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

Exploring Abstract Painting with Lydia Panart

March 15, 2025 - March 26, 2025

NEW SPOTS OPENED UP! Immerse yourself in this exciting 2-day abstract acrylic workshop. Some painting experience is ideal. March 15 & 16, 2025, 10 am to 4 pm $250+HST (Material List will be provided) REGISTRATION: Submit the form with your information using the link provided. Payment must be received to confirm your spot.

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Encaustic Kintsugi Bowls

March 29, 2025

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery pieces with gold — a metaphor for embracing our flaws and imperfections. You'll be guided through my process of breaking and repairing bisque-fired ceramic bowls and then decorating them using encaustic techniques. All electrical equipment, wax paint and supplies are provided. Previous encaustic experience is required.

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"Dotting the Landscape"

Saturday, April 12, 2025

This unique workshop will introduce you to a “dot” painting technique that is fun and easy to do with no special artistic skills required. The goal is to interpret a landscape and create your own stylized, abstract or symbolic rendition of it. No artistic skill is necessary to produce a beautiful result as the intent is not realism but rather to capture the landscape's essence. $150 + HST/pp

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“A Secret Garden” Mandala Making Workshop

May 10, 2025

Take inspiration from natural patterns, using them as the starting point for creating a mandala or circular design. You will be provided with a simple template as the foundation of your design, then integrate both real and imagined elements such as flowers, leaves, birds, shells, etc. to make your own “secret garden”. Minimal drawing abilities required!

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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

Come experience the Alton Mill Arts Centre, and be inspired!

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