Visual Arts, Classes + Workshops

Youth Craft Academy Textiles – Closet Rework with Andrew Phua

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Youth Craft Academy Textiles – Closet Rework with Andrew Phua
Event Dates
September 16, 20263:30 pm - 6:00 pm
September 23, 20263:30 pm - 6:00 pm
September 30, 20263:30 pm - 6:00 pm
October 7, 20263:30 pm - 6:00 pm
+ 2 more date


About Youth Craft Academy Textiles – Closet Rework with Andrew Phua

Youth Craft Academy program is entering its fourth year. To celebrate this milestone, we’re launching the first course of the 2026-27 season, Closet Rework: Wear the Change, a brand new 6-week textiles course with Andrew Phua.

Registration is now open for this exciting new textiles course that’s all about hands-on sustainable fashion. Participants will transform old clothes into fresh, one-of-a-kind pieces. Through cutting, patching, redesigning, and simple pattern-making, participants will learn the basics of garment construction while exploring fabric, texture, colour, and personal style. They’ll also experiment with giving surplus and reclaimed textiles new life, discovering creative ways to turn overlooked materials into wearable designs. More than a sewing class, this course encourages youth to express their individuality, build practical skills, and see fashion through a creative and sustainable lens. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their work at The Maker’s Hand craft market in November at the County Arts Lab.

Our textiles course will be followed by our first-ever Level 2 Ceramics course for returning ceramics students and youth with ceramics experience looking to grow their skills. Ceramics instructor Rebecca Heasman will be joining us again this year for a 4-week course. She and fellow instructor, Amy Beaudroit, will also be accompanying youth on an exciting field trip to The Gardiner Museum in Toronto as part of this intermediate level course. Registration for the ceramics course and the field trip will open in the coming weeks.

Our popular YCA snax program in the new Arts & Crafts Library in the County Arts Lab is open to registered YCA participants. Snax offers our participants time to connect with craft content over a healthy snack with our new YCA Program Lead, Allison Nichol Longtin.

YCA is a unique, hands-on program designed to promote material literacy and craft skills among youth. Thanks to our program sponsor Rue Pigalle, YCA participants are automatically registered for 75% discount! Full bursaries are also available. To learn more, visit the YCA program page or email Allison at allison@countyarts.ca.

For youth ages 12-17. 6 Wednesdays from September 16- October 21, 2026 from 3:30-6 PM at the County Arts Lab, Unit 2E, 206 Main Street, Picton.



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