Workshops
We welcome creative beginners to artistic professionals and everyone in between! Connect with us!
At Listen Studios, we strive to ensure that you enjoy the experiences offered at the workshops! Below are some tips to be prepared about the space!
Arrive 20 minutes early: Settle in, get comfortable, and interact with other participants! Snacks and refreshments will be available at no additional cost. Thank you to Bow Valley Food Alliance for your support in providing the snacks and refreshments!
If supplies are not provided, be sure to bring necessary materials: Check beforehand if you need to bring specific materials or tools. Having everything you need on hand will make your workshop experience smoother and more enjoyable.
What to wear - Please do not wear your favourite clothes.
Parking is available in front of the building as well as on the street.
Accessibility: The space is located on the second floor, with no access to an elevator - it is not wheelchair accessible.
Engaging with instructors and peers: Don't hesitate to ask questions or share your thoughts. Please be respectful and open to new ideas and techniques.
Stay open-minded: Workshops offer diverse perspectives and techniques.
Connecting: Networking with fellow participants can lead to lasting connections and collaborative opportunities. Fee free to share your experiences with one another.
Do you have an idea for a workshop? Send me a message! Be sure to include: Your contact info, dates to book the space, description about the workshop, and images. Contact me for a quote to advertise your workshop on the LISTEN website and social media handles!
Refunds & Cancellations: Refunds and transfers will not be issued for non-attendance. All refunds are paid back using the same method of payment. In the event that a workshop needs to be cancelled, I will give you as much notice as possible with alternative dates or a full refund.
Paint Sketch and Pause
-
Paint and Pause
Paint and Pause in Canmore is a mindful 120 minute outdoor OR indoorreative workshop. The next session is scheduled for Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 9:00 AM we will meet in Spring Creek at the waterfountain!
Workshop Highlights.
Grounding Meditation: A centering practice designed to help participants slow down and connect with the earth.
Creative Expression: An intuitive painting session focused on joy and reducing screen time rather than technical perfection.
-
Nature Journal with CYAN
Nature Journaling Workshops
Nature Journaling invites you to slow down and build a personal connection with the environment. These workshops offer a fresh perspective on the world. Whether you want to sharpen your observation skills or simply find a creative way to explore, Dawn Saunders Dahl of Listen Studios will guide you through Canmore’s beautiful landscapes.
What to Expect:
A guided walk through Canmore’s natural paths.
Creative prompts focused on observing, questioning, and connecting.
Hands-on practice filling sketchbook pages with pencils, pens and watercolors.
No experience required: You don’t need to be an artist or a naturalist to join!
Nature Journaling involves the collection of observing and recording your is collecting and organizing your observations, questions, connections, and explanations on the pages of a notebook using words pictures, and numbers. You do not need to be an artist or a naturalist to begin.
-
SUNSET Sketch and Pause Moraine Lake
Join this specialty Sketch and Pause Workshop at the Rockpile of Lake Moraine while the Sun sets around us!
On August 29 from 3:!5 - 10:30pm we'll meditate to slow down and let go of perfectionism before we sketch the Valley of Ten Peaks from a place of tranquility and inspiration. No experience with meditation OR sketching necessary. We'll provide the supplies, guidance and transportation; you provide the excitement to learn and create!
Everything you receive when you purchase a ticket:
- Transportation to Lake Moraine from Canmore
- Your very own sketchbook and pencil case with supplies
- Learn how to sketch a realistic and abstract landscape from multi-medium artist Dawn Saunders Dahl
- Guided meditation to let go of perfectionism with Alyssa Caron
- Mindfulness techniques to make sketching a meditative practice
- Snacks and refreshments
- A take-home booklet with sketching and mindfulness exercises to continue growing your sketching and mindfulness practice
EARLY BIRD TICKETS (Available until August 15) $226 per person (plus tax + applicable fees)
REGULAR TICKETS (Available until August 16 and beyond) $275 each (plus tax + applicable fees)
Packed Dinner Add-On: $16 A sandwich, dessert and fruit from Rusticana Canmore
Transportation provided by Banff Alpenglow Adventures.
