MAAE MTS PD Day - Art Unbound: Breaking Barriers in Contemporary Art Education

Register here: https://memberlink.mbteach.org/Event.axd?e=2782

FULL - 01 - Art Unbound: Early Years Edition

Explore boundary busting art experiences, strategies and ideas designed to challenge and nurture young learners. The session will include a mix of viewing and hands-on experiences, with many opportunities for sharing and discussion. Examples of children’s art and the stories behind them, collected from Joe’s many years supporting early years classroom teachers, provide a stimulating context for discovering new classroom possibilities.

All supplies will be provided; bring a sketchbook or notebook if you would like to record your thinking during the session!

Presenter: Joe Halas

Prior to becoming happily retired, Joe Halas (he/him) taught art in a variety of K-12 programs, then served as art consultant for both the Winnipeg School Division and the Province of Manitoba. Joe is grateful for all that he has learned from his students and fellow educators over his many years in art education.

Suitable for: Early Years, adaptable for Grades 4-6

Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

05 - Infusing Art & Energy into the Early Years Classroom (4 spots remaining)

Infuse art to break down subject area boundaries and make learning more creative, authentic and joyful for your young artists – and for yourself! Deenie invites you to experience time-proven art lessons, ideas, and media for young children that connect and uncover curricular learning in fun organic ways. Leave with ideas you can implement immediately as well as bigger ideas to enrich your entire program.

All supplies will be provided; bring a sketchbook or notebook if you would like to record your thinking during the session!

Presenter: Deenie Lefko-Halas

Deenie (she/her) retired from a happy fulfilling career as an arts-forward Early Years teacher in 2017. She continues to inspire a love of art and learning with all the young people in her life.

Suitable for: Early Years

Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

FULL - 11 - Threads of Life: Practical Skills and Sustainable Art through Textile Collage

Join us for a dynamic workshop focusing on integrating practical life skills, sustainability, and accessible art forms through textile art. You will become inspired with a brief introduction to the rich history and cultural significance of textile art coupled with diverse modern examples that include various cultures and abilities. Learn how to incorporate recycled materials into your projects, promoting sustainability and exploration in your classroom. The heart of this workshop is a hands-on creative session where you'll craft your own textile collage
using provided materials, guided and supported by your instructor. Engage in practical activities that enhance motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Conclude with a reflection on how to apply these techniques in your teaching practice with resources provided to support your lesson planning. Discover the joy of textile art and leave with innovative ideas to inspire your students!

Please feel free to bring an interesting scrap fabric or textiles from home that you don't mind cutting up, but all materials will be provided! This is a wrist and hand-centred workshop so please keep that in mind if you feel you need additional hand support in the form of a brace, thimble, etc. Please come prepared to hand sew. You are encouraged to bring your sketchbook or any pictures from which you might draw inspiration.

Presenter: Tess Martin

Tess (she/her) is a textile artist based in Winnipeg. Having completed a degree in Costume Studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, she has been working in theatre, working with fabrics and textiles full-time. Tess draws inspiration from the exploration and collaboration of texture, colour, and form.

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

14 - Procreate Basics

Learn about the essential features of Procreate, the remarkable digital drawing app. This workshop will take you through the basics of this versatile and user-friendly drawing tool: how to set up your digital canvas; brushes and use of colour; how to add texture; how to add text; how to build your image using layers; how to share your work... and much more! The workshop will consist of a series of live demonstrations followed by hands-on activities. Please bring along your (fully charged) iPad and stylus pen, with the Procreate app installed and ready to use.

Each participant should have a fully charged iPad with a synced, charged stylus, and the Procreate app purchased, installed on the IPad and ready to go. Bring a saved image (on the iPad) that has a pleasant colour palette! If there is something specific you want to learn about in this session, email your request by October 14 to Dawn Knight at dawnamberknight@outlook.com and she will share it with the instructor.


Presenter: Cato Cormier

Cato (they/she) is a visual artist who loves to tell stories through illustration and comics especially. THey draw strange humanoids, regular folks and the bits and bobs that make up their worlds. Much of their practice explores the joy and absurdity of having a body. Their work is characterized by its playful yet precise lines. It is at times surreal, often cheeky and always earnest.

NOTE: There is no studio fee, however participants MUST own an iPad and stylus, and download and install Procreate App from the Apple Store ($12.99) ahead of the workshop to be able to participate!

