Community Connects: Communal Cyanotype Mural Workshop

The Community Connects series strengthens the links between members of the diverse multi-disciplinary Brampton creative community while fostering communal learning and knowledge sharing as well as developing individual members' facilitation skills. We are empowering Brampton artists and creatives to craft programming specifically for our community.

Together, let's transform the summer sun into a beautiful network of memories and new connections.
Participate in the creation of a large-format vibrant cyanotype composed of the imprints cast by some of our treasured keepsakes. All you need to bring is one beloved, meaningful object and your willingness to learn and create.
This workshop will begin with an introduction to the cyanotype process and seeing examples of cyanotypes made by Ashley Beerdat, the workshop instructor. We'll network a bit to get to know each other and share stories about the objects we've brought.
Following the group sharing, we will then map out of the cyanotype's composition, finding the perfect place for each object, then expose the images as a group. Through this interactive session, participants are encouraged to reflect on bringing an object that they have carried with them through time and share their experience with community.
Please note no objects will be harmed during the process and will be returned to each participant at the end of the session.
This workshop will be open to all ages and experience levels! We want to promote intergenerational connection and include those who don't necessarily consider themselves artistic. This is a family friendly and fun activity to get people involved in mural making.
A cyanotype is a photographic printing process that uses ultraviolet light. By coating canvas with a solution mix and placing objects on top for 20-30 minutes in the sun, the silhouette or ghost image of that object will become imprinted on the canvas surface with no damage to the actual object. The canvas is then washed in a bucket of water and hydrogen peroxide to preserve the print.

Accessibility: If you need assistance or support to participate such as an ASL interpreter, please get in touch with us at [email protected] as soon as possible (minimum of three days in advance) so that we can make the necessary accommodations.

Transportation: We can provide all-ages Brampton Transit Tickets free of charge to those who need them for all BAO in-person events. If you would like to pick up a ticket for yourself and others attending with you, please email [email protected] prior to the event and we will have them available for you onsite. Tickets work for both Brampton Transit and Züm buses.

Ashley Beerdat is a visual artist and arts educator based in the GTA. She has a BA in Studio Art and Art History from Western University and is currently completing her Masters of Fine Arts at the University of Waterloo. She is a recipient of the SSHRC fellowship. Ashley is a fine arts instructor working as a sessional at the University of Waterloo and providing creative workshops for Workman Arts, Sketch working arts, EmpowHer and Jayu Canada. Her work is held in Mississauga’s permanent corporate art collection and has been exhibited at the Small Arms Inspection Building, Latitude 53, and The Artist Project. Beerdat has also been on juries for public art activations across the GTA and designed murals for BIA`s.

Host or Publisher ACCIDA Brampton