Traditional Beading Workshop
April 14
From 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, the North Island Metis Beading Circle will give a workshop on traditional beading practices. Try your hand at looming a beaded bracelet of your own design. Engage with traditional beading practices and the knowledge of talented women of the circle. $20.00 per person. All materials included. Generously funded by the Canada Council for the Arts.
Environmental Art Photography Workshop
April 15
From 4 pm to 8 pm, Miracle Beach Eiko Jones, local professional photographer will teach a workshop inspired by the artwork of Meryl McMaster and Meagan Musseau. Interact with your environment, immerse yourself in the land, and create a sculpture or composition at Miracle Beach. Capture it at the perfect moment with a guided photography session before it returns to nature. Eiko will help guide you as you create your environmental installation and then use photography to capture the essence of your creation. The beauty of environmental art is creating it, and also observing as the materials return into their natural environment. Bring your own camera equipment to participate in this unique course led by the successful nature photographer, Eiko Jones. $75.00 per person. Generously funded by the Canada Council for the Arts
Fairy Door Bird Feeder Studio Class
May 6
From 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Decorate a beautiful Fairy Door bird feeder for your garden or as a gift for a special someone. With Mother’s day and Spring on its way, it’s the perfect time to create a gift that keeps on giving. Start by choosing your base form from some pre-made structures (see picture) donated by a local art creative. Then begin the hands on construction of your unique bird feeder. We will be picking through the available resources to create stunning Fairy house facades. Using found small twigs and driftwood for doors and perches and sea shells to hold bird seed, you will go home stoked about sharing your creation with nature – and a special someone (even if that special someone is you). Some of the fun decorative materials made available by Art Gallery: Beads, Wooden pieces, Feathers, Fake flowers/ivy, Extra wooden pieces for perches Some suggested additional materials you could bring from home: Crystals, weather friendly ornaments, an alternative small vessel to hold bird seed Open registration for ages 12+. Creative space Base form Supplies to construct/decorate Bird seed Onsite creative facilitator for inspiration and/or techniques.
Bookmaking Basics
May 4
From 5:30 to 8:30 pm discover the potential of book arts with artist Marlene Yuen. Learn three easy hand-made bookbinding techniques. During this workshop participants will learn how to fold, manipulate paper using bookbinding tools and will learn three versatile book structures: the accordion, pamphlet stitch and perfect bound book. These book structures can be used to present work, to personalize and to give as gifts or as the basis of artist books. Equipment, materials, and creative alternatives will be discussed. Upon completion of the workshop, students will leave with a set of their own books and the skills to make more at home using minimal equipment. $25.00 per person.
An Introduction to Monoprinting
July 22 and 29
12 noon – 4 pm. An introduction to monoprinting using plexiglass plates and printing without a press. In complement to the themes of our current exhibition, Horizon Felt, this workshop will emphasize landscape. Students will be able to complete several one-of-a-kind prints through their own exploration and experimentation. All materials provided. Participants should bring an apron or an old shirt to protect their clothing. Minimum 4 registrants. $150 for 8 hours of instruction including materials. 10% off for Members. Gordon James received his diploma from the Alberta College of Art in 1976. Since then he and his wife, Martha, have operated James Pottery at their studio overlooking Georgia Strait on Quadra Island. Gordon has exhibited his functional and sculptural ceramics,paintings and prints locally, nationally and internationally.
An Introduction to Collograph
August 19 and 26
12 noon – 4 pm. An introduction to collograph using cardboard, glue and various found materials to create a collograph plate. In complement to the themes of our current exhibition, Horizon Felt, this workshop will emphasize landscape. Line, tone and texture are all achieved through the layering of materials on the matrix. Students will learn the to ink the plate and print the final image to complete the process. Students should have time to create at least one set of prints. All materials are provided. Participants should bring an apron or an old shirt to protect their clothing.Minimum 4 registrants. $150 for 8 hours of instruction including materials. 10% off for Members. Gordon James received his diploma from the Alberta College of Art in 1976. Since then he and his wife, Martha, have operated James Pottery at their studio overlooking Georgia Strait on Quadra Island. Gordon has exhibited his functional and sculptural ceramics, paintings and prints locally, nationally and internationally.
