Instructor: Gabrielle Strong This class will offer a glimpse into the world of acrylic painting at an entry-level. Throughout the duration of the course, students will learn an overview of how to use acrylic paints as well as a variety of methods and subjects to apply it to. This class is for anyone who wants to learn about acrylic painting in a relaxed and fun environment.

Students should bring an apron, 8×10” or larger sketchbook, and a pencil. Price includes all other materials.

January 16 to February 6,
Thursdays, 9:30-12:30

Members $207 | Non-Members $230

Instructor: Linda K Sellers

Have fun exploring the foundations of watercolour painting in this 5-week course. Students will learn the principals and techniques of this versatile and vibrant medium, along with helpful tips and tricks to encourage and inspire.

Please bring a smock or apron, a bag for carrying supplies, a small case for brushes, and a sketchbook.

All other materials will be provided.

February 11 to March 11,
Tuesdays 5:30-8:30

Members $252 | Non-Members $280

Instructor: Gale Woodhouse This two-day workshop is open to all levels and mediums, designed for those seeking new inspiration, re-energizing their creative process, finding a new direction, loosening up, or simply enjoying a fun time exploring and experimenting with art materials.

Using abstract processes and techniques, the group will create collage papers with prints, mark-making tools, and various mediums. Work will begin on paper and progress to acrylics on a medium-sized canvas.

The process encourages experimentation, and the techniques learned can be applied to any style or medium. Boldness, bravery, and fun are key to the success of this workshop

Everything you need will be provided but feel free to bring personal items.

Suggested supply list: An apron, rags, brushes and other mark making items.  

Instructor: Charley Hampton

Are you ready to dive into the world of non-representational art? This 3-week course is perfect for students who have completed a beginner acrylic class or have equivalent experience and are eager to explore abstract painting. Throughout the course, you will create your own abstract paintings, learning different approaches to get started, while experimenting with materials, colours, shapes, and textures. We will cover essential skills in paint application, mark-making, and colour theory, all while discovering techniques to craft dynamic, abstract expressionist compositions.

Students should bring: mixed media sketchbook, apron, acrylic paints and mediums, brushes (variety of sizes), palette knives, any additional mark-making tools you wish to use, flat palette or disposable palette paper, small spray bottle, pencil or chalk,  2 small canvases (approx. 8×10”), 1 larger canvas (approx. 18×24”). 

Most items are available for purchase at the Arts Centre. Members receive a 10% discount.

January 29 to February 12
Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30

Members $117 | Non-Members $130

Instructor: Gabrielle Strong In this class students will explore the steps to create a landscape with acrylic paint. Through exercises and painting demonstrations, students will learn how to see the landscape through an artist’s lens, employ underpainting techniques, capture colour and light, and compose interesting landscape paintings. This class is designed for those who’ve completed a beginner’s acrylic class (or have equivalent experience) and are ready to take the next steps in their practice. Come and expand on your knowledge about acrylic painting in a fun and relaxed environment.

Students should bring: Brushes of various sizes, palette knives, flat palette or disposable palette paper, water container, apron, rag, small spray bottle, pencil or chalk, acrylic paints and mediums (see suggested list below), mediums of choice, 3 small canvases (roughly 8×10”), 1 larger canvas (roughly 18×24”) and surfaces of your choice for 3 in-class exercises (canvases, canvas boards, canvas pads, etc,) otherwise mixed media paper will be provided. 

Suggested paint colours: titanium white (larger size), burnt umber, cadmium yellow light, alizarin crimson (or quinacridone magenta), ultramarine blue

Useful but not necessary: burnt sienna, raw umber, cadmium or naphthol red, prussian or phthalo blue, yellow ochre, ivory black

Most items are available for purchase at the Arts Centre. Members receive a 10% discount.

Instructor: Monique Jansen

Encaustic painting is a versatile and sustainable art form that invites you to express your creativity using natural materials, no matter your skill level! This ancient technique, dating back thousands of years, involves painting with molten beeswax mixed with pigments and damar resin. The wax is applied to a prepared wood surface using heat-resistant brushes, and tools like spatulas, knives, and scrapers are used to sculpt dramatic textures. Heat guns fuse the layers of wax, allowing you to build depth and transparency. You can incorporate photos, leaves, petals, or other found objects for unique, layered effects—the only limit is your imagination!

Over the 2 weeks you’ll explore various encaustic materials and techniques. By the end, you’ll create 2 to 4 finished pieces ready to display, and you’ll discover that encaustic painting is much more than just painting—it’s a fun and exciting way to bring your artistic vision to life.

All materials and tools are included in the price.