Youth Craft Academy: Textiles – Your Inner Animal

Join Youth Craft Academy for our first-ever textiles course! In ‘Your Inner Animal’, led by local textile artists Bear Epp and Bay Woodyard, students will explore contemporary textile approaches as they work on a soft sculpture to be exhibited at Gather in the County, a modern textile market, in Spring of 2026. Topics covered will include elements of design, colour theory, art history, and various methods of textile construction and embellishment. Skills acquired include pattern making, natural bundle dyeing, upcycling, applique, embroidery and other specialized techniques. During this 6 week course, students will gain confidence and pride as their piece develops into a work of art.

Your Inner Animal starts September 25th, 2025 and runs from 3:30-6 PM on the following Thursdays: September 25, October 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th, 2025. Participants are invited to join us before the start of each session from 3-3:30 PM for a snack in the new Arts & Crafts Library. Classes take place at the County Arts Lab, Unit 2E, 206 Main Street, Picton.

Sliding scale pricing. There are only a few spots left, so click here to learn more and register.

SAVE 75% ON REGISTRATION FEES!

Thanks to a special partnership with Rue Pigalle, a discounted rate will automatically apply at the time of registration for ALL participants. No application is required. Why this generous discount? Rue Pigalle believes that as a practice and career, craft is a joyful and optimistic way to address the serious issues of sustainability, skills transmission, material literacy, community economy, and equality.

If this discounted rate still remains a barrier, please reach out to Program Lead Katrina Tompkins at katrina@countyarts.ca.

ABOUT YOUTH CRAFT ACADEMY

Launched in fall 2023, this unique, hands-on program is designed for youth ages 12-16 with an interest in making or curiosity about materials. Participants will learn, play, and build in a variety of mediums such as clay, wood, glass, metal, and fibre to create functional and decorative objects.

The program is delivered by professional designers, makers, artists, and other members of the craft sector. Youth are encouraged, but not required, to participate in all four courses per year.