Youth Access Pass
The all new Youth Access Pass program is a great way to extend your love of art, meet other friends, and get backstage access to all the cool events happening at the CRAG. The cost of the program is $80.00 for the year (Can be paid on monthly instalments of $10.00). The program runs from September to June and includes:
- A one year Gallery membership
- Early notification and early bird sign-up for studio courses and events
- 10% off studio courses
- 10% discount in the Gift Shop
- Opportunities to meet professional artists, a place to hang out with peers who share your interests
- Dominique Pétrin workshops
- Kick-off party
- Cool CRAG swag
Kick off Youth Party in Spirit Square
September 12
Join us from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm for the kickoff party for our Youth Access Pass with DJ Fire Tiger who will be rocking the party, while we paper the town. Snacks and refreshments to be provided. For more details on the kickoff party, click here: Dominique Petrin Youth Workshops Funded in part by a BCAC Youth Engagement grant.
Two Exciting Youth Workshops with Dominique Petrin
September 12 and 16
Bright New World // Outdoor Youth Wallpaper Workshop Wednesday, September 12, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm @ Spirit Square Maximum capacity: 30 people. Suggested donation: $40.00 – sliding scale, Pay-What-You-Can Participants will work with artist Dominique Pétrin to wallpaper the poles of Spirit Square in wild and vibrant patterns. The artist combines and remixes patterns and images from across our visual world, and will guide students as they choose colours and patterns and install them in an outside installation that will stay up throughout the fall. Bring friends and work in teams or pairs. The workshop will be the kickoff party for our Youth Access Pass. DJ Fire Tiger will be rocking the party, while we paper the town. Snacks and refreshments to be provided. Funded in part by a British Columbia Arts Council Youth Engagement grant.
Do you speak pattern? // Indoor Youth Wallpaper Workshop Sunday, September 16, 2018 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Main Gallery @ the CRAG Main Gallery and Studio Maximum capacity: 10 people Suggested donation: $30.00 – sliding scale, Pay-What-You-Can Dominique Pétrin will work with youth to create unique quilted patterns out of wild and colourful wallpaper patterns and install them directly onto the Gallery walls. Make a contribution to the fall exhibition and learn from a renowned Canadian contemporary artist. Funded in part by a British Columbia Arts Council Youth Engagement grant.
Zentangle® Workshops for Kids and Adults
October 4 – November 29
Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Simple repetitive strokes are used to create patterns encourage focus, and create a calm, quiet time, with the bonus of a lovely art piece when you are finished. You may then apply the patterns in any medium – pottery, quilting, scrapbooking, journaling and mixed media. The workshops are 47.50$ per person. Instructor: Barb Round.
“Let’s find the Zen in Zentangle” // October 4, 2018 from 3:30-5 pm (KIDS – Intro) Ages 5 – 11 A quiet activity, drawing patterns with pen and ink helps children to focus while creating appealing images. New techniques are applied first to paper, then a craft project. What can I bring? 1. Your smile and your curiosity, 2. Ultra-thin Sharpie marker(s) in your favourite colours, or you may borrow the teacher’s.
“Introduction to Zentangle” // October 5, 2018 from 5:30-9 pm (Teen/ ADULT – Intro) Come and discover this new and creative drawing art. In this introductory class you will experience the satisfaction of completing your own unique, finished piece of art and enjoy the meditative quality this wonderful art form has to offer. This class is for those who have no previous art training or drawing experience as well as experienced students who want to learn this specific technique. 3 hours – Fee includes a class kit with all necessary supplies.
“Introduction to Zentangle” // October 27, 2018 from 12:00 noon to 3:30 pm (Teen/ADULT – Intro) Come and discover this new and creative drawing art. In this introductory class you will experience the satisfaction of completing your own unique, finished piece of art and enjoy the meditative quality this wonderful art form has to offer. This class is for those who have no previous art training or drawing experience as well as experienced students who want to learn this specific technique. 3 hours – fee includes a class kit with all necessary supplies. (Note: this is a repeat of the October 5 class.)
