A New Year of Possibilities

We are kicking 2025 off strong with some exciting programs. This season we look forward to introducing new artists to our membership and providing access to leading professional artists from across Niagara.

To our new and returning members, I encourage you to commit to your goals and show up each week. At the Willow, our programming is not only awesome, but it also reduces social isolation, builds self-esteem, and increases personal and professional networks. Coming to the studio is the first step. If you need extra supports this season to make this first step, please reach out via email or text. We’re here to help.

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

[email protected]
905-328-9277

Open Studio

Dates: January 13 to March 10, skipping February 17 (8 weeks)
Day and Time: Mondays 1 – 3PM
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.

Life Drawing
with Geoff Farnsworth (he/him)

Dates: January 14 to February 18 (6 weeks)
Day and Time: Tuesdays 6 – 8PM
Drop-in

These drop-in life drawing life sessions will focus on process, learning, and taking chances, with participants working from a costumed human model with varied short and long poses. Some basic human anatomy and knowledge of body proportion will be studied along with different ways of approaching complex shape and light/shadow relationships. Our objective is to improve skills to better handle drawing from the figure and from life in general and explore a personal approach to expression. No previous experience required, supplies will be provided.

Circle of Songs
with Nicole Joy-Fraser (she/they)
Artwork by Penny

Dates: January 15 to February 5 (4 Wednesdays) 
Day and Time: Wednesdays 1 – 2:30 PM
Drop-in
Open to all Willow members and our Indigenous friends

Through sharing circles, storytelling and guided by Anishnaabe ways of knowing, Nicole Joy-Fraser will facilitate music making for Willow members who are interested in learning from Mother Earth’s hand drum songs while connecting to their heart centres. Explore the ways in which spirit and ceremony guide us to connect and create a group synergy of sound and song-making and discover how the medicine of music reminds us that we all have a place in creation.

Speak to it Radio Show
with Deb Carter (she/her)

Dates: January 16 to March 6 (8 weeks) 
Day and Time: Thursdays 2 – 3:30PM
OR
Dates: January 18 to February 22 (6 weeks)
Day and Time: Saturdays 1 – 3PM
By Registration

Join us as we develop episodes for a new Willow Arts member-produced radio show: Speak to It. Participants will receive hands-on training in radio production from microphone basics and voicing technique 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.

An Intro to Drag Performance with Vex
with Seraphim Wheatley (they/them)

Dates: January 28 to March 4 (6 weeks)
Day and Time: Tuesdays 2 – 3:30PM
By Registration

This course is an exploration of the art of drag though creating a personal drag performance. We will cover everything from finding and perfecting your look, choreographing a number, and performing in front of an audience. This course is taught by a disabled, queer, trans instructor with active lived experience in the community as a drag performer and encourages participation by members of all abilities, sexualities, and genders. All participants will receive a drag starter kit including makeup. Participants are invited to share their performances at a community celebration at the end of the course. No previous drag or performance experience required.

Mural Painting
with Miguel Albino (he/him)

Dates: February 6 to March 13 (6 weeks) 
Day and Time: Thursdays 6 – 8PM
By Registration

In this course participants will learn the techniques and creative processes behind designing and painting large-scale murals. Muralist Miguel Albino will guide participants through the entire journey from concept to completion, with the group collectively designing and painting an indoor mural at the Willow Arts Community’s studio space. No previous experience required, supplies will be provided.

Poetry is Everywhere
with Sahar Saeidi (she/they)

Dates:  March 1 and 8 (2 weeks)
Day and Time: Saturdays 1 – 3 PM
By Registration

Explore the art of poetic expression in this interactive workshop. Through creative exercises and discussions, participants will learn to play with form, rhythm, and imagery while honing their literary voice. This workshop also emphasizes the multidisciplinary potential of poetry, exploring how it can intersect with other art forms and mediums. This workshop is for both participants who are new to poetry and participants with experience who are seeking guided prompts and dedicated writing time.

Members’ Exhibit 2025

Proposal Deadline: May 1 (let us know what you will be submitting so that we can prepare for the exhibit)
Submission Deadline: May 22
Exhibition Dates: May 29 – June 14
Opening Reception: June 5

The annual Members’ Exhibit celebrates the new artworks created by Willow Arts Community members. Members’ original works are exhibited at the gallery of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, with performances shared at the opening reception. More information about themes will be announced early 2025. Supplies and artistic support will be provided during the Winter and Spring seasons.

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 or Join Willow Arts Community

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.
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How to Join Willow Arts Community

Folks must first register as a Willow member before attending programming. Registration can take 1-14 days. Visit our how to join page to learn more and 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.