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• COURSE- Drawing with Coloured Pencils with Terry Torra

  • Start
    21 May 2024
  •  
  • End
    25 Jun 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Studio Space (1st floor)
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  Tuesdays, May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25 (6 weeks). 

  
  

  Adv $168/Reg $176

  Please note: Students supply the materials for their course- see Supplies List below description:

  This session is intended for students with at least medium drawing skills. The emphasis will be on expanding the expressive nature of your drawings through the use of colour. Some topics include drawing techniques using colour, the expressive nature of colour and the nature of the medium and its potential and limitations. 

  Supplies List

  • Set of coloured pencils (minimum 12+), such as Prismacolour, Derwent or Faber Castell. 

  • Sketchbook 9” x 12”, suggested Strathmore 300, or other with at least 50lb paper 

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• COURSE- Crochet For All with Maria Mesquita

  • Start
    23 May 2024
  •  
  • End
    27 Jun 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Studio Space (1st floor)
  • Spaces left
    12

  Register

  Thursdays, 1 – 3 pm. May 23, May 23, 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27 (6 weeks)

  
  

  Adv $168/Reg $176

  Please note: Students supply the materials for their course- see Supplies List below description:

  
  

  Crochet is a relaxing, uplifting and creative activity that requires few supplies and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. "Crochet for all" is a course for anyone who wishes to start learning or is aiming to improve their skills (no previous experience required). You will learn how to chain and crochet basic stitches first. Then you can choose to work on your own project or try one of the projects suggested by the instructor. 

  
  

  Supplies list: 

  • Some materials for sampling will be supplied 

  • Yarn and crochet hook, for individual project, in consultation with the instructor

  Show details
• COURSE- Hand Bound Books 2 with Linda Brine

  • Start
    23 May 2024
  •  
  • End
    27 Jun 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Studio Space (First Floor)
  • Spaces left
    14

  Register

  Thursdays, 4 - 6 pm. May 23, 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27 (6 weeks).

  
  

  
  

  Adv $168/Reg $176 + $35 materials fee

  Building on the skills acquired in Hand Bound Books 1, participants will undertake two advanced structures: a multiple signature hard bound codex binding and a box with a hinged lid. Hand Bound Books 1 and/or previous experience required.

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• COURSE- Painting from the Figure with Baz Kanold

  • Start
    23 May 2024
  •  
  • End
    27 Jun 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Program Space (2nd Floor)
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  Thursdays, 4 – 6 pm. May 23, 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27 (6 weeks).

  
  

  Adv $168/Reg $176 plus $60 model fee.

  Alongside learning painting techniques, this course will also go more into how to better capture skin tones and colours through paint. Using a model, increase your skill at representing the human form and find your own unique style! 

  Supplies list:

  • 2 canvas boards (just canvas wrapped board) ~ 11 x 14 or bigger

  • 1 stretched canvas 

  • Paint of choice (acrylic and/or oil) -- at least with black, white, blue, red, and yellow (preferably ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, and cadmium yellow but any will be fine)

  • If oil, please also bring oil medium of choice (e.g., linseed oil) and gamsol

  • Set of brushes -- at least 1 small (~half an inch) and 2 larger (1 inch+)

  • reusable or tear-away palette

  Show details
• COURSE - Oil Painting Level 2: Layering, and Texturing with Soroush Dabiri

  • Start
    23 May 2024
  •  
  • End
    27 Jun 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Studio Space (1st floor)
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  Thursdays, May 23, 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27. (6 weeks)

  
  

  Adv $168/Reg $176

  Please note: Students supply the materials for their course- see Supplies List below description:

  Elevate your oil painting skills to new heights in our Intermediate Level Course, where we'll delve into mastering the technique of creating texture through analyzing a source image and the layering process.

  In this immersive journey into the world of oil painting, you will explore the intricacies of analyzing source images, establishing a harmonious palette, and mastering the art of layering. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll learn how to transform your visions into stunning works of art, infused with depth, dimension, and vibrant color.

  Throughout the course, you'll explore the transformative power of layering, discovering how to apply multiple layers of oil paint to create dynamic compositions that captivate the imagination. From subtle shifts in tone and texture to bold contrasts of light and shadow, you'll learn how to breathe life into your artwork with each carefully crafted layer.