“Let’s find the Zen in Zentangle” // October 28, 2018 from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm (KIDS – Intro) Ages 5-11 A quiet activity, drawing patterns with pen and ink helps children to focus while creating appealing images. New techniques are applied first to paper, then a craft project. (Note: Also an introductory class, but using different patterns and a different craft project than Oct. 4 class.)
“Renaissance Treasure Boxes” // November 7, 2018 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm (Teen/ADULT – Advanced) Build on techniques from the Intro class. Students will apply greater depth and detail to their work, learn more complicated Zentangle patterns and apply colour in the Renaissance style while working on a 3-d object. (Note: The Introductory Class is prerequisite – Oct 5 or 27, or any previous Intro class with a CZT.)
“Handmade Zentangle Ornaments” // November 29, 5:30- 8:30 pm (Teen/ADULT – Advanced) Build on techniques from the Intro class. Students will apply greater depth and detail to their work, learn more complicated Zentangle patterns and apply colour while creating delicate seasonal ornaments. (Note: The Introductory Class is prerequisite – Oct 5 or 27, or any previous Intro class with a CZT.)
Hand-Building Mugs
October 13 and 14
From 12 noon to 3:00 pm, $45 for both classes, materials included You will be introduced to the world of ceramics during this workshop. Learn the stepping-stones to hand building to create your own unique drinking vessel! During the first class you will be encouraged to explore the various techniques to building your cup. The second class you will play with a variety of ceramic stains to decorate your piece! Some drawing skills will be exercised during this class but all skill levels are welcome!
Ceramics Classes
November 24 – December 9
About the instructor: Sarah Kuraitis is a ceramic artist who has found her roots on the West Coast. With a strong background in illustration and painting, it was exciting finding her way through pottery. She grew up in a small town in southern Ontario, and began her artistic career at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. She received her degree in Fine art in 2012. After moving from Thunder Bay, she has been teaching art classes within B.C for the last 3 years. She has a background as a Ceramic technician at Lakehead University, a museum interpreter at Kamloops Museum and Archives as an Arts Educator, and the Arts and Crafts Program Coordinator at Silver Harbour Centre in North Vancouver.
Animal Busts: November 24 and 25, from 12 noon to 3:00 pm. $45 for both classes, materials included. When an artist creates a sculpture, it is called, “working in the round.” During this workshop you will be challenged to think of your subject matter in a 3-D nature. Join Sarah Kuraitis to learn the introduction to ceramic sculpture, where you will learn the skills you need to make your very own animal bust. Come join us for a walk on the wild side. You choose your animal, and all skill levels are welcomed
Holiday Ornaments: December 8 and 9, from 12 noon to 3:00 pm. $45 for both classes, materials included. Ring in the holiday season by learning how to build your own holiday ornament. Using a variety of pottery techniques, you will create your own spherical form by ways of pinch pot and trapping the air inside of your shape. We will spend the first day building your form. The second will be the day to decorate! We will use a variety of transfers and stains and learn the basics of layering your colours to create intricate designs on your holiday-inspired project. All skill levels are welcome!
Silk Workshop: An Experience in Living Colour
December 1 and 2
Led by artist Dianne E. Nelson. Saturday & Sunday from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, $70 non member, $63 for members. Materials provided. Students do not need professional experience in art in order to achieve professional results in this workshop. Go home with a 22 x 22” silk painting original; picture-ready for framing or for a one-of-a-kind gift. All materials will be provided. Although not necessary, it will make better use of our time together is you come with a specific idea in mind for your pattern. I have patterns as well, if you prefer. We begin by drawing your pattern to scale. Your painting will be done using “gutta”, a metallic compound, as your drawing material. Once this is completely dry, you will choose your palette of vividly coloured silk paint to complete the work.
