Ignite your creativity on the next strike day! Join our ECFTA Arts Educators for a spontaneous, freestyle day of art making and outdoor fun!
$56 per day
9 AM – 4PM
Agest 4-12
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Our first PA day of the year will find us in the gallery, exploring fluid line and shape-shifting in this day of 2-D abstraction, action painting and big shape art-making! Inspired by our upcoming tech exhibition; The Shape of Dance by glass artist Jerre Davidson: A behind-the-scenes look at how technology influences the artistic process.
Led by artists and ECFTA Arts Educators Eileen MacArthur, Natalie McDonald and Judy Anderson.
Ages 4-11 (split in two groups)
$56 per student
Max. 24 kids
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3-pack: February 1, 8, 15, 2020
This 3-week Saturday morning maker series will introduce budding artists ages 6-11 to the eye-popping world of abstract art making, with a little history thrown in! Inspired by American artist, Frank Stella and his amazing constructions, weeks 1 and 2 will focus on a painting, layering and working with different shapes and patterns and discuss how compositions are made. Week 3, we will create a custom lego-based sculpture as our inspiration for a bright and colourful painting!
Led by artist and ECFTA Arts Educator Eileen MacArthur.
Ages 6-11
$75 for all 3 sessions
Max 15 kids
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Third workshop added! Create your own pair of custom felted wool slippers, embellished with silk or yarn. No sewing required! Designed as a full slipper with heel, made in one piece using a plastic resist technique. Your choice of colour.
Ages 16+
$95 per person, plus HST
Max 15 participants (Minimum of 6 students required to offer this class).
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Ignite your creativity on strike day! Join our ECFTA Arts Educators for freestyle art stations and a day of art making and outdoor fun!
$56 per day
9 AM – 4PM
Ages 4-12
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Note: A $10 material fee is payable to the instructor at the start of class and includes a Tombow Fudensosuko Brush Marker, worksheets, paper and card stock.
Ages 18+
$45 per person, plus HST
Max 10 participants
Min. of 5 students required to offer this class.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Ignite your creativity on strike day! Join our ECFTA Arts Educators for freestyle art stations and a day of art making and outdoor fun!
$56 per day
9 AM – 4PM
Ages 4-12
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Ages 16+
$95 per person, plus HST
Max 15 participants (Minimum of 6 students required to offer this class).
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Ignite your creativity on strike day! Join our ECFTA Arts Educators for freestyle art stations and a day of art making and outdoor fun!
$56 per day
9 AM – 4PM
Ages 4-12
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Ignite your creativity on strike day! Join our ECFTA Arts Educators for freestyle art stations and a day of art making and outdoor fun!
$56 per day
9 AM – 4PM
Ages 4-12
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Ignite your creativity on strike day! Join our ECFTA Arts Educators for freestyle art stations and a day of winter-inspired art making and outdoor fun!
$56 per day
9 AM – 4PM
Ages 4-12
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Create your own needle felted sheep portrait on an 8"x10" felt base using wool and curly locks! Students will be given a choice of two sheep photo's from which to work. Perfect for the beginner who wants to give needle felting a go!
All materials providedAges 12+
$85 per person, plus HST
Max 15 participants (Minimum of 6 students required to offer this class)
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Dive in to creative exploration and outdoor fun on strike day! Join our ECFTA Arts Educators for freestyle art stations and a day of winter-inspired art making and outdoor fun!
$56 per day
9 AM – 4PM
Ages 4-12
Click Learn More for ticket availability
The Uncial hand is a very Celtic hand, with quite a bit of character and is fun to use. It is a very round alphabet with no capitals. Spend time with Wendy Hardy time learning the basics of Uncials and create your own Celtic knot variations. Then get your Irish on, using classic blessings and sayings to create unique pieces to frame or make into cards.
We will be lettering with the 3.8mm Pilot Parallel Pen or a dip pen with Speedball C2 nib and ink. Worksheets will be supplied for the lettering. This course includes instruction, demonstrations and a fun calligraphic project, with discussion around tools and best practices.
Note: A $5 material fee is payable to the instructor at the start of class.
Supply List: 3.8mm Pilot Parallel Pen (green cap) or dip pen, C2 nib & ink. You will also need a mechanical pencil, a fine line black marker (Copic or Micron size 03 preferred) or a Sharpie extra fine, graph paper for the Celtic knots & ruler.
