Art + Design Education Leaders
We're known for providing unique and flexible programs taught by professionals who have shaped art, craft, design, media and heritage studies in Canada. No other college offers students this breadth of creative programming.
Learn at campuses in Haliburton and Peterborough that provide a one-of-a kind, hands-on studio experience. Our certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs will help you build a solid portfolio to take you to the next step - whether that's continuing education, embarking on a career, or starting your own practice.
Featured Program
Build Your Foundation, Then Ignite Your Creativity
Earn a Visual and Creative Arts diploma in just three semesters with foundation courses and hands-on studio experience!
Apply Now-
Ceramics
Express yourself through clay! Our program provides a well-rounded foundation, from practical skills like wheel throwing to marketing and portfolio development.
Ceramics -
Drawing and Painting
Level up your studio skills in just 15 weeks! Get hands-on training and experience to take your creativity to the next level.
Drawing and Painting -
Create, learn, and live where inspiration surrounds you.
We’re happy to share that for the first time ever, HSAD students can enjoy the convenience of on-campus housing. Coming this Fall 2025. Learn more.
Coming this Fall 2025. Learn more.
Art Certificates
Diploma Programs
Continuing Education
Centre for Making
Haliburton Accommodations
Diploma Program
Post Graduate Programs
Meet our Faculty
Rose Pearson
Instructor for:
Rose Pearson earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from York University, majoring in painting and drawing. She went on to receive her education degree and has over 30 years of experience teaching art in both the public school system in Alberta and Ontario, privately from her studio in Haliburton County and for the Haliburton School of Art + Design. Rose is the coordinator of the Visual and Creative Arts diploma at Fleming College. In addition to creating bodies of work for public gallery exhibitions, she is a member of the Haliburton Highlands Studio Tour. For More Information: rosepearson.com
Jane Lewis
Instructor for:
Jane Lewis has been leading vocal groups since 2008, from "finding your voice" and "how to sing harmony by ear" workshops to various choirs, Circle Singing, and community singing events. She has been studying improvisational singing with Rhiannon, and during the pandemic, attending Musica do Circulo music improv training workshops online. As a singer-songwriter, she is often compared to Carole King, playing piano-based music that draws on her strength as a lyricist and singer. She performs most often with the folk duo Gathering Sparks (with Eve Goldberg), nominated for a 2014 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year. Jane has released two solo recordings, and Gathering Sparks released their newest album on Borealis Records in September 2019. For More Information: @janelewismusic | janelewis.ca
Tanya Lyons
Tanya Lyons graduated with honours from the Sheridan College glass program. She also studied at the University of Art and Design Helsinki, Finland, The Atlin Art Centre in BC, and the Toyama Institute of Glass Art in Japan. She taught glass at Sheridan College for four years, was a resident at the Harbourfront Centre as well as volunteering on the Board of Directors for the Glass Art Association of Canada. After 14 years in Quebec, Tanya has moved back to her hometown community to raise her daughter and continue her sculptural work with glass. Reflecting her passion for helping people find their way, she continues to teach in the glass program at the Haliburton School of Art + Design. She is the Co-Coordinator of the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour and a collaborating artist with the Ottawa Valley Community Arts organization. Tanya has always been a gatherer, collecting and taking in, objects, moments and memories. She uses glass in combination with natural and found objects to express and reflect her experiences, thoughts and questions about the world we live in and who we are. Her work has been exhibited throughout North America, Europe and Japan and is in many private and public collections including the Musee National des Beau-arts du Quebec. www.tanyalyons.ca
Darlene Bolahood
Darlene Bolahood engages in many forms of visual communication through the arts. She completed her B.Sc. at the University of Toronto, focusing on organic chemistry and philosophy, and then continued her studies in painting, drawing, sculpture and textile arts at the Banff School of Fine Arts, Sheridan College, and Fleming College. After completing her studio MFA at the University of Waterloo, she continues to focus on her own studio work in mixed media painting and sculpture. Professionally, Dar has engaged in industry as a designer/illustrator in fashion, costume and textiles, as well as architectural design for residential and commercial renovations. Partner in WHEW inc., she is a designer and producer of luxurious kid mohair textiles. Dar became involved in the art of computer animation, developing programs and presentations for private institutions, the industry and Ontario colleges, and launching Durham College's three year advanced diploma in Computer Animation. Dar currently enjoys her position her at Fleming College as full-time faculty teaching in the Visual and Creative Arts Diploma, Integrated Design Diploma, as well as other studio arts certificate programs at the Haliburton Campus.
