The Artist Studio: Connect & Create

Beginner

Intermediate

Adults

Mixed Media

Fall 2026

Schedule

Fridays October 23, November 6, November 20, December 4
7 - 9:15pm (Biweekly)

Location

Course Fee

$275 + HST

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About this course

Join ARAS Creative Director and educator Evan Faith Hutchinson for The Artist Studio: Connect & Create, a unique hybrid of open-studio freedom and structured artistic growth. Designed for artists at any stage of their journey, this bi-weekly Friday night series focuses on fostering a sense of community through the lens of drawing, painting and mixed media. Each session centres on a provocative new theme to ignite your vision, spark discussion around artistic concepts, technical explorations and critique nights. This experience offers the space to experiment with media under guidance, share your process, and evolve within a supportive, like-minded collective.

What you'll learn

Cultivate Community: Build lasting professional and personal relationships with a diverse network of local artists.
Refine Technical Versatility: Expand your practice through self-directed projects and thematic prompts under the guidance of the educator.
Articulate Vision: Develop the ability to discuss your work and artistic intent through structured group critiques.
Gain Insight: Learn from demonstrations, guidance and individuals, providing diverse perspectives on contemporary art practices.
Interpret Themes: Learn how to translate abstract weekly concepts into tangible visual compositions.
Establish a Routine: Benefit from a bi-weekly “residency” structure that encourages consistent creative momentum.

What students say

They didn't think they were artists either.

"I really didn't know the first thing about Contemporary art beforehand. He has a real talent for encouraging and inspiring students — everyone leaves his classes feeling great about themselves and their work."

Jamie Mudrick · Art of Colour

"A very engaging and fun class. It's a fantastic way to help loosen up and get the creative juices flowing. If I was able to, I would take this course every time it's offered."

Leslie Greenbaum · Drawing More Expressively

"I loved all of the exercises — it was very inspiring for me and a fabulous entry into drawing. It was way too short. The four weeks flew by."

Jamie Mudrick · Drawing More Expressively

"She was incredibly patient with me as a first time painter and gave detailed instruction on how to move my piece forward while preserving and helping me to find my own artistic style."

Adult student · Acrylic Art 101

"I am a beginner painter and learned a lot and now feel confident to paint on my own. I attended three courses — it was a lovely experience."

Shipra Pandey · Acrylic Art 101

"Rachel's demeanor is great. Her feedback and inclusiveness made it a comfortable environment. This class made me look forward to Monday evenings."

Itzel Rendon · Drawing for Beginners

"I really appreciate the focus on right-brain thinking and learning to be in a more receptive, curious state. The warm-up exercises were fun and novel — it helped me get out of my own way."

S. Siskind · Drawing for Beginners

Evan Hutchinson

Royal Academy of Arts (U.K.) · Toronto Metropolitan University B.F.A. · ARAS Creative Director · Multimedia & Lens-Based Specialist

Evan Hutchinson is the Instructor and Creative Director at the Avenue Road Arts School. After completing her B.F.A. at Toronto Metropolitan University, she relocated to London, U.K., where she developed and facilitated art classes for the public at the Royal Academy of Arts. Upon returning to Canada, Evan continued her practice of leading art programs for public and private schools and low-income families across Ontario. Her independent art and teaching practice is rooted in multimedia, including drawing, painting, collage, and lens-based media. Using an interest in human social and psychological behavior, she explores various forms of facilitated experimentation that attempt to question the world around us.

FAQs

Please find answers to commonly asked questions here. If you're still in doubt, don't hesitate to contact us: contactus@avenueroadartsschool.com