Open source applications are high quality, reliable, flexible, and free (or low cost) alternatives to many commercially available applications. Blender is an open source 3D graphic application used by media artists and designers. This hands-on course provides students with the skills to create basic 3D models, animation, and 3D visualizations. Topics include surface modelling, texture, lighting, rigging, compositing, and rendering.

Learning Objectives

• Develop independent projects using practical knowledge of Blender,
• Familiarize with interface, preferences and main editors for creation and output of 3D content,
• Gain knowledge on modelling, editing tools geometries, modifiers & topological levels,
• Improve competency on texture mapping, lighting & rendering output using Cycles,
• Utilize skills on camera & geometries animation, basic particles systems and physics.

Online courses are delivered in an asynchronous format through a series of tutorials and related assignments which students may complete at their own pace on our Learning Management System, Canvas. The instructor is available throughout the course time period for questions and discussions.

Silly monsters, tiny animals and completely made-up characters—this playful soft-sculpture class is designed for curious young creators ready to explore texture, colour and shape as they craft their own fuzzy pom-pom creatures. We’ll start with simple techniques—wrapping yarn, gluing pieces and building basic forms—before diving into the fun of experimenting with yarn, felt, googly eyes, fabric, pipe cleaners and other soft materials to craft a zoo-full of imaginative critters.

Members: $96.72 + HST, Non-Members: $99 + HST. Saturday.

Discover the calming, meditative art of glass mosaic making in this hands-on workshop. You’ll transform tiny, chaotic shards of glass into a stunning, cohesive work of art ready for display. John will guide you through the indirect method of mosaic construction: on Day 1, you'll cut and arrange glass pieces over a design using sticky paper; on Day 2, you'll invert and adhere your design to its base, grout it and clean it—revealing a beautiful finished mosaic. All tools and materials are provided, and you’ll be supported step-by-step as you complete a 6x6 inch mosaic that we’ll frame on the second day. Whether you're new to mosaics or looking to expand your artistic practice, this workshop offers a relaxing and rewarding creative experience. Count on a 30-minute break for lunch.

Member: $190.83 + HST, Non-Members: $195 + HST (Prices include $48 material fee). Sunday.

Sunday: September 20, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. & Sunday: September 27, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (2 days)

Curious about watercolour and ready to give it a try? Spend a relaxing Sunday learning basic watercolour technique such as wet over wet, wet over dry, pastel resist, salt technique and blending. You’ll create your own set of unique cards and a couple of small paintings. Plenty of instruction—plenty of fun!

Members: $154.77 + HST, Non-Members: $159 + HST (Prices include $10 material fee). Sunday.

Jody Joseph is one of the region’s preeminent painters, with over 30 solo exhibitions and numerous group shows across in Canada, the US and Italy. In this special Master Class, Jody will lead you through plein air painting sessions in and around Dundas, along with indoor, in-class exercises and discussions back in the school studios. The focus of the class will be on strategies for organizing the chaos of the world we see—said another way—painting the forest, not the trees. How do we paint powerful, memorable images that reflect the painter’s interest/point of view/soul? With Jody’s guidance, you’ll do a deep dive into how great painters of all eras—cave painters to contemporary—have solved these problems and explore how those strategies might apply in your painting practice. This course is for advanced painters with solid experience painting outside, working in acrylic or oils, and looking for new avenues to move their practice forward. Admission into the program is dependent on a successful application. Information about the short application process is on our website at dvsa.ca/masterclass.

NOTE: application required—deadline July 27, 2026

Members: $270.99 + HST, Non-Members: $279 + HST. Sunday.

For anyone looking to become an artist, basic drawing skills are considered essential. This introduction to drawing course will challenge your senses and develop your drawing and shading skills – all in a supportive and inspirational environment. Topics include perspective and composition as well as the fundamentals of learning how to see. Class demonstrations and individual instruction provided throughout. *Please note: there will be no class on October 12*

Members: $349.56 + HST, Non-Members: $359 + HST (Prices include model fees for 3 sessions – two nude life models and one portrait model). Monday.

For anyone looking to become an artist, basic drawing skills are considered essential. This introduction to drawing course will challenge your senses and develop your drawing and shading skills – all in a supportive and inspirational environment. Topics include perspective and composition as well as the fundamentals of learning how to see. Class demonstrations and individual instruction provided throughout. *Please note: there will be no class on October 12*

Members: $335.64 + HST, Non-Members: $345 + HST (Prices include model fees for 2 sessions – one nude life model and one portrait model). Monday.

Venture down the path a little further on your drawing journey. Building on concepts introduced in Beginners’ Drawing, you’ll approach tonal/value studies using various media including ink, toned papers and coloured pencils. New topics include 2-point perspective, measuring/proportion, density-controlled values and basic colour theory. You’ll further develop your observational skills and drawing ability while studying still-life set ups. Also included are three sessions with portrait models. One previous course in drawing is recommended. *Please note: there will be no class on October 12*

Members: $349.56 + HST, Non-Members: $359 + HST (Prices include model fees for 3 sessions – two nude life models and one portrait model). Monday.

Discover the rewarding experience of drawing the human subject. You’ll learn various techniques in observation and drawing using the human figure and portrait as subject matter. Concepts such as contour lines, blocking, gestures and sustained poses will be explored with a user-friendly approach. There will be 5 sessions working with the nude and costume model – the remaining sessions will be for working on self-portraits and portraits of your fellow artists. This course is designed specifically for novices – suitable for anyone who has taken Beginners’ Drawing or has some similar experience. *Please note: there will be no class on October 12*

Members: $369.61 + HST, Non-Members: $379 + HST (Prices includes model fees for 5 sessions). Monday

Back for Fall. This unique class offers a blend of lecture, discussion and engaging art exercises as we look at a new selection of artists past and present who pursued making art to a level of success. We’ll explore their history, education, lifestyle, family and social influences, and the experiences that shaped their creative life and perspectives. Bring a sketch/note pad and drawing tools—coloured pencils/markers or a watercolour kit. We’ll engage in discussion, make notes and sketch up ideas in our journals based on each artists’ work as we look to apply new concepts to our art practice. No previous art experience required—beginners can get their feet wet while more advanced students can use this series to go deeper into your creative process. *Please note: there will be no class on October 12*

Members: $212.67 + HST, Non-Members: $219 + HST. Monday

Whether you’re a beginner artist or a seasoned vet, pricing your artwork to ensure a sale can be a challenge. Set too low a price and you could be misrepresenting yourself—too high and your artwork starts piling up in the studio. What’s the ideal balance? This workshop with curator Andrea Jackman of Earls Court Gallery will share best practices and tips for pricing your art. The format will be an initial presentation of information followed by a group discussion driven by your questions.

FREE. Advanced Registration required. Monday.

If you’ve always wanted to try soft pastels, but felt they were difficult to work with, this is the course for you. Learn everything needed to start playing comfortably with the vibrant, versatile colours of soft pastels. With presentations and live demonstrations, Clarence will familiarize you with the wide variety of pastels and pastel surfaces. In-class exercises will cover mark-making, under-painting techniques and layering. Plus, you’ll engage in explorations of composition, basic colour theory and more. This 6-week course is for beginners. Some drawing experience is helpful, but not necessary. Get signed up and let’s play! *Please note: there will be no class on October 12*

Members: $212.67 + HST, Non-Members: $219 + HST. Monday