Saturday June 15th 2013: Botanical Drawing Workshop with Kathryn Chorney

The secret lives of plants play out every day of the year, even in the heart of the city. Botanical artists have been fascinated by both the beauties and the lives of plants for thousands of years, and their observations have made vital contributions to the histories of both science and art.

Join Kathryn Chorney as we take a close look and a drawing book, and spend some time with Nature’s structures, relationships, and stories – found in everything from the showiest blooms to the humblest small weeds. Even if you don’t know a catkin from a pussy willow, don’t be shy – Nature will always have something to offer to those who take the time to look.

Kathryn Chorney MScBMC is an avid nature journal-er, friend of fungi, and science/nature/medical illustrator. She is a full time professor at Sheridan College where she teaches Scientific Illustration. An award-winning artist, Kathryn is a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI) as well as the Southern Ontario Nature and Science Illustrators (SONSI).

Bring: sketchbook, graphite pencils, and whatever other media you like best: ink, watercolour, and/or coloured pencils. All other supplies will be provided.

If weather permits we may do a mini-expedition outdoors as part of the class.

$55

Sign up here!

Thursday April 18th: Rivers Remembered

An evening of exploration and notes from the underground with Jeremy Kai, in conversation with Aaron Leighton.

Kai has been exploring the hidden networks of tunnels and passages beneath the city’s surface since 2006. Many of these spaces are subterranean forms of rivers and creeks that once defined natural landscapes. In 2011, Koyama Press released “Rivers Forgotten”, a photographic journey through the sewers and storm drains of Toronto and the GTA.

Join Jeremy Kai as he unearths a bizarre subculture that has sprouted from modern underground exploration, known as “draining”. Learn how rivers have influenced urban development in cities like Toronto, and take a virtual tour under the streets to the where lost rivers dwell today.

Jeremy will share some of his most memorable adventures, discoveries, and the near run-ins with the law while exploring the world beneath our feet.

Thursday April 18th, 7:30pm, 156 Augusta Avenue

Pay what you can at the door - please RSVP

Sunday April 28th: Repeat Pattern Workshop

Back by popular demand, we are offering this workshop again!

Join illustrator Jen Hsieh to learn about repeat patterns and how to create one from start to finish... We have extended the duration of this class to be certain you can ask Jen as many questions as possible and finish your project.

The main focus will be to design and make a cut lino block to create repeat patterns of your own, during and after the workshop.

Noon - 5pm

$100

Sign up here!

Sunday March 24th 2013: Concept Camp with Julia Breckenreid

Illustrators solve visual problems differently, but perhaps your pencil could use some sharpening! Push your work beyond rendering ability and stand out from the crowd.
This class is constructed with illustrators in mind, but any creative pros are welcome to join.
Julia Breckenreid is an award winning illustrator as well as instructor, teaching at Sheridan College in the Illustration department. Passionate about idea-making, she'd like to help you transform the way you and others see your work.

Noon to 1pm

Have your lunch and listen: Find your lunch in the market and have a seat while Julia leads a slideshow and discussion.

1 to 4pm

Julia will work with artists in attendance individually and facilitate group exercises.

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This class is limited to 10 participants.

$75

REGISTER HERE!

Saturday, March 23rd 2013: Sketchbook DIY with Rob Collinet

DIY sketchbooks are great and they don't have to be expensive!

You can make them yourself, quickly, easily and with materials most of us already have. Together we'll be making simple, unique and fun sketchbooks from reclaimed and salvaged materials. Let's make something for ourselves... together!

You are guaranteed to leave the workshop with three sketchbooks made by Rob himself plus any you make while there.

Saturday March 23, 2013
1pm - 3pm
35$ (25$ + 10$ equipment and materials fee) per person

This workshop is DIY, but materials and equipment will be provided. The sketchbooks we make will be staple bound. However, feel free to bring along any paper you'd like to have in your sketchbooks and any heavier paperboard or salvaged packaging for use as the jackets.

FYI: Final sketchbooks will not be perfect, but as Rob likes to say, "You can't spell imperfection without perfection."

Please feel free to email with any questions.

Purchase a spot in this workshop!

About Rob Collinet:

Rob has been drawing since as early as he can remember and has been making his own sketchbooks for over 20 years.
Professionally, he has illustrated many children's books and done editorial illustration. He is also co-founder of one of Canada's leading online and mobile  game developers, Splashworks.com Inc., creating games for Nickelodeon, Hasbro and Mattel among others. In his personal time, he has recently turned his attention back to drawing, doodling, sketching and creating artworks, and of course making sketchbooks. If you care to see any of his work, visit his website or friend him up on facebook.