MAC School for the Creative Arts

Join us for an art class or workshop hosted by McMillan Arts Centre in Oceanside on Vancouver Island in Parksville / Qualicum Beach (PQB).

We have Art Bites, Art Gems, and Creative Kids classes and workshops throughout the year.

MAC School for the Creative Arts

Art Bites - Abstract Acrylics with Deborah Nicol Sun May 4, 10am-12pm A brilliant session creating movement, form and design using bold acrylic paint colours and abstract techniques.All materials provided for this class.About the Instructor:  Deborah Nicol is a versatile artist who works in a variety of mediums, and primarily...
Art Bites - Sketch and Draw with Colour with Dorota Goede Sun May 4, 1-3pm If you have always liked crayons and want to ease into arts with color, or you want to improve your colored pencils skills, this class is for you! We will talk about best materials, color...
Art Bites - Spring Plein Air at Milner Gardens Sun May 25, 10am-1pm Celebrate the start of summer with us in this seasonal Art Bites Plein Air class.  One of the gems in the Oceanside area, Milner Gardens is home to 28 hectares of woodland and gardens, as well as...
Art Gems - From Abstract to Bouquet: Playing with Shape & Colour - Sylvie Peltier Sat May 10, 10 am - 2pm Unleash your creativity in this inspiring workshop where abstract art meets floral design! You’ll start by creating a vibrant, expressive underpainting, layering colors and shapes freely. Then, discover...
Apple Technology - Using the Photos App Tue May 13, 4-5:30 pm Master the Photos app on your Mac. Join this workshop to learn how to organize, edit and share your photos like a pro. Discover tips for managing your Photos library, creating albums and using powerful editing tools. Perfect...
Art Gems - Silver Jewellery with Karen Schmidt-Humiski Sat May 31, 10 am - 2pm Karen is pleased to return and offer a silver metalworking workshop for beginners and more advanced skilled craftspeople. We will be using a variety of techniques and tools to create a set of earrings with...
Creative Kids - MAC Comic Can Do Camp July 7 - 11 - 10am - 3pm A full week of art and fun! We will have a whole week to get creative and make some incredible art! We will be doing a bunch of projects like character development, building perspective...
Creative Kids:  X Marks the Spot Tues July 15, 2025, 10am-12pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  We are making our own mini treasure chest. Let’s paint the outside, and then add special treasures inside.  Maximum number of participants: 12 About the Instructor:  Megan Piera moved to Europe from Qualicum Beach...
Creative Kids:  Stained Glass Class Tues July 15, 2025, 1pm-3pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  Create your very own stain glass illusion, place it in your window and let the sun light up your masterpiece. Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor: Megan Riera moved to Europe from Qualicum...
Creative Kids:  Flower MANIA Wed July 16, 2025, 10am-12pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  We are making 3D flower art. By painting, cutting and pasting, our paper flowers will be turned into a beautiful bouquet Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor: Megan Riera moved to Europe from Qualicum...
Creative Kids:  Camp Fire Desire Wed July 16, 2025, 1pm-3pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  The glowing light of a campfire will illuminate our scene as stars twinkle above. Using acrylic paint we will create a camp scene and learn about light and shadow Maximum number of participants: 12 About...
Creative Kids:  The Extreme Green Thurs July 17, 2025, 10am-12pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  Wandering into the lush West Coast forest you see a million shades of green; can you mix them all?  We will be painting a green forest scene using a limited pallet and having fun mixing...
Creative Kids:  Pastel Pro Thurs July 17, 2025, 1pm-3pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  Learn oil pastel techniques and create a serene sunset. Maximum number of participants: 12 About the Instructor: Megan Riera moved to Europe from Qualicum Beach in 1999, and recently returned to her hometown. Whilst living in...
Summer Plein Air Journey - Lights, Trees and Pathways with Carla Flegel Sunday, July 20, 10 am - 1 pm Catch the sunlight through giant forest trees and shadowed pathways at Rathrevor beach. Previous experience is not required. All art materials provided for this class.  Just bring hat, sunscreen, water...
Creative Kids:  Painting Day Tues July 22, 2025, 10am-12pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  We are busting out the paints and brushes and painting a still life masterpiece. In this class we will learn how to paint from life and study form, light and shadow. Maximum number of participants: 12...
reative Kids:  Furry Friends Tues July 22, 2025, 1pm-3pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  Paint your favorite furry (or scaly) friend's portrait in watercolour and colour pencils. Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor:  Kat Cearns is a multidisciplinary artist based in Coombs. Her art career has a focus on whimsical illustrations featuring animals...
Creative Kids:  Abstract Picasso Portrait Wed July 23, 2025, 10am-12pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden   Unleash your inner Picasso and create a colourful portrait on a pattern background. Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor:  Kat Cearns is a multidisciplinary artist based in Coombs. Her art career has a focus on whimsical...
Creative Kids:  Stamp Stamp It Out Wed July 23, 2025, 1pm-3pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  Make your own stamps then use them to create an incredible art piece. Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor:  Kat Cearns is a multidisciplinary artist based in Coombs. Her art career has a...
Creative Kids:  Contour Line Devine Thurs July 24, 2025, 10am-12pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  Discover the power of line. Improve your drawing skills and have lots of fun with contour lines. Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor:  Kat Cearns is a multidisciplinary artist based in Coombs. Her...
Creative Kids:  Funky Bug Thurs July 24, 2025, 1pm-3pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  Float and flitter make some funky critters made of paper, paint and clothes pins. Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor:  Megan Riera moved to Europe from Qualicum Beach in 1999, and recently returned to...
