Kingston School of Art is dedicated to putting the greater Kingston community in touch with accessible and affordable arts education. From watercolours to acrylics, to charcoal to pencil, to printmaking to sculpture, we are always putting effort into supporting local artists and making their talents shine.
After some time away, you may wonder what we have going on! Choose from the selection below to learn more about our current programming.
After some time away, you may wonder what we have going on! Choose from the selection below to learn more about our current programming.
Current Programming
New Classes for the Fall!
Learn Acrylics
CA$100.00
Sold out
Saturdays, 10-12 pm
Classes run: Oct 24, Oct 31, and Nov 7
In this welcoming beginner‑friendly acrylic course, adult students will build a strong foundation in painting through clear instruction, hands‑on practice, and a supportive studio atmosphere. Learners will explore essential techniques such as colour mixing, layering, blending, and composition while developing the confidence to approach a blank canvas with curiosity rather than hesitation.
Through guided exercises and a completed final artwork, students gain practical skills, a repeatable creative process, and the joy of seeing their abilities grow week by week. The objective of this course is to introduce beginners to the core tools, techniques, and creative habits of acrylic painting, empowering them to create expressive, finished pieces with both skill and delight.
Each week will hold a different themed art based practice in play, experimentation, expression, mark making, finding your artistic voice and colour palette. Students will be painting their masterpiece on a 12"x12"canvas, a take home work booklet with homework prompts. Please text see below for required supply list.
Three Printmaking Techniques
CA$190.00
Three Printmaking TechniquesThursdays, 12:15 - 2:15
6 week course, September 17 - Oct 22, 2026
Taught by Rena Karanouh
This introductory studio course explores three distinct printmaking techniques - linoleum relief, drypoint, and monoprinting - highlighting the expressive and technical range of each. Students will develop aesthetic awareness, craftsmanship, and technical skill while experimenting with colour, texture, collage, stencils, and found materials.
Through guided projects, participants will design, carve, and print lino blocks, explore multi-colored and hand-coloured methods, and complete an edition of prints. The course also introduces the spontaneity of monoprinting, using coloured inks on plexiglass plates to create unique, one-of-a-kind images and ghost prints.
There will be use of our Printmaking studio large scale presses for this course!
Learn to Draw
CA$240.00
Learn to Draw: Thursdays: 10 - 12 pm
Runs from Sept. 17 - Nov. 5
Taught by Rena Karanouh
Ideal for both beginners and intermediate students, this course offers a comprehensive exploration of drawing techniques. If you have taken Drawing 1, the teaching artist will adjust in class to advance your techniques alongside beginner students.
The class covers the fundamentals of drawing from still life, progressing from basic copying of angles and shapes to a nuanced understanding of perspective, light, and shadow. Participants can expect a technically thorough experience that hones skills in various aspects of drawing using varied media.
Printmaking Open Studio
CA$300.00
Fridays, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Studio runs from: September 18th - December 4th (12 weeks)
@ 1200 Princess Street, in person
This open studio is for printmakers to use Kingston's only publicly available etching printing presses to create art, spend time with other dedicated creatives, and build community. Experienced printmaker Margaret Bignell will be available to aid in using presses.
This is not a structured introductory course and does not stipulate what materials you will need. Bring what you'd like to work on. Facilitators are happy to assist beginners.
Two rooms (Printmakers' Room and the KSOA Classroom) will be available during the offering, allowing printmakers to work across a larger space.
This offering is separate from our Printmaking Collective, specially priced at less than $8.50/hr for use of the presses alongside other printmakers and booking the secondary classroom for working and overflow.
Learn Calligraphy
CA$125.00
Learn Calligraphy: Sundays, 1:30 - 3:30
Classes Run: October 4 - October 25th (4 weeks)
“Calligraphy is a kind of music not for the ears, but for the eyes.” - V. Lazursky
Discover the beauty and calm of calligraphy in this inspiring class at the Kingston School of Art. This course welcomes all ages and all levels to explore the expressive art of beautiful writing.
Enjoy the flow of each stroke and create works that reflect your unique artistic voice. Calligraphy is a soothing, creative practice that brings elegance and mindfulness into every line.
Join us and let your creativity flourish through the rhythm and poetry of pen and ink!
