Taking a workshop with artist CJ Shelton is a great overall experience and introduction to mandala making and other creative activities in only a few hours. No art experience is necessary. Under CJ’s guidance anyone can learn to create beautiful art.
The workshops listed below are offered throughout the year. Typically at least one themed workshop will be scheduled per month. Please check the schedule under the Classes & Workshops tab to see what is upcoming in the next couple of months. All workshops are a single session unless otherwise noted.
Please note that any of CJ Shelton’s workshops can be booked as a special event for groups of four or more participants to suit your schedule. Great for families and friends-day-out! Contact CJ to discuss the possibilities.
“Art in the Round” Intro to Mandala Making Try-It Sessions
“Art in the Round” Intro to Mandala Making Try-It SessionsIn this fun and relaxing 2-3 hour session learn to create beautiful circular and geometric patterns known as mandalas. Enjoy the calm ambience of CJ’s tranquil studio as she gently guides you through the process of designing and colouring your own unique mandala pattern.
This is CJ’s signature “try-it” session that introduces you to the magic of mandala making and its relaxing therapeutic benefits. You will learn an easy technique that will have you making beautiful patterns in no time! No artistic experience necessary, this is an easy workshop for all ages and abilities. Read testimonials by participants learn what they experienced and produced.
Art in the Round is a great activity for couples, groups of friends, bridal parties, girls-night-out, mothers and daughters… whatever combination of favourite people you would like. Contact CJ to schedule what works for you. Sessions can be requested for groups of four or more participants can be booked anytime. This is a great activity for couples, friends, families and small groups. Sessions can be booked anytime throughout the year for groups of 2 or more at CJ’s studio or your community location.
COST: $80 + HST per person. Special rates for large groups may apply at CJ Shelton’s discretion.
TIME: Approximately 3 hours long
“Inner Alchemy” Workshop – An Artistic Journey of Transformation
Alchemy is a term for the ancient process of change and transmutation of base metals into gold. “Spiritual alchemy” refers to the transformation of the individual body, mind and spirit. The alchemical process begins with the conscious intent to connect and trust the ‘inner guidance’ of our subconscious self.
In this workshop the artistic process of mandala making will take you on a visual journey that begins with a randomly selected object. Through a series of guided steps you will then explore your relationship to the object until the original concept is transformed into something new, hopefully the “philosopher’s stone” or hidden gold that guided you to pick this object in the first place. This workshop is more reflective and intuitive rather than about learning specific art techniques. It is suitable for those who are naturally creative and enjoy learning something about themselves without worrying about the end result.
COST: $120 + HST per person
TIME: Approximately 4 hours long
“Seed to Seed” Sacred Geometry – The Flower of Life Manifestation Mandala Workshop Series
Everyone has a “seed dream” … sacred geometry (the universal symbols, patterns and proportions that are the language of the universe) is Nature’s own creation matrix and a powerful tool for “growing” your dreams and CJ Shelton’s signature “Seed to Seed” manifestation process is far more powerful than vision boards since it is the actions we take after we set our intentions that are the key to having them manifest.
Even if you only take Part 1 of this series you will have a finished mandala that will effectively radiate your dreams and intentions out to the universe. Committing to all four sessions will take your intention setting even further by working actively with what you have set in motion. You will have a much deeper experience by receiving CJ’s ongoing guidance and feedback, plus the support and companionship of a like-minded group of fellow “gardeners” as the process unfolds.
In each workshop you experience a beautiful guided meditation to “The Garden of Your Soul” that will nurture your goals, grow them and harvest the wisdom of why they are (or aren’t!) coming to fruition. At the same time you will also be learning the sequential stages to create one of the most powerful patterns in sacred geometry – The Flower of Life. The result will be your very own set of completely unique mandalas that are both a record of your journey and a blueprint for future success. No artistic ability or experience is necessary as CJ gently will guide you through step by step in bringing each of your intention mandalas to life.
All sessions include art supplies, mandala making, companionship and mandala interpretation
COST: $120 + HST per person
TIME: Approximately 4-5 hours long, 10 am to 2 pm or pick your own timing
NOTE: Part 1 is typically offered at the beginning of each year in January with the other three workshops in the series offered around the Spring Equinox, the Summer Solstice and Fall Equinox. If you are interested in booking this series for a group of four or more participants please contact CJ with your inquiry.
“The Four Worlds” Celtic Knotwork Workshop
This workshop introduces participants to sacred geometry and how it relates metaphorically to many ancient Celtic beliefs. Learn how to construct “The Four Worlds”, a simple design in sacred geometry and then how to develop it into a classic Celtic knot pattern. Anyone can create this simple form using a compass and ruler as well as master the “under/over” weaving so characteristic of Celtic knotwork.
