Bead & Create: Wall Hanging Workshop with Spirited Earth Designs
Spirited Earth Designs invites you into the Gallery Space for an enchanting evening of creativity and connection. Be guided through the art of crafting your very own beaded wall hanging, where each bead carries its own meaning and story. As you design, you’ll learn the symbolism behind different beads and weave intention into a piece that’s uniquely yours.
Let your creativity flow, your hands wander, and a little magic take shape.
$50 per personAll supplies providedRegistration required
NOW FULL: Continuing with Watercolours (2nd Series) | Teresa Przybylski
This workshop series is full. Please email TheGallery@TheBlueMountains.ca and we will add you to our waitlist!
Due to popular demand, Teresa Przybylski will be hosting a SECOND 6-month watercolour workshop series!
Open to participants aged 14 and up, this hands-on series invites you to experiment with pencil sketching, composition, watercolour techniques and more.
Class ScheduleClasses will occur at the L.E. Shore Library & Gallery every second Wednesday of the month, 1-3pm, from November 2026 – April 2027.
Please note that the exception to this schedule will be the November class, which will occur Monday, November 9, 2026.
Dates Monday, November 9, 2026 Wednesday, December 9, 2026 Wednesday, January 13, 2027 Wednesday, February 10 Wednesday, March 10 Wednesday, April 14 RegistrationRegistration for this series is required by end of day October 30, 2026. Please note that you are registering for the entire series, not individual workshop dates. While you are not required to commit to every session of this series, we encourage participants to attend as many as possible.
Additional Information Ages: 14+ Experience required: interest in art, basic skill in any technique – drawing, watercolour, painting. Cost: FREE Supplies: all supplies provided.
Haunted Cemetery Mystery: Program is Full
Something strange is happening at the L.E. Shore Library this Halloween… and we need YOU to solve the mystery!
Step into our Haunted Cemetery and put your detective skills to the test. Work together to crack creepy clues, solve tricky riddles, uncover hidden secrets, and find your way out of the graveyard before the caretaker catches you…
Because once the gates close, you might be stuck there… FOREVER
Think you have what it takes to escape?
For Tweens & Teens. Register in groups of 3–4. Free program — registration required
Please email LibraryPrograms@TheBlueMountains.ca to be placed on the waiting list.
NOW FULL: Intuitive Weaving | Dianne Kennedy Cruttenden
This workshop is full. Please email TheGallery@TheBlueMountains.ca and we will add your name to the waitlist!
Intuitive Tapestry Weaving moves beyond the rigid patterns and structures of traditional weaving to explore the freedom of letting your instincts guide your creation. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced weaver, this workshop encourages you to trust your intuition, while exploring a variety of techniques, textures and materials.
This is one of Dianne’s favourite workshops. There is always a joyful energy that is created as we play with all the colourful yarn and fibres and allow ourselves the freedom to explore weaving without restrictions. As we complete our weavings and reflect on the fun day we have had, we look around the classroom and see how each creative expression is unique and exciting.
Additional Details Ages: 16+ Supplies: everything you will need will be provided, including a large selection of beautiful yarn, various fibres and a simple frame loom to use and take home. Snacks: please bring a bag lunch and drinks.
Paint Your Own Vibe: A Paint-by-Numbers Workshop
In this relaxed art workshop, tweens and teens will use a paint-by-numbers style template to create a unique piece of artwork. Choose from a selection of designs, experiment with your own colour palette, and make the finished painting your own.
No painting experience is needed. Free Program. All supplies are provided. Spaces are limited.
Ages: 10–17.
Registration required.
Kids Can Sew: Cozy Sweater Socks
Kids Can Sew is Back!
This November, we’re getting creative and giving old sweaters a brand-new life! Kids will learn some basic hand-sewing skills while transforming an old sweater into their very own cozy pair of slipper socks.
All supplies are provided, so just bring your creativity and get ready to sew!
Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early!
Please note: Children will be using a real needle during this program. Ages 9+ are encouraged.
Intro to English Smocking: PROGRAM FULL
This program is FULL. Please email LIBRARYPROGRAMS@THEBLUEMOUNTAINS.CA to be placed on the waitlist.
Discover the timeless art of English Smocking at the L.E. Shore Library with Robin. In this hands-on introductory class, participants will learn the basics of traditional smocking techniques used to create delicate gathers, decorative patterns, and beautifully detailed sewn designs.
