Centauri Arts Academy Blog
Reflecting on Our Creative Writing Retreat in Mexico
It is difficult to imagine a city more perfect for a creative writing retreat than Merida in Mexico. This was our fourth year running a writing retreat here, and it was spectacular. Our Creative Writing Workshops Each morning we began our writing workshops on a glorious, colourful terrace in our lovely boutique hotel, surrounded by flowers and greenery. As the sun rose over the walls ninety minutes or so into our writing workshops, we [...]
2025 Winter classes start in January at Centauri Arts.
Weekly after-school and weekend classes for kids and teens in Creative Writing, Acting, Film-Making and Fine Art start January 2025 in our Bloor West Village studio and online! Film Classes Film Production and Performance Ages 11-17, In our Bloor West Village Studio: Thursdays, 5pm – 6.30pm AND 7.00pm-8.00pm Learn – or review – the basics of film making: storyboarding, directing, camera operation, audio, lighting and production design. Each hands-on film course begins with a [...]
Suggested Reading and Great Book Gifts for the Holidays!
Over the years, Centauri Arts has worked with dozens of artists. Many of them have taught for us, offered guest classes, or advised our young writers. Here’s a selection of gift ideas, all of them with Centauri connections: Julie Hartley Her Secret Soldier. A World War 2 novel filled with mystery and adventure. 19-year-old Rose’s life is transformed forever when she stumbles on an injured German spy in the ancient forest behind [...]
Fabulous Fabric Arts
In our Bloor West Village Studio: Wednesdays 7.00pm to 8.30pm, Ages 11-17 Semester 2 (14 weeks) 29 January- 14 May Make original art with fabric in this exciting new program! Learn to knit, sew, embroider and weave… or if you have tried these before, take your skills to the next level. Explore natural dyes, up-cycle clothing and paint on fabric to create amazing, original designs. Reflect your personality in fashion illustrations and exciting wearable [...]
How to Raise an Introvert
For too long in our society, introverts have played second fiddle to the extroverts among us, and even in 2024, many people still see introversion as something to counteract. Is your child an introvert? If so, what does that mean? Read on to find out. What is an introvert? Being introverted is not the same thing as being shy! Introverts are often confident people. They can be terrific public speakers, and great leaders. So what [...]
Special Effects Makeup Workshop
Saturday 26 October, 2 to 4pm. Ages 11-17 Join us at the Centauri Arts Studio in Bloor West Village for a 2-hour interactive workshop and learn how to create horror special effects in time for Halloween! This workshop will be run by Sydney Kowal, a professional SPFX makeup artist. You'll work in pairs, using makeup to create Special Effects such as shadowed contours, hollowed-out eyes, bruising and Zombie bites! Join us for two hours [...]
How to Raise a Reader – 7 Tips for Parents
How do you raise children who see the value in books? It’s harder than ever these days, with so much technology out there to distract. Reading is an immersive activity that requires attention over a significant period of time, allowing a person to spiral down into an imaginative world. There is enormous value in reading; young people who read have better vocabularies, do better in school, have empathy for the experiences of others and deepen [...]
2024 Fall classes start this week at Centauri Arts.
Weekly after-school and weekend classes for kids and teens in Creative Writing, Acting, Film-Making and Fine Art start this week in our Bloor West Village studio! Film Classes Film Production and Performance Ages 11-17, In our Bloor West Village Studio: Thursdays, 5pm – 6.30pm AND 7.00pm-8.00pm Learn – or review – the basics of film making: storyboarding, directing, camera operation, audio, lighting and production design. Each hands-on film course begins with a sequence of [...]
Her Secret Soldier is now available!
Last year, one of our directors – Julie Hartley – signed a 2-book deal with an international publishing house (Bookouture). She was contracted to write 2 historical novels, and her first novel is now available! Her Secret Soldier is a World War 2 novel filled with mystery and adventure. It tells the story of a lonely 18-year-old girl living in a remote part of England whose life is forever changed when she discovers an [...]
Join our Year-Round Acting and Film Classes at the Centauri Arts Academy!
Our after-school Acting and Film Production programs begin again in mid-September with all-new content, and run for 15 weeks. Courses are available for ages 11-17 and taught by industry professionals. With arts programs facing more cuts in schools, and a creative mindset more important than ever, there has never been a better time to explore the arts! Join our Acting Ensemble! Our actors LOVE our caring and inspirational instructor, Marina [...]
