Adult Open Studio

May 2 | Spring Garden

Be inspired by the verdant gardens in our soon-to-close exhibition Emmanuel Osahor: I made this place for you. Capture the lushness of your own garden with this introduction to watercolour and ink techniques. Register here.

May 9 | Painted Layers

Taking inspiration from Canadian artist Shirley Wiitasalo’s abstracted images, create a mixed-media painting using a variety of layering and transfer techniques. Experiment with paint, image transfer and collage techniques to combine found and drawn images into a reflection of contemporary culture. Register here.

May 16 | Portraiture

Visit Aïda Muluneh and Meryl McMaster: Ebb and Flow to discover how portraiture can be used to speak to larger ideas of water, violence, history and time. In the studio, take a brief lesson on portrait photography including lighting strategies, composition, and camera angle. Create a series of unique portraits with the time that is left. Register here.

May 23 | En Plein Air

Some of the best light is at dusk and dawn. Begin this session with a visit to Tom Thomson: North Star and an introduction to watercolour basics before venturing out to Churchill Square (weather permitting). Take advantage of the longer evening light, by documenting the people and the city around you in a series of watercolour sketches. Register here.

May 30 | Dipped Sculpture

Inspired by the work of Eric Cameron, featured in AGA100 Act 1: Earth to Eternity, construct a sculpture from everyday materials. Dip the sculpture into paint to unify and complete the night’s artwork. Register here.

June 6 | Bookbinding

In the studio and with summer on the way, learn the basics of bookbinding and construct a travel journal. Then explore our galleries to give your journal a whirl. Try out a few sketching techniques and easy-to-transport materials to prepare you for your art-filled adventure! Register here.

June 13 | Figure Drawing I

Using charcoal, conté and inks, sketch from a live model. Begin the session with expressive and loose renderings and finish with a longer more sustained study.  Focus on the fundamentals of tone, form and perspective. Register here.

NB: This class features a nude model. 

June 20 | Pinch Pot Animals

Learn a few clay hand-building techniques before creating a pinch pot bowl that evokes your favorite animal. A bowl shaped like a duck, or one with a hippo head popping out, or however you imagine that pot taking shape. Take it one step further by visiting The RBC New Works Gallery to see how local artists Boyd Dymchuk and Aaron Harvey inspired each other. Register here.

June 27 | Carve, Print, Repeat

Did you know Edmonton is known for its printmaking? View artwork from our collection before heading down to the studio for a brief introduction to relief printing. Using a reductive method, carve into your lino block and print your first layer. Watch as subsequent carving and printing layers transform your composition into a suite of limited-edition prints. Register here.