Instructors

Wenjing Yan graduated in 2020 from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) University in Halifax with a BFA, majoring in Jewellery Design and Metalsmithing. During her studies, she completed an exchange program in Germany at Pforzheim Hochschule. Additionally, she holds a BFA degree in Animation Design from China.

Wenjing has participated in numerous exhibitions, including the Solo “WE” Exhibition, Alchemy5 of the 13th Enamelling Exhibition, the 19th International Silver Triennial Exhibition, New Taipei City International Metal Craft Exhibition, the Annual SNAG Slide Exhibition, and the VMAA Vancouver Metal Arts Association [Play]ground Exhibition.

Currently, Wenjing teaches extended studies at NSCAD and jewelry at the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft, where she also works as a technician. Her creative philosophy is to have fun and experiment with materials and creation. Her style is diverse and unrestricted, which leads her to explore and work with a wide range of materials. This playful and exploratory approach helps her stay creative and continually develop her jewellery designs.

Philip Doucette is an artisan working in glass, and a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He opened his studio in 1987.That same year, he joined Craft Nova Scotia. Throughout the early part of his career, he focussed on the design and fabrication of residential and architectural stained glass. His initial training was through a course at NSCAD University, and later attending workshops conducted by the local glass worker’s group gave Philip a grounding in the techniques of painting glass. After an extensive period of producing commissioned work and conducting the restoration of historical windows, he achieved an expertise that was recognized by the artisan community, and NSCAD University invited him to teach the very course which started his career. His commissioned works in leaded and stained glass can be found throughout Halifax and its surrounding communities. His work is also collected in the Art Bank of Nova Scotia. Philip is an accredited Master Artisan of Craft Nova Scotia, and as such, his studio, located in a lush garden of specimen trees, is open to young craftspersons and visitors alike, and is often the site of impromptu lessons or lively discussions of the history of glass crafting. 

Leslie is an experienced fibre artist who is passionate about sharing her knowledge and skills with others. As the owner of leslie mcfarlane studio, she facilitates wet felting workshops throughout Nova Scotia. She provides top quality materials and hand dyes the silk used in her workshops. In order to continually grow and improve her own skills and therefore, what she offers her students, she has participated in masterclass workshops with felting masters Diana Norgano, Lena Archbold and Fiona Duthie. 

Cynthia Fraschetti is an emerging Canadian Artist/Researcher residing in Halifax, NS. She primarily works within the realms of sculpture and jewellery to explore notions of interconnectivity by emphasizing the shared beauty amongst the materials she combines. 
 
She recently graduated from NSCAD University with a BFA in Fine Art (focus in sculpture), and Minors in Art History and Jewellery Design and Metalsmithing, while on the Professor David B. Smith Creative Innovators of Tomorrow Award Scholarship. While in school, she was involved with multiple group shows, a solo show, art- related volunteer work, and participated in a 3 month long Creative Social Ethics Program based in Cape Town, South Africa where she acted as an art mentor towards students.  
 
She is currently creating, working, competing in bodybuilding, and preparing to pursue her MFA. 

Jackie Toner (she/her) identifies as a queer, cis-woman, wood artist based in Pesikitik, Mi'kmaq (Windsor, NS). Through her work, Jackie aims to infuse modern design elements and perspectives into her work, pushing the boundaries of wood and stepping outside of its traditional practices. Jackie strives to showcase the natural beauty of timber from around the world and use it for distinctive color play and perspectives. Outside of her artistic practice, Jackie is the owner behind Woods(wo)man Woodworking. Over the years, Jackie has built her brand to challenge and reshape gender stereotypes prevalent in the craft industry, while working towards carving out space for inclusivity and creative fulfillment for everyone. She does this through social media, in person with markets, exhibitions, and classes.  
 
Website: woodswoman.ca 
Instagram: @the_woodswoman 

Kelsey Borden (she/her/they) is an artist, maker, and self-described textile nerd. She was born and raised in Halifax/Kjipuktuk, surrounded by crafty women and dabbling in anything creative she could get her hands on. She went on to attend NSCAD University, graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Textiles/Fashion. Her work often combines her love of illustration with textiles, working with narratives around craft, family, and personal thoughts. She started her teaching journey in 2023. When she’s not fiddling around with thread, she can often be found doing one of her other interests, including drawing, painting, knitting, sewing, photography, printmaking, gardening, reading, and writing. 

Lara Sturzenbaum, born in Río Gallegos, Patagonia, Argentina, immersed herself in the world of jewelry from a young age, initiating her journey with beading craftsmanship at the age of twelve. Over the years, she refined her skills by incorporating semi-precious stones and precious metals. In 2010, she founded her brand, Malercas. Her artistic journey led her to Halifax, Canada, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, specializing in Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing in 2022.  
 
Patagonia’s breathtaking landscapes and stunning skies noticeable influence her practice and is a distinguishable characteristic in her pieces. Her jewellery work is fabricated with traditional techniques combined with unconventional materials, such as biomaterials. In addition to her artistic practice, Lara shares her knowledge internationally by teaching online classes in jewelry and sketchbook techniques. 

Rhonda Miller has been a bookbinder for over 20 years and a paper marbler for over 15 years. She was sidetracked from librarianship after taking a variety of bookbinding courses locally and internationally from an impressive array of book professionals. Having developed a keen interest in historical book structures, Rhonda combines historical bookbinding techniques with modern materials to make beautiful and functional books and book art objects. Rhonda operates a bindery in Halifax called Scotia Bookbinding and an online shop called MyHandboundBooks. She is a juried member of the Nova Scotia Designer Craft Council, a member of the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild, and regularly teaches workshops at the Centre for Craft Nova Scotia.