ARTS
OVER HERE
At Over Here, the arts unite us, spark imagination, and foster creativity. Join our vibrant community where shared passion creates bonds and collaborations that enrich lives. Be part of a community where creativity thrives and connections are formed.
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ARTS BY THE POND
SEPT 19, 2026
Hillsburgh Library
Get ready for the 3rd Annual Arts By The Pond! We’re excited to welcome everyone to experience a lively mix of artists, events, and activities.
Want to help make it happen? Volunteer with us by contacting Melissa at melissa@overhere.ca.
Current Workshops
Celebrate Spring with a Hands-On Tapas Workshop!🌸 Get ready to bring the vibrant flavors of spring to life! Join us for a fun and interactive **2-hour Tapas Cooking Workshop** where you’ll learn to create a delicious spread of authentic Spanish small plates that are perfect for sharing. In this social and engaging class, you’ll chop, sizzle, and plate your way through each dish — and, of course, taste everything along the way! 🍴 What’s Included: 🌟 Hands-on instruction from our expert chef 🍤 4 authentic tapas recipes to make and enjoy 📘 Recipe booklet (PDF download) to recreate the magic at home 🥘 All ingredients & cooking equipment provided 👩🍳 A fun, relaxed atmosphere to connect with fellow food lovers What You’ll Make: Mojito Shrimp: Fresh, zesty, and bursting with flavor Smoked Salmon Blinis: Elegant bites with crème fraîche and smoked salmon Pan con Tomate: A Spanish classic with ripe tomato, garlic, and olive oil Pimientos de Padrón: Addictive blistered peppers with a touch of sea salt Who Should Join? Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a total beginner, this workshop is perfect for anyone who loves good food and great company. Bring a friend or come solo — either way, you’ll leave with new skills, new friends, and a full belly! What to Bring: - Your favorite apron - A water bottle - A small bag or box to take home your creations Spaces are limited, so don’t wait! Reserve your spot today and get ready to cook, connect, and celebrate the flavors of spring. 🌿 Review refund policy for details
Chef Gui
Unfold Your Creativity: Indigo Shibori Dyeing Workshop💙 Join us for a relaxing and inspiring **3-hour workshop** where you’ll explore the timeless beauty of indigo shibori dyeing. Step into the serene surroundings of Everdale Farm and discover the magic of this ancient Japanese resist-dyeing technique. In this hands-on experience, you’ll fold, twist, and bind fabric to create stunning, one-of-a-kind patterns. Watch as plant-based indigo transforms your designs into mesmerizing works of art, blending organic shapes with geometric rhythms. 🧵 What’s Included 🌟 Hands-on instruction in shibori techniques 🎨 Enough indigo dye to create 3 cotton fat-quarters (perfect for sewing, quilting, or keepsakes) 📘 A guide to shibori folding and dyeing methods 🌿 A peaceful, nature-filled setting to spark your creativity Who Should Join? This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to unwind, explore their creative side, or try something new. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to get your hands (and maybe your clothes!) a little blue. What to Bring: - Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little indigo on - A water bottle and your creative spirit Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today and let the calming hues of indigo guide your creative journey. 💙 Review refund policy for details
Fabienne Good
Spring into Colour: Colour Expressions
Spring Into Colour: A Mixed-Media Workshop 🌸 Celebrate the vibrant energy of spring blossoms with a hands-on workshop that will ignite your creativity! In Spring Into Colour, you’ll explore the dynamic interplay of line, form, and color using a unique mixed-media approach. Guided by step-by-step demonstrations, you’ll learn how to layer dry and wet mediums to craft bold, eye-catching compositions. Whether working from photos or still life, this workshop is designed to inspire and energize artists of all levels. Who Should Join: This workshop is perfect for anyone, from beginners eager to explore mixed media to experienced artists looking to try something new and unconventional. What to Bring: 🎨 Acrylic Polymer (fluid, NOT gel) 📜 Decorative Papers & Tissue Paper (in your favorite colors) 🖍️ Conte or Chalk Sticks (black or brown) 🎨 Acrylic Paint (heavy body or fluid in a variety of colors, including black and white) 🖌️ Paint Brushes (synthetic or hog hair bristle, variety of sizes and shapes) 🖌️ 2” Painter’s or Hog Hair Brush (for gluing) 💧 Water Containers 🎨 Palettes 🧻 Paper Towels 📖 Mixed Media Paper or Sketchbook (at least 9”x12”) Note: Additional substrates can be discussed during the class. What to Expect: 🌟 Hands-on guidance with multiple live demonstrations. 🎨 Techniques for layering and blending mediums to create vibrant, dynamic artwork. 🌸 A fun, relaxed environment to explore your artistic expression. Join us and bloom into creativity as you bring your artistic visions to life this spring! 🌿 Review refund policy for details
