Join us this fall for one of our art classes! Choose from a range of art classes for adults, kids and teens with both online and in-studio options available. You'll be sure to find a class to help you explore your creativity.
For kids and teens, our popular weekly art classes begin a new session. These classes provide the perfect environment to inspire young artists of any skill level.
We invite you now to explore all of our:
Register online today or call 905-453-9142 for more information.
Miss Mahaney had just finished distributing the new boxes of Crayola Crayons to her grade two students. I was mesmerized by the saturation of the colours and the fresh, unused sharply pointed tips which hinted of glorious masterpieces yet to be made. The rest of that year I pulled out that box from my desk, ran my fingers over the tips marvelling over the rich colours, then carefully put them away. I loved that sense of how perfect they were, how something great could be just around the corner, and that they were just waiting for me to use them.
With more research these past decades making its way into our daily lives, most of us know that fear of failure, or that the drive to be perfect, can contribute to self-sabotage. "Oh, I'm not creative, I can't draw, I’d never be able to do that!"
We also know that exploring, practice, and learning new techniques can offer immense benefits to young and old alike. Being absorbed and caught up in an expressive activity such as visual arts, music, design or photography can lead to a cognitive state called "flow". With the challenge of creating also comes the exercise of problem solving.
Well, Visual Arts Brampton is ready to help all types and ages of learners take the plunge into or continue exploring their creative expressive selves.
The transferable skills and benefits from including creative activities and expression in our lives is immense for people of all ages. From the deep satisfaction and thrill of creating something yourself to the honing of skills with its subsequent boost to self-esteem, learning to focus and be in the present moment are healthy mental and emotional states.
Taking classes with friends or family also can ensure time together. Later, as interest and skills with certain activities increase, such as sketching or painting, people might find that these have become hobbies or important areas of talent to develop.
This more active engagement as compared to passive activities, such as many hours spent playing computer games or watching videos or television, leaves people more relaxed, emotionally available to each other, and energized.
For those of us headed back to a fall routine, there are lots of new things to discover and potential areas of interest to explore. Whether it is relaxation, the thrill of honing skills, or that creative drive to express oneself, live large, step out into your creative potential, and open up and use that box of Crayola Crayons!
Article by: E. Connie Munson
We are pleased to welcome artist Deon Best to our studio this fall. Deon is offering two unique art classes that will allow students to explore the Modern Batik process.
Modern Batik is a technique where wax is applied to fabric using water-soluble dyes. The Modern Batik technique is a revolutionary repackaged application that enhances the detail of an image on fabric using wax and dyes. The effect that can be achieved through resistant dyeing often results in amazing, unpredictable textures and tones.
Modern Batik Class for Adults: Modern Batik: Fashion Tote Bags
Modern Batik Cass for Kids: Modern Batik: Fashion Tote Bags for Kids
Deon Best
Deon Best is a multidisciplinary Brampton artist with a background in Graphic Design, Digital & Traditional Art. Deon Best’s portfolio covers a wide range of artistic mediums, including his main focus - Modern Batik Art. As an Artist & Instructor, Deon Best has taught over 350 students across Ontario through numerous art workshops, classes & camps. As the premiere Modern Batik artist in Canada, Deon Best has taught Modern Batik to all ages and skill levels over the last twelve years! Utilizing his talents for charitable works and the positive empowerment of students through art is a passion for Deon! Come join the adventure!
And it’s SHOW TIME for ... a number of Visual Arts Brampton members at FORMS, FACES & SPACES, figuratively speaking! opening Thursday, May 5 at the Parish Hall, 16 Adamson Street South, Norval, right next to the St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
Colleen Dee, Helen Duplassie, and Sherry Park all have work in the Fine Arts category, although Dee has work in the Photography arena as well. This exhibit is one of 85 Open Themed Shows across the GTA and beyond for the 26th annual Scotiabank CONTACT Festival, the world’s largest photography event.
Hanging through May 29 and open noon to 4:30 pm Thursdays – Sundays and holiday Mondays, the Munson & Friends STUDIO GALLERY is mounting this show as its premiere exhibition. E. Connie Munson, a VAB member, photographer, writer, artist, and budding gallerist applied for satellite site status with CONTACT back in January.
VAB’s motto, Encouraging Creativity, is clearly evident in this event with several of their members in the show, the loaning of display grids and tables, and respectively, the technical counsel with hands-on work and consulting from two of their board members, Matt and Colleen.
Story by: E. Connie Munson
Visual Arts Brampton