Series Summer Art Workshops
Unleash Your Inner Artist!
Series features a selection of art workshops for artists of all skill levels, from the beginner, all the way to the seasoned professional.
Classes will be held in Red Deer Polytechnic's world-class art studios. Students will use professional quality equipment; professional artists and art instructors will lead classes. On the last day of each course, students can show off their creations in a public art showcase.
So, clean up your brushes, light your blow torch, open your toolbox and jump into Series. Connect with other like-minded individuals who share the same passion for creative art. Make new friends and show off your creations during the Series Showcase.
Week One | July 2 – 5
Introduction to Indigo Dyeing using Shibori Techniques
Instructor: Arlene Westen
Explore the fundamentals of indigo dyeing and discover the beauty of Shibori, a Japanese tie-dye method. Learn the essential techniques of binding, folding, stitching, and clamping to create stunning patterns and textures on fabric. Gain confidence in dyeing your own creations with Indigo and discover the joy of transforming plain fabrics into precious textiles.
Level: Beginner | Course #4888
Cost: $495 + Materials
Add Bling to Your Lampworked Glass Beads
Instructor: Brenda King
With demos, guidance and practice time, you will have a blast learning new techniques on surface decoration and how to add inclusions, such as metal & double helix glass, while creating your lampwork glass beads.
Level: Beginner | Course #4883
Cost: $595 + Materials
Creating Mood in Pastel Landscapes
Instructor: David Shkolny
Pastels are an excellent medium to create mood, from dramatic sunrises/sunsets to deep nocturnes. Learn the process of building a drawing, selecting colours and the variety of approaches to mark making this expressive medium holds.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate | Course #4886
Cost: $495 + Materials
Imagery on Stained Glass
Instructor: Joseph Cavalieri
The workshop focuses on learning and practicing how to add detailed images to your stained glass works. In class, you will learn four processes, including airbrushing glass (using an atomizer and airbrush), pen and ink drawing, silk-screen printing using existing screens the instructor will bring, and painting on glass. No need to be an expert painter; we will be tracing images in the class. Expect to make many samples and a finished stained-glass panel about thirty-six cm square.
Level: Beginner | Course #4884
Cost: $595
Mixed Media Visual Journals
Instructor: Michael Shain
This workshop is all about starting and maintaining a visual journal practice. We'll explore a variety of mixed media techniques, and talk about art supplies on a budget, and you'll leave with a bag full of stuff and a binder full of ideas.
Level: Beginner | Course #4885
Cost: $494 + Materials
Week Two | July 8 – 12
Visual Art Journaling
Instructor: Arlene Westen
Join a transformative week-long Visual Art Journaling workshop, exploring diverse techniques such as altered books, collage, reflective writing, recycled poetry, ink, and paint. Learn to merge visual elements with written reflections to discover your artistic voice and use journaling for introspection and growth. No prior art or writing experience is needed.
Level: All | Course #4900
Cost: $595 + Materials
At-Home Metal Smith
Instructor: Brenda King
This is a beginner level for those interested in jewellery metalsmithing at home. We will use sterling silver sheets and wire, learning how to transform them into wearable art jewellery pieces. In this workshop, you will craft your pieces using various tools, focusing on hammers, pliers, torches/soldering, cutting, jeweller saw, texture, finishing and safety. We will create the components for earrings, a ring, a bracelet and a pendant. Your skill level will determine how many pieces you make. Everyone is different.
Level: Beginner | Course #4891
Cost: $695 + Materials
Painting the Figure with Mixed Media
Instructor: Jean Pederson
Acrylic paint can be combined with many products and techniques to communicate your ideas in exciting and meaningful ways. Acrylic paints, mediums, collages and mark-making tools will be integrated to develop your personal compositions. Students will be able to explore mixed media using the human figure as a subject. Daily demonstrations, studio painting, and concept & technique discussions, with one-on-one support, will be central to this workshop. Be prepared to work hard, experiment and have a great time!
Level: Intermediate | Course #4896
Cost: $595
Glass Bead Making 101
Instructor: Patricia Doyle
In this five-day intensive class, we explore the magic and alchemy used to create handmade beads. Using a propane/oxygen torch and rods of Italian glass, we will learn the basics of creating, shaping and decorating glass beads.
Level: All | Course #4894
Cost: $695
Bronze Casting and the Lost Wax Process (Week One)
Instructor: Teena Dickerson
Experience the art of lost wax bronze casting using the Red Deer Polytechnic Foundry. This is a hands-on course where you take your ideas from sketch to wax to bronze in two weeks. You will experience all stages of the casting process up to and including pouring bronze. After the bronze is poured, you will finish and patina your work to take home. No previous casting experience is required.
Level: All | Course #4892
Cost: $995 for both weeks
Metal, Rock and Glass
Instructor: Trent Leach
Here's your chance to learn metal sculpture and how to incorporate other mediums into your art. You will have the opportunity to learn the tools & techniques needed for welding metal and be given an introduction to adding other mediums to your own creative ideas. This is a beginner-level class, but all levels are welcome.
