Classes & Workshops

Explore your Creativity

Learn a new skill, refresh your perspective, and imagine the world more creatively! A number of studio artists of the Alton Mill offer classes & workshops in a variety of mediums and themes, for beginners to advanced artists of all ages. We also have a variety of team-building workshop activities that can be tailored to the needs of your company off-site, party, conference, or other private event.

upcoming workshops

Photo Encaustics Workshop

June 21, 2025

The workshop is a basic course covering mixed media collage using your own precious photo printed on handmade paper, applying melted beeswax and resin, and exploring techniques in colour and texture. Participants will take home a finished mixed media piece. All electrical equipment, wax and supplies are provided. NO previous painting experience necessary. 10:00 am to 3:00 pm $200

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Drawing Trees - An Outdoor Art Experience with C.J. Shelton

June 22, 2025

This outdoor session will answer the question “where do I start” when it comes to drawing trees. You will learn the fundamentals of simplifying their form, how to avoid getting overwhelmed by details and how to focus on capturing the essence of a variety of different tree species, from deciduous to conifers. 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM $75 + hst

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Quick & Quirky Outdoor "Urban" Sketching with C.J. Shelton

July 20, 2025

Visual journalling or “urban sketching” is a fun way to enhance your outdoor adventures and observations in a unique and creative way, whether you are a hiker, backyard birder, road-tripper or otherwise. Instruction will include how to plan and start a drawing with plenty of encouragement to approach it with your own individual style. 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM $75 + hst

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All About the Basics Encaustic Workshop

July 12, 2025

Participants will be able to experiment with techniques such as glazing, sculpting, fusing, photo transfers, collage, stencilling and stamping. At the end of the class, participants will take home an introduction to Encaustic Painting booklet and several practice boards. All supplies are provided. NO previous experience necessary. 10:00 am to 1:00 pm $120

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Outdoor Botanical Journaling with C.J. Shelton

August 17, 2025

This outdoor session will have you exploring the beautiful grounds of the Alton Mill in search of natural flora such as Queen Ann Lace as well as cultivated plants and flowers like Coneflowers. Your goal will be to sketch them with an inquisitive “botanical” research approach that captures both the essence and the details of what you are observing. 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM $75 + hst

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recurrent workshops

Seeing with New Eyes Drawing with CJ Shelton

Drawing isn’t as complicated as you think… all it takes is a little coaching and lots of tips from CJ Shelton's 35+ years of experience. Whether you are a complete beginner or more advanced, you will notice an improvement in your drawing as you start seeing the world around you in a new way! ONGOING | JOIN ANYTIME Sunday or Wednesday afternoon sessions are available.

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Acrylic Painting with Lydia Panart

Lydia Panart offers weekly beginner and intermediate classes on Wednesdays, 10-1 p.m. She also accepts group sessions for corporate team building, couples, or friends and family. Enjoy a fun, creative time co-creating with guided instruction, using various tools and techniques—no experience needed.

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Watercolour & Acrylic Painting with CJ Shelton

These classes with CJ Shelton are for beginners and advanced students, helping you complete challenging projects while exploring different techniques. Receive expert guidance on composition, colour mixing, and more. Enjoy creative exploration with lots of helpful feedback, whether you're experimenting or perfecting. Wednesday afternoon sessions available.

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Encaustics with Karen Brown

Learn to paint with beeswax, heat, & fire! Karen Brown offers encaustic classes, candle making, open studios and so much more at The Hive Encaustic Studio. The Hive also carries specialty art and encaustic supplies.

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By-Request Workshops

Our artists offer master classes and team-building workshops. The Hive Encaustic Studio runs classes year-round. CJ Shelton offers watercolour, mandala, and craft sessions with private group bookings available. Artsons provides private and corporate group booking. Lydia Panart provides workshops for team-building and groups. No experience is needed. Contact artists to book.

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Artist showing their art to two visitors in a bright studio

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