Is your New Year’s resolution to explore a new creative passion? Whether you want to master a new skill or refine an old one, the RCA will have something for everyone with our brand-new lineup of 2025 winter workshops, plus some returning favourites! We’re thrilled to offer 17 courses for adults, 6 courses for youth, and 5 family-friendly activities, featuring a mix of exciting new options and beloved favorites. Embrace your creativity and discover the joy of learning at the RCA. Each program is listed below. Don’t delay, space is limited so register now!
ADULT ACTIVITIES
Visual Arts
Cardboard Studio with Burcu Gulpak
Tuesdays, January 14 to February 4
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Discover the art of sustainable design in this exciting workshop! Create your own upcycled furniture masterpiece using cardboard while exploring innovative, eco-friendly techniques. Join us as the RCA champions sustainability through creative visual art programming.
Burcu Gulpak is an international artists, designer, and architect who has showcased her work throughout Europe and Turkey.
Crocheting & Crocheting 2 with Katie Jansen
Wednesdays, January 15 to January 29 & Wednesdays, February 19 to March 5
Dive into this timeless craft with two hands-on workshops where you’ll master the basics, including the art of creating granny squares and much more. Perfect for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills, this fun and relaxing experience will have you hooked in no time.
The instructor for this course is Katie Jansen, a passionate crochet enthusiast in her 30s with a love for sharing the art of crochet.
Painting with the Masters with Nasim Pirhadi
Saturdays, January 18 to February 22
Explore the world of master artists while enhancing your painting skills in this 6-week course. Students will study and recreate iconic masterpieces, exploring foundational techniques the artists used such as composition, color theory, brushwork, and layering. By closely examining these renowned works, participants gain insight into the artistry behind them and refine their own creative abilities.
Nasim Pirhadi is a multi-talented international artists educator with several solo and group exhibits around the world including BC, Sri Lanka, Iran and various European countries.
Mini Masterpieces with Katherine Eggleston
Saturdays, January 18 to February 8
Are you detail-oriented? You’re invited to the intricate world of miniature art in this new workshop! Learn basic painting techniques and create your own masterpiece on a 4x4 canvas. Discover how even a tiny space can tell a big story, while honing patience and an appreciation for small-scale design.
Katherine Eggleston is a Canadian born digital artist and painter. She has had experience working in the Video Game Industry, having worked on two separate games.
Sculpture Collage with Chung Park
Mondays, January 20 to February 10
Have you ever considered arranging objects together, even if they might not make sense? This course reimagines collage, starting with traditional two-dimensional techniques and progressing to three-dimensional creations. You'll explore concepts like bricolage and assemblage, using found materials and unconventional methods.
This workshop is also available for youth 13 and up! Mondays, January 20 to February 10. Register here.
Chung Park is an artist, educator, and early-career researcher who explores the connections between family, food, and memory.
Cardboard Community with Burcu Gulpak
Tuesdays, February 11 to March 4
Be part of a community couch series design and create upcycled piece of furniture for the RCA community! Just like the take-home workshop, you’ll dive into the basics of cardboard construction and assembly while contributing to a unique and sustainable community couch series.
Mini Masterpieces Mosaics with Katherine Eggleston
Saturdays, February 15 to March 2
In this course, students will collaboratively create a large mosaic artwork. Guided by Katherine, participants will paint individual scenes inspired by the Okanagan—such as the lake, valley, orchards, and local scenery. Each piece will showcase the artist's unique style while coming together as a visually stunning display celebrating creativity and community.
Plant Propagation with Chantel Thederahn
Saturday, March 1
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Get crafty with our new Plant Propagation workshop. You’ll design beautiful propagation stands designed to nurture your plants in your own uniquely decorated creation. All pieces will be pre-cut, allowing you to focus on assembly and customization.
Chantel Thederahn is a multimedia artist with extensive experience in print and a diverse range of specialties, including screen printing, embroidery, signage, digital ads, and photography.
Abstract Painting with Pastels with Angie Marchinkow
Monday, March 3 & Tuesday, March 4
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Angie is back with more painting inspiration! In this 2-day workshop, Angie will guide you through various techniques using pastels for painting and mark-making to create beautiful, layered works of art.
Angie Marchinkow is a multidisciplinary artist, writer, photographer, and coach based in Kelowna, BC. A self-proclaimed “art enabler”, she loves to help others notice their own creative abilities and guide them to take action in new ways.
Performing Arts
Flamenco Beginner & Flamenco Intermediate with Tascheleia Marangoni
Mondays, January 13 to March 10
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The fiery art of Flamenco is back at the RCA with beginner and intermediate-level classes. This stunning dance, full of passion and complex moves, has a rich history. Warm up with stretches and drills, master impressive techniques, and dive into traditional flamenco choreography.
Tascheleia Marangoni is a professional dancer & artist with over 40 years of training and experience as an instructor, studio owner, choreographer, performer, and producer of dance from over twenty genres, including classical dance styles, and cultural dance, focusing on her passion for Dance Ethnology.
Beyond the Music with Soul Sound Music Therapy
Wednesdays, January 15 to March 12
We’re excited to bring back Beyond the Music - a space to explore the joy of music while building connections! Led by a certified music therapist, sessions will incorporate singing, music-making, group songwriting, and movement. We invite individuals living with disabilities and diverse abilities to join Beyond the Music. Come together in an inclusive, empowering space to express yourself through music.
Soul Sounds Music Therapy is a team of Certified Music Therapists passionate about sharing the power of music to support health advocacy and holistic care, creating a welcoming space where everyone can experience a sense of belonging.
