In the fall of 2019, VEQ received funding from Canadian Heritage to offer free creative workshops to the English speaking community of the Greater Quebec City region. The goals of the project were to increase the visibility of local artists and introduce community members of all ages to various traditional arts and crafts. The workshops were designed to be accessible to all skill levels.
The artwork was documented by local photographer, Adrian Glanville and then uploaded to this online gallery for your viewing pleasure.
Crafts
Artwork in progress
Testimonials
I really enjoyed learning Japanese art techniques and would definitely sign up for another session if the opportunity presents itself!
My comments would include the fact that we learned new crochet techniques in a relaxed atmosphere where we could laugh and share our difficulties with each other. Also the instructor was able to give us individual attention to correct our errors.
I was enthralled with the meditative nature of Japanese calligraphy. Slow and deliberate movements coupled with faster hand sweeping motions.
Repeat.
Repeat.
Repeat some more.
Until somehow the strokes became relative facsimiles of their proper characters. Less than perfect, to be sure, but a great reminder to simply enjoy the process. It was a wonderful way to experience a bit of Japan in Quebec.
Repeat.
Repeat.
Repeat some more.
Until somehow the strokes became relative facsimiles of their proper characters. Less than perfect, to be sure, but a great reminder to simply enjoy the process. It was a wonderful way to experience a bit of Japan in Quebec.
I thoroughly enjoyed my crocheting workshop. So much appreciated that it was offered in English; just makes it so easy to be one’s self.
Michele was very helpful and showed a lot of patience and even though, with hindsight, it was a course for someone who already knew the crocheting technique, with help and encouragement from everyone there and YouTube, I managed to make a couple of owls and have almost finished a mouse and I will certainly continue to crochet.
It was nice getting to know a little about each of the participants and sharing thoughts.
I found two hours, twice a week perfect. It was great to be able to go over to the Shannon hall instead of heading into town for an activity.
I look forward to upcoming workshops.
I love that the teacher taught us about many Japanese Art techniques. From calligraphy, to Japanese style post cards and even origami. I would have never thought I could write and learn some words in Japanese and now I do! I feel very grateful I got to participate in this workshop and learn so much!
I found the Art Workshops really interesting and want to thank Anaisa very much for introducing me to techniques I had never heard of before, such as using salt or wax to achieve special effects. Each evening was relaxed and absorbing as we focused on something new almost each time. I also really liked seeing the evenings' topics illustrated in the art books Anaisa showed us, and examples she had done herself, which pointed out what we were aiming for. I no longer look at watercolours in the same way.
What I tell my friends who ask about the session is that I really signed up to show an interest in having activities in English close to home. However, right away I got caught up in enjoying the activity! There was no judgement or criticism of anyone's effort and Michèle just proposed what we could do and after we chose, just continued to help us along. Several of us had difficulty with certain things but Michèle just patiently showed us and watched us as we followed her instructions. Absolutely no stress and some real accomplishments! Learning this type of Japanese crochet requires concentration so it is not really a social activity although we could touch base with one another somewhat during the 2 -hour sessions which just flew by. It was a good occasion to meet new people from our area and to get to know acquaintances a little better too.
Thank you, for organizing the event! Looking forward to other get-togethers in the weeks to come
Thank you, for organizing the event! Looking forward to other get-togethers in the weeks to come
Loved everything from beginning to end. It was my first time playing with watercolour and I feel I’ve learned a lot. VEQ provided all materials and they were very good quality and if not new, in very good condition. The teacher was awesome and very talented. She brought a lot of examples and explained the techniques very well, so everybody was able to follow. I also liked that we were able to create our own pieces using everything we learned. I wish it would’ve been longer! 😊