Beyond Barbara Leighton’s Batik Workshop

Description: Further discover the Magic of Batik! Held in our historical Schoolhouse Art Studio, this workshop is designed as a more intermediate approach to the textile art of Batik, which originated in Indonesia as far back as the 12th century and was the first art course that Barbara Leighton taught when she opened Leighton Art Centre in the early 1970s. Batiks are crafted with a technique that uses hot wax and dye to create stunning patterns on a piece of fabric, such as cotton, silk, or linen. During the workshop, you will be introduced to a variety of techniques – both in applying wax with different tools and applying dyes. Joanne Smith will teach you a more “painterly” batik approach that allows for a wider selection of dye colours and shades. The Magic of Batik is revealed at the end when the wax is ironed out of the fabric.

Audience: 16+

Level of Experience:This workshop is suitable for those with some previous batik experience, such as the workshop Learning to Batik like Barbara Leighton.

Supply List: 

Participants need to bring/ purchase

• Dye-resistant gloves (multiples if disposable)
• Close-toed shoes
• Project ideas or photographs (optional)
• Lunch, snack, & water bottle

Registration cost: $95.50

Did you know that Members of the Leighton Art Centre get 10% off the registration cost of all workshops and kids’ summer camps? Please visit https://leightoncentre.org/join-us/become-a-member/.

*Please note that the fee for this workshop includes admittance to our historic museum , walking paths and art gallery on the property, which can be enjoyed at your own discretion after the workshop is completed. Leighton Centre is a proud non-profit organization that relies on donations to help meet demanding operational costs. We appreciate your contribution by attending our workshops and other events that allow us to continue thriving!

Time: 9:30 am – 4 pm.

Artist/ 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.

Cancellation and Refund Policy: Please note there is a NO REFUND policy on all Leighton Art Centre workshops. A refund will only be issued to participants if the workshop is cancelled by the workshop coordinator due to insufficient enrollment or extreme weather conditions. Workshops may be cancelled prior to the start date and participants will be notified via email and/or phone, and a full refund will be processed.