About Carolyn Hassard | Contemporary Canadian Artist & Art Educator

 

I’m an artist and art educator creating expressive, intuitive artwork. My botanicals, landscapes and figurative works blend abstraction and representation. My is grounded by years of experience with materials, composition, colour theory, and drawing as an art teacher.

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My work has taken me from the darkroom to the printing press, from the potter’s wheel to the easel, and into digital art. Whether I’m working in painting, printmaking, or mixed media, I approach art playfully—balancing structure with spontaneity to create work that feels alive, energetic, and open to interpretation.​

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At my core, I’m a teacher. I spent years as a certified Ontario Secondary School educator teaching Visual Art and English. That foundation continues to shape everything I do. I specialize in helping artists of all levels explore creativity through approachable, process-based techniques like gelli plate printing, art journaling, and abstract painting. Today, I share that creative life online—teaching, making art, and building a communities  around accessible, hands-on art practices for beginners and experienced artists alike.

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My approach and activities support access and equity in the arts. My participation is predicated on the belief that creative communities should be open, affordable, and welcoming. Whether someone collects my artwork or joins me to learn, my goal is the same: to invite people to engage in a life inspired by creativity. 

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I currently connect with a large online audience through:

• A YouTube channel sharing gelli plate printing and creative techniques

• The “Learn Gelli Plate Printing” Facebook group with over 100,000 members

• An active Instagram presence documenting my artistic journey
   

In addition to my online work, I am a member of the Oakville Art Society, where I participate in exhibitions, open studio events, and community programming. I also volunteer with an art group supporting individuals with acquired brain injuries.

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My artistic path expanded significantly after completing the Creative Visionary Program with Nicholas Wilton in 2020. I was later invited to serve as an ambassador for Art2Life, a global community that continues to influence my work and teaching. This experience reinforced what I now fully embrace: artists no longer need to rely solely on traditional avenues and galleries to work beyond the studio. The online space offers powerful opportunities for artists to sell work but also - and more importantly for me -  for connection, creativity,  sharing and learning .

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At this stage in my life, my primary motivation for taking my  art practice beyond the studio is as a vector for connecting and participating in community.

 

Contact
Email: carolyn.hassard@me.com
Phone: (1) 905 536 5335