  But mastering oil painting isn't just about technique – it's about understanding the nuances of color mixing and composition, and how to use them to convey emotion and narrative in your work. Through a series of hands-on exercises and demonstrations, you'll gain the confidence to experiment with color and form, pushing the boundaries of your creativity with each stroke of the brush.

  Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to refine your skills or a passionate learner eager to take your art to the next level, this course offers something for everyone. Join me and unlock the secrets of oil painting mastery, as you discover the joy of bringing your artistic visions to life on canvas. 

  Supply List

  Oil Paints: 37ml tubes of Winton Oil Colour: 

  • Titanium White 

  • Ivory Black 

  • Burnt Sienna 

  • Yellow Ochre 

  • Viridian Hue 

  • Permanent green light 

  • Phthalo Blue 

  • French Ultramarine 

  • Cadmium Red Deep Hue 

  • Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue 

  Paint brushes:

  • Flat brushes, #1, 4, 8, and 12.

  Palette Cup 

  Medium: 

  • Linseed oil 

  • Turpentine 

  Canvas or Painting Surface: 

  • Stretched Canvas, 11” x 14” 

  • Canva-Paper; an economical alternative to canvas 

  Rags or Paper Towels: These are essential for wiping brushes, cleaning up spills, and creating texture in the paint. 

  Palette Sealable Container: Useful for storing and preserving leftover paint for future use.

  Brush Cleaner: A gentle brush cleaner is needed for cleaning brushes after painting.

  Sketching Materials: Pencils, charcoal, or other sketching materials are useful for planning and sketching out the composition before applying paint.

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• COURSE- Explorations in Stitching with Baz Kanold

  • Start
    24 May 2024
  •  
  • End
    28 Jun 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Studio Space (First Floor)
  • Spaces left
    7

  Register

  Fridays, 7 - 9 pm. May 24, 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28 (6 weeks). 

  
  

  Adv $168/Reg $176 

  Please note: Students supply the materials for their course- see Supplies List below description:

  Whether you're a novice or advanced stitcher, this course will guide you through different projects to let you get more creative with how you use stitching. We will play with different hand stitching techniques to create stitched portraits, basic embroidery techniques, and fabric collaging to make something entirely unique -- all while doing our best to use old or found fabrics to promote environmentally friendly art techniques!

  Supply List:

  Creative Stitch Kit (available in BFA Gift Shop) or bring your own: 

  • Embroidery Hoop (5” or 6”)

  • Pack Embroidery Needles

  • 1 metre white cotton fabric 

  • several colours of embroidery floss

  • re-cycled fabric

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• COURSE- Watercolour Painting En Plein Air with Soroush Dabiri

  • Start
    25 May 2024
  •  
  • End
    29 Jun 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    OUTSIDE! (TBA)
  • Spaces left
    8

  Register

  Saturdays, 10:30 – 12:30 pm. May 25, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (6 weeks). 

  
  

  Adv $168/Reg $176

  Please note: Students supply the materials for their course- see Supplies List below description:

  Step into the great outdoors and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of plein air watercolor painting! In this course, we'll journey into nature's beauty as we explore the techniques and nuances of painting with watercolour. Through the practices, you'll learn to harness the transformative power of watercolour as we delve into representing the breathtaking landscapes and scenes that surround us. Through a series of hands-on demonstrations and exercises, you'll master essential watercolour techniques and washes, honing your skills with each brushstroke. This course is about more than just experiencing the medium – it's about developing a keen eye and a deeper understanding of colour, light, and shadow. By observing and capturing the subtle gradations of natural light, you'll enhance your sight skills, laying a strong foundation for your journey as a visual artist. Dig into the world of color observation as we explore the darkness, brightness, warmth, and coolness of diverse tonal values found in the ever-changing light of daylight. Through thoughtful analysis and practice, you'll learn to discern and replicate these tonal variations, refining your ability to capture the essence of your surroundings on paper. Join me on this artistic adventure as we blend creativity with the beauty of the natural world. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist seeking inspiration, this course offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and unleash your creativity.

