Preparing youth for real life experiences through the exploration and application of craft skills and techniques.
This unique and dynamic program is designed for youth ages 13-16 with an interest in, or curiosity about the art of craft. Participants will learn, play, and build using a variety of materials such as clay, wood, glass, metal, and fibre to create functional and decorative objects. Read or listen about our vision and anticipated outcomes.
The program is delivered by local professional artisans, artists and other members of the craft sector. Courses will take place at the County Arts Lab, Unit 2E (upper level) of the Picton Armoury. Youth are encouraged, but not required, to participate in all three courses per year.
Participants must complete a beginner-level course before advancing to intermediate. So now is the perfect time to get involved!
Thanks to a special partnership with Rue Pigalle and its Club Members, a 75% discounted rate will automatically apply at the time of registration for ALL participants.
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, community economy, and equality. See more information about the Rue Pigalle Youth Craft Academy Bursaries below.
Our Ceramics 101 session just wrapped up! The program will take a short break and return in February 2025 with our amazing Wood 101 session with Katrina Tompkins. Stay tuned for more details!
Watch our short promotional video below to learn more about the program:
Looking for more information on the program? We hosted an online info session on Monday January 15th 2024, for anyone interested in hearing more about the curriculum for the wood session or the program in general. Katrina Tompkins and our Programs Manager Stacey Sproule talk about the program, go over learning objectives, and answer any questions you might have! Watch the info session replay here.
2024-25 Beginner (101) Courses in Ceramics (with Andrea Piller), Glass (with Kirei Samuel), and Wood (with Katrina Tompkins)
Ceramics 101
Thursdays 3:30-6PM
September 28 – November 9, 2024
Wood 101
Thursdays 3:30-6PM
February – March 2025
Glass 101
Thursdays 3:30-6PM
April – May 2025
2025-26 Beginner (101) & Intermediate (201) Courses in Ceramics, Glass, and Wood plus Beginner (101) Courses in Fibre Arts, Metal, and Paper-making
Extracurricular activities are also planned for participants, such as studio/gallery/museum visits, mentorships, guest speaker presentations, college visits, and more. This will be offered at little or no cost to participants thanks to the support of donors.
As craft is a discipline that requires specialized materials and tools, plus the all important ingredient of time (each class will run 2.5 instead of 1.5 hours), courses are more expensive than regular County Arts Lab programming. Program delivery cost is also higher as there will be 2 instructors present to facilitate a 3 to 1 teaching ratio (3 participants to 1 instructor). To ensure that the art of craft is accessible to all youth living in Prince Edward County and surrounding areas, bursaries will be provided by Rue Pigalle Club Members. ALL participants will automatically receive a bursary upon registration. No application is required.
If this discounted rate still remains a barrier, please reach out to Programs Manager Stacey Sproule at stacey@countyarts.ca.
Bay of Quinte Mutual, Blue Crane Foundation, Catherine Carlin, Elspeth Domville, Johanna Ewins, Kathryn Finn, Simon & Isabelle Fish, Carolina Gallo, Doreen Gryfe, Pamela Hallisey, B. Hoffmann & Associates, Karen Kennedy, Lewitt Family Foundation, Phyllis Lill, Rue Pigalle Inc., Kirei Samuel, Tanya van Biesen, Ed Waitzer, and Jennifer Wardrop
Would you like to support the Youth Craft Academy program?
Click below to donate by credit card, or make a cheque payable to Prince Edward County Arts Council and mail to Unit 2E, 206 Main Street, Picton, ON K0K 2T0. All donors will receive a charitable tax receipt and be publicly acknowledged (with permission) by both County Arts & Rue Pigalle. Prince Edward County Arts Council Charitable #123646499 RR0001
