Chris

If I remember right Sandy is within daily driving distance of Crafts Supply.

So if I was you I'd do both.

Your concern with your experience level is not shared by the typical student. When I took the 5 Utah 5 Class back in 2005 I thought I was getting pretty good. The first thing that happened was that I was shown a better way to sharpen and wow my skills and enjoyment increased five fold in a matter of moments. My class mates varied from a guy that had been a student at CS twice a year for 5 or 6 years to a Mother/Daughter team that had each turn a couple pens prior to signing up.

Pick an instructor that is dong a style of work you enjoy. OR just pick based on the class that fits your schedule. And go enjoy!

Symposiums you watch the instructor and learn, they are great but the enviroment offers what it offers. At a class the instructor will watch you and help you adjust to improve. Having an instructor 'hold your hand' so to speak is a very powerful learning method.

Frank