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

FULL - 20 - Beaded Mini Medallions

Learn to bead a mini-medallion. Learn what supplies are needed, how to determine the image you want to bead, the history of beading, cultural purpose, beading methods, edging, etc. Support to choose your image (red dress, orange shirt, ribbon, heart, etc) on a small circle medallion that will have a loop attached for display purposes. From threading the needle, attaching the edging, filling in the beads and securing the backing, all steps will be covered to create your own special beaded piece.

Our seed beads will be small... Please bring your glasses!


Presenter: Christine Brouzes

A sought-after Metis beading and clay artist, Christine Brouzes (she/her) is an experienced and dynamic teacher. Medallions that depict an image is where her creative passion lives and her one-of-a-kind medallions can be found in collections all across North America.


Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

21 - Creating Prompts Through Images & Words

Using the medium of collage and curated collections of magazine images and words for each participant, discover a strategy to help any beginner tap into their own, unique, creative voice and be able to generate their own symbolism and subject matter. It’s a great warm-up for the imagination, and can be used in many other ways to generate prompts in visual and creative writing projects for all ages.


Presenters: Sandra Brown & Carmela Wade

Sandra Brown (BA, BFA) is a mixed media artist, writer and arts facilitator and mentor. Carmela Wade (BA, BFA) is a mixed media artist, group facilitator, and educator. They are the founders of the Creative Revival Company where they facilitate fun and easy art workshops for adults in painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media, and creative writing. Since 2005, Brown and Wade have been harnessing creativity as a force for personal transformation, collaborating to develop public art projects, classes and workshops to help everyone discover this incredible power we all possess. Their mission is to inspire creativity for community, corporate, and personal transformation.

Suitable for: All Educators

Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

22 - Places of Meaning: Abstract Paintings (8 spots remaining)

Introduce your students to the art movement known as Abstract Art with this engaging activity that can be adapted to learners of various skill levels and abilities. Participants will design and create their own abstract painting based on a special place that is near and dear to their heart, using acrylic paints and canvas. This workshop would lend itself nicely to classroom teachers, or educators who teach Social Studies and/or ELA. A great acTivity to learn more about your students, and can easily be brought back to your classroom and implemented.

Wear clothing that is okay to get paint on (or bring a smock or apron if you wish). Bring a device; a phone or ipad are fine. Think ahead about a special place that is near and dear to your heart that you would like to focus on for this workshop.

Presenter: Anna Swaine

Anna (she/her) is an artist and art educator based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has worked as an art educator for over 25 years, working with students ranging in age from kindergarten to adult education. Anna is currently working at Villa Rosa School and is passionate about helping students to find their inner artist.

Suitable for: Middle Years

Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

23 - Mindful Artistry with Life as Your Canvas (3 spots remaining)

Gentle Guidance For Weary Hearts. Mindfulness Practices Stress Reduction Tools. Sound Bath In all of the spontaneous ways that we each express our inner artistry, whether on a page or molding clay, preparing a meal, writing a lesson plan or maybe just dancing free in our living rooms, all are creative sparks of something fresh and new. When that ignited energy flows through us, we feel it. We know it. Our busy minds quiet as we express it. Maybe it becomes a painting, intuitively knowing how to be with a struggling child or a creative way through a difficult situation. Regardless of the expression, we are awake in the moment. Fully present.

These transformative openings cannot be forced or accessed ‘on demand’ but what if there were ways to set the stage for them? An inner stage. Join Bonnie to help calm the mind, soothe the heart, and reset your inner stage through guided practices, tools, and a Sound Bath of singing bowls to help you gently rejuvenate, restore and reconnect with your Self.


Bring a camping or yoga-type mat to lay on and small blanket for sound bath, a pillow to sit on (or request chair prior). Mostly bring your curiosity and a willing heart.

Presenter: Bonnie Schroeder

Bonnie began her professional career working in the medical model but took a leap to follow her curiosity of healing and wellness around the world. Learning from diverse cultures and traditions she came to realize that true wellness is an inside job. With a head for science and a heart for healing, Bonnie teaches groups and individuals, locally and internationally, offering an unique heart-based approach to inner leadership and personal growth that weaves ancient healing techniques with modern ways of living in health and wholeness. www.bonnieschroeder.org

Suitable for: All Educators

Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

FULL - 24 - Experimental Drawing

This experimental drawing workshop will focus on expression and the development of visual intuition. Using a series of exercises that emphasize process rather than final project, participants will be compelled to “work outside the box”. Enjoy two-and-a-half hours of low stress, humour and play.

All supplies are provided however if you have your pastels or colour pencil crayons you are welcome to bring them. Using charcoal is messy; please wear appropriate clothing.