Hoopmaking + Hoopdance 101 with Aimee Lynn
Tuesdays, February 4 to March 11
Hooping expert Aimee Lynn is back with a brand-new workshop. Craft your very own hoop for the beautiful art of hoopdance from start to finish - cut, drill, fasten, design and tape your ultimate customized dance partner.
Join Aimee Lynn, your local hoopdance and flow aficionado, as your multidimensional entertainer, hoopdance facilitator and fun instigator.
Hand Bell Boot Camp with Nikki Attwell
Saturday, February 1
Originating in Europe's bell towers centuries ago, it has evolved into a global tradition with thousands of handbell choirs. In this introduction, you'll master basic ringing and damping strokes, explore techniques for unique sounds, understand the physicality of ringing, and perform musical pieces.
Nikki Attwell is very active in the world of handbells, as ringer, conductor and organizer and has been a member of four choirs in three provinces and was a charter member of the Bellissima Ringers handbell quartet.
Inner Landscape Sound Bath with Bernadette Wycks
Fridays, February 7 to March 14
Join us for a transformative workshop that blends the healing power of sound with the freedom of painting. Begin with a soothing sound bath, then dive into a creative journey of self-expression through inner painting.
With a BFA from Emily Carr in Vancouver and trained in sound bath facilitation, mindfulness meditation, energy healing and eco-therapy, Bernadette Wycks has navigated the terrain where the healing arts meet the visual arts for over 20 years.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Linocut Printmaking with Nasim Pirhadi
Tuesdays, January 14 to February 18
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This class offers an exciting introduction to the intricate art of linocut printmaking. In this hands-on session, you'll learn how to design and carve your own linoleum block, ink it, and create your very own prints. Perfect for beginners looking to explore this intricate art form!
Nasim Pirhadi is a multi-talented international artists educator with several solo and group exhibits around the world including BC, Sri Lanka, Iran and various European countries.
Character Design Fundamentals & Character Design Fundamentals Part 2 with Dae Schmitz
Thursdays, January 16 to February 6 & Thursdays, February 13 to March 6
Design your own unique characters in these exciting workshops! These classes take a different approach to character design, through both traditional drawing and exploring mixed media elements to help participants expand their artistic abilities and knowledge of character design.
Dae Schmitz is a British Columbia based designer and animator.
After School Anime with Brock Gratz
Thursdays, January 16 to March 6
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You know it, you love It, it’s After School Anime with local anime-style artist Brock Gratz! The class serves as an introduction to anime drawing, a place to develop skills, and receive mentorship. This course is intended for teens of all skill levels. The goal of After School Anime is always to make new friends and to help students feel confident to become creators, animators, and storytellers.
Ink to Imagination with Katherine Eggleston
Fridays, January 31 to March 7
Join Ink to Imagination and help create a collaborative coloring book as a team! Young artists will learn to craft clean, bold images perfect for coloring, while exploring different design styles. The artwork created can also be used for gift cards, holiday greetings, standalone pieces, and more - endless creative possibilities await!
FAMILY & ALL AGE ACTIVITIES
Gallery of Stories with Khrystyna Moroz
Fridays, January 17 to February 21
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Storytelling meets visual art in Gallery of Stories! Participants will craft their own story, bring it to life with words and images, and bind it into a hand-crafted book. You'll learn story crafting, visual storytelling, bookbinding, papermaking, and cover design, culminating in a beautifully bound, original work of art.
Khrystyna Moroz is a visual artist from the western part of Ukraine who spent her youth capturing the beauty of her surroundings and telling a story through her art.
Puppet Project with Bernadette Wycks
Saturdays, January 18 to February 22
Step into the enchanting realm of puppetry in our immersive World Puppet and Marionette Workshop! This hands-on experience invites participants of all ages to explore the art of storytelling through the magical medium of puppetry. Collaborate with fellow participants to create short skits or performances. Discover how to weave narratives using your puppets, fostering teamwork and imaginative expression.
Valentine Gifts Paper Making with Dae Schmitz
Saturday, February 1
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Discover the ancient art of papermaking in this unique, sustainable workshop! Using recycled materials, you'll craft custom paper for Valentine’s Day cards. With paper pulp prepared by your instructor, you'll explore different textures and colors to personalize your creation in this hands-on, eco-friendly experience.
Spring Flower Paper Making with Dae Schmitz
Saturday, March 8
More paper making, but this time with beautiful spring flowers! Create the perfect paper with personal touches of flowers, plants, and more.
Sing for the Soul with Soul Sounds Music Therapy
Tuesdays, January 15 to March 11
At times, life can feel mundane, stressful and lonely, which inspired Sing for the Soul, a drop-in singing group for teens and adults. Participants from all backgrounds are welcome to come together and sing in a relaxed, fun, and supportive environment. No prior musical experience is required - just a love for music. Each week, there will be space for check-ins and then dive right into singing, with the opportunity to choose songs from a songbook or request new favorites.
Created in partnership with Soul Sounds Music Therapy and generously supported by Music Heals Charitable Foundation.
Creator Dance Studio Sampler Series with Creator’s Arts Centre
Thursdays, February 20 to March 13
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We’re thrilled to work with Creator’s Arts Studio to bring you this special dance sampler series. Get ready to groove, twirl, and leap into the world of dance as, each week, instructors lead students through different dance styles such as jazz dance, ballet, hip-hop, and more. Help make Creator’s Arts Studio’s 30th season their best one yet!
Whew, that was a lot of programs! With all these options, there will truly be something for everyone at the RCA. Ready to kick off 2025 feeling inspired? Find the full list of programs here. We’ll see you in the new year as we continue to foster arts education for all.
Contact Angela Roy at [email protected] with any questions and to learn more.
