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Archives: Public Programs

[March Break Camp] Paint it Big

Its time for your little artist to go Big! In this week long camp, kids will design and create their very own giant paintings from start to finish. Campers will begin by brainstorming ideas and making preliminary sketches to plan their colours and composition. They’ll then learn techniques for scaling up their drawings onto large […]

[March Break Camp] Varley’s Colour Club

Step into a world of colour, creativity, and fun in the Varley’s Colour Club! Your mini artists will explore painting, drawing, collage, and simple 3D projects while learning the basics of colour mixing, shapes, patterns, and textures. Campers will experiment with a variety of materials, including tempera paints, crayons, markers, paper, and modeling clay, discovering […]

[Weekend Workshop] Brush Calligraphy: Beginner

Brush pen calligraphy can be used to add a personal touch to everything from greeting cards to event signage. In this workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of modern brush pen calligraphy, including how to hold a brush pen, form basic strokes, and connect these strokes to form lowercase letters and words. Students will receive […]

[Evening Art Class] Acrylic Pouring

Discover the magic of acrylic pouring and create your own vibrant, flowing masterpieces! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll experiment with colors, techniques, and textures to produce unique abstract artworks. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. Let your creativity flow and take home a one-of-a-kind painting. Artist/instructor: Olivana Tonon Image credit: Olivana Tonon

[Weekend Workshop] Acrylic Pouring: Decorative Pouring

Create your own masterpiece! Join us for a one-day acrylic pouring workshop, where you’ll learn how to transform a clear glass vase into a stunning work of art to design a unique abstract painting on canvas. Unleash your creativity and bring home two beautiful pieces to showcase! Artist/instructor: Olivana Tonon

[NEW! Weekend Workshop] Sculpting with Fibre

Discover the magic of transforming soft wool fibres into stunning, sculptural vessels in this hands-on wet felting workshop. Using water, soap, and friction, you’ll explore the traditional flat resist method to create a unique 3D vase or bowl. Perfect for both beginners and experienced felters, this workshop guides you step-by-step through shaping, texturing, and decorating […]

[Holiday Workshop] Family Day Canvas Challenge

Families, are you ready to paint? Join us at the Varley this Family Day for a collaborative canvas challenge! In this fun, and educational gallery experience, families get a private tour before heading to the studio to complete a painting inspired by current exhibitions. Work together to bring home a finished painting! Note: Designed for […]

[NEW! Evening Art Class] Linocut Printmaking

Discover the bold and expressive art of linocut printmaking in this hands-on four-week course. Learn every step of the process—from designing and carving your image to inking and printing your own limited edition. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll explore techniques for creating texture, contrast, and composition, experiment with colour, and gain confidence using professional […]

[Weekend Workshop] Acrylic Pouring

Join us for a one-day acrylic pouring workshop where you’ll explore the fundamentals of abstract art, including colour and composition. Create unique art on canvas in a supportive studio environment, surrounded by like-minded peers. Perfect for all skill levels, this workshops offers hands-on experience to unleash your creativity! Artist/instructor: Olivana Tonon

[8-Week Art Class] Watercolour: Beginner to Intermediate

Learn the basics of watercolour painting while having fun with distinctive techniques. Through artist’s demonstrations, exercises, and lots of time painting, you’ll build an understanding of colour theory, layering techniques, and composition. No experience required. Artist/Instructor: Lori Spendiff