SOLD OUT! WAITLIST AVAILABLE Workshop | Learning to Batik like Barbara Leighton
Workshop Title: Learning to Batik like Barbara Leighton
Time: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Description: Discover the Magic of Batik! This workshop introduces the textile art of batik, an ancient technique using layers of wax and dye to reveal beautiful patterns on fabric. Batik was one of Barbara Leighton’s most cherished art forms, and her work is proudly displayed in our museum today. Held in our historic Schoolhouse Art Studio, this workshop will be led by our very own Joanne Smith, whose teaching reflects the care and generosity that defined Barbara’s approach. Joanne’s own connection to batik began with a school field trip to the Leighton Art Centre in 1978. With warmth and guidance, Joanne will lead participants through each step of the process. This workshop invites you to slow down, create with care, and experience batik in the spirit of Barbara Leighton and the Leighton Art Centre.
Audience: 16+
Level of Experience: This workshop is suitable for those with no batik experience and those who vaguely remember learning batik way back when in art class!
Supply List:
Participants need to bring/ purchase:
- Dye-resistant gloves (multiples if disposable)
- Closed-toe shoes
- Project ideas or photographs (optional)
- Lunch, snack, & water bottle
Instructor Biography:
For batik artist Joanne Smith (BEd, BBS) of Diamond Valley, Alberta, creating art in a diversity of forms has been a lifelong passion; inherited from generations of highly creative women, and deeply inspired by a school field trip to Leighton Art Centre in 1978. Her fascination with batik was re-sparked a few years ago when she taught the technique to her high school art students. Since then, she has travelled around North America taking workshops to enhance her skills under the tutelage of various Batik Masters. She has written articles for The Batik Guild and has had her batiks featured in their newsletters and calendars. Her batik entry received honourable mention in the 2024/25 International Year of Batik competition and is featured on their website.
