The Programs

Unleash Creativity and Imagination!

Not Just ART

Ages 8-10

This five-session workshop is for both beginners and returning students to experience unique forms of art using a wide array of tools and materials.

Students will learn ‘paste paper’, a technique using mixed media including glue, watercolors, inks, acrylic, beads and much more. They will ultimately create the following artwork to bring home:

• A painting on a canvas utilizing all the techniques learned including color mixing and thumbnail sketches
• A set of handmade “box in box” using their original hand painted papers
• An accordion book of "colors and feeling"
• A pocket book filled with thumbnail sketches

Ages 11 and up

This five-session workshop is for both beginners and returning students. Students will learn a complete step-by-step approach to learning and practicing the art of western calligraphy – beginners will learn the gothic style and returning students will learn the Italic style and ‘flourish’. Students will learn unique and creative ways to use watercolor, gouache and ink to design on and around their calligraphy.  They will ultimately create the following artwork to bring home:

• A painting on a canvas utilizing all the techniques learned including color mixing and calligraphy
• A set of handmade “box in box” using their original hand painted papers
• An accordion book of alphabets or initial design
• A pocket book filled with initial design

Note:  This workshop is designed for right-handers due to the calligraphy content.

Not Just Paint (for ages 8-11)

In this five session workshop, students will learn unique techniques of using watercolor and ink to design and create handmade books that can be used for gifts, for journals, for poetry.

Students will:

• Learn unique and creative ways to use watercolor and ink on different types of paper,
• Experiment with western calligraphy,
• And create their own handmade books including one technique called Flutter, made out of an A4 sheet of paper.

Not Just Calligraphy (for ages 11 and up)

This four session workshop is a complete step-by-step approach to calligraphy. Students will be given the opportunity to enjoy practicing and learning the art of Western calligraphy. All 26 letters will be introduced.

Students will experience calligraphy using different tools and materials to create their "own" alphabet. At the end of this workshop, students will be able to write in Gothic style using calligraphy nibs and design using watercolor, gouache and ink to ultimately create a handmade book that can be used for gifts, for journals, for poetry and much more.

Students will

• Master western calligraphy in the Gothic style with practice,
• Learn unique and creative ways to use watercolor, gouache and ink to design,
• Create a handmade book and
• Discover many new ideas for enhancing school projects!

Note: This program is designed for right-handed students.

About Joei Lau

Joei currently lives in Japan and is fluent in Cantonese, English and Japanese. She develops and teaches a wide range of childrens' classes, co-operating with her mentor, Kristin Newton of Right Brain Research (RBR) Creativity Center , in Tokyo since its opening. Joei graduated from the prestigious Musashino Fine Arts University in Japan specializing in Graphic Design. She holds exhibitions in Tokyo while pursuing her Masters Degree in Communication Design. Joei has studied under world class artists including Thomas Ingmire, Dave Wood and Kohei Miura – specializing in Western calligraphy and logo design.

Visit Joei's website and see some of her creations www.joeilau.com

Comments from Participants

I learned how to mix color and make good pictures. (N. Gauci, ‘07) I liked drawing thumbnail sketches and creating our own letters. I like doing this because it makes me a better artist. I love this workshop because it is one of the best subjects I like. (H. Hartley, ‘07) I love Joei. She is an awesome teacher and friend. (C. Hartley, ‘07) I learned how to organize the colours and how to write beautiful words. I liked all of the workshop. (T. Ling, ‘07) I enjoyed everything in the workshop because everything was new to me and I found the new techniques and concepts very interesting. (M. Williams, ‘07) I liked everything we did in the workshop especially the scribbles, and the initials design. Also the color mixing and the usage of the different sized nibs. (A. Lee, ‘07) I liked this workshop because I learned many new things that I haven’t learned before. I learnt about Gothic, colour mixing, history of art, colour conception – primary, secondary and complementary colours, book making, usage of masking tape, thumbnail sketches, layout, design, nibs and brushes and color harmony. I hope that Not Just Art course will be longer. (S. Fung, ‘07)