Discover the Bounty of the Wild Join seasoned foraging guide Jordan Madley for an unforgettable three-hour introduction to the world of wild foods. This hands-on experience will deepen your connection to the local environment and empower you to identify and gather nature’s edible treasures. Your adventure begins with a guided walk where you’ll learn Jordan's philosophy on discovering the what, how, and why of spring’s most interesting and available wild foods. Afterward, you will come together to transform your freshly foraged bounty into a delicious light dish, like a wild greens pesto pasta, paired with a refreshing wild-foraged mocktail. What You'll Experience & Create: A guided foraging walk to identify and harvest edible spring species. A hands-on tutorial to craft a light dish and mocktail from your findings. Engaging conversation about the impressive edible plants available across Ontario. A chance to create your own wild-foraged compound butter. This workshop is more than just a walk; it’s an opportunity to forge a deeper connection with nature, community, and the food on your plate. Please Note: An additional $6 material fee is due the day of the course. Participants should bring; -2 mason jars; 1 for pesto, 1 for mocktail shaking. -foraging basket/bag/paper bags -foraging knife ***This workshop will incorporate nuts. Please contact us in advance to request dairy or gluten-free accommodations. Ready for an Adventure? Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate and enriching experience. Book your spot today and discover the delicious possibilities waiting in your own backyard. Reserve your spot now. Review refund policy for details
Jordan Madley
Discover the Magic of Cyanotype Step back in time with cyanotype, one of the earliest forms of photography, and experience its magic in this hands-on workshop. Using dried plants and freshly gathered foliage from the farm, you’ll create stunning blue-and-white prints powered by sunlight, time, and water. In this two-hour session, you’ll experiment, play, and connect with nature while learning a 19th-century process that still feels fresh and fun today. This workshop invites curiosity, creativity, and a sense of wonder. No experience is necessary. You’ll leave with your own unique sun-prints, ready to frame and display! What is Cyanotype? Invented in 1842 by Sir John Herschel, cyanotype is one of the earliest photographic processes. It produces images in a signature deep blue hue through a fascinating chemical reaction. By coating paper or fabric with a light-sensitive solution, arranging objects or negatives on top, and exposing it to UV light, you’ll watch as sunlight works its magic. After a simple rinse in water, the exposed areas transform into rich blue tones, while the covered parts remain white—a timeless and captivating technique. Why Join This Workshop? Reconnect with nature and embrace the beauty of this historic process to create your own one-of-a-kind piece of art. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to slow down, explore your creativity, and take home something truly special. Spots are limited to 10 participants, so don’t wait! Reserve your spot today and let the magic of sunlight and creativity inspire you. Review refund policy for details
Past Workshops
Instructors: Fabienne Good and Darlene Hostrawser Foraged Inks: Gather, Make, Create Join us for a three-part workshop that explores the hidden colours of the land. In partnership with Everdale Farm, this hands-on experience reveals how local plants, nuts, and berries can be transformed into natural inks—and how these inks can be used as expressive, seasonal tools for both creativity and calm. Part A: Foraging & Farm Walk We will begin with a guided walk through Everdale Farm, observing plants in their natural setting. Participants will learn how to identify promising species for ink-making by appearance, habitat, and scientific characteristics. Part B: Ink-Making & Sampling The second session focuses on transforming gathered materials into ink. Participants will learn about the alchemy of extraction and explore how different factors, such as pH and heat, impact colour and consistency. Part C: Painting & Exploring Inks In our final session, participants will paint with unique handmade natural inks. Together we will explore colour-mixing, colour-harmony, patterns & textures. No previous art experience is needed—this is a space for curiosity, experimentation and reflection. Natural inks are inherently unpredictable, which makes them uniquely captivating. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or simply nature-curious, you’re welcome to join. All materials are provided. This workshop is more than just a creative project—it’s a chance to reset. You’ll be invited to slow down, observe the seasons, and rediscover the everyday beauty that surrounds us. With guidance and inspiration, participants will leave with not only their own creations, but also a renewed sense of connection to nature, creativity, and self.
