An exploration of abstraction of form, colour and space, adaptable to different grade levels, abilities and materials. Using variations on the theme of forms in space we experiment with abstract arrangements of drawings and collage to create complexity and / or the illusion of 3 dimensional space. Please note: for in person workshops the artist must be within one hour travel distance from the school. You can check the distance by entering your school address on the Artist Directory page.

This project was designed to use ‘found papers’, that is, paper that you divert from the recycle bin! So it’s also environmental and budget friendly. The open ended nature of collage makes it perfect to be linked to any part of your current curriculum if you choose. Paper collage has been around as an art form since about 1910. It was started by artists Picasso and Braque. The term “collage” comes from the French word coller, or “to glue.”

Drawing with Carbon Paper.
This class is highly beneficial for students who struggle with the shapes, composition, and detailed depiction of images.

Let's make fabric! Using wool fibre, soapy water and friction we can learn how to make felt - which is the oldest form of fabric. Elise will guide students in the creation of prefelt, the design & layout, and the finishing & fulling of a 2D work of art to hang in your classrooms, in the hallways or at home. Organizers will have the option to choose work within a theme (ie. special occasions/seasons) or student's choice. This project is great for all ages, is pandemic friendly (lots of soapy water), and a great way to get hands and minds having fun with a new task.

Let’s get wet felting! In this workshop students will create a fabric rectangle from wool-fibre which will be cut in half to create two bookmarks. Participants will use colour, texture and design to create their own work of art. Wet felting uses natural, easy to find materials and is fun and safe for everyone.

Students are introduced to game making and use these skills to produce a game that is fun on behalf of the player.

Students will learn about Liberated Quilt Making. I use these techniques in my art practice. I will also cover where these quilt making techniques can be seen historically including Gee’s Bend, Amish and African Nova Scotian quilts.

Students are introduced to storytelling and how to make comics, then they make a comic pages and have the stories printed in a book for each member of the class to share.

Self care and self representation are foundational aspects of building an authentic sense of self, building self-esteem and self-confidence. It is also a necessity in navigating self-discovery as a youth. Self branding exercises can help introduce the habit in representing oneself with positivity and authenticity.

Students will be given a short lesson in embroidery, with demonstration and explanation of a few basic stitches. They will then complete a small (approx. 3” diameter) circular piece of embroidery that will ultimately be backed with felt and turned into a pin-on patch. These embroidery pieces will be inspired by design prompts appropriate to the age, skill level and learning styles of the students participating and can be linked to curriculum that is being covered. Design prompts and degree of complexity of both stitching and design will be adjusted to suit the grade level participating.