Presenter: Diana Thorneycroft

Diane is a Winnipeg artist who has exhibited various bodies of work across Canada, the United States and Europe, as well as in Moscow, Tokyo and Sydney. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2016 Manitoba Arts Award of Distinction. Thorneycroft taught as an instructor at the University of Manitoba's School of Art for 25 years. Since 2010 she has been focusing on her studio practice and continues to teach and mentor emerging artists.

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

FULL - 25 - Block Printmaking

This workshop will equip you with carving techniques to turn a rubber block into your own personalized hand carved block or stamp for printing to bring home. We’ll go over how to design your block/stamp, then follow along as you transfer, carve, and create unique designs that add a special touch to cards and prints that you can make over and over again.

There’s a good chance that you will get ink on your hands or clothes, so wear an apron, or something that you won’t mind getting inky.


Presenter: Jeremy Wat

Jeremy (he/him) is an illustrator and printmaker who loves learning, trying, and sharing art techniques and mediums. As an art educator of block printing classes at the WAG-Qaumajuq Studio and workshops, he loves teaching and encouraging students of all ages to create art. Check out his work on Instagram: @made.by.jerwat

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

02 - Tracing Time in Artful Ways (1 spots remaining)

In this workshop we will look at a number of hands-on art projects that use nature as a means to explore the passing of time. Seasonal cycles, decomposition, and preservation will figure into creative, playful even pseudo scientific processes. You will come away with a pinhole camera, a cyanotype print and a Hapazome print (leaf and flower pounding) and hopefully lots of inspiration and resources for your classes.


Go on a nature walk in advance of the workshop and collect a small and select amount of natural objects such as leaves, petals, grasses, anything remaining from a garden or park. Try to find ‘juicy’ flora if possible. Contemplate the nature of time and the relevance it has to your teaching practice.

Presenter: Allison Moore

Allison (she/her) is a Winnipeg-based multi-media artist and art educator who has spent a life time dedicated to creating art and facilitating art-making opportunities in schools and galleries throughout Manitoba. She was awarded the Canadian Society for Education Through Art’s Manitoba Affiliate Award in 2024. She currently teaches art to middle schoolers in Pembina Trails School Division. Her art is currently on display at the Pavilion Community Gallery.


Suitable for: All Educators - ideal for Grades 3 and up

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Living Prairie Museum, 2795 Ness Avenue, Winnipeg, MB - indoors/outdoors

Participant Max: 20

03 - Variations on a Theme

In this session, participants will explore ways of making multiple works of art on a theme. We will look at art from a variety of different artists to see how they achieve a sense of cohesiveness throughout their art in order to gain inspiration for our own art-making. This workshop is accessible to all age levels as we will discuss ways in which we can connect the ideas of process, sequence, correlation, and connection in art to our classroom learning as well as other subject areas. Participants will also engage in mini demonstrations
on different art-making techniques and skills such as colour mixing, composition, working on multiple works of art at once, and the use of pattern and repetition in art. An opportunity for novices and experienced artists to explore new ways of approaching art practice and learning.

Wear clothes you don't mind getting a bit dirty! Participants are welcome to bring materials from home if they choose, but all tools and materials required for the workshop will be provided. If you have a photograph or image that you would like to use to inspire your creation today, bring it along!

Presenter: Alison Froese Foster

Alison (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist and art educator living in Winnipeg. Having taught Kindergarten through adult learners, Alison believes that art should be accessible to everyone!

Suitable for: All Educators

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

04 - Creating with Collage: Unlimited Possibilities (3 spots remaining)

Collage is a fun, exciting, and quick way to create art with no limitations. Participants in the collage workshop will be given a brief lecture, and demonstration on the different types and styles of collage they can make. They will be shown methods such as cut and paste, rip and tear, and mixed medium-images with pencil crayons. They will get to experience the art work of other collage artists who create art that is narrative based, landscape based, abstract, or portraiture. They will learn how to combine method with style to make their own
art work that explores unique ways of self expression.

If you have any available, bring a few magazines, old calendars, postcards, etc, anything with images on them that you can cut up and use for making your collages. Ideally you should bring images you are interested in! You may can also Google collage art on the internet for inspiration.

Presenter: Bonnie Marin

Bonnie (she/her) is a Winnipeg artist working in a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, collage, and bookworks. Her work can be described as a combination of pop art and surrealism. Marin’s work is narrative-based, telling stories of social interactions between people. Her work comes from a feminist perspective, and often deals with current social issues. Though her work often deals with dark themes she uses humour to convey her message. She has exhibited her work both nationally and internationally.

