THURSDAYS | MAR 7 - 28 | 6:45 - 8:15PM | Ages 13 - 17 | Discovery Centre

This program will provide an opportunity for youth ages 13-17 to learn fundamental visual art techniques using a variety of unconventional materials and processes. Out-of-the-box thinking is encouraged as the instructor guides teens through two intricate projects over the span of the 4-week course. Focus will be placed on developing and refining technical skills, engaging in meaningful conversations, and gaining self-confidence along the way. A new subject is explored each season, with past classes diving into inks, still-life, colour and more!

This program provides an opportunity for youth ages 13-17 to learn fundamental visual art techniques using a variety of unconventional materials and processes. Out-of-the-box thinking is encouraged as the instructor guides teens through two intricate projects over the span of the 4-week course. Focus will be placed on developing and refining technical skills, engaging in meaningful conversations, and gaining self-confidence along the way. A new subject is explored each season, with past classes diving into inks, still-life, colour and more!This season is inspired by mask making & sculptural relief paintings. Arts Instructor Candice Arnold will guide students through a plaster gauze sculptural demonstration. Students will explore the process of creating the ‘wet drapery effect’, while developing their own imaginative compositions. Afterwards they will turn their plaster relief sculpture into a dreamscape painting.

‍Day 1: Brainstorming and Drawing Dreamscape Compositions

‍Students will begin brainstorming and drawing their compositions to prepare for mask building & the painting process. They will be encouraged to imagine their own dreamscape, taking the viewer on a visual journey. The theme will be, ‘If you could travel anywhere in the world or universe, where would you go?’ (ex. Egypt, Tropical Jungle, Ocean, the Moon, Space).

‍Day 2: Plaster Gauze Techniques & Building Relief Sculpture

‍Students will learn how to apply plaster gauze strips and layer them to build up the surface of their masks. By allowing the plaster strips to crease and fold, this creates the ‘wet drapery effect.’ Plaster strips will also be used to fill in the negative spaces around the masks to create visual interest. The instructor will demonstrate these plaster gauze techniques.

‍Day 3: Painting Masks & Landscape Backgrounds

‍Once the plaster is fully dry, students can begin painting the first layers of colour. We will use acrylic paint to create imaginative backgrounds such as celestial galaxies, pyramids, etc. The imagery can be realistic or surrealistic. Students will be encouraged to incorporate their background imagery with their personalized masks.

‍Day 4: Final Details & Found Objects

‍Students will focus on painting details, patterns & adding found objects to embellish their masks. The goal will be to add their own personality by creating imagery that ties into their theme and background landscape. Painting light & shadow will be encouraged to enhance the 3-dimensional effect and add contrast. Facial features can be exaggerated or softened to suit their dreamscape theme. Will they become an astronaut, alien, or explorer?

Max: 12 spots per group

About the Instructor:

Candice Arnold graduated from the University of Manitoba with her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 2005. She has since explored her love of teaching at the Esplanade utilizing materials such as clay, painting, printmaking, pastels, charcoal, and inks. She began with the Esplanade as our Summer Arts Camp Instructor in 2006, continuing in that role for 4 summers while also transitioning into her Esplanauts Instructor role in fall 2006. Alongside her 16+ years of experience with us, she has also facilitated programming at both Medalta and Inspire Café.

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A patron may withdraw their registration up to two weeks prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund. No refund will be issued within the two weeks prior to the start date, but withdrawals during that time period will be considered on a case by case basis and may result in a credit applied to the patron’s name. No credit or refund will be issued to any withdrawals within three business days before the start date of the program.