Toronto Craft Alert

Cultivate your skills and expand your mind at Harbourfront Centre’s Courses & Workshops

This February, Harbourfront Centre’s Courses & Workshops programme returns with an exciting array of innovative workshops for people who want to learn something new and develop their artistic talents. These fun and affordable classes are designed to boost your creativity and provide the perfect environment to expand your social circle with like-minded individuals.

The winter/spring semester of Courses & Workshops runs from February to May 2010. To register or for more information, call 416-973-4093 or visit harbourfrontcentre.com. Register early to avoid disappointment!

Check out the courses section of the website for even more course listings!

Coffee 101 (Studio Lab 1)
Tuesdays │6:30 – 7:30 p.m. April 13- May 25 *
Learn the basics of coffee production, harvesting and processing around the world and how this affects the taste of Toronto’s favourite hot beverage. Participants can sample various specialty coffees and enjoy a coffee beverage of their choice at the end of the workshop. Discover how roasting coffee changes the flavor and learn the various techniques to brewing a great cup of coffee. Join in the fun and find that perfect cup! $80 (* No classes May 10-14)

Discover Toronto’s Artistic Neighbourhoods
Saturdays | 1– 3:30 p.m.
April 17: Harbourfront Centre and the Distillery District
April 24: Richmond Street & Queen St West
May 1: Queen St East
May 8: The Junction
How do you talk about contemporary art? This course will provide an introduction into Toronto’s contemporary art scene. Whether you are interested in what galleries exhibit or you are curious about what artists are creating, this course is for you. Each week you will explore a local art area including galleries, artist-run centres and more. $40 per tour or $125 for all four!

Bookmaking (Lakeside Terrace)
Weekend Workshop (Two days) Sat & Sun March 6 & 7 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Learn the fundamentals of creating hand-bound books, complete a number of small books using various binding and cutting techniques and complete a large scrapbook. $150 (materials included)

Printmaking 101 (Lakeside Terrace)
Tuesdays | 6:30– 8:30 p.m. Feb. 2- March 9
Discover the rich history and practice of the art of printmaking. Using a variety of techniques for the novice printmaker, participants will use a variety of traditional and contemporary techniques to create their prints. $150 (Plus $20 materials fee)

Reconstruction Fashion (Studio Lab 2)
Thursdays | 6:30– 8:30 p.m. Winter: Feb. 4- March 11 Spring: April 15- May 27*
Fundamentals of design provide the basis for participants to create sketches, illustrate, design and execute projects from start to finish. Learn to work with raw fabrics and old clothing to turn a new look to an old favourite. $150 (materials not included) (*No classes May 10-14)

Sewing 101 (Studio Lab 2)
Tuesdays | 6:30– 8:30 p.m. Winter: Feb. 2-March 9
Learn the basics of machine sewing in this introductory course designed for the budding textile artist or fashion designer. No previous experience is necessary. $150 (plus $20 materials fee)

Sewing from a Pattern (Studio Lab 2)
Wednesdays | 6:30– 8:30 p.m. Winter: Feb. 3- March 10 Spring: April 14- May 26*
Learn to sew an article of clothing by following a commercial pattern. From finding the right pattern, to purchasing the right material, to planning and execution of the work, you will leave this class with the confidence to sew your own clothes! Prerequisite: it is recommended that you have taken Sewing 101 or an equivalent, and are comfortable with a sewing machine. $150 (materials not included) (*No classes May 10-14)

NEW! Chip Carving (Miss Lou’s Room)
Weekend Workshop (Two days) | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sat & Sun Feb. 27 & 28
Learn the fundamentals of chip carving in soft wood, including basic techniques to complete a sampler to use for reference in future carving projects. Complete a carved picture, mirror frame or a carved treasure box using these techniques in class.
$150 (materials included)

Creating Your Own Website (Studio Lab 3)
Tuesdays | 6:30– 8:30 p.m. Winter: Feb. 2- March 9, Spring: April 14 – May 25*
Don’t be afraid – the internet can be your friend! Learn the ins and outs of using the World Wide Web to your full advantage. Whether you are creating a website for your home business, blog site or just for fun, this course will teach you to create your own web page from start to finish in our media lab. Note: this course is for absolute beginners! $200 (*No classes May 10-14)

CRAFT STUDIO COURSES

Introduction to Jewellery
8-week course, 3 hrs/week (evening/weekends available), year-round
Learn a wide range of jewellery techniques (piercing, soldering, drilling, filing, polishing, etc) to create samples and finished pieces. Please call 416-973-4994 for more info. $310 (includes lab fee and cost of some materials)

Intermediate Jewellery
8-week course, 3 hrs/week (evening/weekends available), year-round
The next step once you’ve learned the basics. Topics covered include colour, material, chain-making, stone setting and more! Please call 416-973-4994 for more info. $310 (includes lab fee and cost of some materials)

Textiles
5-week course, 3 hrs/week (evenings), year-round
Felting, silk-screen printing, sewing, quilting, embroidery, appliqué techniques and more! Please call 416-973-4952 for more info. 5 week course: $265 (includes lab fee and materials). One day course (6 hours): $165

Glass Blowing
Friday -Sunday (20 hours in total) Sept. -May
This course covers solid (ie paperweights) and blown forms (cups, bowls, plates), colour application, hot and cold techniques and use of studio equipment. Please call 416-973-4951 for more info. $350 (includes lab fee)

Ceramics
8-week course, 3 hrs/week (evenings) Year-round
Make cups, vases and bowls on the pottery wheel and by hand-building. Techniques include throwing, coining, slab, trimming, decoration and glazing. Please call 416-973-4994 for more info. $310 (includes lab fee and materials)

Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON  M5J 2G8

http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com