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

FULL - 07 - Beginner Metis Beading

In this very beginner-friendly beading workshop, participants will learn simple beading techniques and non-traditional material for Accessibility purposes. The session is ideal for those who want to be introduced to the Indigenous craft of beadwork but may struggle with the typical small size of beads due to hand dexterity or vision. This style of beading is also ideal for younger ages. Material will be easy to find, affordable and encourage other bead type materials beyond the typical glass beads. Participants are welcome to recycle old
jewelry or use seashells from their last vacation.

All material will be provided however, participants are welcome to bring their own personalized backing material or original types of beads. Participants will be provided beadwork examples but are also encouraged to access other means of drawing inspiration welcome (eg. searching on their phones).


Presenter: Sophie Moquin

Sophie (she/her) is Red River Métis and Franco-Manitobaine. Born in La Broquerie, MB and currently residing in Ste. Anne, Moquin learned to bead in 2012 from the famous Jennine Krauchi and has not stopped beading since. Her family was pleased to discover their ancestor Mathilde Perrault's beadwork at the St, Boniface Museum which affirmed Moquin’s natural passion for the art form.

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

FULL - 08 - Raku Firing

Western Raku is both a firing technique and an exciting event filled with anticipation and magic! You will have the chance to experiment with a few different finishing techniques on pre-made trays, and simple forms built by the host artist specifically for this workshop. Spend the morning glazing, making tinfoil saggars and planning out your horsehair and feather designs before the afternoon outdoor firing. This intriguing firing process requires our pieces to be removed from the kiln at bright red heat and then be subjected to post-firing manipulations to create iridescent coloring only achievable through the raku method! The instructor will provide safety gear, examples, and clear instruction. Participants will take home their finished work, instructions on both the building of these simple forms and firing techniques, and the intangible gifts of this experience. Dress for the weather - we will be outdoors all day!


Dawn requires that long hair to be tied back, closed toe shoes and natural fibres to be worn. Dress for the weather… we will be outdoors all day. Please wear clothing that can get dirty!


Presenter: Dawn Chaput

Dawn (she/her) is a Registered Art Therapist and engaging ceramic artist and generous instructor who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the University of Manitoba and an Art Therapy diploma from the WHEAT Institute. She teaches Raku Pottery through the Leisure Guide, in classrooms, and privately at her home studio for the last 20 years.


Suitable for: Senior Years but fun for everyone

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Dawn's Backyard Studio - just off Winnipeg's South Perimeter (Fully Outdoors) specific address will be emailed to the participants only!

Participant Max: 16

09 - DIY Stencil Screen Printing (1 spots remaining)

Learn to create original screen prints on textiles using stencils in this fun hands-on printmaking workshop. Kelly will explain how the workshop can be modified to accommodate varying age groups, motor skills, attention spans, and time restrictions.


Wear clothes you can get paint on! Bring an idea for a simple image or silhouette. Participants can bring clothing or textiles from home to print on if they like. The textiles should be no more than 40% polyester or synthetic fibres.


Presenter: Kelly Campbell

Kelly (they/them) is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice focuses on printmaking and pedagogy. They graduated with a BFA from the University of Manitoba School of Art in 2017. They teach at Martha Street Studio and the Forum Art Centre in Winnipeg.

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

FULL - 10 - Wheel Throwing

Learn to throw on the potters wheel with a hands on wheel throwing session following a centering and throwing demonstration by Jen Sonnenberg, a contestant and winner of the Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown! Fundamental forms with mugs as the focus will be created in the morning part of the session. In the afternoon, Jen will show how to use bisque stamps to add dimension and personality to wheel thrown forms. Participants will be able to try the stamping technique on the mugs thrown in the morning. Making bisque stamps, making and adding handles and Q and A will also be part of the afternoon session.

Please wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty. Closed toe shoes are recommended.


Presenter: Jen Sonnenberg

Jen (she/her) is a potter that creates wheel thrown functional pottery which is fired in a wood burning kiln. The smoke, flame, and ash from the wood kiln leave their mark on the surface of every piece, creating unique movement and earthy surfaces. Jen recently competed on CBC’s Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown, where she came away with the crown and was able to test her skills and creativity alongside 9 amazing potters.


Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Pottery Studio, Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Blvd, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 9

12 - Educare: To Nourish

Mindfulness and compassion practices have been demonstrated to be a powerful allies and antidotes to the suffering that is inevitably part of the human condition. The very nature of creativity often means that those devoted to the expressive arts beautifully encounter, witness, acquire and then carry unarticulated grief. Invitational opportunities will be offered participants, to the degree they feel comfortable, to explore, process, release and heal individually and collectively, remembering and nourishing one’s deeper sense of purpose as leaders in the classroom and beyond. Modalities: a variety of mindful movement, meditations, reflections, creative expression will be part of the day.

Please note: Mindfulness and compassion practices are therapeutic and can be a very beautiful addition to professional support. Often, they reveal what needs to be healed. Let’s reduce the stigma and commit to exploring professional mental health care should vulnerabilities and challenges arise that exceed current capacities.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and a yoga mat and/or yoga cushion. You may bring a journal or sketchbook if you wish, however all supplies will be provided. Bring an open heart and mind.


ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Dawn MacDonald (she/her), MSW, RSW, has dedicated herself for decades to learning and teaching and training others in contemporary, accessible expressions of meditative wisdom and love which catalyse healing and open us to our deeper sense of purpose (including MBSR, MSC, CCT, Yoga). Believing in a more just and equitable world she sought studies via Stanford University, the University of Massachusetts, UCSD, and Brown University as well as the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.


Suitable for: All Educators

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 30

13 - Moving Masks: Exploring Our Layers Through Puppetry

In this workshop we will explore the idea of layers that represent who we are and how they were formed. What roles do we play in our lives, in our communities? How do we perceive ourselves? How do we think others perceive us? We will be taking an abstract approach using colour and texture to represent these different sides to us while creating a hand and rod puppet. (I like to call it a moving mask.) When creating a face it is important to think of what type facial expression will best illustrate the role or character you will be creating, and I will introduce sculptural exaggeration through physical expression. We will explore creating these different layers using hockey tape and found materials. This workshop is a day of fun and humour: let’s make your persona come alive! Art is not simply fixed in a medium, it is all about the way you see things.

All supplies will be provided except participants must bring an empty cereal box (and any additional details or textures you would like to use in creating your hand puppet - for example, toilet paper rolls / lace / sequins / buttons / yarn / fun fur / paper egg cartons). If you would like your puppet’s body to have a specific texture / print please bring a 24" X 24" piece of fabric. (Some neutral fabrics will be provided.) Participants may begin to think about the theme we will be exploring: What layers make who you are?

Presenter: Parminder Obhi

Parminder (she/her) is a second generation Canadian born and raised in a small town. A town where pickup trucks n' mullets flowed free... and rodeos were ‘a plenty. This is where art became her refuge. Her work varies from drawing to sculpture, from political illustrations to motorized puppets - and she creates art out of everything and anything. Obhi graduated from the U of M with a first honours degree in Fine Arts. She has been teaching and creating curriculum-based projects for 23 years across Canada.

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

15 - Visual Literacy Strategies for Early Years Students

Join us at WAG-Qaumajuq for a full day of art engagement. The focus of the day will be teaching observational skills to early years students. Visual literacy strategies are a powerful tool that can help students to engage with artwork, understand how to read visual art, and empower students to learn how their own artwork is a form of communication. The day will include a presentation about visual literacy strategies, a tour of the current exhibitions on display in WAG-Qaumajuq, and an afternoon of practical lessons and creative art making activities for teachers to take back to their classrooms.


Please arrive on time to the original Winnipeg Art Gallery entrance at 300 Memorial Blvd. *WAG-Qaumajuq is closed to the public until 11am and the doors will be locked shortly after 9:00AM*

Presenters: Rebecca McIvor & Colleen Leduc

Rebecca (she/her) is WAG-Qaumajuq’s Indigenous Learning Coordinator. She is a multi-disciplined visual artist and arts educator with a strong focus on Indigenous and Metis History (BFA Hons, B.Ed.). Rebecca is a passionate advocate for Indigenous knowledge, decolonization and lifelong learning through arts and education and believes in incorporating arts education throughout the wider curriculum.

As a Learning Coordinator WAG-Qaumajuq, Colleen Leduc (she/her) uses her background as a practicing visual artist (BFA Hons), art educator (BEd, MA), and art therapist (CEAT, GDAT) to elevate the engagement of artwork within WAG-Qaumajuq. She is passionate about using artmaking as a tool to enhance accessibility and healing through art.


Suitable for: Early Years

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: WAG-Qaumajuk, 300 Memorial Blvd, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 40

16 - Natural Ink-Making & Pinhole Cameras (9 spots remaining)

Coloured inks and dyes have long been made with plant materials such as flowers, leaves, and roots. During this workshop, participants will explore the outdoors, make observational drawings of plants, harvest leaves and flowers, and then create their own inks to add to their artworks. Participants will also be able to experiment with fabric dying and mordant painting with natural dye stuff and summer flowers.