With a deep commitment to sustainability, Heather will guide you in crafting a one-of-a-kind charcuterie board using responsibly sourced hardwood. Together, you’ll explore the calming art of woodburning—often described as "drawing with fire"—as you create intricate designs with texture, depth, and warmth. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this 3-hour session is designed to inspire creativity, mindfulness, and connection in a relaxed and supportive environment. What You’ll Learn: You’ll learn a variety of woodburning techniques to bring texture and visual interest to your piece Tips for selecting the best woods for your projects. Practical insights to kickstart or enhance your woodburning journey. No prior drawing or woodburning experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore! Why Join? Craft a beautiful, functional charcuterie board to keep or gift. Enjoy a calming, hands-on creative experience in a welcoming space. Share the joy—bring a friend and make it an afternoon to remember. Workshop Details: Duration: 3 hours Recommended Age: 14+ Skill Level: No experience necessary Spaces are limited, so don’t wait—reserve your spot today and join a growing community of creatives who are discovering the joy of making something meaningful, one connection at a time. Additional Materials: Live Edge Boards 12" $30 16" $35 20" $40 1oz Board cream $5
(COMPLETED) Basket Weaving with Repurposed Materials for Beginners
In this 2-hour workshop, you’ll roll up your sleeves and step into the rhythm of an age-old craft—basket-weaving—reimagined with vibrant, glossy pages from recycled magazines. Feel the paper transform beneath your fingers as you interlace magazine spokes & weavers into your very own beautiful, functional basket. This is a hands-on celebration of creativity, sustainability, and the simple joy of making something from unexpected sources.
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Join award-winning travel photographer Sandra Laurin for an inspiring workshop that will transform the way you capture the world using your cellphone camera. With experience photographing in 62 countries, Sandra brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and storytelling expertise to this creative class. In this workshop, Sandra will reveal hidden cellphone camera settings that will take your photos from good to fabulous! You’ll also learn how to: Master composition to create visually stunning images. Use light, shadow, and contrast to add depth and drama. Incorporate color, emotion, and story to make your photos resonate. Explore patterns, shapes, and negative space for creative impact. Perfect your horizons, leading lines, symmetry, and depth of field for professional-quality shots. Apply minor editing techniques like cropping, brightness adjustments, and more to enhance your photos. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, this class will inspire you to use your cellphone as a powerful tool for storytelling and connection. Gain insights from Sandra’s global adventures and her work with Photographers Without Borders in countries like Ecuador, Ghana, and Thailand. Date: September 13, 2025 Time: 1 pm - 3 pm Location: Hillsburgh Library (9 Station Street) Spaces are limited—register now to secure your spot and capture the world in a whole new way with your cellphone! Materials: Fully charged cell phone and charger
A minimum of 4 participants are necessary to run this course. Unleash your creativity and connect with nature in this 4-week Plein Air Painting Course, perfect for beginners and intermediate artists alike! Set against the stunning backdrop of the historic Alton Mill, with its flowing streams, serene pond, and beautifully restored architecture, you'll learn to capture the essence of the natural world on canvas. Guided by the talented Stephanie Schrim, this course offers a supportive and inspiring environment to refine your skills, explore new techniques, and create art that truly reflects the beauty around you. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your artistic journey—register now and invite your friends to join the fun! Note: A minimum of 4 participants is required to run this workshop. Students are responsible for bringing their own materials (materials list coming soon).
Unlock the secrets of French cuisine with Chef Gui! Master knife skills, scallop cookery, sauce making, and pastry cream in a fun, hands-on cooking session. Elevate your culinary expertise and dazzle in the kitchen. Ready to cook like a gourmet chef? Reserve your spot now and join the culinary adventure!
Gui Barret
Calling all art enthusiasts, beginner and intermediate. Immerse yourself in the beauty of farm landscape with our 4 -week Plein Air Course. Guided by the talented Stephanie, this course is designed to introduce or enhance your plein air painting skills and deepen your understanding of capturing the natural world on canvas.
GALLERY OVER HERE
At Arts By The Pond Gallery, we celebrate creativity year-round with themed exhibitions, artist showcases, and live art competitions. Highlights include May's Community Art Spotlights, vibrant summer Paint Outs, and December’s festive Square Foot exhibition. Join us in exploring art’s power to inspire, connect, and transform!
