We offer one-, two- and three-day workshops in painting, ceramics, weaving and more.
Find out more about our 2024/2025 beginner and advanced workshops for children and adults running during the Fall (Sep-Dec), Winter (Jan-Mar) and Spring (Apr-Jun) sessions.
Workshops for Children (ages 17 and under)
Fall: Holiday Clay Magic
4 – 12 years | Two or Three Days
Celebrate the holidays by creating fun and festive decorations and gifts made of clay to share with your friends and family. Projects will be fired and finished with beautiful glazes or vibrant paints to brighten the holidays for years to come! Teacher: Noelle Horrocks
4 – 7 years
28613 • TU • Nov 19 – Dec 3 • 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM • $46.50
28615 • TU • Nov 19 – Dec 3 • 4:45 PM – 5:30 PM • $46.50
28609 • M • Dec 9 – Dec 16 • 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM • $37
28610 • M • Dec 9 – Dec 16 • 4:45 PM – 5:30 PM • $37
8 – 12 years
28617 • TU • Nov 19 – Dec 3 • 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM • $46.50
28612 • M • Dec 9 – Dec 16 • 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM • $37
Workshops for Adults (ages 18+)
Fall
Throw a Balanced Cylinder – All Levels
Three Days
This weekend workshop is suitable for students of all levels, whether you have never touched clay or you are an experienced student looking to refine your wheel throwing skills. Gain confidence and get comfortable working independently on the wheel through practice. Learn the foundational steps of creating pots on the wheel: how to wedge clay, center, pull and shape a balanced cylinder. For those with previous throwing experience, the skills you develop here will lay the groundwork for any future pottery aspirations. Clay is included. This workshop is process-based; no pots will be fired or finished. Teacher: Clive Tucker
28761 • F, SA, SU • Sep 13 – Sep 15 • F: 6:00-9:00 PM | SA & SU: 1:00-4:00 PM • $125.50
Watercolour Painting Exploration
Two Days
Explore basic and foundational techniques to get started on your adventures in watercolours. Learn about wet into wet and wet into dry painting, controlling colours and edges, how to use masking fluid and salt in your artwork and more! Supplies not included. Please review the supply list before registering for this class. Teacher: Cara Bain
29068 • SA • Oct 19 – Oct 26 • 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM • $53
Drawing Linear Perspective
One Day
Learn linear perspective techniques first developed by artists of the Italian Renaissance. Explore the concepts of one and two-point perspective so you can learn to draw architecture. You will never look at buildings in the same way again! Teacher: Rebecca Blair
Basketry: Gathering Basket
Two Days
This class is suitable for all levels. This basket has many uses, from transporting gifts to holiday gatherings, carrying handmade treasures at a craft fair or displaying holiday decorations. Plaiting and twining techniques will be incorporated to make this rectangular basket with a square wood handle and finished edge. Bring your own scissors. Teacher: Kristen Conboy
28922 • SA • Nov 16 – Nov 23 • 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM • $124
Shibori Dyeing – Scarf
Two Days
Learn the basic principles of Shibori dyeing to create a dyed organic cotton scarf. Learn traditional Japanese folds to create patterns on fabric and produce beautiful hand-dyed rice paper. Teacher: Mariana Frochtengarten
28919 • SA • Nov 23 – Nov 30 • 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM • $76
Holiday Dishes & Decorations – Beginner
Two Days
This workshop is for people interested in creating with clay or who have just started their pottery journey. Join us for festive fun in this introductory clay workshop. Learn handbuilding techniques to make a bowl or plate as well as ornaments. Then, decorate your creations with underglazes and dipping glaze. Projects will be fired and glazed, and you will receive an email from Place des Arts when your pieces are ready for pick up approximately one week after the last class. Teacher: Noelle Horrocks
Winter
Throw a Balanced Cylinder – All Levels
Three Days
This weekend workshop is suitable for students of all levels, whether you have never touched clay or you are an experienced student looking to refine your wheel throwing skills. Gain confidence and get comfortable working independently on the wheel through practice. Learn the foundational steps of creating pots on the wheel: how to wedge clay, center, pull and shape a balanced cylinder. For those with previous throwing experience, the skills you develop here will lay the groundwork for any future pottery aspirations. Clay is included. This workshop is process-based; no pots will be fired or finished. Teacher: Clive Tucker
28762 • F, SA, SU • Jan 10 – Jan 12 • F: 6:00-9:00 PM | SA & SU: 1:00-4:00 PM • $125.50
Scratching the Surface – Intermediate
Two Days
