Healing Plants & Clay Workshop with CYAN

Slow down and get creative at this hands-on workshop exploring local edible and healing plants found right here in the Bow Valley. We’ll spend the evening learning about useful plants that grow in our own backyard, then bring those natural textures into clay by creating ceramic cups or vases pressed with plant impressions. Expect a relaxed, cozy atmosphere with a mix of learning, creativity, and conversation.

This workshop is beginner-friendly and open to anyone curious about plants, ceramics, or trying something new. No experience with clay or plant knowledge is needed. Great for young adults looking to meet people, learn a new skill, and spend an intentional creative evening in community.

The evening will begin with an informal discussion about local edible and medicinal plants commonly found in the Bow Valley, including how they’ve traditionally been used and how to identify them responsibly. After that, participants will move into a guided clay workshop where you’ll create your own ceramic cup or vase using pressed plant textures and natural forms for inspiration. The facilitation style is relaxed, supportive, and hands-on, with plenty of room for questions and creativity.

Hosted in a comfortable indoor studio setting with table seating and a calm, creative atmosphere. Participants can expect a mix of seated discussion and hands-on clay work in a casual workshop environment.

All clay materials, tools, plant materials, and instruction are included. Participants will create their own textured ceramic piece to keep. Firing and finishing details will be shared at the workshop.

Accessibility notes

This is a low-impact, primarily seated workshop with some light hand and arm use during clay work. The space may include clay dust, earthy scents, and group conversation. Plant discussion may include traditional and historical uses of medicinal plants.

About the facilitator

Marzena Pustelnik is an avid hiker with a passion for arts and healing plants.

She studied ceramics at the Dundas Valley School of Art in Ontario. She was also a long-term self-directed artist in residence at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, teaching pottery classes there and completing her pottery projects. Her undertakings included creating musical instruments from clay which she called “From mud to music”, as well as programs such as “Endangered plants“ and “Bee happy”.

Marzena is a student of Wild Rose College and graduated as Practical Herbalist. Her popular artsPlace program, "Healing Plants and Clay" combines Marzena's love of pottery and herbalism.

You can often find Marzena on nature trails, looking for medicinal plants and appreciating her connection to this beautiful Bow Valley home.

Questions? 

Please reach out to our Programs Manager at [email protected]. 

Community & Inclusion

You are always welcome to attend CYAN events on your own - many people do! Our event staff are there to support you, and we often use light icebreakers to help everyone feel comfortable and included.

While CYAN’s programming is designed with young adults in mind, everyone is welcome to attend our events, except events involving alcohol, which are 18+ only.

Media Release

Photograph and video may be taken at this event. Please contact us or speak with our event staff upon arrival if you do not wish to be photographed.

Funding

Thank you to Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation for supporting our Social Programming.

Please register ahead

Event may be subject to cancellation if we do not receive enough registrations, so please register ahead by May 29 to secure your spot. 

Weather considerations

Event will go ahead rain or shine, unless a safety risk is identified by the facilitator. 

Communication

Reminder emails with important information may be sent to you through Eventbrite. Please check your inbox (including your junkmail) 48 hours prior to the event.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

artsPlace Canmore, 950 8 Avenue, Canmore, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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