Workshops
We offer a variety of workshops throughout the year. Our workshops provide scope for collective creativity, individual expression, technical mastery, and innovation. From introductory day sessions to more intense advanced multi-day workshops, we endeavour to accommodate all skill and interest levels.
Please note there are no refunds for missed workshops. If, for any reason, it is necessary for the Centre to cancel a workshop, students will be notified prior to the commencement of the class and offered a full refund.
We Grow Together: Collaborative Collage
We Grow Together: Collaborative Collage Instructor: Merrideth MacDonald Date: November 15, 1pm to 3pm Ages: 9-12 Location: Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design Join collage artist Merrideth MacDonald in a collaborative collage workshop that focuses on individual and group creativity! Newspaper, magazine paper and hand painted papers will be available to be cut, ripped and glued. Inspired by the Counter Culture exhibition on display at Cape Breton Centre of Craft… At the Table: A Conversation on Food Equity and Resistance
At the Table: A Conversation on Food Equity and Resistance Date: November 22, 1pm to 3pm Location: Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design Local food and beverages provided Grab a seat at the table in Counter Culture to participate in a panel discussion and community talk-back session to explore the vital connections between local food systems, cultural preservation, and food equity. Inspired by sowing the Seeds… Pot, Pattern, Place! Building and Imprinting on Ceramics with Local Materials
Pot, Pattern, Place! Building and Imprinting on Ceramics with Local Materials Instructor: Rhonda Ferguson Location: Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design Date: November 29, 1pm to 3pm Ages: 7 and up! In this workshop, we will hand build a bowl and use materials from nature to create patterns and textures. We will discuss some of the available techniques and considerations in the design process. Materials for… Closing Party: Zine Giveaway
Closing Party: Zine Giveaway Location: Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design Date: January 9th, 2026, 12pm to 1:30pm Celebrate the Counter Culture's closing with a special community recipe zine powered by you! Throughout the exhibition, we've invited visitors to share the stories and ingredients behind the foods they love. Ranging from ancestral traditions and family favorites to comforting meals and decadent desserts we’ve asked how you…
Traditional Sheep Shearing
Learn Traditional Sheep Shearing Skills Join us for a hands-on sheep shearing workshop in beautiful Mabou! When: October 31 - November 2, 2025 (rain date November 7-9) Where: Andrew MacLennan's Farm, Mabou Who: Sheep producers and sheep famers (open to all levels, priority given to Cape Breton farmers) Learn from expert instructors Sarah Nettleton, Amber Petersen, and Peter Kozier in this intensive weekend workshop. You'll get hands-on experience with professional…
Essential Skills Art Workshop 16+ (Introductory to Advanced Level)
Essential Skills Art Workshop 16+ (Introductory to Advanced Level) Date: November 1, 2025 (Saturday) Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Instructor: Jeff Wilson Fee: $40.00 plus HST (Members) | Fee: $45.60 plus HST (Non-Members) Learn the fundamentals of drawing with local artist and teacher, Jeff Wilson! This 2 hour workshop covers a range of lessons, including human anatomy, composition, value scale, and perspective; all skill levels are welcome! Jeff…
Basic Yarn Dying with Food Colouring (Introductory to Intermediate Level)
Basic Yarn Dying with Food Colouring (Introductory to Intermediate Level) Date: November 22, 2025 (Saturday) Time: 10:15 pm to 2:15 pm Instructor: Alison Hood Fee: $50 plus HST (Members) | Fee: $57.00 plus HST (Non-Members) Materials Fee: $25 (payable to the instructor) Want to learn how to dye wool with food colour? Come learn the basic dying techniques using heat and food colour. Come dye your own…
Christmas Wreath Workshop #1
Christmas Wreath Workshop Date: December 6, 2025 (Saturday) Time: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Instructor: Jill Cloud Fee: $50 plus HST (Members) | Fee: $57.50 plus HST (Non-Members) Come and join us for a creative afternoon where Jill from Jill’s Rooted Creations will be guiding you through the art of Wreath Making! Christmas wreath workshops are a fabulous and fun activity for staff, social clubs or any group. Jill…
Felted Snowman Christmas Ornaments (Introductory Level)
Felted Snowman Christmas Ornaments (Introductory Level) Date: December 6, 2025 (Saturday) Time: 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm Instructor: Sharon Heading Fee: $35.00 plus HST (Members) | Fee: $39.99 plus HST (Non-Members) Kit Fee: $20 payable to the instructor This three hour introduction to Felting is a fun way to learn the basics and finish a project. Participants will be provided with the basic felting tools and wool required to…