Class highlights of 2024

“My brain feels better.”

So said a student after a recent class. I couldn’t agree more. Art is an essential part of our ongoing development and maintenance.

The interest in our classes has been consistently growing, so I thought it would be fun to look back over the year and share some highlights.

Last winter saw an expanded slate of classes, including pastels and watercolour, and then a still-life class, all well-attended. 

Figure Drawing and Lino-printing was hosted by Durham Art Gallery, both in winter and in fall.

When the weather warmed up, a group of students and I headed to the river behind the store to paint.

Barb hosted her piano students and their families for a recital in June.

Two sessions of ArtExplore for kids, in winter and fall, were full of eager young artists.

I taught Bookbinding 1 in the spring, and had a studio of cutting, sewing and pasting artisans! 

Then I recently spent 3 weekends in London earning my certification to teach Bookbinding 2! This program, developed by Canadian Bookbinders Guild, is unique in the world, being a comprehensive course in traditional techniques. I’ll offer BB2 as well as some one-day sessions this next year.

Here’s a shot of the Draw Your Food session, with students working in pencil, watercolour, and pastel.

A big congratulations to all the students who engaged their brains in artful pursuits this year! Looking ahead to 2025, there will be more exciting times to come.