Printmakers' Collective Monthly
CA$30.00
A great way to dip a toe into what the Printmakers' Collective is all about!
Frequently asked questions:
Yes! If you have been a member within the 12 months leading up to the show, you are eligible to be a part of our Printmakers' Collective show.
Generally no, you must be an active member to have voting privileges for KSOA's Annual General Meeting. This is to ensure those that are actively involved in KSOA are the ones determining its future direction. Please contact us directly for special-case considerations.
Classes are run through KSOA's administration team and involve contracts to protect KSOA, our students, and our teaching artists. You can not use your alotted hours to run a class or open studio.
However, we are always looking for teaching artists! If you would like to run a printmaking class, submit to our teaching artist portal here. You do not need to be a collective member to run classes at KSOA.
In the best interest of the collective as a whole, no. We budget the number of memberships we can allow based on monthly totals. KSOA wants to be ensure all members are able to use their time comfortably. If you have a yearly membership, contact us for special consideration.
- Access to onsite tools for the collective, including... 3 hrs/monthly to book our Printmakers' room between 8 am to 9 pm, used at your discretion! (1 hr minimum.)
- Additional time a month available for discounted cost, limit four printmakers to the designated room.
- Access within the printmakers' room includes two etching presses (a Charles Brandt and Praga) and a third small press.
- Print paper and basic carving tools included in price.
- Option to leave projects and tools onsite.
- Volunteer opportunities to increase print room hours in lieu of payment (Available intermittently.)
- Automatically be included in our Printmakers' ShowSubmit up to three pieces to our show, one piece is guaranteed to be included.
- Option to sell items through showing, administration supported through KSOA!
- See further details in the Printmakers' Show guidelines below.
- Have voting privilege at KSOA's Annual General MeetingHave a direct impact on the future of KSOA and what you want to see supported in your arts community.
- KSOA's board is made up of volunteers who are passionate about arts accessibility, be an integral part of our mission.
- Help support KSOA!KSOA is proud to host the only publicly available etching presses in Kingston, making this art form accessible to Kingston and surrounding area residents.
- We are a charitable non-profit whose focus is to make art something everyone can enjoy with as few barriers as possible. Your involvement with KSOA, whether through courses, the collective, or through donations, allows us to continue offering low cost arts programming while paying our artists fairly and equitably.
Frequently asked questions:
- If I am not an active member at the time of the print collective show, will I be included?
Yes! If you have been a member within the 12 months leading up to the show, you are eligible to be a part of our Printmakers' Collective show.
- If I am not an active member at the time of the Annual General Meeting, will I be included?
Generally no, you must be an active member to have voting privileges for KSOA's Annual General Meeting. This is to ensure those that are actively involved in KSOA are the ones determining its future direction. Please contact us directly for special-case considerations.
- I'd like to teach a class! Can I use my hours to hold the space for my workshop/class/etc?
Classes are run through KSOA's administration team and involve contracts to protect KSOA, our students, and our teaching artists. You can not use your alotted hours to run a class or open studio.
However, we are always looking for teaching artists! If you would like to run a printmaking class, submit to our teaching artist portal here. You do not need to be a collective member to run classes at KSOA.
- Do unused hours carry over into the next month?
In the best interest of the collective as a whole, no. We budget the number of memberships we can allow based on monthly totals. KSOA wants to be ensure all members are able to use their time comfortably. If you have a yearly membership, contact us for special consideration.
NOTICE: Changes to parking at our location
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Beginning Wednesday, July 29, contractors will be excavating an south lot area for approximately three weeks to facilitate the installation of new site services.
As a result of this work, vehicle access through this area will be restricted, and traffic will no longer be able to pass through this section of the site. Please use the designated entrances and access routes outlined below and shown on the attached map. Princess Street Entrance Provides access to: - Main Entrance & Visitor Parking Phillips Street Entrance Provides access to: - West Entrance Ambulance Entrance - Gazebo Parking Lot - Hospice Parking Lot All drivers are asked to follow posted signage, exercise caution, and remain alert for construction activity and contractor vehicles while on site. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as this work progresses. |
Not sure what course to gift, but still want to support the artist in your life? Surprise them with a KSOA CreativityCard for any special occassion!
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