July Classes

July Class List

• • • All classes will be held at The Grove Gallery in Port Alberni

    • Pre-Registration Required due to limited seating - Register by emailing kalin@therecyclingproject.ca with the class fee

Tuesdays - Art classes

All art classes are $50

Run from 6:30 – 8pm

In the Grove Gallery Workshop on the main floor

All materials included, just dress for a mess!

No experience or art skills necessary

Thursdays – Recycling/Sustainability Classes

All education classes are $15

Run from 6:30 – 7:30pm

In the Grove Gallery boardroom on the second floor

July 3rd

Floriology

Create your own symbolic garden with a workshop that’s part photo expedition, part sculpture, and all heart. In this hands-on session, you’ll build a one-of-a-kind canvas using plaster and unrecyclable plastics, with photos of local wildflowers. Using the Victorian language of flowers as inspiration, you’ll choose blooms that carry personal meaning—then turn them into textured, lasting keepsakes. This semi-guided class blends nature, art, and sustainability in a totally unique way. All supplies included. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and a sense of play.

*This first class will be an art class, then Thursdays will be reserved for Recycling/Sustainability Classes

July 8th

Photo Transfer Magic

Turn your memories into meaningful art—no photo lab required. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create a custom canvas using a blend of plaster and non-recyclables, then learn a simple (and surprisingly fun) technique to transfer your favourite photo onto the surface. You can use one of your own images or choose from a curated selection provided in class. We’ll cover tips for adding texture and dimension to make your piece feel extra special—no flat, factory finish here. Why pay a big box store $60 when you can make something far more personal (and planet-friendly) for less? All supplies included.

If you want to use your own photo, just email it with your registration and class fee.

July 10th

Conscious Consumerism - Greenwashing

Not everything labelled “eco” is as green as it looks. In this eye-opening session, we’ll dig into the six sins of greenwashing—the sneaky tactics brands use to sound sustainable without walking the walk. Learn how to spot the red flags, decode packaging claims, and find symbols that actually mean something. Whether you're a casual shopper or a conscious consumer-in-training, this class gives you the tools to navigate the green aisle without getting played. Expect practical advice, real talk, and no shaming—just solid steps toward smarter choices.

July 15th

Rock Frame Keepsakes

Create something that looks like it came straight out of a mossy mountain trail—but secretly hides your household waste. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create raw, rocky frames using a custom plaster blend filled with non-recyclables (don’t worry—you’ll never know it’s in there). Choose a photo from the class collection or submit your own when registering, and we’ll transfer it right onto your custom creation. Add natural touches like moss, stone finishes, or textured paint to bring it to life. These sculptural frames stand on their own and tell a story—of art, nature, and transformation.

July 17th

Recycling in Port Alberni Series - #1 Trash for Cash (and Good Causes Too)

Not all garbage is worthless. In this eye-opening session, we’ll explore where to take your unwanted stuff in Port Alberni and actually do some good with it—whether that means turning it into cash or giving it to a cause that truly needs it. We’ll cover local options for cashing in recyclables, plus what to know before donating to ensure your items don’t just end up shipped across the world—or dumped. Learn what’s accepted, how to prep it, and who benefits. It’s all about doing better with what you already have.

July 22nd

Candleholder Casting

Sculpt your way into sustainable living with this cozy-meets-clever workshop. You’ll create custom candleholders using our signature blend of plaster and non-recyclables and explore how easy it is to make moulds using everyday objects. We’ll play with shape, texture, and function to design pieces that light up a room—literally. Whether you're going for rustic vibes or something sleek and modern, you’ll walk away with a one-of-a-kind piece that’s both practical and planet-friendly. All supplies provided, and no experience needed—just bring your curiosity.

July 24th

Recycling in Port Alberni Series - #2 Hidden Recycling Gems

Think you know what your town recycles? Think again. Port Alberni has some surprising—and underused—recycling options that most cities don’t offer. From glass jars to lidded containers, mattresses to specialty drop-offs, this session uncovers all the weird and wonderful ways your trash doesn’t have to end up in the landfill. Perfect for anyone who’s ever stood in front of a bin wondering, “Can this be recycled?” (Spoiler: sometimes, yes. And sometimes... whoa, definitely not.)

July 29th

Floriology: Encore Edition

Back by popular demand (and because it’s just that good), this beloved workshop returns to give more folks a chance to bloom. Create a textured canvas using plaster and non-recyclables, then use the Victorian language of flowers to craft a piece that’s uniquely personal. Whether you bring your own photo or choose one from the collection, this class invites you to dig into symbolism, sustainability, and sentimentality all in one go. If you missed it the first time—or want to make another—you’re more than welcome.

July 31st

Recycling in Port Alberni Series - #3 Wait—This Can’t Be Recycled?

This one might blow your mind a little. In our third session of the series, we’ll explore the everyday items we’ve all been tossing in the blue bin, thinking they were recyclable—when they’re actually not. From black plastic to soft wrappers to mystery materials, we’ll break down what can’t be recycled in Port Alberni and why. But don’t worry—this isn’t a doom spiral. We’ll also explore creative alternatives, clever hacks, and what you can do with the stuff that’s landfill-bound.