Open Studio

Established in 2008, the Open Studio is a community-based program that aims to provide informal arts learning opportunities to participants of all ages. Participants have introductory exposure and exploration within a medium, under the guidance of a practicing artist. For more information or to register for a workshop please email Holly and Meagan at open_studio@hotmail.com

2011 - 2012 Open Studio Workshops

Tools and Techniques for Beginning and Experienced Artists

with Joanne Gervais (www.joannegervais.com)

Wednesday, September 28, 6 pm-8 pm

$20 fee (includes materials)

Learn how to use the tools of the trade; an often neglected part of an artist’s education. Joanne will introduce techniques such as scoring, pouncing, lead grooving, edging, and transferring using a variety of equipment and tools. Come prepared with erasers, sharpeners, sandpaper, rulers, squares, pencils, charcoal, pastels and other materials of your own to discover the hidden potential behind the tools of the trade.

Here’s Frankie Pumpkin Sculpting

with Diane Irwin (www.workshopwizards.com)  

Wednesday, October 19^th, 6 pm-8 pm

$10 fee Participants please bring your own pumpkin

Just in time for Hallowe’en, this workshop involves carving pumpkins using clay sculpting tools. Participants will learn how to carve a face into their pumpkins. With a hands-on instructional approach, a detailed nose, mouth, teeth, and hair will be created step-by-step into character.

Lino Printing for Beginners

with Claire Grady-Smith (http://clairegradysmith.com)

Wednesday, November 9, 6 pm - 8 pm

$20 fee (includes materials)

In this introductory workshop, participants will learn how to draw a design that will function as a linocut, transferring their drawing to a lino “plate.” Participants will come away with one or more small lino plates, which can each produce approximately 100 prints! Use these for making cards, art pieces, wrapping paper, wall details, and more.

Sound, Movement, and Poetry Collage Workshop

with artist-in-residence Michelle Silagy ( http://artists.icancreateit.com)

Monday, January 23^rd, 6 pm-8 pm

$10 Registration fee

This workshop is designed for actors, dancers, writers, and artists of all disciplines who wish to explore their form in and of itself and in relationship to the world around them. Connections between music, motion, and poetry will be made and further supported by the act of journaling via self-generated maps made of text, symbols, and images. Individuals are encouraged to dig into their own processes in the presence of others while having personal time to indulge in a delicious dose of creativity intended to enrich their current practices.  The intent of the Sound, Movement and Poetry Collage workshop is to provide context and meaning to different ways of seeing and being. Participants should wear layered comfortable clothing and footwear conducive for movement and bring a journal to write in. Additional paper and tools will be provided. 

Silly Sock Creatures

with graphic and textile artist Kiley Rider ( http://www.kileyrider.ca)

Monday, February 13^th, 6 pm-8 pm

$10 Registration fee  

Participants will create one-of-a-kind plush creatures with up-cycled socks. Basic sewing skills are suggested for this workshop.

10 Easy Steps to Creating a Solid Plot

with writer Glen C. Strathy ( http://www.glen-c-strathy.com/)

Wednesday, April 18th, 6 pm-8 pm

$10 Registration fee

How do fiction writers create original plots that are dramatically sound and emotionally compelling? Whether you are a novelist, playwright, or a teacher of creative writing, you will find this 10-step process derived from Dramatica Theory to be a fast and effective way to create better stories. This workshop will walk you through the entire process. You may bring a story idea you are working on, or create one during the course of the 2-hour workshop. Either way, you'll leave with a solid plot outline for your next work of fiction.

Previous Workshops	Facilitator
2010-2011
Haiku Poetry	Philomene Kocher
Face and Body Drama Workshop	Elizabeth Morris
Aboriginal Hand Drumming and Social Singing	Gwenith Kikkewa
Felting - Vessels	Andrea Graham
Art without the Thinker - Acrylics	Heidi Mack
Introduction to Soapstone Carving	John Sabourin
2009-2010
Introduction to Soapstone Carving	John Sabourin
Eco-Arts	Heather O’Reilly
The Craft of the Novel	Helen Humphreys
Art without the Thinker - Mixed Media	Heidi Mack
Step Dancing	Sheeshum & Lotus
Jewellery Making	Havery Shultz
2008-2009
Taiko Drumming	Yakudo
Haiku Poetry	Philomene Kocher
Face and Body Drama Workshop	Elizabeth Morris
Introduction to Soapstone Carving	John Sabourin
Songwriting	Fireweed
Rhythm and Metaphor: A Poetry Workshop	Michael Lockett