This term, we are taking a hiatus from our usual workshop schedule. We are re-thinking the most effective ways to share the great techniques that work best with washi. With the Internet so full of information and inspiration, and instructive books being published at quite a clip, and the economy, well, not quite where we'd wish it, perhaps shorter sessions with more flexible timing, offering more bang for the (free) buck would be in order.

So we have introduced...

Washi Wednesdays

Drop-in, learn and shop from 11–7, the last Wednesday of every month. Come and watch artists at work, have a tour, shop for specials, consult with staff, watch related videos, share what you've been doing with washi, and mingle with other washi fanciers.

On Washi Wednesdays we will repeat brief demonstrations (not full-fledged workshops). Demos will be repeated throughout the day at approximately 11:30, 1:30, 3:00, 4:30 and 6:00. Please drop in at your convenience.

Here's the lineup:

June is Washi Month

We will continue our annual focus on washi for the month of June: "A Commitment to Washi: Canadian Artists Exploring Tosa Washi" showing at the JPP Gallery. Plus more exciting details to be announced, but in the mean time check out what has happened in years past...

Introduction to Surface-Dyeing Washi
with Sigrid Blohm
Sat. June 8, 2013, 9:30am – 1pm
$75 + 9.75 hst

Because washi comes in such a wide range of weights and colours, it's a versatile material for any number of art techniques, yet we often hear from our customers that they want something more specific for their work. In this workshop, we will introduce you to some ways that you can make your washi more personal.

Using an assortment of dyes and paints, different types and weights of washi and a variety of techniques — monoprinting, dip-dyeing, painting and layering colour — create a bevy of samples with potential for later creations. You'll leave with finished papers can be used as pieces of art themselves or as elements in books, lanterns, collage/assemblage, painting as well as lots of ideas for future experimentation.

Paper Mounting
with David Hu
Tues. June 18, 2013, 6–9pm
$65 +HST

Bring samples of your artwork on washi from kochi or elswhere and learn from David's long experience how to mount them onto heavier washi. This extra weight adds practicaliity for handling, framing, using your imagery in sculpture or even book covers. Using the wonderful cooked "shofu" paste, you'll also learn how to prepare this favourite adhesive of Japanese conservators through the ages.

Japanese Stab-sewn Tortoise-shell Binding
with Reg Beatty
Monday June 24, 6 – 9pm
$75 + 9.75 hst

Here we list several workshops in the Toronto area led by artists who know and love washi. Please contact us if you know of similar learning opportunities that feature washi and its magnificent potential.

We are thrilled to learn theat the Toronto School of Art has been resurrected and is once again open for creative workshops. Visit their website for more info and to register for their courses.

Mokuhanga classes

Print artist Elizabeth Forrest is now offering small classes in Japanese woodblock printing, also known as mokuhanga, in her studio at Carlaw Ave. and Queen St. E. in Toronto. Easily accessible by TTC; close to DVP.

Mokuhanga, also known as Japanese woodblock printmaking, is a sophisticated colour printing medium originating in 18th century Japan. Mokuhanga makes use of 100% kozo hanga washi papers to achieve the subtle, translucent surface quality that can only be achieved through this medium. Among its many unique features, this medium is petrol chemical free and non toxic.

Elizabeth studied mokuhanga with artist Akira Kurosaki in Kyoto, Japan, and works almost exclusively in the medium.

MOKUHANGA WINTER COURSE 2013
A full 20-hour course in mokuhanga is now open to registration. Adult beginners are welcome, although some printmaking experience is recommended.

NEW Students will be using beautiful, seasoned cherry woodblocks at no extra charge. Good quality Japanese carving and printing tools as well as materials are also now more easily available at several locations in Toronto for the first time.

Dates: January 12, 20, 27, and 3rd of February.
Times: From 10:30 am – 5:00 pm

Fees: $385 (+HST), $35 materials. Ask about the under age 30 discount.

Please go to elizabethforrest.ca and explore the site for information about contemporary work in mokuhanga. For more information about the course, visit Elizabeth's blog or email elizabeth at workshop.mokuhanga@gmail.com.

Rob Brown is a designer and craftsman who creates fine custom shoji screens and furniture at his workshop Equinox Interiors in Peterborough. He offers classes in creating shoji screens and table lamps where he combines woodworking and the application of beautiful washi; you can see his work and course descriptions at his website.

Victoria Cowan is a Toronto artist whose beautiful and richly textured works often employ a variety of types of washi. She offers classes through her own studio as well as through other creative venues such as Neilson Park Creative Centre and the the Haliburton School of the Arts. Most of her workshops employ washi to some extent, but most extensively in her classes in relief printing. See the courses and presentations section of her website for details.