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About Arts Education

North Van Arts offers arts education in the form of courses, workshops, and camps programming for all ages, interests and abilities.

Professional Development Series for Emerging, Immigrant Newcomer Visual Artists (Free)

Capilano Library
3045 Highland Blvd, North Vancouver BC V7R2X4
Wednesdays | 6:00 pm - 8:00pm
February 19, February 26, & March 5, 2025

 

North Van Arts, in partnership with NVDPL and Impact North Shore, presents a three-session workshop series for emerging and immigrant newcomer visual artists. This program offers practical skills, connections to the creative community, and opportunities for artistic and professional growth. Through education, resources, and collaboration, we aim to bridge cultures and support artists at every stage of their journey.

Session 1: Finding Your Voice – Inspiration and Connection

Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Capilano Library, North Vancouver

Presenters: 

  • Sylvester Aguddah A Nigerian collage artist who immigrated in 2023, Sylvester draws inspiration from his homeland’s rich traditions. Supported early on by North Van Arts, his work has been showcased in exhibitions like Arts in the Garden. He will share insights on how art can explore identity, resilience, community, and the impact of mentorship on his journey.
  • Elena Senatorova Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, Elena moved to North America 20 years ago and is now an oil painting instructor with North Van Arts. Her work reflects her cultural heritage and personal journey. She will discuss discovering your artistic voice, her experiences, and key elements in shaping a unique style.

This session invites participants to explore their unique artistic identities while learning from the rich stories of our presenters, whose journeys reflect resilience, adaptability, and connection to their heritage.

Session 2: Crafting Your Story – Level Up Your Profile
Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Capilano Library, North Vancouver

Presenter:  Pennylane Shen, who is returning to our professional development programming to help fine artists looking to develop their online presence and promote their work professionally and efficiently. Through a mix of lecture and Q&A, Pennylane Shen will guide participants through key strategies for refining their personal narrative, enhancing their brand, and building a meaningful digital presence. Topics covered will include:

Print Materials

  • The purpose and production of takeaway cards and branding materials
  • How to create an impactful and well-designed artist takeaway

Instagram for Artists

  • Overview of post types and goal-setting for social media
  • Creating engaging and effective content
  • Tools for artists to manage their Instagram accounts
  • Selling online: The Hold and Release vs. Drip Method

Websites

  • Designing artist-specific websites that connect with clients, industry professionals, and galleries
  • Key features for improving viewer navigation
  • Common website mistakes to avoid
  • E-commerce and online sales strategies

Artist Newsletters 

  • How to create a professional newsletter template and set content
  • Building an audience and maintaining communication

  Participants will learn how to present themselves authentically, navigate digital platforms, and build an online strategy that supports their creative vision

Session 3: Mastering Your Presence – Level Up Your Artwork

Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Capilano Library, North Vancouver

Join us for the final session in our series, where Zahra Javadifam offers participants a chance to learn how to monetize their art, expand their audience, and draw inspiration from Zahra’s experience of resilience and reinvention.

Presenter: An illustrator from Tehran, Iran, Zahra’s work blends traditional Persian motifs with contemporary themes. After transitioning from the film industry to focus on illustration, North Van Arts became the first gallery to showcase her work. Zahra will share her artistic journey, creative process, and how she has diversified and monetized her art through maker stores.

 
 

Level Up Lab at StoryLab
The Lab at Lynn Valley Library is a self-directed space to experiment, refine your craft, and explore new techniques. StoryLab provides free access to video and audio tools, digitization resources, and creativity software, enabling you to tell your story through podcasts, music, digital images, spoken word, or film.

Available Resources:

  • Audio Booth: Create audio projects with professional equipment in a sound-treated space.
  • Video Studio: Capture and edit video projects with lights and cameras in a sound-treated studio.
  • Creation Stations: Edit audio, video, or images on Mac workstations with a variety of software.
  • 3D Printing Service: Request PLA 3D prints with two available LulzBot filament printers.

Explore these free resources to enhance your artistic practice!

Book space The Storylab

The Professional Development Series for Emerging and Newcomer Visual Artists is open to all artists looking to connect with the community, improve their practice, and advance their careers. The program is government-funded and free of charge.

For more information, contact:
Stephanie Blundell
Email: stephanieb@northvanarts.ca
Phone: 604-988-6844

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