Summer Arts Experience

Andrew Edgar | Sketches to Line Drawings | July 15 – 19
Andrew Edgar has been a visual artist for more than 20 years. A graduate of Nova Scotia College of Art and Design with a BFA and a Bachelor of Education, he launched a teaching career, helping students gain an understanding of the creative process and how to develop and refine their artistic practice. Natural, rugged environments inspire his work, which reflects the objects and spaces of his surroundings. Andrew strives to create a framework in his practice communicating that the natural world is beautiful, holds infinite curiosities, and deserves our respect and admiration. 

Tanya Fenkell | Watercolour Basics – Landscapes | July 8 – 12
Stitching Skills: Knitting, Embroidery & Visible Mending | July 22 – 26
Tanya Fenkell, holding a BA from McGill University and an MA and MIS from the University of Toronto, is an artist and writer whose work explores the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. Her watercolour paintings, known for their calm and minimalistic style, depict serene natural spaces and convey a sense of tranquility and hope. Recently, she has integrated textiles into her landscapes. Tanya's art is regularly exhibited in Ontario and held in private collections across Canada and the U.S. Visit tanyafenkell.com for more details.

Grethe Jensen | Painting the Colour of Emotion | July 22 – 26  
Grethe Jensen is an experimental painter and arts educator with a focus on capturing the inner power and intrigue of her subjects. Known for her emotionally charged, abstract works, she explores the complexities of people through bold and subtle use of colour. Painting for over 20 years, Grethe delves into the unique language of colour to convey emotion on multi-layered surfaces. As a teacher, she creates an energetic and supportive environment, encouraging exploration and camaraderie among artists. Visit grethejensen.com for more details.

Ketha Newman | Painting, Drawing & Printing - Creating Works on Paper | July 8 – 12 
Ketha Newman, a Fine Art History graduate from the University of Toronto, has been creating lino block prints and paintings with watercolours, acrylics, and ink since 1996. Living off-the-grid in a log cabin surrounded by wilderness, her work is inspired by nature, depicting stylized interpretations of scenery, plants, animals, and local life. Ketha has also contributed to community art projects, taught art, and created public art. Her work was featured in The Canadian Backwoods Colouring Book and the CBC series Off the Grid. Visit kethanewman.com for more details.

David Smith | Plein Air Painting – Acrylic | July 15 – 19 
David Smith now paints full time, following 36 year career as a graphic designer, illustrator, and colour correction artist. A landscape painter with group and solo exhibitions, he participates in the Apsley Studio Tour and Buckhorn Arts Festival annually, as well as many other arts festivals. David is an award-winning artist, an experienced instructor, and is included in the book The Artists of Kawartha.

Annette Blady | Mosaics | July 22 – 26
Annette Blady, a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design, rose to international prominence in the 1980s as an interior designer, creating model suites for major condominium projects like The Nieman Marcus Centre in Chicago and The World Financial Centre in New York City. Transitioning to fine art in 1989, her mixed media collage paintings, which blend ancient symbolism with modern design, are showcased in galleries and private collections across Canada, the U.S., and Europe. Annette's collaborative work with her husband, Al Van Mil, Rising from the Canvas, has toured internationally since 2020. Visit bladyvanmil.com for more details.

Tina Cole | Rug Hooking – Primitives| July 15 – 19
Tina Cole has been rug hooking for over 20 years. She received her accreditation with the Ontario Hooking Craft Guild, Pearl McGown School, and with the Amy Oxford Program as a Certified Oxford Punch Needle Rug Hooking Instructor. Tina's business, Tina’s Distinctive Colours, features Caroline Clemens Jewel Tones swatches and has over 350 colours of wool.

Megan Fitzgerald | Abstract Places - Acrylic & Mixed Media Landscapes | July 15 – 19 
Megan Fitzgerald, an artist expanding the landscape genre, focuses on themes of wonder, transformation, and magic through her place-responsive practice. She collects objects, grinds earth pigments, and stitches textiles. After earning her BFA from OCAD University in 2016, Megan pursued curatorial studies in Florence, residencies in Spain, and various projects in the UK and Vietnam. She holds an MFA from NSCAD University, where she taught drawing and painting. Megan enjoys drawing trees, teaching arts workshops, and working in her dye garden. Visit meganfitzgeraldart.com for more details. 

Sarah Hamelin | Pottery – Thrown, Built & Altered | July 22 – 27 
Sarah Hamelin received her Honours degree in Fine Arts, with a Sculpture Specialization, from the University of Waterloo. She also holds a diploma of Fine Craft in Ceramics from the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, where she was awarded Best Portfolio for Direct Entry, and the Graduate Ceramic Award for Highest Academic Achievement. Her work has been exhibited at shows and galleries across Ontario and New Brunswick. Sarah works out of a converted greenhouse studio that operates within the natural cycles of the area, relying on rainwater and reusable materials when possible, to maintain a small footprint. She is dedicated to sustainability, technique, and artistry. 

