NEWS RELEASE: Picasso’s Garage expands into larger space at Evergreen Brick Works for summer 2014 camp season Toronto, April 25, 2014 — Headquartered in midtown Toronto, Picasso’s Garage is proud to announce an expansion into the beautiful ravine setting and larger venue at Evergreen Brick Works for summer 2014. Claire Nicholls, owner and art instructor, has moved the studio to accommodate the increasing demand for her art classes during the summer months. Five weeklong camp sessions are offered between July 7 and August 8 focusing on a combination of drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking. Geared for children ages four to 14, a typical camp day includes an introduction to the featured artist, nature walk, a supervised lunch, group games and three-and-a-half hours of hands-on creative expression. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with an extended care option until 5 p.m. Instruction is geared for imaginative kids of varying abilities and diverse interests. On any given day, kids work with an array of mediums such as watercolours, pastels, clay, wire and even found objects. Some of the techniques covered include relievo, lithography, portraiture, cubism, cartooning and expressionism. Classes are kept small (5:1 for ages four to six, or 7:1 for ages seven to 14) allowing for lots of one-on-one guidance and for developing new friendships. In addition to creating spectacular works of art, students attending summer camp take full advantage of Evergreen Brick Works’ tranquil, urban oasis. They enjoy nature walks (weather permitting) with stops for sketching landscapes, flora, fauna and found objects. “I’m so pleased to operate my classes at the Brick Works this summer,” says Claire. “My two daughters and I have enjoyed lots of family time here on the trails, at the water and in the market. I can’t wait to share this setting with my students and see how it sparks exploration and imagination. “ The word is out! Picasso’s Garage has recently been selected one of the Best Summer Day Camps in Toronto by the editors of SavvyMom.ca. Claire has a very loyal and repeat clientele in her Davisville Village studio for her after-school sessions. In fact, many of her students have been attending art class since she started Picasso’s Garage in 2005. This year, Claire is quite pleased to extend the creative season into the summer camp months. “Like my backyard studio, the Brick Works is a very special place with a great feel,” she says. “When I started looking for a bigger space, it was the only place I could imagine expanding to. I’m really excited about joining the Evergreen community.”
picassosgarage.com 525 hillsdale avenue east
claire@picassosgarage.com toronto on m4s 1v1
For more information about Picasso’s Garage art classes, summer camps and online registration, please visit PicassosGarage.com. About Picasso’s Garage Art programs are tailored to a variety of skill levels and expose children to myriad materials and techniques including watercolour, pastel, printmaking, sculpture, sketching and more. Each session examines the works and styles of a historic or modern day master including Emily Carr, Wassily Kandinsky, Maude Lewis, Georgia O'Keefe, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Vincent Van Gogh, among others. While learning art history, children are given lots of one-onone instruction and make new friends in the small class sizes. Classes culminate in an art show where students showcase their own masterpieces. About Claire Nicholls Claire has a background in illustration and fine art and is classically trained in graphic design from OCAD University in Toronto. A graphic designer by trade, Claire has designed logos, identities, collateral, websites and branding for corporate clients including Ironside Technologies, IBM Canada, Scott Paper and Sprint Canada. She’s been teaching art classes in her Davisville Village studio since 2005. About Evergreen Evergreen is a national not-for-profit organization that inspires action to green cities. By deepening the connection between people and nature, and empowering Canadians to take a hands-on approach to their urban environments, Evergreen is improving the health of our cities—now and for the future. For more information, please contact: Claire Nicholls Picasso’s Garage 647-272-0885 claire@picassosgarage.com PicassosGarage.com Evergreen Brick Works, Evergreen.ca
picassosgarage.com 525 hillsdale avenue east
claire@picassosgarage.com toronto on m4s 1v1