In-Person Colours from Nature Workshop (Tales from the River)
About this Event
In this session, participants are invited to deepen their relationship with the land through Indigenous teachings, mindful harvesting, and artmaking using natural pigments. Lead artists James Carpenter (Greycloud) and Joaquín Varela will guide the group through teachings on local plants and the land, introduce the concept of honourable harvest, and lead a reflective walk to gather found natural materials. Participants will then learn how to process pigments from the collected materials and take part in a hands-on art activity that explores creativity, reciprocity, and connection to nature.
As this is an outdoor workshop, please be prepared to dress comfortably. All materials, light refreshments and snacks will be provided.
About the Artists:
- James Carpenter (Greycloud): James is a recognized Indigenous Traditional Healer and Oshkabewis (Helper) with Anishnaabek/Mississauga, Chippewa, Oneida, and Cree ancestry. Rooted in Indigenous teachings, ceremony, and community care, James specializes in providing Traditional Healing Services and Sacred Indigenous Ceremonies for children, families, and communities. He continues to reclaim his Anishnaabek/Chipewyan and Cree languages while sharing teachings that foster healing, connection to the land, and cultural understanding.
- Joaquin Varela: Joaquín is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary visual artist, educator, placemaker, and nature interpreter whose work explores ecological awareness, public art, and community connection to the land. Originally from Colombia, Joaquín leads eco-conscious workshops, hikes, murals, and placemaking initiatives across Toronto, creating accessible opportunities for creative expression and collective stewardship. Through his work with organizations across the GTA, Joaquín hopes to inspire environmental care, reflection, and deeper connections between people, art, and the natural world.
About the Project:
Tales from the River offers a series of senior-coordinated workshops that culminate in the co-creation of a community-engaged public art project along the Humber River in Weston. The initiative highlights how seniors’ leadership and creativity have a tangible, visual, and social impact on community spaces, embedding their contributions in the public realm.
Accessibility Notice:
STEPS Public Art is committed to the community’s full participation in this event. Please indicate the support you require during registration or contact Sam Mitjavile (Cultural Programming Manager) at [email protected] and Livia Whynott (Cultural Planning Assistant) at [email protected] to share accommodation requests.
Media Notice:
Please be advised photographs and video may be taken during this event for archival and promotional purposes. If you would not like to be photographed, please inform a staff member on the day of or keep your camera off if this is a virtual event.
Funders/Partners:
Tales from the River is funded in part by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program. We would like to acknowledge funding support from RBC, the Ontario Arts Council, the Government of Ontario, and the Bulmash-Siegel Foundation.
STEPS Public Art is a Canadian charity and social enterprise fostering vibrant communities through public art. STEPS offers public art services and runs charitable programs that support equity-deserving artists and engage communities across the country.
stepspublicart.org| @STEPSPublicArt
Documentarian Credit: Selina McCallum
Banner image description: An image of a wooden handmade tree with many colourful and decorated paper leaves applied to the branches on top of a pedestal featuring scenery and flowers in Rowntree Mills Park. On the image there is text that reads "In-Person Colours from Nature Workshop”, underneath there are various funder logos such as The Government of Canada, The Government of Ontario, The Ontario Arts Council, Crossroads Theatre, RBC, and STEPS being credited.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00