Rosemary Vander Breggen
Instructor for:
Rosemary Vander Breggen is an Honours graduate of Studio Process Advancement at Fleming College and was the first Reclaim Resident Artist at HSAD in 2015. She spent seven years at Dundas Valley School of Art in Advanced Studio in Fine Art and also attended Sheridan College School of Design. Rosemary exhibits widely and is a published artist with work in international, corporate and private collections. She works primarily in the mediums of collage and paint, to which she has recently added sculpture and photography. For More Information: @rosemarysart
Ken Murray
Instructor for:
Ken Murray is a novelist, playwright, short story writer, and essayist. In 2015, Globe and Mail called Ken's novel, Eulogy, a "powerful, poignant debut." In 2017, Ken's adaptation of his short story The Exception was performed at the Roy Bonisteel Studio in the Old Church Theatre. His work has appeared in Prairie Fire, Globe and Mail, Mendacity Review, Brooklyn Rail, Ottawa Citizen, Canadian Business, and Maclean's. Since 2009, he has taught creative writing at the University of Toronto, School of Continuing Studies and has taught at Haliburton School of Art & Design since 2014. While earning his MFA at The New School in New York City, Ken also trained as a teaching artist with Community Word Project and taught with the organization Poets House. For More Information: kenmurray.ca
Nicholas Russell
Instructor for:
Nicholas Russell holds an Honours Degree in Music and also studied the art of guitar-making with Master Luthier Sergei De Jonge, designing and constructing a concert classical guitar under his tutelage. As a professional guitarist and music educator, Nick's musical style and knowledge spans genres, but his current exploration as a guitarist lies at the intersection of acoustic music, classic and contemporary jazz, and progressive rock. In recent years he has expanded his freelancing to include work as a composer (Dusk Dances Dance Festival, Arts Bournemouth University) and as a studio musician (Metalworks Studios, Escarpment Sound, Deschamps Studio). Numerous studio projects he has worked on have aired on national radio (CBC, Jazz FM, CFRU) and international television. Nick is officially endorsed by Godin Guitars (CAD) and Keeley Electronics (US). His most recent music release, ARCHTOP, was recorded on a 1949 Gibson L-7 Archtop guitar in 2021 and can be heard on all major streaming platforms. For More Information: @nicholas.on.guitar | nicholasrussell.ca
Margot Miller
Instructor for:
Margot Miller , recipient of a Design Canada Award, is an Honours Graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design University, (College Medal Winner) and a graduate the Ecotourism Management Program at Fleming College. She has exhibited at numerous galleries and shows including the Art Gallery of Ontario, the National Film Board of Canada, and the Ontario Crafts Council. As a lecturer and instructor in the arts and the business of art, she has taught at Sheridan College, St. Lawrence College, Queen's University and Fleming College. For many years Margot has taught workshops, designed and sold printed clothing, yardage, floor cloths and furniture from her shop and studio. In 2018 she was awarded her second Township Community Grant to fund the Rockport Spring Art Fair and Dry-Stone Wall Event-Celebrating Contemporary and Traditional Heritage Arts. Her work has sold in shows and stores in Canada and the US. She has travelled extensively in the Far East, documenting traditional textile techniques, and has worked as a designer for a British and Canadian company in India. Recently she has organized cultural walking tours, titled "Walk the Walls" to destinations such as Scotland (Mull, Iona, Orkneys), Ireland, England, Mallorca and Menorca with the organization Dry Stone Walls Across Canada. For More Information: margotmiller-summerhouse.com
Helen McCusker
Instructor for:
Helen McCusker is a graduate of the Sheridan College Illustration Program and has been a practicing artist for more than 40 years. A member of the Etobicoke Art Group, she has work in private collections, and exhibits in solo, juried and group exhibitions. For over 20 years, Helen has taught art classes throughout the GTA, specializing in drawing, figure drawing and painting, portraiture, and paper sculpture. Helen's teaching is based on a solid understanding of drawing and design principles and personal attention to each student. She is enthusiastic about helping students discover their potential and encouraging artistic exploration. For More Information: @helen mccusker | eaglewoodstudios.blogspot.ca