With some simple techniques under your belt you can then create endlessly different Celtic inspired mandalas using the rich colours of Prismacolour pencils on different coloured papers. This workshop is for those who are drawn to the beauty and inspiration to be found in the world of the Celts.
COST: $120 + HST per person
TIME: Approximately 3-4 hours long, 10 am to 2 pm or pick your own timing
“Animal Spirit” Mandala Workshop
This fun workshop is a blend of mandala making concepts that work with the “medicine” or bond that exists between you and a particular “spirit animal”. A guided journey to discover your animal totem will let you experience firsthand the magic of why some animals appear to us more strongly then others. By creating a mandala you will honour this animal and invite it into your life, a symbolic gesture of your desire to strengthen the bond between you.
Through a‘step and repeat’ or ‘pie-slice’ method a beautiful mandala pattern can easily be created (no worries about not knowing how to draw!) but those more comfortable with artistic expression are free to explore their ideas and symbolism in more creative ways. CJ provides individual interpretation and guidance from both Native American and Celtic belief systems that help you come to a better understanding of why this particular creature has “chosen” you.
COST: $120 + HST per person
Time: Approximately 3-4 hours long, 10 am to 2 pm or pick your own timing
“The Tree of Life” Mandala Workshop
Imagine a vertical axis running through the centre of your being, from your deepest roots up to your highest aspirations. This is your inner “Tree” which anchors and centres you. Now imagine this Tree surrounded by concentric rings of family, friends and nature. This is the Hoop of Relationship.
Throughout time, shamans or “medicine people” from all cultures have used the cosmology of the World Tree to navigate different realms of existence. In this workshop you will experience a guided shamanic journey to your personal World Tree and then express visually in a mandala how it manifests in your own life. As a symbol of the Self, the Tree is a powerful archetype for revealing a whole new understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Teachings from Native American, Celtic and other spiritual traditions, as well as myths and fairy tales will be incorporated throughout the workshop. We are all trees… what does yours look like?
COST: $120 + HST per person
TIME: Approximately 3-4 hours long, 10 am to 2 pm or pick your own timing
“Weaving the Labyrinth” Creativity Workshop
Have you heard about labyrinths? Are you wondering what they are and what they do? Well here’s your chance to actually create a miniature one for yourself. A labyrinth is generally defined as a symbol with a meandering path, guiding the user on a walk inward to a center and outward, back again to where they began. It is not intended to confuse you or have dead ends like a maze. Labyrinths allow you to enter the meditative world of non-thinking where you can let go and let something else within you take over. The results are often transformative and deeply calming.
In this workshop we will explore different styles of labyrinths then create our own personal labyrinth using a variety of art materials. This art piece can then continue to be used as a “finger” labyrinth where you trace the pattern with your finger to induce a light meditative state.
COST: $120 + HST per person
TIME: Approximately 3-4 hours long, 10 am to 2 pm or pick your own timing
“Hands of Light” Creativity Workshop
Based on mandala pioneer Judith Cornell’s concepts, this workshop taps into the life force and energy contained within your own hands, allowing you to transform, translate and interpret this unique signature pattern into a powerful black and white “illuminated” mandala. The results are always visually powerful, uniquely personal and highly symbolic.
Relax as CJ takes your through a beautiful guided meditation that will put you in touch with your creative spirit, connect you with the art materials and allow you to use them in a way that becomes an extension of your own soul. No art experience is necessary. This is simply a joyful journey and expression of self-discovery.
COST: $120 + HST per person
TIME: Approximately 3-4 hours long, 10 am to 2 pm or pick your own timing
“Symbol Quest” Art & Self-Discovery Workshop
We are all familiar with the natural elements of Earth, Water, Wind and Fire but did you know that they also exist on the personal level within each of us, affecting our bodies, emotions, thoughts and actions every day? Come learn more about this ancient self-knowledge system based on the theory of the four elements and discover useful tools for helping you find balance in your life today.
In this interactive workshop you will take a magical journey around the Wheel of the Elements to discover your own unique elemental symbols. Through exploration of their deeper meaning there is potential for change, transformation and deeper insights. Once your symbols have been gathered, you will integrate them creatively into a single mandala or circular design (no artistic ability required). Like a ‘map’ this personal power symbol will be a visual representation of this journey of discovery. We are constantly being offered signs, symbols and synchronicities – clues from the ‘wheel of life’. The trick (and the fun) is deciphering it all!