Pinhole cameras are a playful and experimental way to learn about photography and light science, for all ages. Participants will build a camera out of recycled materials, load their cameras with light sensitive paper, take photos with their new cameras, and then develop their photos in a pop-up darkroom. Slowing down the image making process with hand made cameras foregrounds the experimentation, chemistry, and magic behind photography.

Please note that this session is not wheelchair-accessible.

Presenters: Natalie Baird & Toby Gillies

Natalie and Toby share an artistic practice rooted in experimentation through drawing, photography, and animation. Together they are drawn to social practice as a way to see people through their artwork, and the potential to magnify individual voices through collective works. Their projects strive to build reciprocal relationships with one another and the natural world through shared art Experiences in diverse settings – be it on locked healthcare units, in city parks, or on the sea ice. Most recently they released their short animated documentary Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying, a short meditation on love, grief, and imagination.

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Robert A. Steen Community Centre, 980 Palmerston Avenue, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 40

19 - Lino Printing & Drypoint Printing (7 spots remaining)

Morning - Introduction to Drypoint Printing: Similar to etching, drypoints are intaglio prints made by scoring into plexi-glass, applying ink and printing under high pressure using professional presses at Martha Street Studio.

Afternoon - Introduction to Lino Printing: Learn the process of relief printing using easy to carve linoleum as a plate. Students will design, carve and print their lino using professional presses at Martha Street Studio. Options for classroom printmaking will be demonstrated and discussed! All of your finished prints will be approximately 5" X 7" or smaller.

All supplies are included in studio fee. If you have ideas or images you would like to work with, bring them! Wear clothing that can get inky! Bring a lunch or choose to go out for lunch with your colleagues.


Presenters: Bramwell Enan & James Moon

Bramwell Enan (he/they) is a visual artist living and working in Treaty 1 Territory in Winnipeg. They make art that emerges from slow reflection and tacit investigation, probing porous relationships between painting, print, sculpture and digital technology. Cultivating an abundance of ambiguity like wildflowers among weeds, Enan makes art that centres playful uncertainty in search of visual pleasure.

James Moon (they/them) is a multidisciplinary artist rooted on Treaty 1 Territory. As a disabled, queer, fat, trans, Korean settler living in “Canada", their experience as a marginalized body appears throughout their work. Moon participates with the histories and processes of printmaking, textile, craft and installation as tools to un-learn the lessons taught and enforced under capitalist-colonialism, and to set the table around which their community can gather and nourish.

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Martha Street Studio, 11 Martha Streetl, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

26 - Making Sense of Mindfulness

In the dynamic world of education, where deadlines press and stress levels surge, the concept of mindfulness emerges as a guiding light—a beacon of clarity amidst the tumultuous currents. As educators, we find ourselves at the intersection of passion and pressure, striving to ignite curiosity while managing the demands of the classroom. In his presentation, Keith Macpherson offers an engaging and interactive experience to assist with making sense of mindfulness and offers benefits and tangible strategies to integrate the practice into daily life. Known for his ability to entertain, educate, and evoke transformation, Keith will leave an audience feeling renewed and inspired to rise up to a greater vision for themselves.

Presenter: Keith Macpherson

Keith Macpherson (he/him), a Canadian mindfulness coach, speaker, and author, has dedicated over two decades to empowering individuals through mindfulness practices. His transformative breakthroughs guide people toward their best lives. In 2018, he authored the bestselling book “Making Sense of Mindfulness: 5 Principles to Integrate Mindfulness Practice into Your Daily Life”. It provides both a practical framework and profound insights, encouraging readers to cultivate an open mind and embrace presence in each moment.


Suitable for: All Educators

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

FULL - 27 - Yoga: Breath-Body-Mind

At the heart of Open Concept Yoga and Wellness lives the desire to forge meaningful relationships and to connect with others who seek to pursue growth in all aspects of their lives. We are a home base for curious minds, creative souls, and courageous beings to flourish. Participants will be guided through yoga postures, meditation and breathwork techniques to assist you in developing a quality of presence and an awareness of breath, body, and mind.

