Upcoming Events & Workshops
"Read the Book" Book Club Meeting
Read the book — Book Club | Riverside RoomGathering for their 5th meeting, the “Read the Book” Book Club is excited to be doing something a little bit different for this upcoming meeting, and it’s not too late for you to join them!
For this meeting, each member will have read a book on a Canadian of significance and come ready to discuss them.
There are three spaces still available at the table and one could be yours!
Those interested should contact Wolf Raymer via the button below.
Create at the Mill: Fat-Stitch, Hand-Quilting & Sashiko
Create at the mill: Fat-Stitch, Hand-Quilting & Sashiko
Slow down, stitch by stitch, and discover the beauty of hand-quilting in this welcoming two-hour workshop exploring Fat-Stitch quilting and Sashiko embroidery. Using fabric scraps, simple stitching techniques, and layers of texture and pattern, participants will create a one-of-a-kind potholder that is both practical and unique.
Inspired by the long traditions of quilting, patchwork, and the Japanese mending & embroidery practice known as Sashiko, this workshop invites participants to explore how humble materials can be transformed through thoughtful making. Learn foundational hand-stitching techniques, experiment with pattern and composition, and embrace the meditative rhythm of hand sewing.
Beginners are absolutely welcome — no previous sewing or quilting experience is needed. Bring along your favourite fabric scraps to incorporate into your piece, or choose from the provided materials. All tools and supplies are included.
Whether you’re interested in textiles, sustainable making, slow craft practices, or simply spending a creative afternoon stitching alongside others, this workshop offers a fun, relaxed, and inspiring introduction to the world of hand-quilting and Sashiko.
Materials List: sewing needles, batting, fabric scraps, thread, and embroidery floss.
October 25, 2026 1:00 PM
Materials are included
Photos with the Grinch
Millrace Room | Photos with the GrinchThe Grinch is making a special stop at Alton Mill Arts Centre! 🎄💚
Bring the family, gather your little Whos, and get ready for a little holiday mischief with everyone’s favourite Christmas curmudgeon.
Set against the festive backdrop of the historic Alton Mill, Photos with the Grinch is a chance to capture a memorable holiday photo with the Grinch himself.
📸 Meet the Grinch. Make a memory. Take home the photo.
Advance booking is generally required. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot before the Grinch changes his mind!
Christmas Open Studio Event
Christmas Open Studios | Alton Mill Arts CentreJoin us at the Alton Mill Arts Centre for our annual Christmas Open Studio Event!
Take in the beauty of the Alton Mill decorated for the holidays, grab a delicious hot chocolate from the Honour Café and enjoy!
Enjoy holiday shopping in our main floor boutiques, the artist studios and of course at Headwaters Arts annual Artful Giving featuring a wide variety of cool, creative, gift-able pieces from a wide range of artisans!
Take some time to meet working artists in their studios, learn the stories behind their work and enjoy seeing the art from a different perspective.
Capture this moment in time with another wonderful holiday tradition, Photos with the Grinch happening on site, by appointment.
Photos with the Grinch
Millrace Room | Photos with the GrinchThe Grinch is making a special stop at Alton Mill Arts Centre! 🎄💚
Bring the family, gather your little Whos, and get ready for a little holiday mischief with everyone’s favourite Christmas curmudgeon.
Set against the festive backdrop of the historic Alton Mill, Photos with the Grinch is a chance to capture a memorable holiday photo with the Grinch himself.
📸 Meet the Grinch. Make a memory. Take home the photo.
Advance booking is generally required. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot before the Grinch changes his mind!
Photos with the Grinch
Millrace Room | Photos with the GrinchThe Grinch is making a special stop at Alton Mill Arts Centre! 🎄💚
Bring the family, gather your little Whos, and get ready for a little holiday mischief with everyone’s favourite Christmas curmudgeon.
Set against the festive backdrop of the historic Alton Mill, Photos with the Grinch is a chance to capture a memorable holiday photo with the Grinch himself.
📸 Meet the Grinch. Make a memory. Take home the photo.
Advance booking is generally required. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot before the Grinch changes his mind!
Photos with the Grinch
Millrace Room | Photos with the GrinchThe Grinch is making a special stop at Alton Mill Arts Centre! 🎄💚
Bring the family, gather your little Whos, and get ready for a little holiday mischief with everyone’s favourite Christmas curmudgeon.
Set against the festive backdrop of the historic Alton Mill, Photos with the Grinch is a chance to capture a memorable holiday photo with the Grinch himself.
📸 Meet the Grinch. Make a memory. Take home the photo.
Advance booking is generally required. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot before the Grinch changes his mind!
Create at the Mill: Magazine Collage Cards & Envelopes
Create at the Mill: Magazine Collage Cards & Envelopes
Gather, cut, layer, and reimagine in this playful two-hour collage workshop where old magazines, paper scraps, and found materials are transformed into one-of-a-kind greeting cards and handmade envelopes. Using upcycled materials and the art of collage, participants will explore how existing images can be cut apart, rearranged, and given entirely new stories — turning the familiar into something whimsical, unexpected, and unique.