COST: $120 + HST per person
TIME: Approximately 3-4 hours long, 10 am to 2 pm or pick your own timing
Celtic Illuminated Lettering Workshop
Let’s get knotty! Create and paint your own decorated and ‘illuminated’ initials, word or name in traditional Celtic knotwork style. This enjoyable full day workshop is an introduction to the beautiful tradition known as ‘illuminated lettering’ that is often seen in Celtic art such as the famous Book of Kells. ‘Illuminations’ are symbols, knot work patterns, animal motifs and abstract designs decorating the first letter of a word or manuscript.
Join artist CJ Shelton as she provides a brief historical background and then practical help in understanding the illumination process. After learning some easy ways of creating the under/over weaving effect of Celtic knotwork and other elements, participants will choose a single letter, their initials or a simple word and create their own unique design on a 12”x12” canvas using a combination of stencils, free-hand drawing and acrylic paints and inks.
This workshop is designed to help you produce a simple finished art piece of your own that is ready to hang. No previous art experience is necessary. If you enjoy doodling and colouring or painting simple designs you will love this relaxing day of creativity and companionship.
COST: $150 + HST per person, all art materials supplied
TIME: All day from 10 am to about 4:30 pm
Celtic Spirals Acrylic Painting Art Workshop
Learn how to draw and paint your own triskele spiral pattern!. This enjoyable full day workshop is an introduction to the beautiful tradition of creating Celtic style spiral patterns often seen on shield designs and brooches.
Join artist CJ Shelton as she provides a brief historical background then practical help in understanding a simple method for drawing the often complex looking triskele patterns typical of Celtic design work. Participants will create their own unique design on a 12”x12” canvas using a combination of stencils, free-hand drawing and acrylic paints and inks.
This workshop is designed to help you produce a simple finished art piece of your own that is ready to hang. No previous art experience is necessary. If you enjoy doodling and colouring or painting simple designs you will love this relaxing day of creativity and companionship.
COST: $150 + HST per person, all art materials supplied
TIME: All day from 10 am to about 4:30 pm
Zen Doodling Art Workshops & Parties
Take your doodling to the next level! Zen doodling is the art of drawing beautiful intricate designs using sections of random patterns to make what are known as ‘zentangles’. When you zen doodle, you’re creating a miniature work of art, but also a mood, a focus and a state of mind. By concentrating on drawing small blocks of patterns one at a time you ‘go with the flow’, letting your mind enter into a calming zen state. This allows you to follow through on impulsive thoughts and ideas giving you an unexpected finished result as well as an intriguing glimpse into your subconscious!
There are many therapeutic benefits to zen doodling including increased focus, more patience, creative inspiration, lowered heart rate and blood pressure plus de-stressing time and relaxation.
NOTE: This workshop is ideal to book for small groups of friends or family. No artistic ability is needed to enjoy this workshop. If you can doodle, you can do it!
TIME: Approximately 2 hours long, 1-3 pm or pick your own timing
Art & Creative Self-Discovery “Play Days”
Play Days are a wonderful way to explore your creativity in a safe supportive environment with like-minded souls. No pressure, no judgements… this is simply quality time-out to indulge your creativity, get positive feedback, find new direction, be inspired, or just to simply relax in a beautiful calm environment. Bring your art pieces, your ideas and most definitely your creative spirit.
CJ always has basic materials on hand such as pencils, rulers, scrap paper, etc. that you can use but if you are working on a painting or other large project please bring your own supplies. The goal of “play days” is simply play and companionship! If you would like to spend this quality one-on-one time with CJ in her beautiful studio at the Alton Mill, please call or email.
COST: $65+ HST per hour
TIME: Anytime, schedule allowing. Email CJ to arrange
Pre-Registration & Full Payment at time of booking is required for all workshops
Booking an art experience is a commitment to yourself, the facilitator and other participants. The following payment policies are in place to ensure that all workshops and sessions run as scheduled and help guarantee that everyone involved has an enjoyable experience.
Payment may be made by cash or credit card (VISA, MASTERCARD and AMEX accepted)
To confirm your registration you must pay cash, send an e-transfer or cheque, or provide a credit card number at the time of booking.
Cancellation Policy
Last minute cancellations other than for extenuating circumstances spoil the fun for all involved … it creates challenges for the facilitator and disappointment for other registrants if the class has to be cancelled as a result. Participants who are unable to attend a workshop/session they have registered for will only receive a refund (less 25% to cover administration costs) provided they have given notification by phone or email a minimum of 7 days prior.
THERE IS NO REFUND FOR CANCELLATIONS LESS THAN 7 DAYS PRIOR OR FOR NO-SHOWS ON THE DAY OF THE WORKSHOP.
A raincheck may be offered depending on the circumstances of the cancellation. If a workshop has to be cancelled due to inclement weather or other extenuating circumstances participants will either be notified of the re-scheduled day/time or a full refund will be provided.