  
  

  Supplies:

  1- Cotman Watercolour set 

  2- Mixed head type and sizes watercolour paint brush; Flat, round, and fine

  3- Watercolour Paper block. About 8 x 10 inches or any similar sizes

  4- Small water container

  5- Rag or paper towel 

  6- Small size drawing board 

  Show details
• WORKSHOP- Charcoal Drawing Fundamentals with Soroush Dabiri

  • When
    25 May 2024
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Studio Space (First Floor)
  • Spaces left
    13

  Register

  
  

  Adv $42/Reg $48 + $7 materials fee

  Embark on a creative journey into the captivating world of charcoal drawing in our exclusive one-day intensive workshop! Designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of charcoal drawing techniques, this workshop is perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Throughout the day, you'll be immersed in the rich textures and expressive potential of charcoal as we explore various types of charcoal and essential accessories. From vine charcoal to compressed charcoal, you'll learn how to select the right tools to bring your artistic vision to life. Guided by experienced instructors, you'll dive into the process of analyzing a source image and simplifying complex figures to their essential elements. Through a series of hands-on exercises, you would have the better understanding of tonal values, carefully observing light and shadow to create depth and dimension in your drawings. But this workshop isn't just about technique – it's about unleashing your creativity and discovering the unique expressiveness of charcoal. As you experiment with different mark-making techniques and explore the versatility of charcoal, you'll gain the confidence to bring your artistic visions to life on paper. By the end of the workshop, you'll have developed a solid foundation in charcoal drawing techniques and acquired the skills to confidently tackle future projects. Whether you're drawn to portraiture, still life, or landscapes, the principles you learn in this workshop will serve as a valuable foundation for your artistic journey.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• WORKSHOP- Mokuhanga: Japanese Woodblock Print with Elizabeth Forrest

  • Start
    1 Jun 2024
  •  
  • End
    2 Jun 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Studio Space (First Floor)
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  
  

  Saturday-Sunday, June 1 - 2. 1 - 5 pm. 

  Adv $112/Reg $120 + $30 materials fee

  This introductory workshop will focus on different approaches to carving your image into the woodblock followed by waterbased mokuhanga printing using either one colour or two blended colours.  Working from an image participants bring with them, simplified forms will be traced onto the woodblock, and participants will explore creating texture with a variety of carving tools to add vitality and dimension to the image. Printing methods address a variety of pigment applications with brushes to make the most of your carved image.

  Supplies list:

  • Bring an image to trace for woodblock print

  
  

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• KIDS COURSE- Drawing from the Natural World: Youth Drawing Ages 9 – 12 with Allie Brenner

  • Start
    4 Jun 2024
  •  
  • End
    25 Jun 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Studio Space (1st floor)
  • Spaces left
    13

  Register

  Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6 pm. June 4, 11, 18 and 25. 

  
  

  Please note: no class May 1
  

  Adv $84/Reg $92 + $8 materials fee

  Do you feel most creative in nature? Are you a fan of foliage or fungi? In this class we will focus on an appreciation of natural forms through both traditional and experimental drawing exercises. Open yourself up to the magic of the natural world through outdoor adventurers in mixed media drawing as we explore sketching, frottage, line and contour, paper cut techniques and journaling. 

  Classes are held both outdoors in the City Hall green space and in the studio at Button Factory Arts. Sign in each day at Button Factory Arts.

  
  

  
  

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• COURSE- Floral Watercolours with Moumita Roychowdhury

  • Start
    5 Jun 2024
  •  
  • End
    26 Jun 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Studio Space (1st floor)
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Wednesdays, 7 - 9 pm. June 5, 12, 19, 26 (4 weeks)

  
  

  Adv $112/Reg $119

  Please note: Students supply the materials for their course- see Supplies List below description:

  This class aims to explore the beauty of different shapes and sizes of flowers using watercolours. We will paint a different kind of flower in each class and learn how to paint them using the best colour schemes. The class will talk about colour theory, values and various wash techniques both loose and detailed. 

