ALCOHOL INK ART

Alcohol ink art on synthetic paper and decorative objects with Rea Kelly

This November brings something new to The Jamii Hub. For the first time at Jamii, Belonging Older Adults participants will work with alcohol inks, a highly fluid and colourful medium that moves differently from traditional paint. Led by Toronto artist Rea Kelly, the four-week series gives participants time to get comfortable with the material, experiment with its unpredictable qualities, and gradually apply what they learn to finished pieces.

The first two workshops focus on working with alcohol inks on specialty synthetic papers such as Yupo or Nara. Because alcohol inks work best on non-porous surfaces, the colour remains active on the surface rather than immediately soaking into the paper. Participants will learn how inks flow, spread, pool, interact with one another, and can be reactivated after drying. Guided exercises will offer a chance to try different techniques while becoming familiar with how much control to use and when to let the material take its own course.

During the final two sessions, participants will bring those skills onto decorative objects, such as translucent candleholders or other suitable surfaces. Moving from paper to three-dimensional pieces adds another way to work with colour and creates something participants can take home and enjoy.

This series is a good fit for older adults interested in visual arts workshops, painting classes, or creative programs in downtown Toronto, especially those who enjoy working with colour and trying materials that respond in unexpected ways. Rea’s teaching centres process, patience, and experimentation rather than technical perfection. Participants can work at their own pace and learn alongside others in a relaxed community setting.

Rea Kelly is a Toronto-based artist whose practice spans watercolour, oil, acrylic, collage, encaustic, and alcohol inks. Nature is a recurring source of inspiration in her work, particularly flowers, outdoor places, colour, texture, and the resilience she observes around her. With decades of artistic experience, Rea has presented work at juried shows including the Riverdale ArtWalk, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, Cabbagetown Art & Crafts, and Art in the Park Ottawa. She is also an experienced workshop facilitator known for a patient and encouraging approach to teaching.

Belonging participants register for the overall program once and can then drop in to the November visual arts sessions that work for them.

Support free community arts

Jamii keeps programs and events free so everyone can take part, without financial barriers. If you're able, you can support our $15 for 15 Years campaign and help us reach $15,000 by December 15 for Jamii's future programs at The Jamii Hub. Your donation moves the goal forward and is eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Donate here now.

Jamii's Belonging Older Adults workshops are sponsored by Government of Canada - New Horizons for Seniors Program, Canada Council for the Arts, Government of Ontario, and St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association.