Ages 18+
$70 per person, plus HST
Max 10 participants
Min. of 5 students required to offer this class.
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RESCHEDULED DUE TO LAST WEEK'S STORM! Not your average paint night! This class will introduce students how to paint snow, inspired by Canadian landscape painters who have mastered representations of snow, such as Clarence Gagnon and the Group of Seven. We will also look at the work of contemporary artists Peter Doig and Kim Dorland. Students will learn about colour and value, and complete an acrylic painting on canvas. No experience necessary. All materials included. This workshop will take place in our main floor classroom.
Led by artist Eileen MacArthur.
Ages 16+
$45 per person, plus HST
Max 15 participants
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Cancelled. The Centre will be closed for the week of March Break
We understand the growing concern around the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)and as promised we are closely monitoring the evolving health reports from reputable sources. The health of our community, staff and volunteers are the utmost importance to us. We are following the advice of local public health agencies and other leaders in our community as information unfolds rapidly. This morning our Executive committee made the tough decision to cancel our March Break program for this coming week. In making these difficult decisions, we hope to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, and, in turn, protect our vulnerable populations. Our hearts go out to all those impacted in Canada and across the world, and we will do our part in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will resume normal programming as soon as local health officials indicate it is safe to do so. Thank you for your help and support of these difficult decisions. We will begin processing refunds over the next few weeks. _____March Break will be all about our Art in the Great Outdoors Exhibition. Campers will have an have an "outdoor" art experience in our virtual reality “wilderness camp site” gallery. Watch the constellations in our "dome" projection tent, join in a group mural making in the spirit of Tom Thompson on the gallery wall, and create Canadian-inspired artwork in the Casson classroom. Indoor and outdoor creative fun, including a winter campfire in the yard!
Led by artists and ECFTA Arts Educators Eileen MacArthur, Natalie McDonald and Judy Anderson.
Ages 4 -11
$250 for the week
Max. 20 campers
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Due to the province’s direction on containment of the coronavirus, unfortunately the Spring Tree Talk has been cancelled. We hope to reschedule this event to a later date. Please watch the website and the Neighbourwoods newsletter for updates.
_____
Speaker: WARREN HOSELTON, presented by Neighbourwoods
Where: Elora Centre for the Arts, 75 Melville St, Elora
Cost: Free for members, $5 non-members
The presentation will examine the effects of High Lakes levels around the Lake Ontario basin from the eyes of a certified arborist stationed on Toronto Island. The presentation looks at the slow and deadly causes and effects on trees resulting from too much water lingering far too long. The Lake levels on Lake Ontario are complicated on many levels but the canary in the coal mine happens to be thousands of trees.
About the speaker: Warren Hoselton (Humber College Landscape Technology / Arboriculture Grad and ISA Certified Arborist) is the Park Supervisor on Toronto Island, overseeing a unique park setting of 230 hectares. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Tree Fund since 2007. He is the educational outreach lead (and 18-year rider) on the annual Tour des Trees fund-raising tour that features his highly animated “Professor Pricklethorn” tree presentations across North America. He has won several awards and has authored 3 workbooks for children to learn more about the benefits of urban trees. Hoselton misses no opportunity to celebrate the urban tree and its critical role aligned with our well being.
Neighbourwoods thanks our 2019-20 Tree Talk Sponsor, the Elora-Salem Horticultural Society.
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Let’s explore the idea of NOTHING! Zero, blank, nil. What does nothing look like? A void, boredom, a black hole? Is it like “putting blue into your head”? The word “nothing” is real, but does “nothing” really exist?
Nothing can be a starting point, it can be a beginning…a blank canvas! Enjoy a day of rotating activities and projects, combined with fresh air outside! (a ton of EVERYTHING, really)
Led by artists and ECFTA Arts Educators Eileen MacArthur and Natalie McDonald.
Ages 4 -11 (in two different groups)
$56 per session
Max 24 kids
Click Learn More for ticket availability
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
May 14 – 17, 2020
Where: Fergus, Elora and surrounding countryside
This is a wonderful weekend to visit and explore the Elora and Fergus area! Artists will be set up throughout the area to capture the charming heritage buildings, historic neighbourhoods, the dramatic river or gorge vistas, rolling hillsides and picturesque farms of our uniquely beautiful region!
