Gary's Pens & Kaleidoscopes

08/24/2026

This will be a small class so if you are interested sign up soon.

Create your own unique kaleidoscope! You'll want to grab your spot before they're gone. Sign up today!

07/07/2026

Yes I'm still making kaleidoscopes and if you're interested, here is an unusual one. It's called a marble kaleidoscope because the object creating the image is a marble. The construction offers some significant challenges and that's why you don't see them very often. This on is available at: https://garyskaleidoscopes.etsy.com/listing/4532629477

11/18/2023

Looking for a special Christmas gift? Or a gift for a special person? Consider a gift that you have made. Something that could become a keepsake and reminder of your love.
Make a kaleidoscope at this kaleidoscope building class.
Have fun while learning the basics of how a kaleidoscope works. Working with materials provided you will build a kaleidoscope. We will go through the process one step at a time.
• All materials are provided to make one kaleidoscope
• Choose from 20 different patterns for the body
• Choose the color wand that you like
• If you want to make more kaleidoscopes, additional kits are available at the class for $25 each to be made at your leisure
• This is a 3 hour class
• This is a video of the kaleidoscope we will make in class https://youtu.be/JUqEmWH5DHg
About the Instructor: Gary Kilsdonk
Gary is a retired pharmacist living in Sun City West and has been making kaleidoscopes as a hobby for 11 years. He has been teaching kaleidoscope classes for 8 years. You can see some of his kaleidoscopes at: https://photos.app.goo.gl/LVTTFDqresRmtQHQA
If you have any questions or need additional information contact Gary Kilsdonk at
[email protected]
Dates: Saturday December 9, 2023
Time: 12:30-3:30 PM
Course fee: $50
Class size minimum 6 maximum 12
Book online at https://www.wham-art.org/classes and click the Adult Workshops button on the left column
WHAM Art Center – 16560 N Dysart Road – Surprise, AZ 85378
Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10am to 4 pm
WHAM is a 501c(3) no-profit art organization, offering art classes, and a place where artists create, collaborate, display art serving the West Valley of Arizona.

03/25/2021

Recent work with the CNC machine (computer driven router). The Chinese symbols are walnut inlay and represent Love and Peace. Topped off with a dragon carved in walnut. Dimentions are approximately 9" x 6" x 5"

01/27/2020

Build your own kaleidoscope. Build a kaleidoscope like the one shown in the video. Chose from 20 different patterns for the body and chose the color wand that you like. Working with materials provided you will prepare the barrel, lens, viewing cap, and optic chamber as well as assemble and install the mirror system. A class has been schedduled for Feb 14, 2020 from 9am to noon as part of the Sun City West adult education program. (The Explore Program) This is open to the public over the age of 16. For more information and to register on-line please go to https://suncitywest.recsolutions.com/ct/client/home/session_information/1494
or contact Tamra Stark at 623-544-6194 or via email at [email protected]

10/22/2019

Fall shows are starting and I have an excellent selection of pens and kaleidoscopes right now. PM me if your looking for something and can't get to one of these shows.
Oct 19 & 20 - Autumnfest in Anthem
Nov 1 & 2 - Holidaze Craft Faire in Sun City
Nov 15 &16 - Advent Arts & Crafts Show Sun City West
Nov 17 - West Valley Symphony, Surprise
Dec 13, 14 & 15 - Phx Festival of the Arts, Phoenix
Dec 16 - Holiday Prelude Boutique - Phx Symphony charity event.
Dec 22 - West Valley Symphony, Surprise

09/29/2019

The kaleidoscope has been around for over 200 years. Time to think out of the box. This project was done by modifying front surface mirrors and use of internal LED lights. Think of space travel in to a new planet which has an aurora borealis type atmosphere. Turn up the sound and enjoy. What do you think of it?

09/19/2019

Proud to announce that Gary's Pens and Kaleidoscopes has two kaleidoscopes accepted into the juried AZ Art Alliance show titled "Partnerships" The show is held Sept 28th to Oct 24th at the Holland Gallery is located 34250 N. 60th Street, Bldg. B, Scottsdale, AZ 85266 off Carefree Highway. For details about the kaleidoscopes turn up the sound and see the videos:
Lighted Oak Kaleidoscope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2__AvGI_FYk
Steampunk Kaleidoscope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPapFUudswI

09/14/2019

Gary's Pens and Kaleidoscopes has just added 15 new kaleidoscopes to the Tucson Museum of Art Gift Shop. One of these may be just the gift you've been searching for.