Robin first discovered smocking in Grade 8 sewing class and quickly fell in love with the craft. Over the years, she has created handmade dresses for her daughters and grandchildren, continuing a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Now, she is excited to share her knowledge and passion with others.
Participants will receive a sample of gathered fabric and embroidery floss to begin learning the foundational stitch that forms the basis of many smocking designs.
This program is best suited for those with intermediate sewing skills and some experience using a needle and thread.
All supplies provided. Registration required. Spaces are limited.
DRESS REHEARSAL: 1 Cello, 2 Cello, 3 Cello, More Cello!
Please note that registration is required to attend. If you wish to attend the 7:00 PM concert, a separate registration is required.
One cello becomes two, two becomes three… and before long, there are cellos everywhere!
Cellist Kerri McGonigle brings together players from across our community for a celebration of the cello in all its forms, from the intimacy of a single instrument to the glorious sound of a full cello ensemble.
Featuring music for one, two, three and many cellos, this is a celebration of music, community and what happens when you just keep adding cellists - and one instrument becomes something much bigger.
This dress rehearsal will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the musical process, complete with all the stops, starts and spontaneous moments!
CONCERT: 1 Cello, 2 Cello, 3 Cello, More Cello!
Please note that this is a free event, but registration is required to attend.
One cello becomes two, two becomes three… and before long, there are cellos everywhere!
Cellist Kerri McGonigle brings together players from across our community for a celebration of the cello in all its forms, from the intimacy of a single instrument to the glorious sound of a full cello ensemble.
Featuring music for one, two, three and many cellos, this concert celebrates music, community and what happens when you just keep adding cellists - and one instrument becomes something much bigger.
Prefer an earlier time? Check out the Dress Rehearsal at 5pm, registration required.
Cedar Salve Workshop with Roots & Raven FULL
Please note, this program is now FULL. Please email libraryprograms@thebluemountains.ca to be added to our wait list.
Join Roots & Raven for a hands-on workshop exploring the traditional and contemporary uses of cedar. Participants will learn about cedar and its significance, then create their own cedar salve to take home.
This welcoming, hands-on session offers an opportunity to connect with plant knowledge, learn about the process of making a natural salve, and spend time creating alongside others.
All materials are provided. No previous experience is required.
Mah Jongg Mixer: Learn, Play & Connect
Curious about American Mah Jongg? Come meet other local players, learn the basics, and give the game a try!
Whether you're completely new to Mah Jongg or already know your way around the tiles, join us for a casual afternoon of learning and playing.
We'll begin with a short introduction to American Mah Jongg, including the tiles, racks, National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card, and the basic objective of the game. We'll also demonstrate how a game works, including the Charleston, drawing and discarding, and building a hand.
Then we'll get playing! Beginners can try a simplified, open-hand version with guidance from experienced players, while those who already play can meet other local Mah Jongg enthusiasts and share their experience.
This is a mixer and an opportunity to see whether there's interest in forming an ongoing Mah Jongg group at the library. No experience or equipment is necessary for this session.
Everyone is welcome! Registration encouraged; drop-ins welcome.
Inuit Culture: Storytelling & Artifacts
Join Inuit educator and cultural advocate Muckpaloo Ipeelie for an evening of storytelling and cultural learning. Through stories and an artifact from Inuit culture, Muckpaloo will share knowledge, history, and perspectives in an engaging and personal presentation.
This session will be a 1.5-hour discovery event, exploring sealskin and its traditional and contemporary uses. Touch and feel sealskin, learn about kamiik (traditional Inuit footwear), and discover a little about Inuit culture, creativity, and traditions. This relaxed and interactive session is open to everyone and no previous knowledge is needed.
Please note: This session includes traditional and contemporary uses of sealskin as part of Inuit culture and knowledge. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about its cultural significance and relationship to Inuit traditions.
Registration required.
1000 Words: Photo Critique With Ben Mark Holzberg
Hello photographers! Submit your work to the Gallery at the L.E. Shore Library and have it reviewed by local photographer, Ben Mark Holzberg!
In this group workshop, Ben Mark will offer constructive feedback to help participants strengthen their skills, along with valuable insights and techniques gained from his more than 45 years of experience as a professional photographer. In addition to receiving feedback on your own work, you’ll also have the opportunity to observe critiques of other participants’ work, offering further insight for refining and strengthening your craft.
