Workshops

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Reframing Relations Workshop

Date/Time – November 13 @ 12:00PM (PST)

Location – Zoom

Join artists / facilitators Serene Porter and Roxanne Charles in a 90 min online workshop on “Reframing Relations”. Participants will work together on collaborative, arts-based ‘Statements of Understanding’ to discover where their awareness of Indigenous issues is located today, where they have gaps in their knowledge, and what concrete actions can be taken to support positive social transformation. Reframing Relations facilitators are experienced artists and educators who model allyship, vulnerability, and intercultural dialogue.  

Meet the Workshop Facilitators

Roxanne Charles of Semiahmoo First Nation is a cultural historian implying means of visual representation, oral history, and ceremony. Methods which have been utilized by Semiahma People for thousands of years. Roxanne holds two undergraduate degrees from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and her Masters in Fine Arts at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver.

Roxanne’s work directly responds to a troubling colonial present and documents a variety of issues that reflect her life experiences such as spirituality, identity, urbanization, food security, resource extraction, trauma, and various forms of systemic violence.

Serene Porter is a Halifax-based multidisciplinary artist, graphic designer, and facilitator from the Six Nations of the Grand River territory (Mohawk Nation) in Ontario, where she developed an abiding passion for nature, sports, and artistic expression. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from York University, as well as a diploma in Graphic Design from Mohawk College, and a diploma in Art Therapy from the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute.
In addition to her work as an art therapist, instructor, photographer, outreach coordinator, and graphic designer, Serene is a workshop facilitator and educator with a focus on Indigenous Culture. She has developed and delivered a variety of Integrated Learning workshops for Elders, residential school survivors, and youth, in which she guides participants through creative explorations that nurture self-care and healing. Most recently, Serene serves as Director of Culture and Engagement for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). This key leadership role allowed Serene to apply her artistic talents, culture, and facilitation skills to the planning of a multi-faceted, large-scale event celebrating Indigenous sport and culture.
With a strong foundation of personal and professional experience, Serene Porter has developed a unique skill set and perspective that allows her to act as a catalyst for others, as they seek to discover their own resiliency, determination, and boundless creativity. She believes that art, cultural connections, nature, and sport can all serve as powerful modalities for health, healing, and creative expression. This core belief is reflected and emphasized in Serene’s work, and in her life.


Past VOAF Workshops

“Inside the Outside” Art / Instant Fiction Writing Workshop

“Inside the Outside” art / instant fiction writing workshop
A 90-minute workshop on writing inspired by Outsider Art. Participants will explore the visual art at VOAF in the Exhibition Hall and develop one fiction writing piece inspired by the artwork. Participants will have time to explore the visual art exhibition and will reconvene with the group for a free-form writing session. Writings will be shared with participants in the group. Participants are encouraged to bring their work laptops or writing notebooks and pens/pencils.

Notebooks and pens/pencils will be provided.

Date/Time –  October 17 Sunday – 10:00 – 11:30 AM

REGISTRATION FULL

Social Media for Artists and Creatives

This is a free workshop for artists, creatives and anyone who is interested in social media. Participants will learn different strategies to increase their social media presence online through Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, websites, using free programs like CANVA editing tool, and building a network and brand online to grow and engage an audience.

This is a free workshop for artists, creatives and anyone who is interested in social media. Participants will learn different strategies to increase their social media presence online through Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, websites, using free programs like CANVA editing tool, and building a network and brand online to grow and engage an audience.

Materials – Digital tools are not necessary for the workshop. And digital tools are not provided to participants. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Date/Time –  October 17 Sunday – 12:00 – 2:00 PM

REGISTRATION FULL


Acrylic Painting Workshop with Janice Liu

A 2 hour session on colour mixing and basic painting skills, working from a photo. Participants will finish with a simple but cute painting – think plants, cake, etc. For Grades 5 and up.

Date/Time – October 17 Sunday – 3:00 – 5:00 PM

REGISTRATION FULL


Did you attend a VOAF workshop? We would appreciate your feedback! Please fill out our survey for the chance to win a $50 OPUS gift card.