SUPPORTIVE ARTS FOR ADULTS SPRING 2025
Elora Centre for the Arts 75 Melville Street, Elora, Ontario, CanadaScroll down to MARCH classes. Click LEARN MORE to register.
EVERY WEDNESDAY 10 AM-12 PM
EVERY THURSDAY 10 AM–12 PM
Scroll down to MARCH classes. Click LEARN MORE to register.
EVERY WEDNESDAY 10 AM-12 PM
EVERY THURSDAY 10 AM–12 PM
Click Learn More for ticket availability
AGES 14+ | MAX 12
$75 + hst | + $30 kit fee
Handcraft your own seasonally inspired charcuterie board to take home or gift for the holidays! , guided Join Pyrography artist Heather Martin in a relaxed afternoon creating your own wood burned, textured design. Learn various Pyrography techniques to create texture, line, and tonal value. Inspired by your own intuitive exploration, students will go home with a charcuterie board as unique as you!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
2nd CLASS ADDED! DECEMBER 12 at 6:30 PM
Teeny Tiny Bakery joins us to share the love of mini decorated-cookie masterpieces! Join cookie artist Jackie Long for a fun and playful evening workshop to learn the art of decorating cookie-tops, themed to the Holidays!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
AGES 6-12 | MAX 12
$40 | No hst | All materials provided
Do you have a crafty kiddo looking for new ways of using all the bits & bobs in your craft drawer? Join this mixed media class with Guelph artist Ahmri Vandeborne! Young makers will explore our current exhibition, collect inspiration in a fun scavenger hunt activity, then will take their new-found inspiration back to the crafting room to work with pencil crayons, pastels, markers, collage materials and more to create unique compositions of colour and shape on giftable cards, perfect for holiday giving!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
AGES 8 + | MAX 10
$65 | No hst | All materials provided
Junior artists! Join Eileen MacArthur to explore the methods and materials abstract artists use to make big, expressive paintings! We will be experimenting with using mixed media approaches and looking at the work of contemporary and historical artists for inspiration, learn about line, shape, colour, pattern and composition.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
THE NEST! THURSDAY AFTER-SCHOOL MAKER SPACE
FOR AGES 10+ | Maximum 20 spots
SPRING PROGRAM | APRIL 6– JUNE 15, 2023
THURSDAYS 3:30-5:30$5 PER SESSION | $55 for the entire session
Register for all 10 weeks (no single date sign-ups or drop in).
If you would like to sign up for The Nest after the start date, please contact us to arrange details! Payment will be prorated.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Give your kiddos’ school break a creative kickstart to the New Year before they head back to school!
Join artist Alexa Collette on Thursday and Friday for 2 snow-inspired days exploring mixed-media, paint and clay, to create their own imagined winter-worlds filled with snowy landscapes and captivating creatures! Ages 6-12.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
SUPPORTIVE ARTS 2025 WINTER WEDNESDAYS
JANUARY 8 - MARCH 5, 2025
EVERY WEDNESDAY, 10 AM - 12 PM
Weekly inclusive art & mindfulness classes for adults with varying abilities
Click Learn More for ticket availability
SUPPORTIVE ARTS 2025 WINTER THURSDAYS
JANUARY 9 - MARCH 6, 2025
EVERY THURSDAY, 10 AM - 12 PM
Weekly inclusive art & mindfulness classes for adults with varying abilities
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Artist Eileen MacArthur is back in the ECFTA classroom to lead a fast and fun, art-packed introduction to the basics of painting for young artists ages 8 +.
Eileen will offer guidance in observational painting techniques, transfer-methods, colour theory, value, brush handling and composition, and how to break a painting down into more manageable parts!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
MONDAY AFTERNOON 7-WEEK SERIES
Join us Mondays 12:30-3:00 pm this winter! Open Studio is designed as open-flow studio time, loosely guided by artist Eileen MacArthur.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
From bright solid shapes to colourful painted still life florals, we will ponder the beautiful and complicated inner world of French icon Henri MATISSE. Young makers will explore composition, pattern and colour, and learn about how artists tell stories with pictures!
sold out
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Join fibre artist Megan Cleland for a fun and friendly introduction to the art of needle felting in the round!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Please join us in the gallery to meet and mingle with the artists of our new 'Quadrant' exhibition! A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Event cancelled due to illness. To be rescheduled. Register for one of the other upcoming sessions!