Chris Hierlihy | Pottery - Lids, Spouts & Handles | July 15 – 20
Chris Hierlihy creates whimsical and nostalgic pottery using stencils and sgraffito, incorporating natural and urban elements such as people, animals, bicycles, and dinosaurs in intriguing vignettes. He delights in the small variations intrinsic to handmade work, aiming for his pieces to evoke a poignant connection and become part of someone's daily routine. Recently, Chris has shifted to education, teaching pottery privately and at several local clay studios. His work blends creativity with functionality, making everyday objects unique and engaging. Visit chrishierlihy.com for more details. 

Tania Love | Drawing Materials, Perception & Expression | July 15 – 19 
Tania Love’s work evolves from a relationship with the natural and cultural habitat. Her process-centred use of diverse natural materials emphasizes tactility and invites slower rhythms.  She is the recipient of numerous grants and residencies and has exhibited within Canada and internationally. Tania’s classes are delivered in a thoughtful, organized, and open manner that facilitates depth in foundational learning while also allowing for growth and experimentation.  Visit  tanialove.com or @tanialove.art on Instagram for more details.

Nancy Newman | Watercolour Florals & Negative Space | July 15 – 19 
Nancy Newman is an accomplished artist, teacher, and juror. She is a Director and Past President of the Toronto Watercolour Society (TWS) and holds a Signature Member, Silver Level status. Nancy is also a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, International Watercolour Society, and East Central Ontario Art Association. She has exhibited widely, earning numerous awards. As an experienced Visual Arts Specialist, she conducts workshops for various art societies and teaches at the Aurora Cultural Centre, Blue Mountain School of Landscape Painting, and Haliburton School of Art + Design. Visit nancynewmanart.com for more details. 

Rhoda Payne | Painting – Loosening Up in the Studio | July 15 – 19 
Rhoda Payne, a prize-winning expressionist, has been painting professionally since 2011. After earning her MA in Teaching in Fine Arts and studying at St. Martin’s College of Art in London, she taught art and photography in Madrid and Santiago. Her vibrant work, known for dynamic mark-making, sumptuous color, and unexpected compositions, radiates excitement and optimism. Rhoda exhibits regularly in juried shows and galleries in Ontario, with her work included in prestigious collections like the Baycrest Foundation. She is a member of the Ontario Society of Artists, Colour and Form Society, and the Federation of Canadian Artists. Visit rhodapayneart.com for more details. 

Rene Petitjean | Pottery – Advanced Throwing Techniques | July 8 – 12 
Rene Petitjean has been a maker of objects for over 50 years. After attending Sheridan College, he bought Robin Hopper’s studio in 1975 and started a successful reduction-fired pottery line, later expanding to include salt-glazed pottery. Although he transitioned to designing architectural iron projects, he has returned to his original passion for ceramics. Rene teaches in the Ceramics Certificate Program at the Haliburton School of Art + Design and is known for his expertise in advanced throwing techniques and encouraging students' creative development. Visit renepetitjean.com for more details. 

Steve Rose | Figure in the Landscape | July 8 – 12  
Painting Open Studio | July 29 – August 2 
Steve Rose is a Toronto-based artist, teacher, lecturer, and curator with a degree from OCAD University and an MFA from the University of Windsor. He maintains an active studio practice and is a sought-after art juror and critique mentor, known for his discerning eye across various art disciplines. Steve is a dedicated instructor, teaching at numerous institutions such as OCADU, the University of Windsor, the McMichael Gallery, and the Haliburton School of the Arts. He has exhibited extensively, with his recent solo show, Memento Mori, showcasing his graduate work to significant acclaim. His art is included in many international private and corporate collections. Follow him on Instagram @steverose.ca for more details.

Monika Rosen | Watercolour Monotypes- Expressive, No-Press Prints | July 29 – August 2 
Monika Rosen holds a BFA from Queen’s University and an MFA in Painting from the New York Academy of Art. Specializing in oil paintings and monotypes, her work explores psychology and landscape, focusing on themes of self-transformation and resilience. Her love for the outdoors, developed while living in the mountains of BC, influences her en-plein-air painting and teaching. Monika has taught monotypes and painting both privately and at institutions like Visual Arts Mississauga and Fogo Island Arts. Her work is featured in private and corporate collections, including The Daniels Corporation in Toronto. Visit monikarosen.com for more details. 

Stuart Ross | Creative Writing | July 29 – August 2 
Stuart Ross, an award-winning author, has published over 20 books of fiction, poetry, and personal essays. His recent memoir, The Book of Grief and Hamburgers, won the 2023 Trillium Book Award. Stuart has received numerous accolades, including the Harbourfront Festival Prize and the Canadian Jewish Literary Award for Poetry. He runs poetry and fiction imprints through Anvil Press and Guernica Editions. With decades of teaching experience, he has served as writer-in-residence at Queen’s University and the University of Ottawa, and teaches at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. 

