Course Description

Our weekly classes for kids, youth, and adults incorporate a classroom setting where frontal instruction, demonstration of techniques, and directed activity learning occurs in an inclusive, supportive, and calm environment. Music is often played in the background and students are encouraged to explore different styles of art as they discover and fine-tune an artistic voice within each project. Registered students receive a course outline prior to the start of each term, which lists their projects, media, and learning outcomes for the session.

Grades SK - 2

Media: Pencil Crayons, Oil Pastels, Soft Pastels, Watercolours, Tempera, and Clay.

Students will explore the basic elements of art: line, shape, texture, colour, value and space through themes related to their daily lives and develop creative imagination through story illustrations. Using the works of 20th century artists as a source of inspiration, students will create original works of art that communicate thoughts and feelings. An introduction to self critique and art appreciation will aid students' progress as they gain a better understanding of personal artistic decision while they work to complete each project.

Duration: 1 hour weekly

Grades 3 - 5

Media: Graphite, Pencil Crayons, Oil Pastels, Soft Pastels, Watercolours, Tempera, and Clay

Students will be introduced to different media, styles, and techniques and develop a sense of design, starting with the basics of composition and colour theory. They will learn how to create light, volume, and space integrating these elements into the overall composition with the emphasis on principles of design. Throughout the term, students will explore the creative, decision-making process of an artist through age related themes, with an emphasis on group critique and art appreciation.

Duration: 1.5 hours weekly

Grades 6 - 8

Media: Graphite, Charcoal, Pencil Crayons, Oil Pastels, Soft Pastels, Watercolours, Acrylic, and Clay.

Students will discover their own personal style and individual expression while learning the techniques needed for creating works of art. They will explore various drawing materials and experiment with different painting techniques. Introduced to the diversity of styles based on notable 20th century artists, art movements, and cultural art from around the world, students will continue to develop a better understanding of the elements of art and principles of design through their own works of art.

Duration: 1.5 hours weekly

Grades 9 - 12

Media: Graphite, Charcoal, Conte, Pencil Crayons, Oil Pastels, Soft Pastels, Ink, Watercolours, Acrylic, and Clay

Students will develop their own personal style and individual expression, as they experiment with a range of materials, processes and techniques needed for creating works of art. They will explore various drawing and painting styles within the context of contemporary, historical and cultural art. Working through a critical analysis process when evaluating their own work, projects will vary in depth, style and technique to ensure a wide spectrum of artwork that can be included within a portfolio intended for post-secondary application.

Duration: 2 hours weekly

Adults: Painting & Drawing

Media: Graphite, Charcoal, Pencil Crayons, Oil Pastels, Soft Pastels, Ink, Acrylic and Watercolour Paint

This class is designed for adults wishing to develop their drawing and painting abilities,

refine composition and explore new artistic styles. Students will work with a range of materials, processes and techniques. Subject matter may include still life, landscape, abstract and figurative art inspired by 19th, 20th and 21st century artists, art movements, and cultural art from around the world. Projects encourage students to explore and develop a personalized artistic style while learning about and gaining inspiration from notable artists and art movements.

Open to all levels.

Duration: 2 hours weekly

Adult Summer Intensive

(offered in July/August each year)

Media: Selection of Drawing Pencils, Soft Pastels, Coloured Pencils, Blending Stumps, Acrylic & Watercolour Paint

Designed for adults wishing to develop their drawing/painting skills, refine composition and explore new artistic styles. Working through small-scale drawing exercises & large scale painting techniques, students focus on value shading, perspective, proportion and compositional drawing as they explore and develop a personalized artistic style.