Level: All | Course #4893
Cost: $695 + Materials
Fast and Fabulous Flowers
Instructor: Valdis Gislason
Brighten your life, and that of others, with simple but lively floral art pieces. This project-based course will systematically lead participants through several watercolour and drawing techniques to create varied and vibrant images of flowers such as daisies, clematis, cyclamen, zinnias, chrysanthemum, tulips, black-eyed susans, sunflowers, Christmas cactus, cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, hollyhocks, cone flowers, hyacinths, delphiniums, African violets, geraniums, poppies and more.
Level: All | Course #4901
Cost: $595
Watercolour for Beginners
Instructor: Willie Wong
I like easy-to-follow, no-fail projects for my students of all levels. Easy to follow hangouts, no drawing skill needed. Low material cost is important to me. We will cover at least 5 to 7 projects for the week. Lots of fun techniques to learn and discover.
Level: Beginner | Course #4895
Cost: $595 + Materials
Taste of Series | All Day Saturday, July 13
Boro-Inspired Textile Workshop
Instructor: Arlene Westen
Using traditional simple stitching techniques, learn to repurpose and layer fabrics to embrace the aesthetic philosophy of wabi-sabi and the time-honoured Japanese tradition of Boro. Create an intricate and visually captivating textile composition, transforming tattered and discarded fabrics into a personalized, miniature Boro-inspired quilt that tells a unique story of resilience and beauty.
Level: All | Course #4908
Cost: $175 + Materials
Spinner Ring
Instructor: Brenda King
This beginner-level workshop will give you a Taste of metalsmithing jewellery you can do at home! In this fun and informative one-day workshop, you will make a sterling silver Spinner ring! Learning how to measure and size your ring band and spinner. You will use various tools to manipulate and texture the metal, using a torch to anneal and solder. You are going to Love this! No previous experience is necessary for you to come and try your hand at the art of traditional silversmithing. You will be so happy to wear your spinner ring home! Let's have some fun creating!
Level: Beginner | Course #4902
Cost: $195 + Materials
Children's Picture Book
Instructor: Carolyn Fisher
Join artist-author Carolyn Fisher for a one-day workshop on writing and illustrating children’s picture books. Whether you’re a writer or an illustrator, a newbie or a professional, we’ll dig into the business of books in this info-packed course. From storyboards to page breaks to word count, we’ll analyze the anatomy of a picture book and learn how writers and artists create and pitch their work to publishers and agents.
Level: All | Course #4906
Cost: $175
Wet Glazing with Watercolors
Instructor: Jean Pederson
This one-day class will lead you through different ways to express the subject of flowers. Paint flowers using descriptive rendering, stylizing and distorting! Have fun exploring the many colours and shapes possible.
Level: Intermediate | Course #4905
Cost: $195 + Materials
Glass Bead Making for Beginners
Instructor: Patricia Doyle
Spend one very enjoyable day learning to make your own glass beads. With demonstrations, guidance and your own time on the torch, you will learn how to create several different beads. Suitable for shiny new beginners and seasoned bead makers.
Level: Beginner | Course #4903
Cost: $195
Acrylic Painting for The Absolute Beginner
Instructor: Tatianna O'Donnell
Can’t spend a whole week in art classes? Join me in this fun-filled and informative day of learning all about acrylic painting. Whether you are just starting out, need a refresher, or just want to know more about acrylic painting, this one-day introduction will inspire you. Go home with a finished painting and lots of great ideas. Let’s get inspired.
Level: All | Course #4909
Cost: $175 + Materials
Northern Lights
Instructor: Willie Wong
No need to bring anything; come empty-handed and prepared to paint. Bring a baby food jar to collect your dark blue colour for the sky. We will make small paintings for cards and bigger paintings for framing and gifts. Everyone loves the Northern Lights!
Level: Beginner | Course #4904
Cost: $195 + Materials
Week Three | July 15 – 19
Introduction to the Potter's Wheel
Instructor: Arne Handley
This workshop will emphasize the very beginning of using a potter's wheel with the use of tools, sills, and general information. It will be activity-heavy with an emphasis on enjoying the process. Also, because of the teaching techniques, there is room and welcome for people who want to brush up on their skills.
Level: All | Course #4912
Cost: $695
Open Studio: Developing your Personal Artistic Voice
Instructor: Jean Pederson
This course is offered to artists who have gained knowledge of painting techniques and now desire to put these skills to practice in pursuit of developing a stronger artistic style. One-on-one consultation will be provided for your individual concepts, questions and feedback. You will be encouraged to explore, practice and enhance your skills as they apply to your style and intentions. Class discussion, instructor demonstrations and guidance will be available during this week of personal discovery.