Vicki Sharp | Bead Weaving | July 8 – 12 
Vicki Sharp has been engaged in the arts her entire life. She holds an Honours BFA from York University and a Bachelor of Education from University of Toronto.  Additionally, she completed three scholarship sessions at the Banff School for the Arts. For nearly 20 years, she owned and operated a fine craft and art gallery in Muskoka called The Muskoka Moose. She also launched and ran The Moose Show, an annual Christmas event held in the atrium of the CBC building in Toronto. Vicki continues to seek learning opportunities, participate in craft shows, and is an active member of the creative community. Visit vickisharp.com for more details.

Andrew Sookrah | Brushstrokes for Better Results | July 8 – 12
Andrew Sookrah is a renowned colourist known for his confident brushwork, strong design, and bold colours. He captures the essence of the human spirit in his portraits and the unity of nature in his landscapes. A finalist in the Landscape Artists of The Year Canada competition, Andrew is currently working on urban street scenes and Algonquin Park-inspired pieces. He is an elected member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour and the Society of Canadian Artists. His work is featured in the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Sales and Rental Program and is in many private and corporate collections. Visit sookrah.ca for more details.

Bill Stearman | Quilting – Words & Stories | July 22 – 26 
Bill Stearman is an energetic and passionate quilt-maker, storyteller, and social activist. Using quilts as his medium, he aims to change how people view the world by pushing the limits of traditional quilt-making and exploring alternative materials and techniques. His creations address personal and social issues, encouraging viewers to think, react, and engage in conversations. Bill's work is intended to be true and honest, making a meaningful impact and driving change. Visit billstearmanquilts.blogspot.com for more details.

Alphons Van Mil | Passionate Paint Intermediate/Advanced | July 22 – 26 
Alphons Van Mil, Hon BFA, studied fine art at the University of Guelph under conceptual artist Eric Cameron. Specializing in acrylic and oil on large canvases, his work spans landscapes, portraits, abstracts, and eclectic hybrids. Painting full-time since 1989, Al's work has been exhibited in private and public galleries, including the Musee Des Beaux-Arts in Montreal and the National Gallery of Canada. He also engages in performance art, set design for operas, and children's book illustration. Visit bladyvanmil.com to see his collaborative work with his wife, Annette Blady. 

Jessica Wallace | Yoga & Art – Mindful Creations | July 29 – August 2 
Jessica Wallace has over 25 years of experience teaching art in various educational settings worldwide, including Waldorf, Montessori, and outdoor schools. Her cross-curricular, nature-based programs aim to empower communities through creative, hands-on activities that foster creativity, conflict resolution, interpersonal skills, and self-awareness. A professional artist since her teens, Jessica has exhibited internationally. She also completed Yoga and Nia Teacher Training and has taught yoga to children and adults globally. Her work integrates art and mindfulness to inspire and educate. 

Sharlena Wood | Masters’ Impressionism | July 22 – 26 
Charcoal Mixed Media | July 29 – August 2 
Sharlena Wood is a consummate artist, inspired by a deep connection to the natural world. Her works of art have been exhibited, published, commissioned and privately collected. A unique artistic signature in mixed media demonstrates her expert knowledge of art materials. Sharlena’s creative process is informed by the medium used to represent what is seen and felt. A popular art teacher and demonstrator, she shares her passion through unique projects that nurture a safe space with a 'can-do-it attitude' and ultimate joy in the creative process. Visit sharlenawood.com for more details.

Holly Dean | Book Arts – Mixed Media Painting & Binding | July 22 – 26
Holly Dean is thrilled to be living an artsy life. She acquired her artistic knowledge and skills through an amalgam of life experience, workshops, and practice as a designer, calligrapher, painter, bookbinder, and book artist. She thrives on playing with colour, texture, and line to create beautiful paintings and book art and loves to guide others by sharing her ways of playful exploration.

Rhoda Payne | Painting Large Scale | July 29 – August 2
Rhoda Payne, a prize-winning expressionist, has been painting professionally since 2011. After earning her MA in Teaching in Fine Arts and studying at St. Martin’s College of Art in London, she taught art and photography in Madrid and Santiago. Her vibrant work, known for dynamic mark-making, sumptuous color, and unexpected compositions, radiates excitement and optimism. Rhoda exhibits regularly in juried shows and galleries in Ontario, with her work included in prestigious collections like the Baycrest Foundation. She is a member of the Ontario Society of Artists, Colour and Form Society, and the Federation of Canadian Artists. Visit rhodapayneart.com for more details.

