall, featuring fresh locally grown apple and farm products, as well as crafts by area artisans, and music at selected times.
• Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the excellent vineyards and tasting rooms in the area.
• There are quite a few good restaurants in or near town, including the Sequoia,Tomei's, and Cafe Luna , and a number of others just a short drive away.
• Live music, theatre, and comedy can often be seen and heard on weekends and some weeknights at the Cozmic Cafe, The Sequoia, Imagination Theatre, and other venues.
• We are about a 90 minute drive to South Lake Tahoe resorts  and 45 minutes from downtown Sacramento.
For more information visit http://www.visit-eldorado.com/ Back to Top

Where can I stay?
Here is a partial list of lodgings near Big Oak Arts. Our guests have had good experiences at all these locations, and several offer discounts to our students.
If you are interested in sharing transportation and/or lodging expenses with another student, let us know and we will provide a way for you to contact one another when the workshop is within about 30 days. However we can't assure you a room mate or ride-share partner

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Best Western Placerville Inn
6850 Greenleaf Dr. Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 622-9100 Manager: Dee
Includes breakfast, Microwave, refrigerator
Located right off Hwy 50 at Missouri Flat Rd and close to restaurants, supermarkets, etc.\
Website

Albert Shafsky House
2942 Coloma Street (Hwy 49) Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 642-2776
www.shafsky.com   Manager: Rita
Rates for Big Oak Arts Students are 25% off regular rates.
Rooms available with one bed only.
This is a nice B&B in the historic district and close to shops, restaurants, etc.

Mother Lode Motel
1940 Broadway Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 622-0895

Robin’s Nest Ranch & the Fleming Jones Homestead
3170 Newtown Road Placerville CA 95667
(530) 344-0943
Mark and Robin Miller
www.robinsnestranch.com
Rates for Big Oak Arts Students: 15-20% off Call for specifics
Suite with 2 rooms that would accommodate three people in separate beds
Bunkhouse room can accommodate a cot for 2nd person
Smaller rooms with one bed will be discounted by $15.00 if only one person.
This is a rural ranch not far from the studio, but not within easy walking distance to restaurants, etc.

Gold Country Deck House
www.goldcountrydeckhouse.com/
421 Diana Street Placerville, CA 95667
(510) 638-2207
Vacation home rental

For more information visit http://www.visit-eldorado.com/

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