Learn a new skill: Creative workshops for adults in Toronto

Just because you’re all grown up doesn’t mean you can’t head back to school every once in a while. In Toronto, you’ll find lessons and workshops covering a wide variety of creative pursuits — everything from photography to trapeze to stand up comedy. Learn a new skill (and potentially uncover a hidden talent) at these spots for educational workshops.

By Jessica Emma Napier

Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art

1

111 Queens Pk, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7

• Phone Number
  • 416-586-8080Primary
• Directions

There’s no better place to learn how to work the wheel than at Canada’s only specialty museum dedicated to ceramic arts. In-studio workshops see professional ceramists guide students through various wheel throwing, painting and glazing techniques to create sculptural and functional pieces to take home. Eight-week adult workshops are offered for those looking to master the craft. For casual clay enthusiasts, drop in classes are available on weekends and evenings on a first come first serve basis (tickets go on sale 30 minutes prior to each session).

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ShopAGO

2

317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4

• Phone Number
  • 416-979-6648Primary
  • 1-877-225-4246Tollfree
• Directions

Budding artists looking to hone their skills will find all the inspiration they need at this internationally renowned art gallery. The AGO’s Anne Tanenbaum Gallery School offers a variety of hands-on fine art courses on drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking and more. Creative workshops are led by experienced instructors and cater to beginners as well as experienced artistes.

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The Circus Academy

3

1300 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1Y7

• Phone Number
  • 647-748-6030Primary
• Directions

If you’ve ever dreamed of running away to the circus then step right up to this unique circus arts training facility with three locations across the GTA. Professional circus performers offer a range of specialty workshops and classes focused on imaginative talents traditionally found under the big top including aerial acrobatics, static trapeze, stilt walking and more. Prefer to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground? Sign up for a Vaudevillian Arts workshop where experienced and novice performers learn a variety of physical theatre skills including clown, buffoon and slapstick.

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Fleck Dance Theatre

4

235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8

• Phone Number
  • 416-973-4000Primary
• Directions

Get a hands-on approach to creative expression at Harbourfront’s newly renovated craft and design studio overlooking the shoreline of Lake Ontario. Beginner and intermediate classes are offered year-round across a variety of topics including glass blowing, jewelry making, pottery and textiles. Looking for something a bit more active? Lace up and enroll in the Learn to Skate program at the scenic Natrel ice rink. Intro, beginner, intermediate and women’s-only adult skating classes are all offered over four-week periods throughout the winter season.

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More from Jessica Emma Napier

Jessica is a writer, editor and self-professed foodie. She loves exploring the city on two wheels, spends almost all of her disposable income at restaurants and never apologizes for Instagramming her food. After living in Toronto for almost a decade, she traded YYZ for YVR and is now the Vancouver City Editor for YP.

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