The grand finale show and sale will be Sunday May 17th from 1PM-5PM in the gallery at the Elora Centre for the Arts. Everyone is welcome to view the collective works from the weekend event. All pieces are available for sale.
Admission is free.
For more information about the Elora Plein Air Festival 2020 please visit the Elora Plein Air Festival website.
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The Welly Loop is a bike route through Elora and Fergus that takes about 1 hour to complete. You are invited to come give it a try! Enjoy a guided ride of The Loop on Sunday September 13th at 9AM – sharp!
Meet in the parking lot of the Elora Centre for the Arts. Everyone is welcome. No sign-up required, socially distanced. This week we are riding in support of Portage.
Green Lanes is a Centre Wellington advocacy group that pushes good urban design through individual ,small group, and large group actions so that we can live in a more equitable, healthy, and happier place.
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Our workshop class sizes have been reduced to ensure that work stations for workshop participants can be 2 metres apart. Where class size is more than 8, we have overflow teaching space in our gallery. The safety and peace of mind for our participants, visitors and staff are our priority. We believe that creativity can be very valuable in this time of recovery, and we invite you to visit our gallery, artisan shop or sign up for a workshop. For more information about our safety protocols and procedures, please click here.
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September 17 – October 11, 2020 | Gallery & Artisan Shop open Thursday – Sundays (check times)
The Elora Fergus Studio Tour will look different this year! The annual Studio Tour Show & Sale WILL TAKE PLACE in the gallery at the Elora Centre for the Arts and feature a sample of each Studio Tour artist’s work. The Show & Sale in the gallery will run from September 17 – October 11, 2020. This also marks the re-opening of the gallery at the Elora Centre for the Arts – we look forward to seeing you!
To find out more about the participating artists in the Show & Sale at ECFTA, please click here.
Free Admission. All art is for sale and can be taken at time of purchase. Gallery Hours: Thurs & Fri 11AM-5PM and Sat & Sun 12 -5PM
Social distancing health protocols are in effect inside the gallery and artisan shop. For details please click here.
Please note that, although the traditional Studio Tour (visiting artists in their studios) has been cancelled this year, there are 10 Studio Tour artists participating in ‘Elora Fergus Art in the Open’ where you can visit their property “in the open” over two weekends. To find out more, please visit the Art in the Open facebook page.
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SOLD OUT! This class is all about painting in the great outdoors! We will begin inside in the classroom with a short lesson covering the fundamentals of working outside including how to choose a subject, composition and how to paint some simple textures. Then we head outside, rain or shine, to the yard at the Art Centre, set up our easels and create a watercolour painting en plein air!
Led by artist and ECFTA Arts Educator Eileen MacArthur.
Please come dressed for the weather.
Ages 6-12
$40
Max 9 participants. **We have implemented COVID-19 safety protocols within our building and in our workshop spaces. This is an outdoor workshop, participants will be set up 6 feet apart. For more information about our workshop safety procedures, please click here.
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How about this for a Saturday night? This is plein air in the dark!
We will be working outside with watercolour and brush pen, but with the added twist of seeing the landscape and our palettes, limited by the lack of light. We won't really know what the paintings looks like until the end of the evening, when we head back inside and take a look in the light of the classroom.
Artists are required to bring their own sketchbooks. A $10 kit fee is payable to the instructor at the start of class.
Please meet at the Elora Centre for the Arts to sign in and then we will head out at dusk. Participants will be required to maintain social distancing and sign a waiver form. For more information about our safety policies in place, please click here.
Led by artist Eileen MacArthur
Ages 16+
$40 per person, plus HST
Max 8 participants.
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Join Susan Gentilcore of All Things Preserved for an evening of earth-friendly learning and making!
We all want to make changes to reduce waste in our lives, but sometimes we just don’t know where to begin. This fun, interactive and hands-on event is a great place to start. We’ll discuss 10 easy, low or no-cost changes we can all make in our daily lives to reduce waste, save money and help the environment. The focus will be on creative ways to replace single-use paper and plastic household products for the whole family. End the night by taking part in a make-and-take zero waste activity, and take home some up-cycled sustainable product samples.