-
SUNRISE Sketch and Pause at Moraine Lake
SUNSET Sketch and Pause Moraine Lake
Join this specialty Sketch and Pause Workshop at the Rockpile of Lake Moraine while the Sun sets around us!
On August 29 from 3:!5 - 10:30pm we'll meditate to slow down and let go of perfectionism before we sketch the Valley of Ten Peaks from a place of tranquility and inspiration. No experience with meditation OR sketching necessary. We'll provide the supplies, guidance and transportation; you provide the excitement to learn and create!
Everything you receive when you purchase a ticket:
- Transportation to Lake Moraine from Canmore
- Your very own sketchbook and pencil case with supplies
- Learn how to sketch a realistic and abstract landscape from multi-medium artist Dawn Saunders Dahl
- Guided meditation to let go of perfectionism with Alyssa Caron
- Mindfulness techniques to make sketching a meditative practice
- Snacks and refreshments
- A take-home booklet with sketching and mindfulness exercises to continue growing your sketching and mindfulness practice
EARLY BIRD TICKETS (Available until August 29) $226 per person (plus tax + applicable fees)
REGULAR TICKETS (Available until August 30 and beyond) $275 each (plus tax + applicable fees)
Packed Dinner Add-On: $16 A sandwich, dessert and fruit from Rusticana Canmore
Transportation provided by Banff Alpenglow Adventures
-
SUNRISE Sketch and Pause Emerald Lake
Join this specialty Sketch and Pause Workshop at the Rockpile of Lake Moraine while the Sun sets around us!
On August 29th, we'll meditate to slow down and let go of perfectionism before we sketch the Valley of Ten Peaks from a place of tranquility and inspiration. No experience with meditation OR sketching necessary.
We'll provide the supplies, guidance and transportation; you provide the excitement to learn and create!
Everything you receive when you purchase a ticket:
- Transportation to Lake Moraine from Canmore
- Your very own sketchbook and pencil case with supplies
- Learn how to sketch a realistic and abstract landscape from multi-medium artist Dawn Saunders Dahl
- Guided meditation to let go of perfectionism with Alyssa Caron
- Mindfulness techniques to make sketching a meditative practice
- Snacks and refreshments
- A take-home booklet with sketching and mindfulness exercises to continue growing your sketching and mindfulness practice
EARLY BIRD TICKETS (Available until September 19th) $185 per person (plus tax + applicable fees)
REGULAR TICKETS (September 19th and beyond) $225 each (plus tax + applicable fees)
Packed Dinner Add-On: $16 A sandwich, dessert and fruit from Rusticana Canmore
Transportation provided by Banff Alpenglow Adventures.
Professional Development Workshops
-
Artist Tax Workshops
Everything you want to know about Artist Taxes! The classes are open to any self employed business owner or creative entrepreneur.
Three classes will be offered for FREE!! Sylvia Shank has provided expertise to a number of large arts organizations in Edmonton and is the owner of the Blue Chair Restaurant.
Sylvia will provide resources to get you started and on your way to understanding your art business expenses and revenues! Learn how to organize and record revenue and expenses to file your taxes.
DATES:
NEW Dates COMING SOON!
COST: FREE!!
Registration is required, please email to reserve your spot today!
About Sylvia: She has been self-employed for over 30 years, working with individuals, companies and nonprofits preparing financial statements, budgets and business plans. For many years Sylvia worked with the Edmonton Arts Council and Edmonton Heritage Council reviewing financial documents, training artists and companies how to manage their books and understand their accountability to the provincial and federal government.
-
Canada Council for the Arts Workshops
Sept 5th ALL DAY! Learn about the Alberta focus Initiatives with artist and liaison Francine Cunningham! All artists welcome - writers, musicians, visual artists, dancers - all emerging, mid-career and professional creatives are welcome!
One-on-Ones workshops will take place in the morning from 9-12pm.
Group Grant workshop from 1 - 5pm! Bring your work in progress applications and the group gives feedback.