  Supplies List:

  • Watercolour paper (140 lb or higher)

  • A Board to fix the paper on

  • Masking tape for fixing paper on board

  • Pencil, Eraser for sketching

  • Watercolour paint brushes – 1 round brush (medium), 1 round (fine tip), 1 flat brush

  • Roll of paper towels or cotton rags

  • Container of water

  • Palette

  • Masking Fluid/Frisket

  • Salt (Table salt/sea salt/rock salt - any salt)

  • Watercolour paints, colours should include:

  • A warm red (Cadmium/Pyrrole Red)

  • A cool red (Alizarin Crimson, opera pink)

  • A cool yellow (Cadmium Yellow Light/Lemon Yellow)

  • A warm yellow (Nickel Azo Yellow/Cadmium Yellow Deep)

  • A warm blue (Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue)

  • A cool blue (Phthalo Blue)

  • Payne's Grey/ Neutral tint

  • White gouache or white watercolours

  Show details
• WORKSHOP- Painted Floorcloth with Connie Melnik

  • When
    8 Jun 2024
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Studio Space (First Floor)
  • Spaces left
    12

  Register

  
  

  Adv $42/Reg $48 + $10 materials fee

  Assorted sizes of linoleum will be used to create your very own floor cloth for a unique touch on your kitchen or bathroom floor. Using acrylic paint and a fixative spray afterwards this floor cloth will be both attractive and durable. The studio will supply basic colours, but feel free to add your own gold or silver acrylics for a more flamboyant effect to your small masterpiece.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• WORKSHOP- Cyano-Print/Stitch Part 1 & 2 with Kate Short and Baz Kanold

  • Start
    15 Jun 2024
  •  
  • End
    22 Jun 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Studio Space (First Floor)
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  Adv $75/Reg $84 + $15 materials fee

  This 2 part Cyano-Stitch workshop invites participants to stitch into the patterns and  images exposed onto pre-treated Cyano paper and fabric. Explore expressive stitch mark-making against the background the cyano-prints created in Part 1!

  Participants please note: Bring the paper and fabric Cyano prints created in Part 1. 

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• WORKSHOP- Botanical Monoprints with Anne Williamson

  • When
    15 Jun 2024
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Studio Space (First Floor)
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  
  

  Adv $42/Reg $48 + $25 materials fee

  Assorted sizes of linoleum will be used to create your very own floor cloth for a unique touch on your kitchen or bathroom floor. Using acrylic paint and a fixative spray afterwards this floor cloth will be both attractive and durable. The studio will supply basic colours, but feel free to add your own gold or silver acrylics for a more flamboyant effect to your small masterpiece.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• CAMP: Maker Magic

  • Start
    2 Jul 2024
  •  
  • End
    5 Jul 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    25 Regina Street, 1st floor
  • Spaces left
    13

  Register

  A week of art, crafts, and science combined! Inspired by the great artists and makers throughout time.

  

  Camp: Maker Magic

  This week we’ll create projects that are inspired by inventors, art enthusiastic scientists, and creative makers such as Beatrix Potter, Maria Sibylla Merian, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Da Vinci. We’ll explore the themes and mediums that these artists worked in such as watercolour, pencil, charcoal, acrylic, and more!

  New this year, we will be splitting the group by age so the younger students and older students will be in two groups. Ages 6 to 14

  Full Week (4 days only)  $221 members | $260 non-members 

  9 am - 4:30 pm. Early Drop off: 8:45; Pick up 4:30 - 5:15. 

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• CAMP: The Great Art Escape

  • Start
    8 Jul 2024
  •  
  • End
    12 Jul 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    25 Regina Street, 1st floor
  • Spaces left
    7

  Register

  Spend each day exploring a new medium and new style of art! Featuring mixed-media projects and choose-your-own-art-adventure activities.

  

  Camp: The Great Art Escape

  This week we’ll spend each day exploring a new medium with activities  inspired by famous artists. Mediums we’ll be exploring include clay sculpting, acrylic painting, mixed media drawing, pastel drawing, printmaking and more!

  
  

  Full Week  $276.25 members | $325 non-members 

  9:15 am - 4:30 pm. Early Drop off: 8:45 - 9:15; Pick up 4:30 - 5:15. 

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• CAMP: 3D Discoveries

  • Start
    15 Jul 2024
  •  
  • End
    19 Jul 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    25 Regina Street, 1st floor
  • Spaces left
    15

  Register

  A week of camp focused on 3D crafting, construction, and sculpting!

  

  Camp: 3D Discoveries

  This week we’ll explore all the ways of making 3D art! Try out clay sculpting, cardboard construction, 3D painting, mask making, and more!

  
  

  Full Week  $276.25 members | $325 non-members 

  9:15 am - 4:30 pm. Early Drop off: 8:45 - 9:15; Pick up 4:30 - 5:15. 