This practice of breathwork, repetition, flow sequences, and fluid movement helps to access your own inner strength and power. Inspired by many different styles of yoga - power, kundalini, hatha, meditation, and mindfulness, this physical practice brings attention to the body and fatigue in order to connect into our everyday processes and habits. We will end our practice with a guided meditation and savasana, leaving participants feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Bring a yoga mat (we have a mat for you if you need). Wear comfortable clothes and an extra layer in case you get cool!


Presenter: Ashley Bourgeois

Ashley (she/her) is a longtime yoga instructor and creator of Wild Path, a movement connecting people back to themselves and nature. She is also a goal coach and owner of a stand-up paddle board business. Ashley is passionate about sharing the healing benefits of yoga and nature, and encourages her students to build a holistic relationship with the outdoors.She offers a practice that is so much more than just a series of postures.

Suitable for: All Educators

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Open Concept Yoga and Wellness, 1895 A Grant Avenue, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 34

28 - Art Unbound: Early Years Edition

Explore boundary busting art experiences, strategies and ideas designed to challenge and nurture young learners. The session will include
a mix of viewing and hands-on experiences, with many opportunities for sharing and discussion. Examples of children’s art and the
stories behind them, collected from Joe’s many years supporting early years classroom teachers, provide a stimulating context for
discovering new classroom possibilities.

All supplies will be provided; bring a sketchbook or notebook if you would like to record your thinking during the session!

Presenter: Joe Halas

Prior to becoming happily retired, Joe Halas (he/him) taught art in a variety of K-12 programs, then served as art consultant for both the Winnipeg School Division and the Province of Manitoba. Joe is grateful for all that he has learned from his students and fellow educators over his many years in art education.



Suitable for: Early Years - adaptable for grades 4-6

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 30

29 - Infusing Art & Energy into the Early Years Classroom

Infuse art to break down subject area boundaries and make learning more creative, authentic and joyful for your young artists – and for yourself! Deenie invites you to experience time-proven art lessons, ideas, and media for young children that connect and uncover curricular learning in fun organic ways. Leave with ideas you can implement immediately as well as bigger ideas to enrich your entire program.

All supplies will be provided; bring a sketchbook or notebook if you would like to record your thinking during the session!

Presenter: Deenie Lefko-Halas

Deenie (she/her) retired from a happy fulfilling career as an arts-forward Early Years teacher in 2017. She continues to inspire a love of art and learning with all the young people in her life.

Suitable for: Early Years

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 30

30 - Threads of Life: Practical Skills and Sustainable Art through Textile Collage

Join us for a dynamic workshop focusing on integrating practical life skills, sustainability, and accessible art forms through textile art. You will become inspired with a brief introduction to the rich history and cultural significance of textile art coupled with diverse modern examples that include various cultures and abilities. Learn how to incorporate recycled materials into your projects, promoting sustainability and exploration in your classroom. The heart of this workshop is a hands-on creative session where you'll craft your own textile collage
using provided materials, guided and supported by your instructor. Engage in practical activities that enhance motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Conclude with a reflection on how to apply these techniques in your teaching practice with resources provided to support your lesson planning. Discover the joy of textile art and leave with innovative ideas to inspire your students!

Please feel free to bring an interesting scrap fabric or textiles from home that you don't mind cutting up, but all materials will be provided! This is a wrist and hand-centred workshop so please keep that in mind if you feel you need additional hand support in the form of a brace, thimble, etc. Please come prepared to hand sew. You are encouraged to bring your sketchbook or any pictures from which you might draw inspiration.

Presenter: Tess Martin

Tess (she/her) is a textile artist based in Winnipeg. Having completed a degree in Costume Studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, she has been working in theatre, working with fabrics and textiles full-time. Tess draws inspiration from the exploration and collaboration of texture, colour, and form.

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 25

31 - Procreate Basics

Learn about the essential features of Procreate, the remarkable digital drawing app. This workshop will take you through the basics of this versatile and user-friendly drawing tool: how to set up your digital canvas; brushes and use of colour; how to add texture; how to add text; how to build your image using layers; how to share your work... and much more! The workshop will consist of a series of live demonstrations followed by hands-on activities. Please bring along your (fully charged) iPad and stylus pen, with the Procreate app installed and ready to use.

Each participant should have a fully charged iPad with a synced, charged stylus, and the Procreate app purchased, installed on the IPad and ready to go. Bring a saved image (on the iPad) that has a pleasant colour palette! If there is something specific you want to learn about in this session, email your request by October 14 to Dawn Knight at dawnamberknight@outlook.com and she will share it with the instructor.