Whether you create dreamy landscapes, quirky characters, surreal combinations, or heartfelt designs, this workshop is all about experimentation, creativity, and embracing playful chaos.
Perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike, this relaxed and welcoming workshop offers a chance to slow down, make with your hands, and connect with others in a creative environment. Leave with a collection of unique handmade cards ready to gift, send, or treasure — thoughtful alternatives to store-bought greetings that carry a little more personality, care, and imagination. All materials are provided, though participants are welcome to bring magazines and paper scraps to personalize their creations even further.
Materials are included
Photos with the Grinch
Millrace Room | Photos with the GrinchThe Grinch is making a special stop at Alton Mill Arts Centre! 🎄💚
Bring the family, gather your little Whos, and get ready for a little holiday mischief with everyone’s favourite Christmas curmudgeon.
Set against the festive backdrop of the historic Alton Mill, Photos with the Grinch is a chance to capture a memorable holiday photo with the Grinch himself.
📸 Meet the Grinch. Make a memory. Take home the photo.
Advance booking is generally required. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot before the Grinch changes his mind!
Create at the Mill: Vision Boards for 2027
Create at the Mill: Vision Boards for 2027
Step into the space between reflection and possibility in this cozy, hands-on two-hour workshop designed to help you welcome the new year with intention, creativity, and inspiration. Held in the days between Christmas and New Year’s, this workshop gives you a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself before January's pace begins.
Using collage, magazines, paper, scissors, glue, words, textures, and imagery, you’ll create a personal vision board that captures your hopes, goals, curiosities, and dreams for 2027. Whether you're focused on growth, adventure, creativity, rest, connection, or simply embracing more joy, this workshop invites you to explore what you want to carry forward into the year ahead.
No artistic experience is needed—just a willingness to play, reflect, and imagine. Come solo for some restorative creative time, or gather with friends and share in the uplifting energy of making alongside others. Expect a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere filled with conversation, inspiration, and the gentle magic that collage can uncover.
December 30, 2026
Materials are included
Caledon Studio Tours
all studios | Culture days: Caledon studio toursThe premier stop on the Caledon Studio Tour, if we do say so ourselves, will be the Alton Mill Arts Centre! Visit with 20+ studio artists, experience unique art and enhance your collection with original, Canadian pieces!
Caledon Studio Tours
all studios | Culture days: Caledon studio toursThe premier stop on the Caledon Studio Tour, if we do say so ourselves, will be the Alton Mill Arts Centre! Visit with 20+ studio artists, experience unique art and enhance your collection with original, Canadian pieces!
Fall Festival Jurors Walk
Headwaters Arts fall Festival Jurors WalkThis free event is an opportunity to take a walk with the 2026 Fall Festival Jurors, Julia Veenstra and Liza Zhurkovskaya, while they share their observations and remarks on the pieces featured in the show.
Whether you’re an artist, art appreciator or art collector, it’s a chance to ask questions and gain insight into the world of art. Wrap up the experience with light refreshments.
Fall Festival Opening Night Soiree
Headwaters Arts fall Festival Opening night soireeExperience the official kick-off of the 30th Annual Fall Festival with a celebration of the arts in the spirit of inspiration and imagination!
Enjoy an evening exploring over 70+ works of art, live music, silent auction, artist awards presentation all while sipping on a wine or beer from the cash bar, and enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres!
Tickets $45 + hst
Fall Festival Arts Show & Sale
Headwaters arts fall festival | september 16 - october 4, 2026The Fall Festival is Headwaters Arts annual event comprised of the Juried Art Show and Sale, Opening Soiree, Jurors Walk and other artful events. It showcases and celebrates the vast array of artistic talent that Ontario has to offer.
Now in it’s 30th year, the Fall Festival is two plus weeks you won’t want to miss!
Print-making - Stencilling & Stamping
"The hive" Studio 216 | Create at the mill: print-Making - Stencilling & Stamping
Caledon Music Festival 2026: Transformation
Centred on the theme of 'Transformation', the Caledon Music Festival 2026 returns from August 1 to 23 and brings some of the finest musicians in the world to Caledon for three weeks of exciting concerts. Taking you on a journey through ‘Transformation’—an exploration into the depth of storytelling. This season is about how music tells stories and can transport audiences to fantastical and otherworldly places - experienced through the canon's most beloved works and in hidden gems. With its breathtaking settings and world-class performances, the festival is a true celebration of the transformative power of music.
Urban Sketching
A creative way for hikers, day-trippers and travellers to capture their outdoor adventures.
Abstract Acrylic Workshop
This in-person, one-day workshop offers participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of abstract painting with professional artist Lydia Panart.
All About Texture
This advanced workshop is for encaustic students looking to refine their work, learn new techniques and explore texture.
Create at the Mill: Foraged Ink Painting
Step into the world of natural colour. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore handmade inks created from local plants, nuts, and berries. Experiment with colour shifts and enjoy time to play, create, and unwind. No experience needed - just curiosity!
Sketching From Nature
Enjoy an outdoor escape into nature, drawing leaves, trees and water on the grounds of the Alton Mill.
