Art Works Art School
Art Works Art School is a welcoming, community-focused space dedicated to sparking creativity and making art accessible to all. Our programs introduce students of all ages to the worlds of drawing, painting, sculpture, and design through hands-on, process-based learning. We blend traditional techniques with contemporary approaches and art history to provide a dynamic and well-rounded experience.
Formerly known for our beloved “blue house on Jane” in Toronto’s Baby Point District, Art Works was missed when we closed our original location in 2019. We’re thrilled to be back in Baby Point with a bright new studio and an exciting selection of programs designed to support creative growth at every stage.
From March Break and Summer Camps to weekly art classes throughout the school year, our offerings are designed to fit a variety of interests and age groups. We also host school field trips, PA Day camps, birthday parties, and occasional painting workshops for those looking for a one-time creative experience.
At Art Works, we believe in the power of art to build confidence, foster connection, and nurture joy. Whether you're joining us for a term or just a day, we’re so glad to share our space with you.
Our Bunch
Joana Gomes, Director, She/Her
Joana Gomes is the new director of Art Works Studio. She is a graduate of Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, where she received a Diploma in Recreational and Leisure Services in 2016. She also holds a certificate in Media Fundamentals, majoring in Photography, from Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, obtained in 2011.
Joana's journey with Art Works began in 2010 as a Co-op Student. Over the years, she took on various roles, including Volunteer, Camp Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Gallery Curator, Occasional Art Instructor, and most recently, Assistant Director. Her dedication spans 15 years with Art Works.
Her passion for both business and art led her to become an entrepreneur at the age of 24, creating paper flowers backdrops for special events and designing outdoor rugs for home decor. Throughout her career, Joana learned from her peers and colleagues about art program planning, staff management, and gained insights from Danica Loncar, the Director Emeritus of Art Works Art School. Together, they established strong connections with the Baby Point, Bloor West Village, Kingsway, and Junction Communities.
Joana's vision for Art Works Art School is to uphold its legacy as an inclusive art studio for all ages and to expand its reach to other communities in Toronto.
www.instagram.com/sisterflowers__
Jasmine Cardoso (She/Her)
Studio Administrator / Manager
Ciara Canfield (She/Her)
Studio Assistant
Goodness Delivered
Our skilled and knowledgeable instructors are dedicated to teaching you or your little ones the fundamentals, techniques, and joys that art can bring. We believe art comes in many forms and that everyone can enjoy it, whether they are in the budding beginner phase or the blooming period of their artistic journey.
At Art Works, we take pride in the fact that more than half of our classes consistently see returning students. Beyond our long-term courses, we strive to engage the community through a variety of art-related activities, including family art days, lectures, workshops, art clubs, exhibitions, and open houses.
Anita Fowl (They/She)
is a multimedia illustrator from Toronto, currently in their thesis year at OCAD University where they have been studying Illustration. They enjoy creating comics that take place in an uncanny and oversaturated world where self-discovery and identity come to the forefront. Anita is also an avid doll-maker and makes custom collectibles hand-sewn with love.
Sophia Chavez (She/Her)
is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist. Having graduated from OCAD's Drawing and Painting program, she is mainly an oil painter, but has honed her skills in graphite, and oil pastel. Her body of work is primarily centered around representational portraits that explore themes of girlhood, identity, and the diaspora. Apart from fine art endeavors, Sophia is also a tattoo artist. She integrates her sketchbook drawings, which are characterized by their lively and playful nature, into her tattoo designs. This unique approach allows her to infuse her tattoo artistry with the same creative energy found in her sketches. Sophia is deeply committed to community engagement in the arts. She actively participates in various community-run art programs, including Kapisanan’s FilipinX Arts Mentorship, where she shares her passion for art with others.
Kyle Andrews, (He/Him)
is an artist and comedian from Toronto. He received a degree in Visual Arts and Art History from the University of Western Ontario and is trained in both digital and traditional drawing and painting. Drawing influence from Pop-Art, Surrealism, B-movie posters, and a deep love of the fantasy and horror genres, his work has been featured in and commissioned for journals and magazines, posters, comic book covers, and character design and concept art for animation. With styles ranging from illustration, to realism, to the absurd, Kyle is interested in the narrative aspect of art, and strives to combine his subject matter, influences and styles into interesting and cohesive stories.
Danica Loncar, Director Emeritus
is the founder of Art Works Art School and Gallery and served as both Director and Curator from 2003 to 2021.
Danica is an Honours graduate of OCAD University, specializing in Drawing & Painting. She is a painter and teacher who taught both art and design at the college level and to high school students. She was represented by Nancy Poole's Studio in Yorkville for a number of years and has participated in numerous venues including juried shows, group shows, solo exhibitions, and commissioned projects both in Canada and internationally. Recently, Danica has been featured in various publications including several OCADU Alumni feature profiles. She was interviewed on radio and television, as a guest speaker at Concordia University Faculty of Art Education, as a panellist on the OCAD University Career Panel, and invited to serve as a jurist for the McMichael Canadian Art Collection Spring Fundraiser in Kleinburg. Danica is a recipient of the Lieutenant Governor's medal.
Danica credits her inspiration and motivation for creating Art Works Art School and Gallery to the opportunity given her by Joyce Wieland back in 1989 at Wieland's Alma Gallery in Toronto, where Wieland encouraged and invited Danica and other young artists to exhibit their work alongside hers.
If you would like to know more about Danica and her current work titled Sanctuary Series, please visit her website.
Our Programs
At Art Works Art School, we offer a range of creative programs designed to inspire, challenge, and grow with each student — from first-time creators to experienced makers.
Ages 4–6
Our Art Explorers class provides a nurturing environment where children can express themselves creatively while building confidence. Through guided activities in drawing, painting, and mixed media, students explore the building blocks of art in a playful and age-appropriate way.
Ages 7–16
Classes for this age group focus on skill-building, experimentation, and personal style development. Whether drawing, painting, working with 3D materials, or exploring illustration, students receive guidance tailored to their interests and level. This includes both structured lessons and time for independent creativity, perfect for students looking to refine techniques or build a future portfolio.
Adults
Our adult classes offer a welcoming space for beginners and experienced artists alike. With a focus on drawing and painting, our instructors provide practical guidance, demonstrations, and individual support to help students develop skills and confidence at their own pace.
Camps
We offer full-day March Break, Summer, and PA Day camps aligned with local school board schedules. Campers are typically grouped by age (4–6, 6–9, and 10–13) and explore a mix of drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media projects, all designed to be fun, engaging, and age-appropriate.
Workshops
Our Paint-Along Workshops are perfect for those who want to enjoy a fun, creative experience without committing to a full term. Great for all levels, these sessions are instructor-led and designed to be social, relaxed, and beginner-friendly.
Art Parties
Celebrate your special day with an art-themed birthday party! Parties include one hour of guided art instruction and 30 minutes for cake and celebration. All guests create the same project, with room for creativity. You bring the treats, we provide the fun!