New Year, New You! With the Canadian Opera Company!
Kick off 2025 with a burst of creativity by joining the Canadian Opera Company and Elora Centre for the Arts for a transformative series of 3 evening workshops designed to fuel your artistic spirit. Hosted by Renée Salewski, a talented Teaching Artist from the Canadian Opera Company, these workshops are crafted to push you beyond your artistic boundaries. Explore new techniques and perspectives through improv, acting, creative writing, and visual art.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
WEAVING WITH DIANNE KENNEDY CRUTTENDEN
The smooth, flowing nature of circles offer a calming connection to nature. Join tapestry artist Dianne Kennedy Cruttenden in our bright and cheery workshop classroom for a creative journey into the portals of circle weaving!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
New Year, New You! With the Canadian Opera Company!
Kick off 2025 with a burst of creativity by joining the Canadian Opera Company and Elora Centre for the Arts for a transformative series of 3 evening workshops designed to fuel your artistic spirit. Hosted by Renée Salewski, a talented Teaching Artist from the Canadian Opera Company, these workshops are crafted to push you beyond your artistic boundaries. Explore new techniques and perspectives through improv, acting, creative writing, and visual art.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
OIL PAINTING WITH RICK WORTHINGTON
The second in our GEORGIAN BAY series celebrating the work of members of the Group of 7, AFTER TOM THOMSON is an intermediate oil painting workshop for artists with some oil experience. Create a master copy of Tom Thomson’s iconic 1916-1917 painting The West Wind.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Art LOVERS❤️ Warm your soul this Valentine’s weekend!
Visit the artists of the Schoolhouse Arts Collective at the Elora Centre for the Arts, FEBRUARY 8 + 9 from 11 -4 for a heart-warming weekend featuring a Pop-Up Art Sale, Playful Workshops, and sweet ❤️TREATS!
For more information, please visit!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Join fibre artist Megan Cleland for a playful afternoon of guided needle felting and learn how to take felting into another dimension! This class is suitable for beginners and those with some experience flat felting that want to try felting sculpturally!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Grab your bestie, sister or mom and join us for an afternoon to rejuvenate and reconnect! With a focus on mindfulness and creativity, this session includes take home items, art project & materials as well as a special beverage and snack.
Theme – Intention Setting and Mindfulness: Gentle Movement, Reflection and Art Project
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Art-up your Saturdays in a playful afternoon of drawing with artist Donna Hull! Learn the 101’s of drawing from an art educator with more than 30 years of experience teaching in the classroom and beyond! This 4-week series will focus on a visit from LIVE ANIMALS, the wonders of nature, drawing organic shapes and artist's choice of a naturalistic animal portrait, Owl or Horse! FEB 15, 22, MARCH 1, 8
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Join Pyrography artist Heather Martin of FireWork Designs for an introduction to the art of burning on paper! In this interactive 2-Sunday afternoon class students will have an opportunity to explore and practice creating consistent lines, patterns, and shading with burning on paper!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Join us for our second afternoon in our 'Vibrant Visions' speaker series! Our 5 panelists will discuss and present various angles and viewpoints on Beyond Words: How the Arts Bring Meaning and Connection in Life's Final Chapter, presented by the Aboyne Rural Hospice and the Elora Centre for the Arts.
Tickets are on sale now! (scroll down to purchase): $30 General Admission | $20 Seniors/Students
Click Learn More for ticket availability
New Year, New You! With the Canadian Opera Company!
