About this Event
African Arts Institute is proud to announce a new event: Africa and the World Arts Symposium, happening October 15-17 in Belleville, Ontario.
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Workshop Description
This workshop experience is rooted in hands-on, experiential learning. Participants will actively create their own East African Modern Batik fabric art using accessible approaches such as Batik Express & Hoop Art. The session begins with a live demonstration, followed by guided creation where participants explore materials, pattern, and colour. Deon uses a flexible teaching style that combines visual demonstration, clear step-by-step instruction, and one-on-one support, allowing participants to engage at their own pace. The experience is created to allow exploration without pressure, with moments for sharing and reflection that encourage connection and peer learning. This structure ensures an engaging, inclusive, and meaningful creative experience
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Artist Bio - Deon Best
My artistic practice is grounded in the exploration of identity, heritage, and community through the vibrant lens of Modern Batik. This East African wax-resist dye technique, traditionally practiced across various cultures, has become a contemporary storytelling tool in my work, inviting reflection, dialogue, and wonder. My art creations combine bold colors, organic forms, and layered textures to evoke emotional connection and shared cultural experiences. Whether exhibited in galleries, projected onto public buildings, or integrated into hands-on workshops, my work thrives on interaction, inviting audiences to pause, engage, and connect.
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The affordable ticket price for this event is courtesy of funding from the City of Belleville, and the Government of Canada (Canada Arts Presentation Fund, and the Multicultural & Anti-Racism Program).
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African Arts Institute (AAI) is a non-profit, charitable organization headquartered in Belleville, Ontario, steered by a team of directors, staff, and volunteers who are committed to the promotion of African arts and culture.
African Arts Institute is located on the territory of the Wendat, the Anishinaabe, and the Haudenosaunee people. Belleville shares the shorelines of the Bay of Quinte with Kenhtè:ke (Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory).
Our purpose is to advance education by providing instructional courses, seminars, and workshops on African performing, visual, and literary arts, and to advance the public’s appreciation of the arts by providing public performances, art exhibitions, presentations of African performing, visual, and literary arts, and providing a forum for qualified artists to exhibit, present, or perform their artistic works through participation in such events.
Event venue & nearby stays
Belleville Public Library and John M. Parrott Art Gallery, Pinnacle Street, Belleville, ON, Canada
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