Instructors
The Centre for Creative Arts is pleased to provide quality classes instructed by many varied artists from our community. They each have their own qualifications and interests, but all are unified by their love for the arts and the wish to bring you the best instruction they can. Read the bios below to get to know some of them.
Ghislaine Boucher
Ghislaine Boucher has completed a certificate in Interior Decorating and a Master in Adult Education. Ghislaine’s passion for interior decorating has created an appreciate for all types of decorating styles. Let Ghislaine help you discover your decorating diva.
Pamela Farber
Pamela Farber
P. Farber
Pamela Farber is originally from a rural farming community in southern
Ontario where she grew up drawing on every piece of paper she could
find. She began taking private art classes, in high school took a year
long focused fine art program and moved herself to Toronto at 18 to
attend the Ontario College of Art & Design to obtain her Bachelor of
Fine Arts. Her creative passions include jewellery-making, acrylic and
oil painting, dance, writing, scrapbooking and web design. Pamela’s own
work, Ophelia Jewellery (www.opheliajewellery.com) has become an
explosive collection of brilliant bold colour combinations and elegant
wearable art available in retail outlets on an international level. In
the last three years she has been teaching the art of jewellery-making
so she can share her knowledge and inspire students to create beautiful
pieces of their own.
Janet Enfield
I live art. Painting full time and teaching part time is the perfect balance. There isn’t anything that I come into contact with that doesn’t give me an idea for a painting. Teaching at the Centre for Creative Arts has given me contact with talented people from the community that inspire me as much as I hope I inspire them.
There are many different art forms and mediums that I enjoy working with but oil paint is my love. Subjects of all kinds find their way onto my canvases ; pets, people, scenery, floral and even some surreal subjects. I tell stories with my paint brush and never run out of story lines.
Maryrose Lessoway
M. Lessoway
My Training in the Arts (Studio Art, Art Education and Drama) was at Concordia University in Montreal. Quebec. My Art Therapy post-graduate training took place at the Kootenay Art Therapy Institute in Nelson BC.
I have conducted countless CREATIVITY WORKSHOPS using multi-media. The focus is on the ARTISTIC PROCESS – exploration and self-expression – which free inhibitions and releases blockages.
As a child, I loved to draw and doodle, but was not encouraged to pursue art as a career. It wasn’t until I was in my late 30’s that I started taking art classes and finally went to University to obtain a degree in Fine Arts. I started with studio art, design, drawing and painting and did well in these – but it was when I took Art education that I really got excited. That was because we were suddenly given permission to play and explore freely, using all kinds of found items and recycled materials. The focus shifted from product to process, so the end result was not judged or graded. We were marked on what we learned and the risks we took… on our creative explorations, not just our technical skills.
Multi-media and clay hand building were my favourites. In Multi-media, we could combine anything and everything from paintings to installations to performance arts. We went beyond the boundaries and I found it really freeing.
The malleability and versatility of clay allowed me to find meaning and a connection to the Earth. It slowed me down and, brought a great sense of peace and satisfaction. Then, I began to combine my art pieces with ritual performances and discovered a power that went beyond myself and opened me to many Spiritual experiences, magic and phenomena!
Much Later, through Art Therapy, I discovered how I could delve into my subconscious and past experiences, bringing newfound awareness and emotional-mental healing.
There is Sacredness in Art and the Artistic process. We can journey then entire spectrum of consciousness- from the darkness of our Soul to the Brightness of our Spirit.
I like to allow people to go where they want to go, without forcing the process. I merely create the right atmosphere and space. I provide the materials and encourage them to be themselves and to be okay with where they are.
I have seen people who thought they couldn’t draw a straight line or put colors down on a paper, go on to become full blown artists. Other people were inspired to make healthy changes in their lives inspired by their inner Muse and expanded consciousness. I have worked with individuals, couples, families and groups, with breast cancer survivors, children, seniors, and special needs people. I’ve conducted workshops using Art as a medium for personal growth and transformation, spiritual exploration and awakening.
Art is as diverse and unique as the human psyche and spirit will allow. I truly believe that there is no right or wrong – no mistakes in art. But there are countless opportunities, explorations, experiences, expressions and experimentations to be lived.
I am happy to do for others what Art has done for me. It brought movement where there was stagnation, it opened doors that I never knew existed, it changed my life from boring and humdrum to exciting and adventurous. Once I opened up my creative energy, it set me free from many limitations and expanded my universe. It helped me find myself and put me on my spiritual path. And it all began with just a few doodles on paper….
P.S. I am Metis and also make Native Crafts such as Dreamcatchers, drumming sticks, talking sticks, smudge feathers and smudge bowls. And… I also dabble in photography and creative writing… and when the opportunity arises – drama and role-play.
(From a former student)
I really enjoyed the art class that I took with Mary Rose Lessoway last fall (2008). As a real beginner it was fun to be able to try out different mediums from paint to charcoal to string & sand. I liked being able to explore my own creativity without any judgement or criticism. We explored lines, colors & texture & each piece was unique to the student. I feel like I have awakened my inner artist! Thank you Mary Rose
Linda Rose
