Classes & Workshops

Explore your Creativity

Learn a new skill, refresh your perspective, and imagine the world more creatively! A number of studio artists of the Alton Mill offer classes & workshops in a variety of mediums and themes, for beginners to advanced artists of all ages. We also have a variety of team-building workshop activities that can be tailored to the needs of your company off-site, party, conference, or other private event.

upcoming workshops

Writing and Collage

August 14, 2025

This hands-on workshop, led by writer and mixed-media artist Jacqui Markowitz, combines the written word with visual art. Free-write in response to curated prompts, share your work in a supportive environment and combine your writings with visual art, using a variety of materials. All experience levels welcome. August 14, 2025 | 1 PM to 3PM | $50 Email classes@altonmill.ca to register

Outdoor Botanical Journaling with C.J. Shelton

August 17, 2025

This outdoor session will have you exploring the beautiful grounds of the Alton Mill in search of natural flora such as Queen Ann Lace as well as cultivated plants and flowers like Coneflowers. Your goal will be to sketch them with an inquisitive “botanical” research approach that captures both the essence and the details of what you are observing. 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM $75 + hst

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Discover Rural Beauty Through Plein Air

September 17, 2025

Calling all art enthusiasts! Discover the charm of rural landscapes and the beautifully restored historic Alton Mill in our 4-week Plein Air Course. Guided by Stephanie Schrim, this course invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of flowing streams, a natural pond, and a restored mill, while honing your plein air painting skills. $175 | Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8 Hosted by OverHere.ca

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Painting with Nature

September 21, 2025

Be guided to explore your creativity using beautiful colours deriving directly from nature. The various botanicals were respectfully handpicked and processed in Dufferin County, so everything is ready for you to play and explore. Art Educator, Fabienne Good & Wellness Clinician, Darlene Hostrawser. September 21 | 1:00 PM | FREE

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Give it a Whirl

September 27, 2025

Join encaustic artist Karen Brown in The Hive and try out the ancient technique of painting with coloured beeswax. This 1 hour workshop gives you the chance to play and explore while learning fundamental techniques. Participants take home their small ornamental piece. No experience needed, materials provided. 13+. $0 | 11AM, 1PM, or 3PM

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recurrent workshops

Seeing with New Eyes Drawing with CJ Shelton

Drawing isn’t as complicated as you think… all it takes is a little coaching and lots of tips from CJ Shelton's 35+ years of experience. Whether you are a complete beginner or more advanced, you will notice an improvement in your drawing as you start seeing the world around you in a new way! ONGOING | JOIN ANYTIME Sunday or Wednesday afternoon sessions are available.

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Acrylic Painting with Lydia Panart

Lydia Panart offers weekly beginner and intermediate classes on Wednesdays, 10-1 p.m. She also accepts group sessions for corporate team building, couples, or friends and family. Enjoy a fun, creative time co-creating with guided instruction, using various tools and techniques—no experience needed.

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Watercolour & Acrylic Painting with CJ Shelton

These classes with CJ Shelton are for beginners and advanced students, helping you complete challenging projects while exploring different techniques. Receive expert guidance on composition, colour mixing, and more. Enjoy creative exploration with lots of helpful feedback, whether you're experimenting or perfecting. Wednesday afternoon sessions available.

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Encaustics with Karen Brown

Learn to paint with beeswax, heat, & fire! Karen Brown offers encaustic classes, candle making, open studios and so much more at The Hive Encaustic Studio. The Hive also carries specialty art and encaustic supplies.

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By-Request Workshops

Our artists offer master classes and team-building workshops. The Hive Encaustic Studio runs classes year-round. CJ Shelton offers watercolour, mandala, and craft sessions with private group bookings available. Artsons provides private and corporate group booking. Lydia Panart provides workshops for team-building and groups. No experience is needed. Contact artists to book.

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Artist showing their art to two visitors in a bright studio

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