Youth Craft Academy

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.

Next Session

Registration is now open for Youth Craft Academy Glass 101, led by Kirei Samuel of Lalaland Glass Studio. In this session youth will learn about glass as a craft material through a number of creative projects using glass fusing techniques. Students will make a variety of beautiful pieces including bowls, jewellery, and unique art pieces and will leave with an appreciation of this unique medium. All materials will be provided. To learn more and register for this session click here.

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.

Course Curriculum

2023-24 Beginner (101) Courses in Ceramics (with Andrea Piller), Glass (with Kirei Samuel), and Wood (with Katrina Tompkins)

Ceramics 101 with Andrea Piller
Thursdays 3:30-6PM
September 28 – November 9, 2023

Wood 101 with Katrina Tompkins
Thursdays 3:30-6PM
February 15 – March 21, 2024

Glass 101 with Kirei Samuel
Thursdays 3:30-6PM
April 4 – May 9, 2024

2024-25 Beginner (101) & Intermediate (201) Courses in Ceramics, Glass, and Wood

2025-26 Intermediate (201) & Advanced (301) 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.

Rue Pigalle Youth Craft Academy Bursaries

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.