Be sure to send Francine a copy of your application before the workshop!Francine.Cunningham.consultant@canadacouncil.ca
-
CARFAC Artist Worshops
Join CARFAC Alberta Executive Director Stacey Cann for a walk and talk! This is your opportunity to learn more about Artist Rights and the Fee Schedules on CARFAC website. All artists are welcome! Meet at Listen Studios and we can grab snacks and go for a walk!
INDIGENOUS WORKSHOPS
-
Stoney Drum (Gamubi) Making Workshops
Iethka (Stoney) Artists Kyle Kaquitts and Jarron Poucette share their culture, along with their unique sense of humour in this workshop.
Hides provided are traditionally hunted. There are 12 spots available for each workshop, we require 5 participants for the workshops to run - please share! Light snacks and refreshments included. GIANT thank you to Bow Valley Food Alliance for their support!
Please contact us for team building and corporate bookings. Please note: only 10” or 12” drums AND only deer, elk , bison hides are available for group bookings.
We are taking a summer break!
Sunday September 27 from 1-5pm
Sunday October 25 from 1-5pm
COSTS are per participant:
Deer Hide
8” -$150 10”- $175 12”- $275 15’ - $425
Elk Hide
8” -$175 10”- $225 12”- $325 15” - $475
Moose Hide
8”- $200 10”- $275 12”- $375 15” - $525
Bison Hide
8” -$225 10”- $300 12”- $400 15” - $550
Would you like to purchase a pre-made Drum? Contact Us!
-
Medallion Tufting Workshops
COMING SOON!
Seasonal Workshops
-
Plein Air Events
Join us for the 5th Annual Come Paint Alberta Plein Air Arts Festival Circuit in 2026!!
From May through September 2026, our incredible partner organizations across Central and Southern Alberta will be hosting paint outs and multi-day plein air festivals in some of our province’s most inspiring locations.
Whether you join one stop or follow the full circuit, there’s sure to be something for every artist.
LISTEN STUDIOS / CANMORE ART GUILD DATES: July 4-5
-
Plein Air Events
Join us! July 4-5 in partnership with the Canmore Art Guild
REGISTER at the canmore art guild
july 3 from 5-7pm
july 4 from 830-10:30 am
WET PAINT SALE at Listen Studios
July 5 from 3:00- 5:00pm
Don’t forget to follow @comepaintalberta for any updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes moments throughout the season and be sure to tag us when posting about your incredible plein air adventures! Also, follow us on Facebook @comepaintalberta and stay connected!
Start planning your 2026 plein air adventure, Alberta is waiting...
-
Nature Journaling Workshops
Nature Journaling invites you to slow down and build a personal connection with the environment. These workshops offer a fresh perspective on the world. Whether you want to sharpen your observation skills or simply find a creative way to explore, Dawn Saunders Dahl of Listen Studios will guide you through Canmore’s beautiful landscapes.
What to Expect:
A guided walk through Canmore’s natural paths.
Creative prompts focused on observing, questioning, and connecting.
Hands-on practice filling sketchbook pages with pencils, pens and watercolors.
No experience required: You don’t need to be an artist or a naturalist to join!
Nature Journaling involves the collection of observing and recording your is collecting and organizing your observations, questions, connections, and explanations on the pages of a notebook using words pictures, and numbers. You do not need to be an artist or a naturalist to begin.
DATES: COMING SOON!
COST: $75
Includes: your own sketchbook, pencil case, pen, pencil, sharpener and eraser!
Instruction with Dawn Saunders Dahl
Individual or Group Classes
-
Expressive Portraits
Individual or Group Booking options are available. Beginners are welcome. No previous experience required… just the desire to paint, learn a new skill and have a great time!
GROUP Workshop
You will paint 2 portraits in this 3 hour workshop! To loosen you up, we will start with 30 minute painting portrait exercise to loosen you up! (image to paint from will be provided).
For the second canvas, bring a photo to paint, preferably one you took. You'll learn how to prepare a canvas and sketch your portrait step by step, along with basic color mixing.