Paul Portelli | Handbuilding Clay Sculpture | July 15 – 19 
Paul Portelli is a professional sculptor known for his unique terra cotta creations, including Greenmen, Venetian Carnival Figures, Regal Rabbits, and Murder of Crows. His work, admired by collectors worldwide, is featured in private collections across Canada, the US, Europe, and Africa, including with Ghana President John Agyekum Kufuor. Paul studied Fashion Arts at Seneca College and visual arts at the Ontario College of Art and Haliburton School of Fine Arts. He has taught at Ryerson University, Sir Sanford Fleming College, Durham College, and Seneca College. Visit paulportelli.com for more details.

Steve Rose | Abstracted Landscapes | July 15 – 19  
Steve Rose is a Toronto-based artist, teacher, lecturer, and curator with a degree from OCAD University and an MFA from the University of Windsor. He maintains an active studio practice and is a sought-after art juror and critique mentor, known for his discerning eye across various art disciplines. Steve is a dedicated instructor, teaching at numerous institutions such as OCADU, the University of Windsor, the McMichael Gallery, and the Haliburton School of the Arts. He has exhibited extensively, with his recent solo show, Memento Mori, showcasing his graduate work to significant acclaim. His art is included in many international private and corporate collections. Follow him on Instagram @steverose.ca for more details.

John Shaw-Rimmington | Dry Stone Structures | July 22 – 26 
John Shaw-Rimmington, an artist educated at Cranbrook Institute in Michigan, specializes in dry stone wall techniques, blending art with the natural environment. His stone installations, including footbridges, follies, and land art, can be found across North America in parks, galleries, schools, and private estates. John uses only natural, locally sourced stone. He authored How to Build Dry-Stacked Stone Walls, available on Amazon. Visit his blog Thinking With My Hands or follow @drystonewaller on Instagram to see his work.

Andrew Sookrah | Expressive Watercolour Landscapes | July 29 – August 2
Andrew Sookrah is a renowned colourist known for his confident brushwork, strong design, and bold colours. He captures the essence of the human spirit in his portraits and the unity of nature in his landscapes. A finalist in the Landscape Artists of The Year Canada competition, Andrew is currently working on urban street scenes and Algonquin Park-inspired pieces. He is an elected member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour and the Society of Canadian Artists. His work is featured in the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Sales and Rental Program and is in many private and corporate collections. Visit sookrah.ca for more details.

Rob Stimpson | Photographing the Landscapes of Northumberland County | July 8 – 12
Rob Stimpson is an accomplished outdoor photographer with a background in tourism. His award-winning work has been published internationally and he has photographed for Ontario Tourism, Parks Canada, and Ontario Parks. Rob's experience includes roles as an expedition photographer in remote areas like Antarctica, the Arctic, and Greenland. He is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and co-authored An Artist's and Photographer's Guide to Wild Ontario. His work is featured in the Canadian Canoe Museum and various visitor centres. Rob also teaches photography workshops and writes for northern tourism organizations. Visit robstimpson.com for more details.

Alice Vander Vennen | Mixed Media Textile Assemblages | July 8 – 12 
Alice Vander Vennen has worked as a professional artist since 1980. A child of immigrant parents who left war-torn Holland, she has used her art to capture stories of loss and hope, courage and strength. First trained as a sculptor at Calvin College, USA, with further training at the Ontario College of Art and Design, Alice now works in three-dimensional assemblage, participating in numerous exhibitions throughout North America. Her work is in public, private and corporate collections both here and abroad. Visit alicevandervennen.ca for more details.

Janet Brant | Quilting – Lone Star | July 15 – 19 
Janet Brant, Bear Clan, member of Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, has been a quilter for 30 years. She has created many Star quilts - some as baby and wedding gifts, as well as a number that were sent to British Columbia for the burial of children who died while attending residential school, when they are brought home to their final resting place. Janet’s passion is Indigenous health and she currently works as a Nurse Practitioner in Akwesasne. 

Kirk Brant | Woodland Art | July 8 – 12 
Kirk Brant is a member of The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. His work reflects his heritage as an Indigenous person. An avid hunter and fisherman, animals and the land appear in much of his work. Kirk graduated from the Graphic Design program at Algonquin College, Ottawa and, having painted all of his life, he considers himself a self-taught artist. “I am definitely inspired by the beauty of the land.”  Visit facebook.com/woodlandstyle for more details.

Carol Anne Maracle | Iroquoian Black Ash Basketry | July 8 – 12 
Carol Anne Maracle, Mohawk Bear Clan of Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, became interested in Iroquoian baskets at a young age. Her early research efforts indicated that two families in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory were basket makers. With no remaining family members to share skills and knowledge, Carol contacted the Akwasane Cultural Centre and began her basket-making journey. She travelled to classes for over 10 years and has been teaching baskets for over 20 years.