Spring Open House

January 03, 2016

Spring has sprung at the Alton Mill Arts Centre! Bring your friends & family together for the annual Spring Open House taking place Saturday April 30th – Sunday May 1st and enjoy everything the Mill has to offer. From great artwork by local artisans to an award winning theatrical performance, a variety of creative art classes and live music, this is one weekend you definitely want to mark on your calendars!

On May 1st Canadian theatre legend, Nonnie Griffin, brings her one-woman show Marilyn – After to the Alton Mill. The play imagines Marilyn Monroe coming back to life 50 years after her death to tell us about her life, her loves and her untimely passing. The 82-year-old star of stage and screen, Griffin, has been praised for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe. She recently performed the play on Theatre Row in New York City as part of the 2015 United Solo Theatre Festival and won Best International Show! This show is a fundraiser for KAMI for Haiti, a charity founded by Michele and Kathleen Jobin.

You simply must join Gallery Gemma for the introduction of their new Phillip Gavriel - New York stackable bracelets and jewelry! The perfect Mother's Day activity - great company, fabulous jewelry and refreshments. Arm candy galore! Phillip Gavriel - New York is made in Italy and features simply scrumptious bracelets in sterling silver with diamonds or white and black sapphires.  Bet you can't wear just one!

A celebration of all things wood! The 15th annual Made of Wood Show and sale features one of a kind works on wood by artisans from across Canada! The Made of Wood Show will be on display during Spring Open House and will continue to be on display until May 8th, 2016. In addition to the juried show, the Director's Invitational Show and Sale features non- competing pieces by woodworkers from across the country. 

From 1pm - 4pm enjoy live music during the Spring Open House weekend from talented local musicians. On Saturday April 30th singer - songwriter, Ian Brownell (Orangeville, ON) will be performing, showcasing his amazing voice and guitar skills. On Sunday May 1st, folk-blues duo "Tragedy Ann" consisting of the gifted Braden Phelan (Everton, Ontario) and Elivia Cazzola (Guelph, Ontario) will play.

Inspiration is everywhere this season and the Alton Mill artists can barely wait to share their creativity with you! This Spring Open House, there are some fantastic interactive classes and workshops being offered.

On Saturday April 30th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm Mill artist, CJ Shelton, is leading a sensational workshop called ‘Awakening the Dragon’ – A Create & Color Experiential Workshop. In this workshop, you will learn more about dragon energy, enjoy a beautiful guided journey to the land of the Druids and create/color your own dragon through the art of ‘zentangling’ or ‘zen-doodling’. This intuitive art process is wonderfully relaxing and does not require any special art ability. If you can doodle, you can do it! 

Mill artist Mark Grice will be holding an Open Studio Paint Party! On Sunday afternoon (May 1^st), you can have a great time painting any image of your choice. Choose from 80 images to paint. This Open Studio class takes place 1 to 4 PM. Reservations required to participate. Please email hosstylegallery@yahoo.com to register.

Another workshop being offered takes place at the Hive encaustic studio and is ideal for individuals who enjoy creating with unconventional mediums and experimenting with different approaches to painting. Offered on both April 30th & May 1st, the workshop Gravity: A Balanced Relationship, involves creating art by combining mixed media and encaustic techniques with guest artist Christina Lovisa. Sign up for one or both classes…there’s no limit to your imagination!