Have you always wanted to learn how to paint? Or perhaps you’d like to try pottery? Maybe you’re simply looking for a new outlet to unwind or express yourself?
Arts classes are a way to learn something new, enhance your skills or spark a passion. Lucky for us, Penticton has a vibrant art scene, home to 15 art galleries, with numerous workshops and classes ongoing at any given time. Also, mark your calendars for the Ignite the Arts Festival (March 25 – April 3).
This Love Local blog highlights some local events, plus provides some useful links to get inspired. Be aware that classes have limited sizes and must abide by Provincial Health guidelines. Visit the links below for the full requirements and to book your spot.
Upcoming Events
Wheel Throwing - Beginner
Starts Thursday, Jan. 20 (5 weeks)
C3 Pottery Studio / Art Up Studios
Learn the magic of creating a vessel on the wheel, from an idea to completion. You will learn how to create a variety of wheel thrown forms – and you will have some beautiful pottery to take home with you. These are small classes; some experience working with clay is suggested. Find out more!
Flower Painting
Thursday, Jan. 20 or Sunday, Jan. 23
Artables
Learn the process of speed painting with flowers as the subject. Using acrylic paint, you will discuss and practice composition, depth, texture, glazing and chiaroscuro. Expect to go home with a beautiful new creation for your home. Register here!
Paint like Bob Ross with a Certified Ross Instructor
Saturday, Jan. 22
Penticton Art Gallery
Join certified Ross instructor, Janette Smith, for a day full of happy little trees and painterly brush strokes. Learn step-by-step how to paint just like Bob Ross while using the official Bob Ross Oil Paint and Bob’s signature techniques.
Wet Felting Workshop, Nuno Scarf
Saturday, Jan. 22
Penticton Elks Lodge
Each participant will complete their very own nuno felted scarf. You will learn different techniques of wet felting a scarf to add texture and unique characteristics of this medium. No experience necessary. Participants will get wet! Book your spot through Okanagan School of the Arts.
Creative Journaling for Teens
Starts Sunday, Jan. 24 (4 weeks)
Okanagan School of the Arts, at Cowork Penticton
Embark on a journey of self-expression while learning the foundations of visual art techniques. Gain confidence and an understanding of mindfulness while creating a variety of aesthetic projects. This course is open to participants aged 11 to 15 and is designed to increase their awareness of creativity and self-expression through the wonderful world of art. All supplies are included. Find out more!
Adult Beginner Pottery Wheel Evening Classes
Starts Thursday, Jan. 27 (5 weeks, Thursday nights)
Speckled Row Studio
Learn the basics of wheel throwing: how to prepare your clay, centre your clay on the wheel and how to create basic shapes like cylinders and bowls. You will also learn how to trim and glaze your pieces using various glazing and under glazing techniques. Space is limited.
Start Painting and Make Magic (Sold out)
Saturday, Jan. 29
Leir House
This workshop, organized by the Penticton & District Community Arts Council, is suitable for beginning to intermediate painters. You'll create a beautiful, colourful image with an inspirational message in one afternoon. Sorry, sold out.
Valentine’s Fence Post Workshop
Saturday, Jan. 29
Art Up Studios
Make your own fence post topper for your Valentine! In this convenient one day class, you will create your piece, then use underglazes to add colour. Also watch Art Up Studios’ Facebook page for details about more upcoming workshops.
Metal Clay Pendant Making, Bronze
Saturday, Feb. 12 or Saturday, March 12
Speckled Row Studio
Learn the basics of bronze metal clay and how to use it to create your very own custom pendant. You'll be introduced to a variety of techniques including imprinting, freehand engraving and mold making. Find out more.
Spring Break Art Camp
Monday, March 21 - Friday, March 25
Penticton Art Gallery
Lights, camera, action! Kids age 5-12 are invited to create a cast of characters and bring them to life throughout the week. Start with drawings and script development as you and your small film crew create your very own storyboard and movie sets. Move into sculpting and stop-motion animation and then watch your creation on the BIG screen. Book quickly - these classes fill up fast.
Ignite the Arts Festival
Friday, March 25 – Sunday, April 3
Penticton Art Gallery
Michael deMeng's Dream Monsters
Saturday, March 26
Penticton & District Community Arts Council Community Room
Do you dream of (creating) monsters? Here’s your chance. In this workshop, students will bring a variety of found objects to create unusual critters. Different objects will be used for different parts of the monster’s anatomy. Then using assemblage, sculpting, and painting techniques a new species will be brought to life.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates involving upcoming classes and workshops, we recommend you sign up for newsletters from the following or watch their events listings pages.
- Penticton Art Gallery
- Penticton & District Community Arts Council
- Okanagan School of the Arts
- Visit Penticton's events listings
Do you have a workshop or class to add to this list? Tell us about it! Email economic.development@penticton.ca.