Artist: Emebet Belete
Description: This workshop focuses on mixed media and printmaking techniques. We will be learning, practicing, and creating works on paper and canvas using multiple materials through the lens of the climate emergency. Through this process, we will research the effect on nature locally and globally, and use our ideas in a final piece incorporating what we have learned.
Biography: Emebet Belete is an artist and educator who was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A graduate of the Addis Ababa Fine Arts School and Queen’s University, Kingston, her artistic practice reflects her cross-cultural observations living in Ethiopia, Canada, and Asia. Her work ranges from oil and acrylic to collage and mixed media and can be seen at www.emebet.ca. Her work can be found at the National Museum of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian National Institute of Culture, TEDA Archives (Tianjin, China), and in private collections around the world. Emebet is a recipient of Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts creation grants, as well as education and project grants from the OAC and the City of Belleville, which she uses to teach and encourage the arts in schools and the community.
Training Dates at Kingston School of Art: Thursdays 6, 13 and 20 April from 6pm - 8pm
Artist: Abby Nowakowski
Description: This is a printmaking and textile activity that is grounded in skill-development and creative thinking. You will learn how to inspire students to design, carve, and print their very own linocuts onto fabric, which we will sew together to create a classroom quilt. Knowing how to sew, mend, and care for fabric is a sustainable practice. We will go over helpful tips to handle the carving tool + sewing needles safely, troubleshoot mishaps, and start conversations that allow for reflection. We will give students a chance to dream up and imagine the imagery they want to play with!
After our quilt is complete, we can share through casual conversation why students picked the imagery, how we felt it connected to the overall theme we decided on, and what we're most proud of.
Biography: Abby Nowakowski (she/they) is a queer interdisciplinary artist and art educator who is driven by curiosity and community. Through printmaking, illustration, and hand poke tattooing, they spread advocacy for care, share stories, and make space for radical softness. Their practice extends into art facilitation with a range of collaborations including workshops, performances, and community weaving opportunities.
Training Dates: Tuesdays 4, 11 and 18 April from 6pm - 8pm
Artist: Hillary Werth
Description: Join Teaching Artist Hillary Werth for “Breaking Barriers: A Mixed Media Project!”
This project seeks to celebrate and share aspects of identity or messages that need to be heard. Participants will explore this theme through mixed media creation, using materials such as acrylic paints, pastels, spray paints, markers and more!
Biography: Born and raised in the U.S, Hillary Werth has been an artist and athlete all their life. They were an all American track and field athlete who received a full scholarship as a student athlete to the University of California Los Angeles and received a degree in history/art history in 2009. After graduating, they were accepted into the University of Nebraska’s art education program where they studied for one year until they hung their paintbrush up to be an Olympic hopeful.
Hillary tried out and was named as a member of the U.S. National Bobsled Team. Due to injury they retired, picked their art career back up, and ran their own successful business as a working artist. From making guest speaking appearances at K-12 schools and universities to national publications to international recognition, Hillary has had great success as an artist and athlete.
In 2018, Hillary wanted to complete their teaching certification so they enrolled at the University of Missouri St. Louis. For the last 5 years, Hillary has put all their creative energies into being an art educator. In 2021, they moved to Kingston to marry their wife. As of October 2022, Hillary received their permanent residency here in Canada and is eager to jump into the Kingston art and education world.
Specializing in drawing, abstract painting, mixed media, and spray paint, the way in which Hillary creates is similar to the way they teach. Focusing on balance, layers, and composition. “The space we create in is just as important as what we create. Producing a therapeutic environment for people to feel calm and themselves is what I aim for.”
Training Dates: Fridays 14, 21 and 28 April from 6pm - 8pm