Other Details This is a FREE workshop. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Please be aware that we will not be taking photographs during this workshop. We recommend bringing materials for notetaking. Participants will submit digital images in advance for Ben Mark to provide feedback on (please do not bring physical photographs to the workshop). We hope to have time to provide feedback on everyone’s work during the workshop, but depending on numbers, we may not be able to get to each photograph. RegistrationIf you would like to submit photographs for Ben Mark to provide feedback on, registration is required by end of day November 16. Please use the link below to register and provide your photographs.
If you run into any technical issues, please email TheGallery@TheBlueMountains.ca
If you would like to attend to just observe the workshop, please feel welcome to join us! No registration required, drop ins welcome.
Toronto photographer Ben Mark Holzberg has created an incisive body of work, with a strong graphic sense prevailing in distinctive black & white and dazzling colour imagery.
His work is in collection of The National Gallery of Canada, Canada Council Art Bank, The National Photography Collection/Public Archives Canada and the Archives of the City of Toronto. Ben Mark has exhibited both in Canada and abroad, notably A Space (Toronto ON), Art Gallery of Hamilton (Hamilton CA), Hallwalls (Buffalo, NY), Gallery Idée (Toronto, ON), Galleria Foto/Video (Krakow PL), MacKenzie Gallery ( Peterborough ON), The Museum of Holography, New York NY, and has received assistance from both The Canada and Ontario Arts Councils. Perhaps best known for organizing the Rolling Landscape photo exhibit in Subway Car 5780, and for his masthead photos in NOW Magazine, his editorial work has been described by critic John Bentley Mays as “particularly inventive”.
Often to be found at his day job freelancing publicity and advertising art for the film & television industry, Holzberg is affiliated with Shooting Star Photo Agency Los Angeles and The Canvas Gallery Toronto.
He is pleased to share his experience with you at this workshop.
Mosaic Glass-on-Glass Christmas Ornaments
Create beautiful, one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments while giving new life to a piece of our town’s history!
In this hands-on workshop, participants will transform reclaimed window glass from an old local home into unique mosaic glass-on-glass Christmas ornaments. Using clear glass as the base, we’ll carefully nip colourful stained glass into various shapes and sizes, then arrange the pieces to create festive designs that catch and reflect the light.
Each participant will have the opportunity to create 3–4 ornaments in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from approximately 2 to 5 inches high. These unique creations are perfect for decorating your Christmas tree or giving as special handmade gifts. Each piece will be one of a kind, combining the beauty of coloured glass with the character and history of reclaimed glass from our own community.
No previous experience is necessary—just bring your creativity and enjoy an opportunity to explore a new craft, share some festive fun, and create keepsakes with a story to tell! Registration Required . $45.00 per person. All materials provided
To secure your spot:Payment of $45 must be made upon registration via e-transfer to pattidiflorioart@gmail.comThis payment is non-refundable, but fully transferable to another person if you’re unable to attend. Your early payment helps Patti prepare materials and cover supply costs in advance — thank you for your understanding and support!We want this creative experience to be accessible to all — contact us confidentially and we’ll do our best to help.
Letters to Santa
Letters to Santa: The North Pole Mailbox Is Open!The North Pole is calling, and Santa’s mailbox is ready for your letters!
Starting Thursday, November 26, visit the L.E. Shore Library and discover our North Pole Writing Station, complete with festive stationery and a bright red mailbox ready to carry your holiday wishes straight to Santa!
We’re delighted that The Imagination Studio has partnered with us once again, creating a whimsical Santa letter template to make your letter extra special. Pick up your template at the North Pole Writing Station at the L.E. Shore Library and get ready to put your Christmas wishes on paper!
Here’s how it works:
Pick up your Santa letter template at the North Pole Writing Station. Write your letter and include your child’s first and last name, caregiver’s email address, and home address so Santa knows where to send his reply. Handwrite your address for some extra printing practice! Drop your letter into the bright red North Pole Mailbox at the Library. Let Santa’s helpers take care of the rest!How will Santa reply?
Library staff will email you a digital copy of your child’s letter from Santa. If you’d like to keep the original letter and a printed copy of Santa’s reply, both will be available for pickup at the front circulation desk.
Letters to Santa runs November 26 to December 17. Be sure to bring your letters along to Olde Fashion Christmas on December 12 and enjoy a little festive fun!
The mailbox is waiting, the elves are ready, and Santa can’t wait to hear from you!