All ages welcome! $25 plus HST, includes a make-and-take project Maximum 8 participants. ALL MATERIALS PROVIDED. **We have implemented COVID-19 safety protocols within our building and in our workshop spaces. Work stations are 6 feet apart, masks must be worn. For more information about our workshop safety procedures, please click here.Click Learn More for ticket availability
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Due to COVID restrictions and the compromised immune systems of some of our participants, they are not able to engage in road trips and come visit our facility at the Elora Centre for the Arts for phase one of this program. The good news is, if they can't come to us (for now) - we will go to them! We take our art instructors, staff and art supplies 'on the road' to Guelph and run the program twice a week at the Live & Learn day-facility!
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Intended for anyone who wishes to embrace more positive ways to live on this earth, in this workshop you'll design your own fabric to use in the making of your beeswax food wraps and beeswax snack bags. The conversation will flow as we discuss other habits to help increase our waste awareness. Take home your finished wraps at the end of the workshop and start putting them to use right away!
$50 (plus HST)
Maximum 8 participants. Ages 14+ ALL MATERIALS PROVIDED. **We have implemented COVID-19 safety protocols within our building and in our workshop spaces. Work stations are 6 feet apart, masks must be worn. For more information about our workshop safety procedures, please click here.Click Learn More for ticket availability
Ages 8-16
$35
Explore various watercolour and inking techniques to create your own unique fantasy creature with artist Katherine Olenic. Build your imagination and drawing skills by learning how to blend colour using inking techniques to bring your fantasy imagination to the page!
Katherine will demonstrate various styles from fantasy, cartoon, to realistic to help your kiddo design their own fantasy creations!
A great starter class for anyone who wants to have fun with watercolour, inking and their imagination.
Maximum 8 kids. **We have implemented COVID-19 safety protocols within our building and in our workshop spaces. Work stations are 6 feet apart, masks must be worn. For more information about our workshop safety procedures, please click here.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
This 2-day weekend workshop will appeal to painters of any level, who wish to deepen or rekindle their relationship to their inner muse. Over two days, you will venture deeper into your painting process and develop your personal expression in a safe, non-judgmental and playful space. Demonstrations using oil and cold wax, along with a variety of implements, will give you extra tools to assist you in your exploration.
We will be layering, scraping back, using solvent reductions, adding pastels, stamps, stencils, and much more. Experimenting with a variety of tools such as brayers, clay modeling tools and “squeegies”, we will create beautifully rich surfaces.
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Join Gosia Eco Designs’, Margaret Marcy for this unique weekend workshop exploring the magic of natural dyes and eco printing! Create a natural fiber botanical wrap/scarf using Margaret’s Eco Printing technique with flowers and leaves. Finished wrap will be approx. 70”x22”.
You will leave the class having learned the basics of Eco Printing and with the know-how to continue printing at home!
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Click Learn More for ticket availability
Click Learn More for ticket availability
SOLD OUT! This class will be an introduction to painting in oils with florals as the subject. Looking at the works of Dutch masters for inspiration, we will be learning about paint handling, colour mixing, and creating shape and drama. We will also discuss glazing and how to unify paintings and create strong focal points.
Students will go home with an 8x10 canvas detail of a Dutch Still Life botanical.
No experience required.
A $10 kit fee is payable to the instructor at the beginning of class.
Led by artist Eileen MacArthur.
Ages 16+
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Ages 8-16
$35 includes materials
Learn to create your own moving characters with artist Katherine Olenic.
In Sunday workshop, Katherine will work to develop your animation skills by making your own flip books. Bouncing balls, flying birds and finally bringing your own original character to life. Learn how your favourite animated movies or TV shows are made and how you can do that too!
A great intro class for kiddo’s that want to have fun drawing and learning the basics of animating!
Maximum 8 kids. **We have implemented COVID-19 safety protocols within our building and in our workshop spaces. Work stations are 6 feet apart, masks must be worn. For more information about our workshop safety procedures, please click here.
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Click Learn More for ticket availability
We want to make it as comfortable as possible for our community members to come on in and support our amazing makers and artists this holiday season! If you would prefer to pre-register for a more private shopping time on Wednesdays leading into Christmas, please click here to sign up for a time that works best for you. We will only be opening the doors for people who pre-register on Wednesdays, and we will be keeping the numbers to 4 maximum at any one time. Our regular safety protocols are in effect, so you can rest assured that your shopping experience will be relaxing and enjoyable!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
We want to make it as comfortable as possible for our community members to come on in and support our amazing makers and artists this holiday season! If you would prefer to pre-register for a more private shopping time on Wednesdays leading into Christmas, please click here to sign up for a time that works best for you. We will only be opening the doors for people who pre-register on Wednesdays, and we will be keeping the numbers to 4 maximum at any one time. Our regular safety protocols are in effect, so you can rest assured that your shopping experience will be relaxing and enjoyable!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Position: Programming Assistant
This position is a part time contract from January 4 – February 26, 2021 (8 weeks). The hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9AM – 3PM (total of 26 hours per week).