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• CAMP: Line, Shape, & Colour

  • Start
    22 Jul 2024
  •  
  • End
    26 Jul 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    25 Regina Street, 1st floor
  • Spaces left
    14

  Register

  Great for young artists who are just starting their creative journey or experienced young artists looking to expand their skills!

  

  Camp: Line, Shape, & Colour

  Beginner artists will learn foundational skills, and helpful tips & tricks. More experienced artists can expect to learn more about the art mediums that they love.

  This week we’ll learn about all the incredible and fun ways to use Line, Shape, and Colour to make art! Our projects will explore mediums such as water colour, collage, painting, and sculpture!

  Full Week  $276.25 members | $325 non-members 

  9:15 am - 4:30 pm. Early Drop off: 8:45 - 9:15; Pick up 4:30 - 5:15. 

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• CAMP: Magical and Mystical

  • Start
    29 Jul 2024
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    2 Aug 2024
  •  
    4:30 PM
  • Location
    25 Regina Street, 1st floor
  • Spaces left
    9

  Register

  A week full of magic and whimsy!

  

  Camp: Magical and Mystical

  ​Curiouser, and curiouser.... Explore art through magical creatures, mystical scenes, and imaginary worlds.

  ​Full Week  $276.25 members | $325 non-members 

  9:15 am - 4:30 pm. Early Drop off: 8:45 - 9:15; Pick up 4:30 - 5:15. 

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• CAMP: The Latest and Greatest

  • Start
    5 Aug 2024
  •  
  • End
    9 Aug 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    25 Regina Street, 1st floor
  • Spaces left
    16

  Register

  Inspired by the great artists throughout history and more recent artists that we’ve come to love!

  

  Camp: The Latest and Greatest

  During this week of camp we’ll learn about famous artists throughout time, some old and some who lived and worked more recently. Artists that will inspire are projects include Maud Lewis, Kazuo Nakamura, Rita Letendre, the Group of Seven, and many more!

  Full Week  $276.25 members | $325 non-members 

  9:15 am - 4:30 pm. Early Drop off: 8:45 - 9:15; Pick up 4:30 - 5:15. 

  Show details
• CAMP: Adventures in Art

  • Start
    12 Aug 2024
  •  
  • End
    16 Aug 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    25 Regina Street, 1st floor
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  A week of camp inspired by Art Attack! We’ll do wacky crafts, fun sculptures, and explore unconventional art making materials!

  

  Camp: Adventures in Art

  Spend the week with us exploring wacky ways of making art! Using materials in new ways, learning more about your favourite mediums, and having a blast making fun projects!

  Full Week  $276.25 members | $325 non-members 

  9:15 am - 4:30 pm. Early Drop off: 8:45 - 9:15; Pick up 4:30 - 5:15. 

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• CAMP: Print-a-pa-looza & the Magic of Zine Making

  • Start
    19 Aug 2024
  •  
  • End
    23 Aug 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    25 Regina Street, 1st floor
  • Spaces left
    8

  Register

  Spend a week exploring the many forms of printmaking! Plus, we’ll explore fun projects such as comic book creating, illustration, and mini-magazine (Zine) making!

  

  Camp: Print-a-pa-looza & the Magic of Zine Making

  During this week of camp we’ll learn various types of printmaking including lino block, silk screening, cyanotype, and more! Plus fun activities including book making, comic book drawing, and making mini magazines!

  Full Week  $276.25 members | $325 non-members 

  9:15 am - 4:30 pm. Early Drop off: 8:45 - 9:15; Pick up 4:30 - 5:15. 

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• CAMP: Unexpected Artforms

  • Start
    26 Aug 2024
  •  
  • End
    30 Aug 2024
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    25 Regina Street, 1st floor
  • Spaces left
    16

  Register

  There are so many ways to create art! Why not try something new!

  

  Camp: Unexpected Artforms

  During this week of camp we’ll explore ways of making art that aren’t as well known. Try out art making techniques such as fibre arts, mask making, folk art, puppets, murals, mosaics, and more!

  Full Week  $276.25 members | $325 non-members 

  9:15 am - 4:30 pm. Early Drop off: 8:45 - 9:15; Pick up 4:30 - 5:15. 

  Show details