Continuing Education

Introduction to Darkroom Photography: Beyond the Screen

with Matt Cronin

Saturdays: September 19, October 3, 10, 17, 2026
10am–2pm
Hardie Building, 23 Essex St.
Fee: $385.00 – Supplies included: film/paper.

Step away from the screen and discover the tactile process of traditional black-and-white photography. Designed for beginners and curious creatives, this four-session course introduces the operation of 35mm film cameras, exposure control, film processing, contact sheets, enlarger printing, contrast control, and basic print finishing. No previous experience is required, and students will leave with their own developed negatives and handmade prints.

Students will need to bring their own working 35mm film camera, ideally with manual exposure controls. We do not have cameras available to borrow.

We provide supplies at cost to ensure everyone has access to the same paper and film. Should you want to order extra independently, please contact the instructor so you know what we are using. Montserrat will provide access to the darkroom, enlargers, chemistry, and shared processing equipment.

Discover Shibori: Traditional Japanese Indigo Resist Dyeing

With Michelle Blanchette

Sunday, September 27, 2026
10am – 2pm
Fee: $115.00, including materials. You can bring additional fabric if you wish.

Unplug, get hands-on, and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing art of Shibori! Shibori is a traditional Japanese resist-dyeing technique that uses deliberate textile manipulation to create striking, one-of-a-kind patterns when dipped into a rich indigo bath.

In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll explore the tactile magic of binding, folding, stitching, twisting, and compressing fabric to control how the dye hits the cloth. Watch your designs transform as raw fabric turns deep indigo right before your eyes!

Grab a friend, bring your curiosity, and spend a creative session experimenting with texture, geometry, and color. You’ll leave with a foundational understanding of resist-dye methods and your very own wearable or decorative Shibori masterpieces!

Drop-in Figure Drawing

With Brian Murphy

Tuesdays, October 6 – November 17
7–9pm
Fee: $20 per class; multi-class packages can be purchased in advance (preferred; spaces fill quickly)

Elevate your practice in a creative peer environment. These open sessions are designed for artists of all levels—whether you are a beginner, a seasoned professional, or building a portfolio.

Over the course of seven weeks, you will work with a variety of nude models in a focused studio setting. Instructor Brian will guide a sequence of short and long poses, allowing you to warm up before moving into more detailed, sustained work. This is a flexible space to experiment with your media of choice and deepen your technical skills.

Please bring your own drawing materials. Easels are provided on-site.

Book online to guarantee your spot. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis, space permitting.

Pinhole Cameras

With Patricia Sciallo

Saturday, October 17, 2026; rain date: October 18
10:30am – 2:30pm
Fee: $105

Step away from the digital screen and into the darkroom. Join us for a hands-on journey into the “Camera Obscura,” where a simple cardboard box becomes a powerful tool for art.

In this workshop, you won’t just take photos—you’ll build the camera that captures them. From the “infinite depth-of-field” to dreamy double exposures and fisheye effects, you’ll learn to see the world through a whole new lens (or lack thereof!). Whether we’re using a cookie tin or a film canister, the results are consistently magical and uniquely yours.

Experimental Darkroom

With Patricia Sciallo

Wednesdays; October 22, 29 and November 4
6:30–9pm
Hardie Building, 23 Essex St.
Fee: $325
3 classes; Darkroom paper and chemistry included. Participants bring film negatives and found objects.

Explore the handmade photograph using Montserrat’s darkroom lab and art space. Create unique photograms using found objects, film negatives, drawings, and filtered light, then enhance your prints using hand-tinting techniques. You will complete the course with two finished prints mounted on wood panels.

This course is a great introduction to experimental analog practices and welcomes participants with a range of photography and darkroom experience.

Bring processed 35mm or medium-format black-and-white negative film for printing. Negatives may be your own or from family or personal archives. Also bring a small group of found objects for creating photo collages, such as pressed botanicals, fabric, glass plates, or other materials you’d like to experiment with.