Brenna MacCrimmon
Instructor for:
Brenna MacCrimmon, based in Toronto, Canada, has been studying and performing the music of Turkey and the Balkans for decades and has looked for ways to blend and integrate it into different milieux. She has worked abroad with Selim Sesler and Karsilama (trad Turkish Roma), Muammer Ketencoglu (trad Balkan) and experimental rock group Baba Zula. She has also toured across Europe with Balkan beat DJ Shantel and the Bucovina Club Orkestra. She has recorded with the above musicians and has appeared as a guest on many diverse albums and film soundtracks in Canada, the US and Europe. She is a featured performer in Crossing the Bridge, Fatih Akin's 2005 documentary of the Istanbul music scene. In 2010, she found herself in Moscow as a member of the cast of Bobble with Bobby McFerrin. Her theatre work includes musical director of the award-winning Volcano production of Goodness. In 2019 she created and directed music for the Soulpepper production of Sina Gilani's recreation of Wedding at Aulis. She has delved into the roots of jazz and blues with late pianist Bill Westcott as the Ragtime Orioles - a connection forged by their mutual love of ukuleles. In addition to singing with Juno nominated vocal quartet Turkwaz, she plays with Greco Turkish ensemble Meltemi, travels widely to teach and perform. Recent collaborations include musical direction for MabelleArts Walk with Amal for Luminato 2023 and Amsterdam Klezmer Band's 2024 recording Bomba Pop with Dunklebunt. For More Information: greengoatmusic.ca
Miranda Britton
Instructor for:
Miranda Britton is a jeweller, multi-disciplinary artist and gallery owner based in Muskoka, Ontario. As a jeweller, Miranda creates pieces that explore the multitude of ways that humans converge with the natural world. Using abstracted and simplified representations of organic motifs, her pieces celebrate many facets of the natural world, reminding the wearer of their place within the natural order of things. Together with her father, Miranda opened the Britton Gallery in Bracebridge in late 2019 and the experience has re-invigorated her love of art in its many forms. For More Information: @mirandabritton | mirandabritton.com Rose Pearson
Instructor for:
Rose Pearson earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from York University, majoring in painting and drawing. She went on to receive her education degree and has over 30 years of experience teaching art in both the public school system in Alberta and Ontario, privately from her studio in Haliburton County and for the Haliburton School of Art + Design. Rose is the coordinator of the Visual and Creative Arts diploma at Fleming College. In addition to creating bodies of work for public gallery exhibitions, she is a member of the Haliburton Highlands Studio Tour. For More Information: rosepearson.com Jane Lewis
Instructor for:
Jane Lewis has been leading vocal groups since 2008, from "finding your voice" and "how to sing harmony by ear" workshops to various choirs, Circle Singing, and community singing events. She has been studying improvisational singing with Rhiannon, and during the pandemic, attending Musica do Circulo music improv training workshops online. As a singer-songwriter, she is often compared to Carole King, playing piano-based music that draws on her strength as a lyricist and singer. She performs most often with the folk duo Gathering Sparks (with Eve Goldberg), nominated for a 2014 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year. Jane has released two solo recordings, and Gathering Sparks released their newest album on Borealis Records in September 2019. For More Information: @janelewismusic | janelewis.ca Tanya Lyons
Tanya Lyons graduated with honours from the Sheridan College glass program. She also studied at the University of Art and Design Helsinki, Finland, The Atlin Art Centre in BC, and the Toyama Institute of Glass Art in Japan. She taught glass at Sheridan College for four years, was a resident at the Harbourfront Centre as well as volunteering on the Board of Directors for the Glass Art Association of Canada. After 14 years in Quebec, Tanya has moved back to her hometown community to raise her daughter and continue her sculptural work with glass. Reflecting her passion for helping people find their way, she continues to teach in the glass program at the Haliburton School of Art + Design. She is the Co-Coordinator of the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour and a collaborating artist with the Ottawa Valley Community Arts organization. Tanya has always been a gatherer, collecting and taking in, objects, moments and memories. She uses glass in combination with natural and found objects to express and reflect her experiences, thoughts and questions about the world we live in and who we are. Her work has been exhibited throughout North America, Europe and Japan and is in many private and public collections including the Musee National des Beau-arts du Quebec. www.tanyalyons.ca Darlene Bolahood