Kick off 2025 with a burst of creativity by joining the Canadian Opera Company and Elora Centre for the Arts for a transformative series of 3 evening workshops designed to fuel your artistic spirit. Hosted by Renée Salewski, a talented Teaching Artist from the Canadian Opera Company, these workshops are crafted to push you beyond your artistic boundaries. Explore new techniques and perspectives through improv, acting, creative writing, and visual art.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Grab your bestie, sister or mom and join us for an afternoon to rejuvenate and reconnect! With a focus on mindfulness and creativity, this session includes take home items, art project & materials as well as a special beverage and snack.
Theme: Gratitude and Connection – Breathwork, Stretching and Hands-on Art Project
Click Learn More for ticket availability
IMAGINING IS BELIEVING March Break Camp!
A week where creativity knows no bounds. A place to dream, to believe, and to inspire. Where imaginations can run wild, where possibilities are endless, and art comes alive! For ages 5-12.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
The IGNITE! Art Auction BIDDING NOW LIVE ON OUR PORTAL! - An extraordinary silent art auction fundraising event!! This special one week virtual-bidding event will celebrate and feature the vibrant creativity of some of Canada's finest artists with a curated collection of beautiful original works from across Centre Wellington and Southern Ontario. A massive and grateful THANK YOU to the 29 artists who have donated art for this incredible auction, and an additional 20 artists who have donated smaller works!
We are honoured to have Art Dealer, Advisor and Curator Renann Isaacs, working with us to bring this unbelievable event to life!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
OIL PAINTING WITH RICK WORTHINGTON
Rescheduled to Saturday, March 15.
The third in our GEORGIAN BAY series celebrating the work of members of the Group of 7, AFTER VARLEY is an intermediate oil painting workshop for artists with some oil experience. Create a master copy of Frederick Varley's 1921 masterpiece, Stormy Weather, Georgian Bay.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Calling all creative people in our community who want to be inspired! Join the Canadian Opera Company and Elora Centre for the Arts for a transformative evening workshop designed to fuel your artistic spirit. Hosted by Renée Salewski, a talented Teaching Artist from the Canadian Opera Company, this workshop is crafted to push you beyond your artistic boundaries. Explore new techniques and perspectives through improv, acting, creative writing, and visual art.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Let's paint with yarn! Join textile artist Caitlin Barrie for a guided introduction to the traditional art of punch needle rug hooking! Join us for an immersive day and create your own a 9.5" x 9.5" vibrant punch needle rug inspired by Nova Scotian Folk Artist, Maud Lewis’s lively painting Tulips!
No experience is necessary,
Click Learn More for ticket availability
IGNITE! Grand Finale Event - The exciting wrap-up event to our IGNITE! Art Auction Event.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Spring greens can be tricky to work with. Join Elora artist Rick Worthington and learn to tame "the green" using techniques inspired by the Impressionists in the full-day, relaxed introduction to oil painting.
Working from Rick's original plein air sketch, students will learn how to bring a dynamic, authentic feel to their painting journey!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Grab your bestie, sister or mom and join us for an afternoon to rejuvenate and reconnect! With a focus on mindfulness and creativity, this session includes take home items, art project & materials as well as a special beverage and snack.
Theme: Self-Care for Body and Soul: Facial & Massage Techniques, Inner Beauty Encouragement and Hands-On Art Project
Click Learn More for ticket availability
2-SATURDAY WORKSHOP MARCH 29 & APRIL 5
Learn the tools and techniques needed to create a two-colour image through reductive linoblock printmaking with artist Ahmri Vandeborne!
Reductive lino prints are created through a process of designing an image and selectively carving away details to print each new colour layer.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
I love Paris in the Springtime! CEZANNE, MATISSE, & CHAGALL will pay a visit to our studio classroom this PA Day, as we create our own art-salon, complete with Edith Piaf as our background crooner! Aspiring artists will learn about the great French Impressionists and consider how art movements develop, by many minds coming together to create a community!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
You are invited to be the first to view this new exhibition! Meet & mingle with the 9 artists of 'Escape: Transcending Bounds', and enjoy a Saturday afternoon surrounded by creativity and community.
