Facilitator: Erica Whyte

Spend a creative evening working with charcoal and hard pastels alongside artist Erica Whyte. In this Painting Night session, you will focus on the details that make plant life so powerful and beautiful, while connecting to Jamii’s May theme of "Small & Mighty."

Through shading, shape, and perspective exercises, you will create a finished drawing featuring plants or fruit. You can choose from provided reference images or bring one of your own. This hands-on experience with dry media will guide you in shaping simple forms into thoughtful and striking compositions.

Erica Whyte brings her experience as a sculptor and visual artist to this session, with a practice rooted in cultural storytelling and everyday inspiration. Her approach welcomes participants of all skill levels to explore drawing in a supportive environment.

No experience is necessary. Bring your curiosity, and if you have a favourite plant image, you are welcome to bring it with you.

For those who want to take their experience further and showcase their artwork, we invite you to join Saturday Mingling on May 24, a lively evening of artistic sharing where community members and artists come together to celebrate the creative journey.

Spots are limited, so be sure to register today!

This Thursday Creating - Painting Night: Charcoal and Hard Pastel Drawing workshop is part of Jamii's May cycle, guided by lead artist Heidi Chan, and centred around the theme of Small & Mighty. Through these workshops in dancing, painting, crafting, sewing, singing, and creative writing, we will reflect on how these ancient teachings resonate with our modern lives, connecting us to nature, the cycles of life, and our community. “This is an invitation to reinterpret the meaning of Small & Mighty, finding the joy and value in doing one thing, but doing it well by slowing down and zooming in.” - Heidi Chan.