Darlene Bolahood engages in many forms of visual communication through the arts. She completed her B.Sc. at the University of Toronto, focusing on organic chemistry and philosophy, and then continued her studies in painting, drawing, sculpture and textile arts at the Banff School of Fine Arts, Sheridan College, and Fleming College. After completing her studio MFA at the University of Waterloo, she continues to focus on her own studio work in mixed media painting and sculpture. Professionally, Dar has engaged in industry as a designer/illustrator in fashion, costume and textiles, as well as architectural design for residential and commercial renovations. Partner in WHEW inc., she is a designer and producer of luxurious kid mohair textiles. Dar became involved in the art of computer animation, developing programs and presentations for private institutions, the industry and Ontario colleges, and launching Durham College's three year advanced diploma in Computer Animation. Dar currently enjoys her position her at Fleming College as full-time faculty teaching in the Visual and Creative Arts Diploma, Integrated Design Diploma, as well as other studio arts certificate programs at the Haliburton Campus. Rosemary Vander Breggen
Instructor for:
Rosemary Vander Breggen is an Honours graduate of Studio Process Advancement at Fleming College and was the first Reclaim Resident Artist at HSAD in 2015. She spent seven years at Dundas Valley School of Art in Advanced Studio in Fine Art and also attended Sheridan College School of Design. Rosemary exhibits widely and is a published artist with work in international, corporate and private collections. She works primarily in the mediums of collage and paint, to which she has recently added sculpture and photography. For More Information: @rosemarysart Ken Murray
Instructor for:
Ken Murray is a novelist, playwright, short story writer, and essayist. In 2015, Globe and Mail called Ken's novel, Eulogy, a "powerful, poignant debut." In 2017, Ken's adaptation of his short story The Exception was performed at the Roy Bonisteel Studio in the Old Church Theatre. His work has appeared in Prairie Fire, Globe and Mail, Mendacity Review, Brooklyn Rail, Ottawa Citizen, Canadian Business, and Maclean's. Since 2009, he has taught creative writing at the University of Toronto, School of Continuing Studies and has taught at Haliburton School of Art & Design since 2014. While earning his MFA at The New School in New York City, Ken also trained as a teaching artist with Community Word Project and taught with the organization Poets House. For More Information: kenmurray.ca Nicholas Russell
Instructor for:
Nicholas Russell holds an Honours Degree in Music and also studied the art of guitar-making with Master Luthier Sergei De Jonge, designing and constructing a concert classical guitar under his tutelage. As a professional guitarist and music educator, Nick's musical style and knowledge spans genres, but his current exploration as a guitarist lies at the intersection of acoustic music, classic and contemporary jazz, and progressive rock. In recent years he has expanded his freelancing to include work as a composer (Dusk Dances Dance Festival, Arts Bournemouth University) and as a studio musician (Metalworks Studios, Escarpment Sound, Deschamps Studio). Numerous studio projects he has worked on have aired on national radio (CBC, Jazz FM, CFRU) and international television. Nick is officially endorsed by Godin Guitars (CAD) and Keeley Electronics (US). His most recent music release, ARCHTOP, was recorded on a 1949 Gibson L-7 Archtop guitar in 2021 and can be heard on all major streaming platforms. For More Information: @nicholas.on.guitar | nicholasrussell.ca Margot Miller
Instructor for:
