We are thrilled to provide these exceptional, in-studio arts programs at no cost to our membership. From a 12-week Video Production course to our tried and true Drop-in Open Studio, there are so many ways to participate and benefit from what we do at Willow Arts. 

I look forward to celebrating the abundance of original and thought provoking new work our annual exhibition unscene at the Marilyn I. Walker VISA Gallery this season. 

Here’s to an exciting and creative spring season at Willow Arts <3

With hope and love,
Leigh MacLeod
they/them
Founder, Director of Willow Arts Community

[email protected]
905-328-9277

Open Studio

Dates: March 31 to June 23 (except April 21, May 19, June 9) (11 weeks)
Day and Time: Mondays 1 to 3PM
AND
Dates: April 2 to May 21 (except April 23) (7 weeks)
Day and Time: Wednesday 5 to 7PM

Drop In

Open Studio is a great place for self-directed learning, collaboration, connection, experimentation, and sharing resources. Bring a creative project to work on and gain inspiration by sharing space and discussing possibilities with your peers. Some basic art supplies will be available. All Willow members are welcome.

Speak to It Radio Show
with Deb Cartmer (she/her)

Dates: April 1 – May 20 (8 weeks)
Day and Time: Tuesday 2 to 3:30PM
OR
Dates: April 4 – May 30 (skipping April 18) (8 weeks)
Day and Time: Friday 2 to 3:30PM

By Registration

Join us as we develop episodes for a new Willow Arts member-produced radio show. “Speak to It” is a platform for those with living experience of mental illness and substance use in Niagara. Topics are chosen by class participants. Members will receive hands-on training in radio production from microphone basics to sound recording, editing, and show development. We’ll also discuss hosting roles and responsibilities, research, and regulatory considerations for broadcast. No previous experience required.

Video Production
with Luis Martin Flores (he/him)

Dates: April 1 to June 17 (12 weeks)
Day and Time: Tuesdays 6 to 8PM

By Registration

This practical course is designed for anyone new to filmmaking and will cover simple and concise theoretical and practical techniques for making a film. Participants will learn video filming techniques using a variety of equipment from cell phones to professional cameras, as well as learning video editing approaches using free software. The participants will create a short film using the planning, filming, and editing techniques that will be taught. All equipment and software will be provided. No experience required.

Air-Dry Clay
with Rae Rees (they/them)

Dates: April 3 to May 8 (6 weeks)
Day and Time: Thursday 1 to 3PM

By Registration

In this course, participants will learn how to work with air-dry clay from preparing the clay, to shaping pieces, to painting and finishing the works. The class will teach techniques for working with air-dry clay to create different pieces including tea light holders, decorative dishes, and small sculptures. All materials will be provided and no previous experience is required.

Illustrative Painting
with Jon Shaw (he/him)

Dates: April 12 and April 26 (2 workshops)
Day and Time: Saturdays 1 to 4PM

By Registration

In these workshops, Jon will introduce participants to the techniques and materials he utilizes in his studio practice, which combines drawing and painting into the creation of unique abstract illustrative clusters. Working with acrylic paint and fine-tipped ink markers, Jon will take participants through various stages of the process, exploring this calming and satisfying combination of materials.

There are two Mixed Media workshop sessions. Each workshop will begin with a process and technique demonstration followed by creation time with guidance and advice from Jon. Participants are welcome to register for either a single session or for both.
On April 12, participants will create personal works.
On April 26, participants will create a collaborative piece.
All materials will be provided and no previous experience is required.

Sculptural Costume
with Lou Losier (they/them)

Dates: April 24 to May 15 (4 weeks)
Day and Time: Thursdays 6 to 8PM

By Registration

Sculptural Costumes, also called wearable art, are a way to create a physical extension of your personality or the base for a character in a story. Participants will learn to create sculptural costumes unique to themselves and their bodies. The possibilities are endless and can even lend itself to larger works including performance art. The course will focus on the building blocks of wearable art that can allow participants to take what they learn in any direction they desire. All materials will be provided and no sewing or crafting experience is required.

Chinese Calligraphy
with Xiaoli Zhang (she/her)

Date: May 10
Day and Time: Saturday 2 to 4PM

By Registration

In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the essential tools of Chinese calligraphy, including brushes, ink, and rice paper. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own personalized calligraphy art, which can be turned into a bookmark, a hand fan, a wall decoration, or other meaningful items. This course will be taught in English, while the content of the calligraphy will be bilingual (English and Chinese) and can include other languages as well. All materials will be provided and no previous experience is required.

Exploring Music Making
with Joe Lapinski (he/him)

Dates: May 14 to June 18 (6 weeks)
Day and Time: Wednesday 1 to 3PM

Drop In

These drop-in sessions will include digging into how songs are made by discussing a song’s instrumentation, lyrics, and production in detail and then creating music in response to the song. We have instruments on hand (an electric guitar, a ukulele, shakers, drums and other percussion) and participants are welcome to bring their own instruments. There will be time for sharing musical projects that you’re working on, including lyrics, music, and recordings. No music making experience is required.

Introduction to Needle Felting
with Daya Lye (she/her)

Date: May 31
Day and Time: Saturday 2 to 5PM

By Registration

This workshop will teach the basics of needle felting and allow participants to create a piece of felted fibre art in an embroidery hoop. The piece may be flat or 3D, and other elements such as beading or embellishments can be incorporated as desired. The options are limitless with this fun and simple method of drawing and sculpting with fibre. All materials will be provided and no previous experience is required.

unscene Annual Members’ Exhibit 2025

Proposal Deadline: May 1 (confirm with Leigh what you will be submitting so we can prepare for the exhibit)
Submission Deadline: May 23
Exhibition Dates: May 29 – June 14
Opening Reception: June 5th
Location: Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, VISA Gallery

Members are encouraged to submit work that brings to light “unseen” aspects of themselves, identity, experiences etc. Members are also welcome to create work that excites you, and we will in turn make it widely “seen”. Members are also welcome to make work about the local art scene or any scene you’re involved with.

Supplies and artistic support will be provided during the Spring 2025 Open Studios.

Culture Access

We are so excited to provide Culture Access thanks to our generous partners at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and The Foster Festival!  Registered Willow members can access free tickets to various cultural performances and events in St. Catharines. Offers will go out directly to registered members via email.

How to Participate

Current Willow Members
Opportunities marked as “Drop In” are available to all Willow members. You do not need to register, please come on by!

Opportunities marked as “By Registration” require signing up in advance. Email Leigh and let them know if you are interested in participating in a registered course or workshop. Spaces are limited, and you would be committing to the full duration of the program.

Email [email protected] (PREFERRED) or text/call 905-328-9277 to register.

Staff will be onsite for all listed program times.

How to Join the Willow Arts Community

Folks must first register as a Willow member before attending programming.

Registration can take 1-14 days. Email [email protected] to begin the process.

Memberships and all opportunities are free and available to adult (18+) artists and creatives with lived or living experience of mental illness/substance use in Niagara. No formal referral required and previous experience isn’t necessary to learning new skills, creating art, and meeting awesome folks. Visit our FAQ page to learn more.