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Join artist Maryna Salagub in Oshawa, Ontario, for a watercolor workshop focusing on winter birch and conifer trees. Learn essential techniques and leave with two handmade holiday cards perfect for the season.
Join artist Maryna Salagub in Oshawa, Ontario, for a watercolor workshop focusing on winter birch and conifer trees. Learn essential techniques and leave with two handmade holiday cards perfect for the season.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site
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Operated by Parkwood National Historic Site · Oshawa, Ontario
Set in Oshawa, Ontario, the Watercolour Holiday Cards Workshop offers a unique chance to craft personalized cards inspired by the region's distinctive winter foliage. This two-hour class, led by acclaimed artist Maryna Salagub, invites both beginners and seasoned painters to explore watercolor techniques that capture the essence of Ontario's birch and coniferous trees. The workshop takes place in the McLaughlin Room of the Carriage House, providing a comfortable, accessible environment for up to 40 participants aged eight and above.
Oshawa, located along the northern shores of Lake Ontario, experiences vibrant winter landscapes dominated by slender white birch trunks and dense evergreens dusted with snow. These trees are intrinsic to Ontario’s boreal edge, offering stark contrasts and subtle textures perfect for watercolor expression. Maryna teaches foundational skills like wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and layering that bring these natural elements to life on paper. Her instruction emphasizes color vibrancy and dramatic light, techniques that resonate with Ontario’s often moody winter light.
Participants leave the workshop with two handcrafted holiday cards, perfect as heartfelt gifts or personal keepsakes. The supplied materials include premium painting supplies and high-quality card stock, eliminating the need for participants to bring anything but their creative spirit. This workshop stands out not only for its artistic value but also for its community spirit and celebration of local nature, making it a favorite seasonal offering in Oshawa's creative scene.
Maryna Salagub, a practicing artist and juror for the Oakville Art Council, brings both expertise and encouragement to the class, reminding students that artistic miracles are created, not awaited. Her focus on whimsy and bright movement connects deeply with the seasonal cheer that surrounds the gradual onset of winter in southern Ontario.
The venue is wheelchair accessible and located near parking, although guests are encouraged to carpool due to limited lot availability. Adjacent neighborhoods and local health center lots provide additional parking options. This workshop is perfect for families, couples, or solo visitors wanting to nurture artistic skills or find a new way to connect with Ontario’s seasonal spirit.
Whether you’re a local resident or visiting Oshawa during the holiday season, this watercolor workshop offers an enriching creative escape. It’s a wonderful way to engage with the natural charm of the area while crafting meaningful tokens to share with loved ones.
easy.
2 hours.
Minimal physical exertion required; suitable for all ages and abilities
Yes, the workshop is designed for all skill levels, including complete beginners.
Yes, all painting supplies and materials are included in the workshop fee.
Yes, participants must be at least 8 years old to attend.
Yes, the McLaughlin Room in the Carriage House is wheelchair accessible.
The workshop provides all necessary materials, so bringing your own is not required.
Parking lot space is limited; carpooling is recommended. Additional parking is available in nearby neighborhoods and at Lakeridge Health lots.
Oshawa’s heritage includes a strong connection to the forestry industry, which influenced the appreciation of local tree species depicted in this workshop.
The workshop emphasizes sustainable practices by providing eco-friendly materials and encouraging waste reduction in art supplies.
Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa, Ontario preserves a rich cultural setting and offers a broad calendar of public programming that blends historic interpretation with hands-on experiences. The site presents guided tours and interpreted performances such as Servants' Tours and themed walks, alongside practical workshops in crafts, food, and floral design. Programming includes seasonal markets like Retro Fest Vendor Market and Winter Fest Vendor Market, community-focused events such as Parkwood Christmas Tours and The Way Home Film Location Bus Tour, and creative workshops covering stained glass, candle making, holiday wreaths, pottery, perfume making, and culinary demonstrations. Several workshops are taught by named instructors or partners noted in event listings — for example, stained glass sessions led by Emilie Shipman-Wight and Meghan Murphy and perfume-making presented by Dakaari Fragrance House. Parkwood also stages horticultural programs in its greenhouses, including floral arrangement workshops and guided garden tours led by site staff. Parkwood’s event listings show a mix of ticketed and free events and seasonal sell-outs, reflecting active community engagement. The site's public programs combine interpretive tours with hands-on learning opportunities across craft, food, horticulture, and holiday-themed experiences. All descriptions and event listings are presented in third person and reflect the programming and partnerships publicly listed for Parkwood National Historic Site.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site