Admission is free.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Anime and Manga fans. This class is for you! Artist Eileen MacArthur will introduce young artists age 8 + to the basics of drawing and skill building, while learning about Anime!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
WEDNESDAY NIGHT OIL PAINTING WITH RICK WORTHINGTON
4-WEEK WEDNESDAY SERIES
How to Build an Oil Painting is designed to gently guides students through Elora artist Rick Worthington’s unique process of creating an oil painting from start to finish. Throughout the course, students will learn how to choose a color palette, sketch out a drawing, block in shapes, and layer oil paints to bring a piece to life!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
This Easter-themed workshop will get young artists 6 + hopping in a fun-filled half-day exploring art, crafts, stories and art history from Easter traditions around the world!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
WEAVING WITH DIANNE KENNEDY CRUTTENDEN
Celebrate May Day with tapestry artist Dianne Kennedy Cruttenden. This workshop will offer an easy-going introduction to the art of weaving and go home with your own hand woven and embellished amulet pouch, perfect for the arrival of Spring!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
The Schoolhouse Arts Collective is marking its 2nd Annual TINY ART EXPO!
APRIL 26 and 27
11 AM to 4 PM
It’s a weekend celebrating beautiful things that come in small packages. All pieces are new, original 8” square or smaller works of art and we very much look forward to sharing these small gems with you!
Visit us at the Schoolhouse Arts Collective, 75 Melville Street (South Entrance)
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Join artist Eileen MacArthur April 27 and May 4 for this two-Sunday introduction to the basic concepts of studio drawing. Students will work with graphite, conte and charcoal and explore the use of line, shape, value, proportion and composition. Using a still life set-up, there will be time for group and individual critique. This class will focus on observational drawing from life and how to draw what you see. All skill levels welcome!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Calling all budding artists! Interested in trying something new? Learn the basics of printmaking through the art of collagraphs!
Guelph artist Ahmri Vandeborne will show you tips and tricks on how to compose an image of your choosing, translate your image to a collagraph matrix (raised surface), and ink up your plate for some hot-off-the-presses printing!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Join us for our third Vibrant Visions speaker series event!
The Art of Support: Creative Pathways for Caregiving will be an insightful panel discussion on the caregiving experience, the reality of compassion fatigue, where to go to find support, and the power of creative expression to foster meaning, connection and joy.
Are you caring for an aging parent, a spouse with a health condition, a child with special needs or another person in your life?
If so, you’re far from alone: one in four Canadians are currently in a caregiving role, and 50% of Canadians will be in a caregiving role at some point in their lives.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Pokemon kids! Join artist Eileen MacArthur for a half-day Sunday workshop celebrating the world of Pokemon! We will be making a Pokemon habitat using a variety of different materials and methods, including drawing, painting and sculpting!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Join in our local celebration of plein air painting this May in this 2-hour quick-paint class with artist Eileen MacArthur! Family Plein Air is a fun indoor-outdoor, family-friendly paint for all ages who want to experience art-making together!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
The annual Elora Plein Air Festival features selected artists from all over Ontario (and beyond!) who will be painting outdoors throughout Fergus, Elora and surrounding countryside. Some even paint at night to capture the magic of nocturne views. There are several events that take place throughout the festival, such as interactive painting opportunities, Quick Paint competitions, walking tours, film music and great food. The week ends with a show & sale on May 18th in the gallery at the Elora Centre for the Arts.
Free Event
Artist Ahmri Vandeborne joins us for a Thursday evening introduction to embroidery this May. Learn how to take an abstract idea from paper to fabric in this easy-going, loose and freestyle approach to embroidery!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
This is the culmination of the artists' efforts throughout the week, and they will be on hand to share and celebrate the end of the event. In the gallery, you can view and purchase the beautiful work created, meet the artists and vote for your favourites! Everyone is welcome. Admission is free.
Free Event
Through our exhibitions, workshops, camps, community events and outreach programs — we’re committed to ensuring that everyone has access to meaningful arts opportunities — regardless of the barriers they face.
But none of this is possible without you.
As an independent charity, we rely on community support to fuel this work, and to continue to provide a space where people of all ages and abilities can create, connect and belong.