Please bring your own painting / drawing supplies. Oils / Acrylics / Watercolor / Drawing materials are welcome! Any size of canvas or paper is also welcome.
PLEASE send me a message if you do not have your own supplies, and include the materials you would prefer to use. I will provide basic materials at an additional fee.
DATES: CONTACT ME TO BOOK
COST: Quote depends on the number of people booking.
_____________________________________________
One-day personalized artistic training schedule tailored to your needs, featuring one-on-one attention and guidance from Dawn for a focused learning experience.
Email me to book a day and confirm costs based on materials and subject matter.
-
Mixed Media Collages
Individual or Group Booking options are available. Beginners are welcome. No previous experience required.. just the desite to learn a new skill and have a great time!
GROUP Workshop
In this mixed media class, we will create and capture fanciful moments as we delve into the possibilities of the art of collage. We will start with simple techniques to create dreamy backgrounds with acrylic, watercolour paint or inks on paper/canvas.
Then incorporate photography, magazines, paper textures and stencils. Eclectic finishing touches with doodles, line work, marks and indulgent touches of sparkly paints an also be incorporated.
DATES:
COST:
_____________________________________________
One-day personalized artistic training schedule tailored to your needs, featuring one-on-one attention and guidance from Dawn for a focused learning experience.
DATES: CONTACT ME TO BOOK
COST: Quote depends on the number of people booking
-
Expressive Landscapes
Individual or Group Booking options are available. Beginners are welcome. No previous experience required… just the desire to paint, learn a new skill and have a great time!
GROUP Workshop
You will paint 2 landscapes in this 3 hour workshop! To loosen you up, we will start with 30 minute painting landscape exercise to loosen you up! (image to paint from will be provided).
For the second canvas, bring a photo to paint, preferably one you took. You'll learn how to prepare a canvas and sketch your landscape step by step, along with basic color mixing.
Please bring your own painting / drawing supplies. Oils / Acrylics / Watercolor / Drawing materials are welcome! Any size of canvas or paper is also welcome.
PLEASE send me a message if you do not have your own supplies, and include the materials you would prefer to use. I will provide basic materials at an additional fee.
DATES: CONTACT ME TO BOOK
COST: Quote depends on the number of people booking
_____________________________________________
One-day personalized artistic training schedule tailored to your needs, featuring one-on-one attention and guidance from Dawn for a focused learning experience.
Email me to book a day and confirm costs based on materials and subject matter.
-
Expressive Still Lifes
Individual or Group Booking options are available. Beginners are welcome. No previous experience required… just the desire to paint and draw, learn a new skill and have a great time!
GROUP Workshop
You will sketch with the option to create one final canvas in this 3 hour workshop! To loosen you up, we will start with 30 minute sketching exercises to loosen you up! A fun still life will be set up in the studio and you can sketch from multiple vantage points!
Please bring your own painting / drawing supplies. Oils / Acrylics / Watercolor / Drawing materials are welcome! Any size of canvas or paper is also welcome.
PLEASE send me a message if you do not have your own supplies, and include the materials you would prefer to use. I will provide basic materials at an additional fee.
DATES: Contact me to book
COST: Quote depends on number of people booking.
________________________________________________________
One-day personalized artistic training schedule tailored to your needs, featuring one-on-one attention and guidance from Dawn for a focused learning experience.
Email me to book a day and confirm costs based on materials and subject matter.
-
Card Making Workshops
For those interested in creating basic watercolor cards for different seasons or cards using a variety of different materials such as collage, this class is for you!
The workshop will review art technique basics such as drawing, washes, wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and dry-on-dry watercolour painting techniques.
Various materials will be available for a variety of approaches to the creation of holiday / seasonal cards featuring trees, animals, mountains, plants and as well as shapes, holiday ornaments, presents and abstract inspirations. Through small studies you will practice basic techniques, and graduate with a collection of cards for the seasons!
This workshop is for artists of all levels.
DATES: CONTACT ME TO BOOK
COST: Quote depends on number of people booking
