Series Summer Art Workshops

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  

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 

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  

Put a Lid on It: A Brief Intro to Putting Lids on Pottery Vessels

Instructor: Arne Handley

Will pursue the variations of adding lids to simple and more complex forms thrown on a potter's wheel. The day will be a hands-on day for students who already have basic skills using the wheel but now want to extend how they use the tool. Must be competent in using the potter's wheel and have basic tools, although some will be available from the instructor.  

Level: Intermediate | Course #4911  

Cost: $195  

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 

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 

Learn Chinese Calligraphy

Instructor: Jojo Liu

Learn the art of Chinese Calligraphy  

Level: All | Course #4918  

Cost: $595 

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 

Advanced Watercolour

Instructor: Willie Wong

All new exciting projects for the week. We will be doing four to six 11x15 paintings plus many little demos. This course is great for those wanting to get back into watercolour or inspired. Handouts are easy to follow, and no drawing skills are required.  

Level: Advanced | Course #4916  

Cost: $695 + Materials 

Chinese Brush Painting

Instructor: Andy Lou

This workshop is designed for people who are interested in Chinese art. Both traditional and contemporary Chinese Brush Painting techniques will be introduced. You will learn how ink, rice paper and colour are made and the composition and aesthetic principles of Chinese Brush Painting. In addition, you will be shown how to create special textures on rice paper using non-traditional materials. Instructions will include demonstrations, lectures, PowerPoint presentations and plenty of guided one-on-one time. Some experience of painting will be an asset, but it is not essential. Relax, let your brush drift with ink and colour on rice paper and express your personal style.  

Level: All | Course #4930  

Cost: $595 + Materials 

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 

Brush and Ink: The Art of Writing

Instructor: Jojo Liu

Calligraphy has a long history in East Asian cultures and is considered an important traditional art form. The objectives of this five-day class are to explore the fundamentals of Chinese calligraphy brushwork and to find balance within yourself through the meditative calligraphy process. This workshop will cover the proper use of calligraphy tools, posture, basic strokes, and the formation of characters. The instructor will provide in-depth lectures on basic calligraphy writing techniques and brushwork, focusing on the formal Regular Script called "楷书." Participants will practice these techniques on Xuanzhi calligraphy paper.  

Level: All | Course #4928  

Cost: $595 + Materials 

Fused Glass and Enamels

Instructor: Kimberly Smith

Adding enamels to your glass fusing practice opens a whole new world of possibilities!  
Explore a variety of techniques for applying enamels to fused glass.
Students will learn how to build a landscape on 2 layers of glass as well as using painterly techniques to create floral designs. Preparing pieces for the kiln and creative mark-making will also be explored.  

Level: Beginner | Course #4925  

Cost: $695 + Materials 

Dive into Wet Felting

Instructor: Leah Cathleen Donald

What are the secrets to making felt from wool? Join this class and find out! In her classes, Leah creates a comfortable, relaxed environment where you can confidently build your felting knowledge. Let's take things step-by-step and explore what makes wool felt and how to manipulate it to create both flat and 3D felted art. This course focuses on learning new processes and experimenting with wool.    

 Level: Beginner | Course #4929  

Cost: $595 + 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 

Turbo Tie Dye

Instructor: Susan Clark

An excellent exploration into ways of introducing colour and pattern to textiles. Over five days, participants will experiment extensively with resist and coloration, finishing with 4 large samples to take home. Participants will learn about acid dyes, which produce lovely colours. The instructor lived in Japan for a decade.  

Level: Beginner | Course #4926  

Cost: $595 + Materials