Level: Intermediate | Course #4917
Cost: $695
Introduction to Borosilicate Flameworking
Instructor: Joanne Andrighetti
Come play with molten glass! We will work with borosilicate rods and tubes at a table-mounted torch. Students will be guided through various projects such as pendants, marbles and mini vessels with lots of time for practice. This class provides the foundation for further explorations in hot glass.
Level: Beginner | Course #4915
Cost: $695
Building a Landscape with Color and Texture
Instructor: Laura Rendlen
This workshop is for those who want to explore various mosaic techniques to create a landscape. Beginning with a short presentation and exercises illustrating general principles, you will work from your imagination. Throughout the workshop, individual attention and tips are provided to help with the technical aspects of mosaics and to guide the successful completion of each project.
Level: All | Course #4920
Cost: $595 + Materials
The Fascinating World of Filigree Jewellery
Instructor: Milt Fischbein
Filigree is an ancient technique that involves the creation of lace-like silver jewellery out of fine silver wires, utilizing very basic tools.
In this workshop, you will learn the basics of making a filigree and will make an exquisite silver filigree pendant.
Milt is excellent at breaking down the complicated look of filigree into its building blocks and guiding you through the creation process with a hands-on approach that puts you at ease. Working with these basics, Milt will guide you through creating a beautiful filigree pendant set with a cabochon stone, and you will know how to continue making filigree objects on your own.
Topics and demonstrations will include:
- How to make fine silver filigree wire
- How to create numerous lacy filigree shapes- building blocks to fill the frames
- How to create frames
- Filigree soldering with paste solder and powder solder
- Formulas and techniques for making your own filigree powder solder
- Design basics for making filigree pendants
- Incorporating bezel set cabochon stones in your filigree jewellery
- How to fabricate a traditional filigree bail
- Selecting the appropriate tools for making filigree
- Finishing filigree
More advanced students will work independently on their projects with assistance from the instructor.
Level: All (solder experience an asset) | Course #4913
Cost: $695 + Materials
Bronze Casting and the Lost Wax Process (Week Two)
Instructor: Teena Dickerson
This class is the continuation of Week 1. Experience the art of lost wax bronze casting using the Red Deer Polytechnic Foundry. This is a hands-on course where you take your ideas from sketch to wax to bronze in two weeks. You will experience all stages of the casting process up to and including pouring bronze. After the bronze is poured, you will finish and patina your work to take home. No previous casting experience is required.
Level: All | Course #4892
Cost: $995 for both weeks
Alternative Printmaking
Instructor: Stacey Cann
Learn how to create prints using gel medium, stencils, collagraphs, monoprints and more! This course will teach you print methods that you can do at home, and that are suitable for beginners and advanced printmakers. Utilizing non-toxic media, these techniques can be incorporated into paintings and drawings.
Level: All | Course #4919
Cost: $595
Metal, Rock and Glass
Instructor: Trent Leach
Here's your chance to learn metal sculpture and how to incorporate other mediums into your art. You will have the opportunity to learn the tools & techniques needed for welding metal and be introduced adding other mediums to your own creative ideas. This is a beginner-level class, but all levels are welcome.
Level: All | Course #4914
Cost: $695 + Materials
Week Four | July 22 – 26
Layered Embossed Surface in Clay
Instructor: Brenda Danbrook
Focus on explorations of the interplay of texture, pattern, and colour. Students will create an embossing plate and learn about layering patterns, and colours on the clay surface. Working with soft slabs, coloured slips, newsprint cutouts, and embossing plates, students will learn how to create depth on their hand-built forms.
Level: All | Course #4922
Cost: $595 + Materials
Floral Murrini Cane in Soft Glass
Instructor: Carol Ann Savage
Explore floral murrini cane creation with soft glass from the inside out. Enjoy creating colourful flowers to encase in a variety of different-shaped beads. Discussion of colour from a wide variety of glass will enable students to create bold and interesting floral pieces.
Level: Intermediate/Advanced | Course #4924
Cost: $695 + Materials
Realism in Pencil: People, Animals and Plants
Instructor: Monica To
Discover the realism that pencil can draw out, from faces to fur, and feathers to flowers! Participants will learn step-by-step techniques and tricks to draw and then shade detailed, realistic artworks of people, animals, and plants, working from photographs. Suitable for beginner and intermediate learners.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate | Course #4927
Cost: $595 + Materials
Beginner Wheel Throwing
Instructor: Shirley Randall
Beginner wheel throwing with step-by-step instructions to get you started working with clay. If you have experience throwing, bring your creative ideas to class and expand your skills. Make bigger and more advanced pottery pieces! We can also explore different ways to decorate your creations.
Level: Beginner | Course #4923
Cost: $695
Intakes
Summer - Start Date: Jul 02, 2024
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Admission Requirements
There is no admission or previous experience required.
Course Cost
*Please note that additional material costs for some of the workshops are not reflected in these price ranges.