General Questions
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| Where are you located? | Our address is 3315 Yonge Street. We are at the intersection of Yonge St. and Fairlawn Ave, about four blocks north of Lawrence Ave. We are on the east side of the street. |
| Is there parking available? | Street parking is available on the side streets for an hour within a block of Yonge Street (east or west) and for three hours further east or west. There is also a Green P parking lot one block south of the school, behind the Dollarama. Metered parking is available on Yonge Street at all times excluding rush hour. |
| How do I get there on the TTC? | On the subway, take Line 1 (Yonge-University) to Lawrence Station. Take the Ranleigh Ave exit and walk about 4 minutes north to 3315 Yonge Street. You can also take the 97 Yonge bus, which stops right in front of our building at Fairlawn Ave. |
| What qualifications do your instructors have? | All of our instructors hold university degrees in fine arts and/or education and are working artists. |
| What makes Freehand unique? | At Freehand, we provide a focused and informed approach to art instruction which allows students to discover the expressive possibilities of new materials and techniques. We teach fundamental art skills which are practiced in engaging art projects that push students’ technical ability and creativity. Students are encouraged to make every project their own, and no two students will ever emerge with identical artwork! |
| What type of formal art training do you provide students? | We offer students formal art training suited to their age and skill level. In each class, students will learn a different artistic technique, skill, or theory ranging from perspective and realistic drawing to colour theory and abstraction. We also teach students about historical and contemporary artists to provide context for the techniques and theories we are learning. Many of our students have gone on to gain acceptance in specialized art high schools and/or colleges and universities. |
| Do you offer any discounts? | We offer a 10% Family Member discount. This discount is applied to any second or additional children who are registered at the same time and in the same term as the first child. We also offer Early Bird discounts for various camps and classes. Sign up for our newsletter to receive up-to-date information on these discount opportunities! |
| How can I become a volunteer at Freehand? | We are always looking for enthusiastic, helpful volunteers to join our team! Please fill out our volunteer application form and a member of our staff will be in touch with you shortly. |
Classes
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| What kind of classes do you offer? | We offer adult and child/youth art classes focused on a wide variety of materials, techniques and styles. Our classes run for a fall term, winter term and spring term. Please visit our Adult Programs and Child/Youth Programs page for a full list of classes. |
| Do you offer classes for adults? | Yes! Please see our Adult Programs page for a full list of classes. |
| How many children are in each class? | Class sizes vary, but on average we have 6-8 students in each class. For the Start with Art program, we cap our classes at 8 students. Older age groups have a maximum of 12 students. |
| Do you offer trial classes? | If a class has not reached maximum capacity, we can offer a single, paid trial class. Please contact us at info@freehandart.ca to inquire about a specific class, and preregister for a trial class. |
| Do I have to register for the full term? | For child/youth classes, students must register for the full-term. Some adult classes offer half-term registration. Please see the Adult Programs page for more details. |
| Do you offer private or semi-private lessons? | Private lessons can be arranged based on instructor availability. If you would like to request private or semi-private lessons, please send an email with the age of the student(s), nature of the class desired and some proposed times/dates to info@freehandart.ca. |
| Can you come to my home for private lessons? | All art classes take place at our studio. We do not offer in-home sessions. |
| Does my registration fee include the cost of materials? | Materials are included in the registration fee for all children's classes. Materials are not included for adult classes, unless otherwise stated. We sell materials kits or you are welcome to bring your own supplies. |
| Do you offer drop in classes? | We do not offer drop in classes. If you’re looking for a one-time art session, we do offer Kid Workshops and Family Workshops, which are single session art lessons. Please register for these sessions in advance. |
| Can I join a class that has already started? | As long as the class has not reached maximum capacity, yes! Please contact us at info@freehandart.ca to inquire about joining a class that has already started. We will prorate the registration fee to reflect the number of classes remaining. |
| Can I get a refund for a missed class? | All program fees are non-refundable. Missed classes cannot be prorated, credited, or carried over to following sessions. |
| Do you offer make-up classes? | We are unable to offer make-up classes due to student absence, illness, or for any other reason. Missed classes cannot be prorated, credited, or carried over to following sessions. |
| Do I have to wait with my child before a class starts? | Yes. Freehand is not liable for students prior to the start of their class. We welcome parents and students to wait in our lobby or in our upstairs library until class begins. |
| Are classes drop off or do parents stay? | Classes are drop off. We ask that parents do not remain in the classroom during the session, as this can be distracting for students. |
Camps
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| What kind of camps do you offer? | We offer engaging and immersive art camps during all school breaks. This includes Winter, March and Summer breaks as well as all TDSB PA Days. Camps are offered for students in JK to Grade 6 and run from 9:30-3:30. Half day options are available, as are early drop off and late pick up. |
| Do you have PA Day programs? | Yes! We offer PA Day camps for children in JK to Grade 6. Camp runs from 9:30-3:30. Half day options are available, as are early drop off and late pick up. |
| What happens in a regular camp day? | Our camp day is split up into a morning and afternoon session. In each session, students will complete one art project using unique materials (full-day students will finish a day with two projects; half day students will finish a day with one project). We stop for a snack break half way through each session. Lunch is held from 12:00-1:00, which includes half an hour for eating and half an hour for playing with a variety toys and games, and a park visit in good weather during the summer camps. |
| What age groups are students split into? | Students are divided into separate age groups -- typically these are JK/SK; Gr. 1-3; Gr. 4-6. |
| How many children are in each group? | Class sizes vary but will rarely exceed 12 students. If there are more than 12 students in a group, a secondary instructor will be brought in for assistance. |
| What materials will students get to use? | Our camps introduce students to a wide variety of unique materials and techniques. We use drawing materials (graphite, chalk pastel, oil pastel, pen and ink), paints (watercolour and acrylic), sculpture materials (clay, plasticine, polymer clay, plaster), relief printmaking and more! |
| What does my child need to bring to camp? | Full day students need to bring 2 nut-free snacks and a nut-free lunch. Half day students need to bring 1 nut-free snack. And make sure to dress for mess! |
| I registered for camp but need to cancel. Can I get a refund? | Program fees are non-refundable. School credit can be issued for cancellations made greater than 14 days prior to the start of the program. School credit is transferable within families. There is a $50 administration fee for changes requested less than 14 days prior to program start. |
| Do you offer early drop off and/or late pick up? | For certain camps, we offer early drop off from 8:30-9:30 ($10/day or $50/week) and late pick up from 3:30-4:30 ($10/day or $50/week). Please check individual camps to see if these additional care times apply. |
| What is the youngest age of students? | Our youngest students are in Junior Kindergarten. For the summer camps, this means students who will be entering JK in the fall. |
| Are grade groups based on the grade my child has just completed, or the grade they will be starting in the fall? | For summer camps, age groups are based on the grade your child will be starting in the fall. |
Birthday Parties
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| What kind of parties do you offer? | We offer exciting art parties for kids and adults. Parties are 2 hours long with 1.5 hours to create a fun and unique project and 30 minutes for cake, presents, etc. You can choose your art project from the list of project ideas provided on our Parties page or come up with your own idea! |
| What’s included? | All materials and instruction to create your artwork will be provided. We also provide plastic table cloths for the eating area. We do not provide any food, drink or serving materials. |
| How do I book a party? | To book at party, contact Erin (erin@freehandart.ca) with the proposed date of your party, number and age of participants, and any ideas you have about the project you would like to create. |
| Do you offer in-home parties? | No. All parties take place at our studio. |