Introducing Creating Space: Youth Arts Programming at the Caetani Centre
The Caetani Centre is pleased to introduce our new series of youth workshops, Creating Space.
Creating Space: Youth Arts Programming is a series of low-barrier, accessible workshops and open studio time for youth offered in a safe and welcoming environment at the Caetani Centre, once home to lauded artist, mentor and teacher Sveva Caetani.
The program is for under-served and equity-deserving youth, ages 13-to-18, to explore their creative talents through various artistic mediums.
Running from November 2024 to March 2025, interested youth can register for one or more of the Introductory Workshops. After the initial session, there will be weekly Open Studio time for six weeks from 3:45-5:15 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Refreshments will be provided at the start of and during each workshop and open studio time.
Upon completion of the art projects, the artist facilitators will guide youth in the preparation and curation of their finished artwork for the exhibition. Youth will be mentored on how to write an artist bio and artist statement, how to choose work for exhibition, and the fundamentals of art curation and installation.
An opening reception, held at the Caetani Gallery, will launch the exhibition and will include readings and presentations by youth participants. The exhibition will then be open to the public for the month of April 2025.
Enrolment for each program is pay-what-you-can. Please contact the Caetani Centre if funding assistance is needed. Participation in the drop-in studio time is voluntary, with an emphasis on creating safe, open and inclusive spaces, and on the processes of exploration, reflection, and discovery.
Interested participants can register online for individual or the entire series of the Creating Space Workshops. For more information, please email creatingspace@caetani.org
About the workshops:
1/ Artist facilitator: Salinger Snarf (he/him)
Workshop title: Self-Construct: Textiles and Mixed Media Design
Workshop date: Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, 11 am-4 pm.
Studio drop-ins: Thursdays, Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec. 5 and 12, 3:45-5:15 pm
Course description: Join Salinger in a hands-on exploration of materials as we deconstruct our inner worlds and recreate them as surreal 3D art objects. Participants will stitch, paint, and sculpt their pieces while being able to express themselves in a supportive environment. We will repurpose found objects and building materials, textiles, paints, natural materials as well as synthetic materials. Throughout the making process, participants will be invited to engage in dialogue about various aspects of life, with the goal of getting to know each other and our worlds a little better.
2/ Artist Facilitator: Odessa Clough (she/them)
Workshop title: syilx Land-Based Art and Design
Workshop date: Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, 10 am-3 pm.
Studio drop-ins: Tuesdays, Nov. 12, 19, 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 and 17 from 3:45-5:15 pm
Course description: In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the syilx relationship with the land and their communities. In each studio drop-in, participants will have hands-on experiences with a different traditional syilx skill. In order to explore these skills, we will utilize important materials harvested locally by hand from the land. We will use natural resources such as sp’its’n (Hemp dogbane), cat tails, tule reeds, beeswax as well as a variety of medicines and berries. Join us for a unique opportunity to better understand the Indigenous history of the area and how we can support ongoing relationships that are respectful of the land we live on and the people who were here from the beginning.
3/ Artist facilitator: Sienna Belanger-Lee (she/they)
Workshop title: Painting Our Roots: Youth Art on Tule Paper
Workshop date: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, 10 am-3 pm
Studio drop-ins: Thursdays Dec. 12, 18 and Jan. 9, Jan. 16, 23 and 30, 3:45-5:15 pm
Course description: Youth will explore their personal stories, and connection to the land, through a series of reflective painting sessions. Participants will identify values and narratives central to their identity, then bring them to life through painting on tule paper, a traditional syilx medium. Over the course of six open studio sessions, youth will develop their works for a participant-led exhibition. With guidance from syilx artist Sienna Belanger-Lee, you’ll create a stunning piece of art that reflects your journey. No previous painting experience is required—just your unique vision!
4/ Artist facilitator: Jaz Papadopoulos (they/them)
Workshop title: Paper Trails: Literary Arts
Workshop date: Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, 10 am-3 pm
Studio drop-ins: Tuesdays, Jan 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 3:45-5:15 pm
Course description: Everyone has a story: dive into a transformative creative journey where you explore voice and vision. You'll embark on a series of self-reflective writing prompts to uncover your unique values and personal narrative. Discover how to merge your written expression with mixed-media art as you explore innovative ways to present your story. You'll be inspired by diverse examples and techniques that blend creative writing with tactile visual art.