Summer Plein Air Journey - Farm, Fields, and Fauna with Carla Flegel Sunday, July 27, 10 am-1 pm Enjoy the pastoral vistas at local farm and community hub - Springford Farm. Previous experience is not required. All art materials provided for this class.  Just bring hat, sunscreen, water bottle, water...
Creative Kids - MAC Dino Delight Camp July 28 - Aug 1 - 10am - 3pm A full week of art and fun! We will have a whole week to get creative and make some incredible art! Take a walk on prehistoric wild side, we have some big projects for...
Summer Plein Air Journey - Mariner's Choice with Carla Flegel Sunday, August 3, 10 am-1 pm Recreate the ambiance of the fishing boats, wharves and reflections at the iconic French Creek Marina. Previous experience is not required. All art materials provided for this class.  Just bring hat, sunscreen, water bottle,...
Creative Kids:  Straight Line, Wobbly Line, Circle Tues Aug 5, 2025, 10am-12pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  A painting  lesson in composition with a limited pallet. We will make a series of bold paintings. Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor:  Kat Cearns is a multidisciplinary artist based in...
Creative Kids:  Round And Round Tues Aug 5, 2025, 1pm-3pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  We will be exploring rhythmic geometric abstract circle art. Exploring colour and composition with an interesting result. Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor:  Kat Cearns is a multidisciplinary artist based in Coombs. Her...
Creative Kids:  Animal Bonanza Wed Aug 6, 2025, 10am-12pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden   Create your own animal or bug Eric Carle inspired with pattern paper cut out art.  Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor:  Kat Cearns is a multidisciplinary artist based in Coombs. Her art career has a...
Creative Kids:  Mobiles In Motion Wed Aug 6, 2025, 1pm-3pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  Using found objects, driftwood and shells we will make a mobile that moves in the wind. Materials provided, or bring some of your own! Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor:  Kat Cearns is...
Creative Kids:  Art Magnet Mania Thurs Aug 7, 2025, 10am-12pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  We will be creating our own mini art masterpieces and then turning them into fridge magnets. Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor:  Kat Cearns is a multidisciplinary artist based in Coombs. Her art...
Creative Kids:  Illusion Revolution Thurs Aug 7, 2025, 1pm-3pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  In this class we are creating our own art optical illusions; you won't believe your eyes! Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor: Kat Cearns is a multidisciplinary artist based in Coombs. Her art career has...
Summer Plein Air Journey - Go Wild! with Carla Flegel Sunday, August 10, 10 am-1 pm Explore your wild creative side and paint the animals at our own North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. Previous experience is not required. All art materials provided for this class.  Just bring hat, sunscreen, water...
Creative Kids:  Scratch, Scrape and See Tues Aug 12, 2025, 10am-12pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  By painting over a colourful background we will then scratch away the paint to reveal a colourful artwork. Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor:  Megan Riera moved to Europe from Qualicum Beach...
Creative Kids:  Magic Potion Project Tues Aug 12, 2025, 1pm-3pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  Let your imagination run wild, make your own magical potion art with real potion inside! Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor:  Megan moved to Europe from Qualicum Beach in 1999, and recently returned...
Creative Kids:  Cityscape Spectacular Wed Aug 13, 2025, 10am-12pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  Incredible creations start with simple concepts. Create a Paul Kley inspired cityscape using coloured squares. Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor:  Megan Riera moved to Europe from Qualicum Beach in 1999, and recently returned...
Creative Kids:  Watercolour Scientist Wed Aug 13, 2025, 1pm-3pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  Become a watercolour scientist by experimenting with watercolour painting techniques. Mix, spill, splatter, add salt and wax, you won't believe your eyes. Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor: Megan Riera moved to Europe from...
Creative Kids:  Paper Art Creator Thurs Aug 14, 2025, 10am-12pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  Using paper tole and paper quilling we will create a beautiful artwork with real depth using a layered paper art technique. Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor:  Megan Riera moved to Europe from...
Creative Kids:  Take a Look Sketchbook Thurs Aug 14, 2025, 1pm-3pm Location:  MAC Community Art Garden  We are making our own sketchbook! Let's fill a couple pages and get started! Maximum number of participants: 12 About the instructor:  Megan Riera moved to Europe from Qualicum Beach in 1999, and recently...
Summer Plein Air Journey - An Historical Perspective with Carla Flegel Sunday, August 17, 10 am-1 pm Enjoy bygone days and the interesting stories at the Qualicum Beach Museum. Previous experience is not required. All art materials provided for this class.  Just bring hat, sunscreen, water bottle, water and container...
Creative Kids - MAC Sail The Sea Camp Aug 18-22 - 10am - 3pm A full week of art and fun! We will have a whole week to get creative and make some incredible art! Make some waves with some fun underwater inspired art projects, Treasure chests and 3D maps,...
Summer Plein Air Journey - Sun, Sea, and Sand with Carla Flegel Sunday, August 24, 10 am-1 pm Capture the coastal magic of the famous Parksville Beach.   Previous experience is not required. All art materials provided for this class.  Just bring hat, sunscreen, water bottle, water and container for painting,...
Art Gems - Spend a Day in the Yukon: Pen & Ink with Jim Sears Sat Sep 13, 10 am - 2pm Create an image of a cabin in the Yukon using watercolour wash, pen and ink, with coloured pencil highlights. All materials will be provided.   About the Instructor: ...
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