This workshop is suitable for students who have taken at least one introductory ceramics class. Learn a range of surface decoration techniques for ceramics on unfired, leather hard surfaces as well as bisque fired work. Discover new decoration methods including slip application, applied and carved texture and glazing. Develop your personal expression of mark-making. Firing and glazes are included, please refer to the supply list for additional supplies needed. Teacher: Fredi Rahn
Fabric Printing – Placemats
Two Days
Learn how to handprint a set of four placemats in this fabric printing workshop. Explore your creativity and produce a few handmade stamps, then create a pattern to be printed on to your placemats. Teacher: Mariana Frochtengarten
Spring
Throw a Balanced Cylinder – All Levels
Three Days
This weekend workshop is suitable for students of all levels, whether you have never touched clay or you are an experienced student looking to refine your wheel throwing skills. Gain confidence and get comfortable working independently on the wheel through practice. Learn the foundational steps of creating pots on the wheel: how to wedge clay, center, pull and shape a balanced cylinder. For those with previous throwing experience, the skills you develop here will lay the groundwork for any future pottery aspirations. Clay is included. This workshop is process-based; no pots will be fired or finished. Teacher: Clive Tucker
28763 • F, SA, SU • Apr 4 – Apr 6 • F: 6:00-9:00 PM | SA & SU: 1:00-4:00 PM • $125.50
Basketry: Wall Basket
One Day
This class is suitable for all levels. Both practical and creative, this unique basket allows you, the weaver, to incorporate colour and texture into a functional wall basket. The possible uses are endless! Bring your own scissors. Teacher: Kristen Conboy
28923 • SA • Apr 5 • 9:15 AM – 3:15 PM • $89
Gold Leaf & Floral Painting
Two Days
Explore the fusion of delicate florals and opulent gold leaf. Whether working in oils or acrylics, learn to create stunning botanical masterpieces that harmonize the elegance of flowers with the luxurious touch of gold. Elevate your artistic repertoire with techniques that capture nature’s beauty in an enchanting way. Please review the supply list before registering for this class. Teacher: Cara Bain
Drawing Portraits – Beginners
One Day
Learn the basics of drawing portraits! Learn tips on how to draw the proportions of a generic face and then apply them to individual people. Then bring the portrait to life with shading. Teacher: Rebecca Blair
29070 • SA • May 3 • 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM • $40
Shibori Dyeing – Napkin Set
Two Days
Learn the basic principles of Shibori dyeing to create a set of four organic cotton napkins. Learn traditional Japanese folds to create patterns on fabric and produce beautiful hand-dyed rice paper. Teacher: Mariana Frochtengarten
28921 • SA • May 24 – May 31 • 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM • $76
Mixed Media: Floral Fiesta
One Day
Be inspired by exotic flora and fauna found in tropical habitats. Create a mixed-media collage, incorporating the bright and bold colours of flowers, birds, butterflies and other colourful elements, in celebration of the splendour of Spring. Teacher: Clarissa Banos
The Beverage Series with teacher, Emily Sheppard
Fall
Coffee Mugs – Intermediate
One Day
This workshop is not suitable for beginners, it is suitable for experienced students who can throw a balanced 4” cylinder independently on the wheel. Dark, light or medium, brew up ideas about mugs and coffee tumblers. Learn from a qualified barista and a professional ceramicist about the intricacies of crafting the ultimate beverage experience. Clay is included. This workshop is process-based; no projects will be fired or finished.
Winter
Teacups – Intermediate
One Day
This workshop is not suitable for beginners, it is suitable for experienced students who can throw a balanced 4” cylinder independently on the wheel. Sip and share time with fellow clay lovers in this teatime special. Learn the differences between different teas and why certain vessels would be more or less appropriate for your beverage experience. A tea expert will curate a demonstration and your ceramic instructor will support you in the practice of creating a teacup. Clay is included. This workshop is process-based; no projects will be fired or finished.
Spring
Beer Steins – Intermediate
One Day
This workshop is not suitable for beginners, it is suitable for experienced students who can throw a balanced 4” cylinder independently on the wheel. Pilsners, lagers, stouts – get to know what it’s all about from a brewmaster! Learn the differences in types of beer and why certain shapes are suited to different tastes. Prototype vessels on the wheel and discover what types of clay can enhance the refreshing beverage experience you are hoping for on a warm afternoon. Clay is included. This workshop is process-based; no projects will be fired or finished.