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

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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Writing and Collage

October 1, 2025

This workshop, led by writer and mixed-media artist Jacqui Markowitz, combines the written word with visual art. Write freely, inspired by prompts, in prose & poems. Share your work in a supportive environment, and combine your writings with collage. All experience levels welcome. October 1 | 1 PM to 3PM | $50 Email classes@altonmill.ca to secure your spot.

"Falling Leaves" Mandala Making Workshop

October 18, 2025

In this fun, seasonal session, you'll make a beautiful mandala of vibrant fall leaves in all their many colours. This is a fabulous opportunity to play with colour and experience Mother Nature’s annual “change of costume” in a whole new way. You will also discover the magic of mandala-making and all its wonderfully relaxing and meditative benefits. October 18 | 10:00 am - 1:30 pm | $150 + HST

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Writing and Collage

October 8, 2025

This workshop, led by writer and mixed-media artist Jacqui Markowitz, combines the written word with visual art. Write freely, inspired by prompts, in prose & poems. Share your work in a supportive environment, and combine your writings with collage. All experience levels welcome. October 8 | 1 PM to 3PM | $50 Email classes@altonmill.ca to secure your spot.

Writing and Collage

October 15, 2025

This workshop, led by writer and mixed-media artist Jacqui Markowitz, combines the written word with visual art. Write freely, inspired by prompts, in prose & poems. Share your work in a supportive environment, and combine your writings with collage. All experience levels welcome. October 15 | 1 PM to 3PM | $50 Email classes@altonmill.ca to secure your spot.

Writing and Collage

October 22, 2025

This workshop, led by writer and mixed-media artist Jacqui Markowitz, combines the written word with visual art. Write freely, inspired by prompts, in prose & poems. Share your work in a supportive environment, and combine your writings with collage. All experience levels welcome. October 22 | 1 PM to 3PM | $50 Email classes@altonmill.ca to secure your spot.

Tales from the Tarot

November 1, 2025

Have you ever wanted to learn more about the mysterious cards known as the Tarot? Are you curious how this divination system can be used for self-development? Have you been collecting decks, unsure how to use them? Join CJ Shelton for this fun and thoughtful exploration of Tarot that will have you looking at these enigmatic cards in a whole new way! November 1 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | $120 + HST

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Writing and Collage

November 5, 2025

This workshop, led by writer and mixed-media artist Jacqui Markowitz, combines the written word with visual art. Write freely, inspired by prompts, in prose & poems. Share your work in a supportive environment, and combine your writings with collage. All experience levels welcome. November 5 | 1 PM to 3PM | $50 Email classes@altonmill.ca to secure your spot.

November Trees "Negative Painting" Watercolour Workshop

November 15, 2025

The bare tree trunks of November will be the inspiration for learning the fascinating technique of negative painting. Negative painting involves layering multiple transparent washes, slowly building up an image’s depth by painting around the subject matter. The effect is soft, mystical and often full of surprises. November 15 | 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM | $150 + HST

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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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