Abstract Painting: Powerful Skies
Elevate your skills during this one-day abstract acrylic workshop with artist Lydia Panart. Inspired by a photograph or picture of your choosing, Lydia will guide participants through the process of capturing the sky on canvas.
Wonder in the Woods Opening Reception
Meet the artists in the headwaters art galleryMeet artists Lucy & Lawrence Kristan, Marnie Cooke and guest artist William Mitchell in the Headwaters Arts Gallery on July 5, 2026 between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
Cyanotype Sun-Printing
Capture the light of early summer through the magic of cyanotype sun-printing. In this hands-on beginner-friendly workshop, participants will explore one of the earliest photographic processes while creating beautiful blue-and-white prints on paper using sunlight, water, and natural materials.
The Tree of Life - Dot Art
This workshop gives you an opportunity to express that uniqueness and beauty by painting a small canvas with your very own Tree of Life image, using a stylistic approach called “dot art”.
Abstract Acrylic Painting, 2-Day Workshop
Finding inspiration from aerial photographs of natural landscapes, Lydia will teach students to explore a couple of ideas for abstract compositions. The goal is to achieve 2 individual artworks or a diptych using different techniques with brushes & palette knives.
Tapestry of Art & Music
Guests are invited to browse, shop and experience a celebration of creativity in all its forms — then continue the afternoon by exploring the Alton Mill’s Open Artist Studios, galleries, café and creative spaces throughout the building.
Photo Encaustics Workshop
The workshop is a basic course covering mixed media collage using your own precious photo printed on handmade paper, applying melted beeswax and resin, and exploring techniques in colour and texture.
All About the Basics Encaustic Workshop
This Hands-on comprehensive 3 hour workshop will cover basic encaustic safety and general information. Participants will be able to experiment with techniques such as glazing, sculpting, fusing, photo transfers, collage, stencilling, stamping.
Seeds of Life - Zen Tangle Mandala Workshop
Watch your garden of creativity bloom! This workshop is based on the “Seed of Life” pattern – also known in sacred geometry as the “genesis pattern” – as the foundation for creating your own one-of-a-kind mandala of spring flowers and leaves.
Introduction to Scratchboard
Studio 203 | Introduction to scratchboard with Margaret PardyJoin award winning artist Margaret Pardy in an introduction to this subtractive, direct-engraving art form where you will scratch through a dark top layer—in this case black ink—to reveal a white or coloured clay layer beneath.
Participants will be creating a black and white chipmunk image on a 5” x 7” board, using a variety of techniques.
Most materials are included, though participants will need to bring their own knife with a #11 blade (like this).
$145
Coloured Gemstone Event Day Two!
Falls gallery | Gemstone event with Gallery gemma and Lisa ElserThe atmosphere is like a fabulous dinner party. You will be seated around a table, light food and drinks are served, but gemstones are the main course!
Hundreds of incredible and unusual gemstones in all colours and shapes are passed around the table so you can examine them up close, hold them against your skin and select your favourites. The mood is relaxed and fun with plenty of laughter and oohs and aahs! Something for every budget.
Lisa Elser shares stories of her gem acquisition adventures and explains her methods for cutting and polishing raw gemstones into brilliant jewels.
Why would you want to attend this Gemstone Event?
For the opportunity to purchase from an incredible selection of gorgeous gemstones directly from the source. Most of our guests choose stones that later will be used in custom-designed jewellery.
This Gemstone Event is free to attend!
Seating for this event is limited and therefore reservations are required.
Feel free to attend on your own, or invite your best gemstone-and-jewellery-loving friends!
Coloured Gemstone Event Day One!
Falls gallery | Gemstone event with Gallery gemma and Lisa ElserThe atmosphere is like a fabulous dinner party. You will be seated around a table, light food and drinks are served, but gemstones are the main course!
Hundreds of incredible and unusual gemstones in all colours and shapes are passed around the table so you can examine them up close, hold them against your skin and select your favourites. The mood is relaxed and fun with plenty of laughter and oohs and aahs! Something for every budget.
Lisa Elser shares stories of her gem acquisition adventures and explains her methods for cutting and polishing raw gemstones into brilliant jewels.
Why would you want to attend this Gemstone Event?
For the opportunity to purchase from an incredible selection of gorgeous gemstones directly from the source. Most of our guests choose stones that later will be used in custom-designed jewellery.
This Gemstone Event is free to attend!
Seating for this event is limited and therefore reservations are required.
Feel free to attend on your own, or invite your best gemstone-and-jewellery-loving friends!
Spring Robin Watercolour Workshop
In this fun workshop you will learn some very simple basic steps for drawing a cute little robin, followed by an introduction to a few foundational watercolour techniques.
SWAP Through Paint
SWAP Through Paint is a two-day immersive multidisciplinary workshop rooted in the SWAP methodology, Say It · Write It · Act It · Perform It, and expanded through painting as a creative language.
Photo Encaustics Workshop
The workshop is a basic course covering mixed media collage using your own precious photo printed on handmade paper, applying melted beeswax and resin, and exploring techniques in colour and texture.