Job responsibilities include scheduling, planning and helping to prepare and execute our “Satellite Student Learning” learning & art program. Leadership skills a must. An interest in education and the arts in general are an asset. The successful candidate will help to prep art kits and guide students with independent art projects and work alongside educators and staff at the Elora Centre for the Arts.
This position is offered through the Canada Jobs assistance program. It stipulates that the position covers applicants up to 30 years of age. You are not required to be registered in, or returning to school in order to apply. Experience in leadership is essential. An interest in the arts and/or eduction is welcome. We encourage people with flexible post-secondary schedules to apply.
$16 – $18 / hour.
Please send your resume and cover letter to Judy Anderson at frontdesk@ecfta.ca
DEADLINE TO APPLY: DECEMBER 9th
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We want to make it as comfortable as possible for our community members to come on in and support our amazing makers and artists this holiday season! If you would prefer to pre-register for a more private shopping time on Wednesdays leading into Christmas, please click here to sign up for a time that works best for you. We will only be opening the doors for people who pre-register on Wednesdays, and we will be keeping the numbers to 4 maximum at any one time. Our regular safety protocols are in effect, so you can rest assured that your shopping experience will be relaxing and enjoyable!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
We want to make it as comfortable as possible for our community members to come on in and support our amazing makers and artists this holiday season! If you would prefer to pre-register for a more private shopping time on Wednesdays leading into Christmas, please click here to sign up for a time that works best for you. We will only be opening the doors for people who pre-register on Wednesdays, and we will be keeping the numbers to 4 maximum at any one time. Our regular safety protocols are in effect, so you can rest assured that your shopping experience will be relaxing and enjoyable!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
We want to make it as comfortable as possible for our community members to come on in and support our amazing makers and artists this holiday season! If you would prefer to pre-register for a more private shopping time on Wednesdays leading into Christmas, please click here to sign up for a time that works best for you. We will only be opening the doors for people who pre-register on Wednesdays, and we will be keeping the numbers to 4 maximum at any one time. Our regular safety protocols are in effect, so you can rest assured that your shopping experience will be relaxing and enjoyable!
Click Learn More for ticket availability
Ages 4-6
Max 12
$185/week
(a 10% discount will be applied at checkout for ECFTA Members)
Join us for a week of playful creativity under our big top canopy tent and the big blue sky! Each morning will be filled with nature-inspired creativity, outdoor art & craft making under our 1500 sq. ft. canopy, new friends and lots of free-range play perfect for a hot July week!
Maker Mornings! is led by ECFTA Arts Educators, Judy Anderson (Mon, Wed, Fri) and Sparrows Nest’s Stephanie Lines-Toohill (Tues, Thurs), along with the help of our Summer Student leader.
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Ages 7-11
Max 12
$300/week
(a 10% discount will be applied at checkout for ECFTA Members)
Campers! Join us for a full week of fresh-air fun, designed to bring out the young artist in you! Each day will be filled with nature-inspired creativity, outdoor art & craft making under our 1500 sq. ft. big-top canopy tent, new friends and lots of free-range play perfect for a hot July week!
BIG DAY OUT! is led by guest instructor Carolyn McLeod-McCarthy of Creative Spark Workshops in Guelph, along with the help of our Summer Student leader.
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Ages 7-11
Max 12
$300/week
(a 10% discount will be applied at checkout for ECFTA Members)
Campers! Join us for a full week of fresh-air fun, designed to bring out the young artist in you!
Each day will be filled with nature-inspired creativity, outdoor art & craft making under our 1500 sq. ft. big-top canopy tent, new friends and lots of free-range play perfect for a hot July week!
BIG DAY OUT! is led by guest instructor Carolyn McLeod-McCarthy of Creative Spark Workshops in Guelph, along with the help of our Summer Student leader.
Click Learn More for ticket availability