Tuesday, February 19, 2008

The ART CENTRE at Central Tech

In the Annex south of Bloor, just east of Bathurst sits the massive campus of Central Tech School. When I first moved to Toronto over a decade ago, I didn't hear much good about this school. In fact, the bit I heard (vandalism, fights, loitering, etc.,) made me think the school was a major neighbourhood nuisance and not much more.

Today, my view of CTS couldn't be more opposite. This change of perspective came because of my involvement as a student at the Art Centre at CTS. A few years ago, I took a night class with a friend, not quite sure what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the program and the facility.

As of September '07, I am enrolled at the CTS Art Centre in the Adult Program. (Yes, I am one of those loiterers hanging out at Midoco at lunch!) The program is part-time during the day and runs for three years. The curriculum covers a wide range of art areas with an incredibly well-qualified, interesting group of instructors. If you have ever dreamed of pursuing your art interests, I highly recommend looking into this program. CTS is currently taking names of interested adult students for September 2008. There is no tuition, but there is a $400.00 studio fee for the year.

http://schools.tdsb.on.ca/centraltech/artcentre/home.htm

If you find yourself in the area of Central Tech between now and March 6th, be sure to stop by the library (go through the main entrance; doors facing west toward the football field), say hello to Donna, an Annex neighbour who works in the library, and check out the student sculpture show, "Sculpture Smatterings". The high school student work is certainly worth a look. Also, during the fall term, I cast a bronze medallion as part of the sculpture coursework and this piece is part of the show.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I went to central tech art dept in the early 60's

The B course for over 21's

Bobby Ross, Mr Lawrence, Miss Taylor, Miss Luzz, The Kennedys, Mr Mechan, etcetera

Does anyone out there know the whereabouts of Reid Allen circa 1963 last known address 13 Margaret St Hamilton Ont

Please contact Bob Hamon at rlwhamon@tiscali.co.uk

Alive and well and living in the south of England. Would like to hear from anyone from the group.

Thankyou, Bob Hamon

Anonymous said...

Dustin, the part timer is a passive agressive, sarcastic little man who has a penchant for dogging whoever is falling behind, rather than communicating on a compassionate personal level to seek performance improvement. He is not an artist; he is a technician.

Anonymous said...

Hi there, I went to the school last week to photograph artist working on their art at night school and plan to return this week. I'm hoping to photograph more artists for a photograph program I'm enrolled in at Seneca@York. If you could assist, please email: ronwassink@yahoo.ca
Thanks.