Margot Miller , recipient of a Design Canada Award, is an Honours Graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design University, (College Medal Winner) and a graduate the Ecotourism Management Program at Fleming College. She has exhibited at numerous galleries and shows including the Art Gallery of Ontario, the National Film Board of Canada, and the Ontario Crafts Council. As a lecturer and instructor in the arts and the business of art, she has taught at Sheridan College, St. Lawrence College, Queen's University and Fleming College. For many years Margot has taught workshops, designed and sold printed clothing, yardage, floor cloths and furniture from her shop and studio. In 2018 she was awarded her second Township Community Grant to fund the Rockport Spring Art Fair and Dry-Stone Wall Event-Celebrating Contemporary and Traditional Heritage Arts. Her work has sold in shows and stores in Canada and the US. She has travelled extensively in the Far East, documenting traditional textile techniques, and has worked as a designer for a British and Canadian company in India. Recently she has organized cultural walking tours, titled "Walk the Walls" to destinations such as Scotland (Mull, Iona, Orkneys), Ireland, England, Mallorca and Menorca with the organization Dry Stone Walls Across Canada. For More Information: margotmiller-summerhouse.com Helen McCusker
Instructor for:
Helen McCusker is a graduate of the Sheridan College Illustration Program and has been a practicing artist for more than 40 years. A member of the Etobicoke Art Group, she has work in private collections, and exhibits in solo, juried and group exhibitions. For over 20 years, Helen has taught art classes throughout the GTA, specializing in drawing, figure drawing and painting, portraiture, and paper sculpture. Helen's teaching is based on a solid understanding of drawing and design principles and personal attention to each student. She is enthusiastic about helping students discover their potential and encouraging artistic exploration. For More Information: @helen mccusker | eaglewoodstudios.blogspot.ca Brenna MacCrimmon
Instructor for:
Brenna MacCrimmon, based in Toronto, Canada, has been studying and performing the music of Turkey and the Balkans for decades and has looked for ways to blend and integrate it into different milieux. She has worked abroad with Selim Sesler and Karsilama (trad Turkish Roma), Muammer Ketencoglu (trad Balkan) and experimental rock group Baba Zula. She has also toured across Europe with Balkan beat DJ Shantel and the Bucovina Club Orkestra. She has recorded with the above musicians and has appeared as a guest on many diverse albums and film soundtracks in Canada, the US and Europe. She is a featured performer in Crossing the Bridge, Fatih Akin's 2005 documentary of the Istanbul music scene. In 2010, she found herself in Moscow as a member of the cast of Bobble with Bobby McFerrin. Her theatre work includes musical director of the award-winning Volcano production of Goodness. In 2019 she created and directed music for the Soulpepper production of Sina Gilani's recreation of Wedding at Aulis. She has delved into the roots of jazz and blues with late pianist Bill Westcott as the Ragtime Orioles - a connection forged by their mutual love of ukuleles. In addition to singing with Juno nominated vocal quartet Turkwaz, she plays with Greco Turkish ensemble Meltemi, travels widely to teach and perform. Recent collaborations include musical direction for MabelleArts Walk with Amal for Luminato 2023 and Amsterdam Klezmer Band's 2024 recording Bomba Pop with Dunklebunt. For More Information: greengoatmusic.ca Miranda Britton
Instructor for:
Miranda Britton is a jeweller, multi-disciplinary artist and gallery owner based in Muskoka, Ontario. As a jeweller, Miranda creates pieces that explore the multitude of ways that humans converge with the natural world. Using abstracted and simplified representations of organic motifs, her pieces celebrate many facets of the natural world, reminding the wearer of their place within the natural order of things. Together with her father, Miranda opened the Britton Gallery in Bracebridge in late 2019 and the experience has re-invigorated her love of art in its many forms. For More Information: @mirandabritton | mirandabritton.com Rose Pearson
Instructor for:
Rose Pearson earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from York University, majoring in painting and drawing. She went on to receive her education degree and has over 30 years of experience teaching art in both the public school system in Alberta and Ontario, privately from her studio in Haliburton County and for the Haliburton School of Art + Design. Rose is the coordinator of the Visual and Creative Arts diploma at Fleming College. In addition to creating bodies of work for public gallery exhibitions, she is a member of the Haliburton Highlands Studio Tour. For More Information: rosepearson.com