Presenter: Cato Cormier

Cato (they/she) is a visual artist who loves to tell stories through illustration and comics especially. They draw strange humanoids, regular folks and the bits and bobs that make up their worlds. Much of their practice explores the joy and absurdity of having a body. Their work is characterized by its playful yet precise lines. It is at times surreal, often cheeky and always earnest.

NOTE: There is no studio fee, however participants MUST own an iPad and stylus, and download and install Procreate App from the Apple Store ($12.99) ahead of the workshop to be able to participate!

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

FULL - 32 - Beaded Mini Medallions

Learn to bead a mini-medallion. Learn what supplies are needed, how to determine the image you want to bead, the history of beading, cultural purpose, beading methods, edging, etc. Support to choose your image (red dress, orange shirt, ribbon, heart, etc) on a small circle medallion that will have a loop attached for display purposes. From threading the needle, attaching the edging, filling in the beads and securing the backing, all steps will be covered to create your own special beaded piece.

Our seed beads will be small... Please bring your glasses!


Presenter: Christine Brouzes

A sought-after Metis beading and clay artist, Christine Brouzes (she/her) is an experienced and dynamic teacher. Medallions that depict an image is where her creative passion lives and her one-of-a-kind medallions can be found in collections all across North America.

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

33 - Places of Meaning: Abstract Paintings

Introduce your students to the art movement known as Abstract Art with this engaging activity that can be adapted to learners of various skill levels and abilities. Participants will design and create their own abstract painting based on a special place that is near and dear to their heart, using acrylic paints and canvas. This workshop would lend itself nicely to classroom teachers, or educators who teach Social Studies and/or ELA. A great acTivity to learn more about your students, and can easily be brought back to your classroom and implemented.

Wear clothing that is okay to get paint on (or bring a smock or apron if you wish). Bring a device; a phone or ipad are fine. Think ahead about a special place that is near and dear to your heart that you would like to focus on for this workshop.

Presenter: Anna Swaine

Anna (she/her) is an artist and art educator based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has worked as an art educator for over 25 years, working with students ranging in age from kindergarten to adult education. Anna is currently working at Villa Rosa School and is passionate about helping students to find their inner artist.

Suitable for: Middle Years

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 25

34 - Mindful Artistry with Life as Your Canvas

Gentle Guidance For Weary Hearts. Mindfulness Practices Stress Reduction Tools. Sound Bath In all of the spontaneous ways that we each express our inner artistry, whether on a page or molding clay, preparing a meal, writing a lesson plan or maybe just dancing free in our living rooms, all are creative sparks of something fresh and new. When that ignited energy flows through us, we feel it. We know it. Our busy minds quiet as we express it. Maybe it becomes a painting, intuitively knowing how to be with a struggling child or a creative way through a difficult situation. Regardless of the expression, we are awake in the moment. Fully present.

These transformative openings cannot be forced or accessed ‘on demand’ but what if there were ways to set the stage for them? An inner stage. Join Bonnie to help calm the mind, soothe the heart, and reset your inner stage through guided practices, tools, and a Sound Bath of singing bowls to help you gently rejuvenate, restore and reconnect with your Self.


Bring a camping or yoga-type mat to lay on and small blanket for sound bath, a pillow to sit on (or request chair prior). Mostly bring your curiosity and a willing heart.

Presenter: Bonnie Schroeder

Bonnie began her professional career working in the medical model but took a leap to follow her curiosity of healing and wellness around the world. Learning from diverse cultures and traditions she came to realize that true wellness is an inside job. With a head for science and a heart for healing, Bonnie teaches groups and individuals, locally and internationally, offering an unique heart-based approach to inner leadership and personal growth that weaves ancient healing techniques with modern ways of living in health and wholeness. www.bonnieschroeder.org

Suitable for: All Educators

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20

FULL - 35 - Block Printmaking

This workshop will equip you with carving techniques to turn a rubber block into your own personalized hand carved block or stamp for printing to bring home. We’ll go over how to design your block/stamp, then follow along as you transfer, carve, and create unique designs that add a special touch to cards and prints that you can make over and over again.

There’s a good chance that you will get ink on your hands or clothes, so wear an apron, or something that you won’t mind getting inky.


Presenter: Jeremy Wat

Jeremy (he/him) is an illustrator and printmaker who loves learning, trying, and sharing art techniques and mediums. As an art educator of block printing classes at the WAG-Qaumajuq Studio and workshops, he loves teaching and encouraging students of all ages to create art. Check out his work on Instagram: @made.by.jerwat

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Pembina Trails Collegiate, 50 Frontier Trail, Winnipeg, MB

Participant Max: 20