Art and Sole Academy

Art and Sole Academy The Art & Sole Academy is the first shoemaking school in Canada to offer classes and workshops for those interested in learning the art of shoemaking.

Learn the ins and outs of the footwear industry by taking one of our shoemaking workshops. Within each workshop you will be guided through the entire design process from start to finish and will learn how to design footwear from both a creative and technical perspective. At the end of the workshop, not only will you be able to walk out wearing your own work of art, but also with the knowledge and experience needed to continue making more shoes on your own at home.

04/13/2026

Hello shoemakers — it’s been a minute 🖤

I’m so excited to share that I’ll be hosting a Fuzzy Slipper Making Workshop at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto!

This hands-on experience is perfect for beginners and creative enthusiasts alike — you’ll learn the foundations of footwear construction while crafting your own pair of luxe, cozy slippers.

Think: slowing down, working with your hands, and leaving with something beautiful you made yourself!
Date: Saturday, April 25
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Bata Shoe Museum, Toronto
Price: $200 (all materials included)

We’re already over halfway full (!!) and spots are filling quickly.
If you’ve been thinking about it, this is your moment!

Register here: https://batashoemuseum.ca/event/fuzzy-slipper-making/

Dear Art and Sole friends, family and followers,I am writing to announce that after much thought I have decided at the e...
08/16/2022

Dear Art and Sole friends, family and followers,

I am writing to announce that after much thought I have decided at the end of this month to close the Art and Sole studio.

I will be forever grateful for the past 9 years of business. They have been the hardest yet most rewarding years of my life! When I launched Art and Sole back in 2013, I started off simply by offering pop up workshops out of various locations and little did I know that it was going to grow into so much more! Over the years Art and Sole turned into a permanent creative space for like minded people to connect, create and collaborate. I have had the pleasure of teaching over 4000 + students from all over the globe and have had so many incredible collaborations present themselves…

It was a dream to own and operate Art and Sole out of both my Toronto and North Bay Studios. Each of these spaces provided me with a safe creative oasis. The heart to hearts, stories, laughs and lessons shared within these walls will always be cherished.

With all that said- Don’t worry! Even though the physical space will be no longer…This is not an official good bye… Just see you later! The Art and Sole website will remain live online. After a much needed break.... I will most likely offer a pop up workshop here and there… Possibly even a retreat! So I would highly recommend subscribing to our newsletter to stay up to date.

Now I am sure you are all wondering why the sudden news!?! Well…The main reason for closing the studio doors is that over the past two years my life has changed drastically in all categories: Health, Wealth, Love and Happiness. The pandemic provided me with the time to reset and re-evaluate my goals, values and needs. Ultimately the verdict was that I needed: CHANGE.

For the first in years- I gave myself the permission to prioritize what felt good rather than what I felt I had to do… One of these shifts was that I started making time for my own art practice. Taking the time to draw, paint, research and explore the contemporary art world started to open doors and eventually these opportunities led to an offer I couldn’t refuse…

I am pleased to announce that I am now the new Director/Curator at the WKP Kennedy Gallery. I am thrilled to be stepping into this role. My goal moving forward is to build upon the gallery’s heritage and strong foundation. I am very motivated to spread awareness and increase foot traffic through the gallery doors by developing engaging programming, thought provoking exhibits and immersive events for all to enjoy!

I would like to invite you all along for the ride as I enter into this new chapter. For those interested you can hop over and follow the WKP Kennedy Gallery to stay up to date on all of the exciting new changes to come!

- Jenn xo

Our next Sandal making workshop will take place August 9th/ 16th/ 23rd/ 30th (6-9pm each evening)It’s not too late to m...
07/11/2022

Our next Sandal making workshop will take place August 9th/ 16th/ 23rd/ 30th (6-9pm each evening)

It’s not too late to make the perfect custom pair to enjoy/wear this summer!

For more information: www.artandsoleacademy.com

We have 1 spot left in our upcoming Clog Workshop scheduled for July 23rd/ 24th 11-5pm each day!Students will begin the ...
07/11/2022

We have 1 spot left in our upcoming Clog Workshop scheduled for July 23rd/ 24th 11-5pm each day!

Students will begin the workshop by selecting their designs from over 10 trusted patterns provided and then will have the opportunity to customize their patterns to match personal measurements, proportions and design preferences. Please note: There are several design possibilities although your design must be open toe/ open heel as we are not working with lasts.

Once we have settled on our design, students will then peruse our large assortment of premium leather to select their own unique color and material combination. From there we will move into the following stages: paper pattern draping, cutting, assembling, fitting, soling and finishing! After 12 hours of class time, each student will have the opportunity to walk out the door wearing their masterpiece!

Did you know: The origin of the modern word “espadrille” comes from the olden times when the braided rope used for the s...
06/30/2022

Did you know: The origin of the modern word “espadrille” comes from the olden times when the braided rope used for the soles was made out of a w**d called “Esparto”. The name espadrille is most probably derived from the Catalan word Espardenya.

For more information: www.artandsoleacademy.com

Have you ever noticed when you sit down to do one of your favourite hobbies /activities it can help take your mood from ...
06/29/2022

Have you ever noticed when you sit down to do one of your favourite hobbies /activities it can help take your mood from bad to good? Maybe you’ve noticed that it helps clear your thoughts and keep you focused on what you’re doing, naturally making you feel calm.

This is because anything that is physical, repetitive or a tactile experience such as sport or hands-on crafts like sewing are mindful activities. They require us to be present in the moment,which can reduce our anxiety, depression, and stress over time. Mindfulness is often recommended by therapists and other mental health professionals as a way to deal with day-to-day stress and negative feelings so this is your daily reminder to reserve time for what brings you joy!

📷 by of at our Buick event a few years back…

Espadrille Essentials 🪡 This style of shoe requires limited supplies and equipment to achieve a successful and professio...
06/28/2022

Espadrille Essentials 🪡

This style of shoe requires limited supplies and equipment to achieve a successful and professional result!

For those of you interested in making a pair of your own, our 4 part group workshop begins July 7th 6-9pm and runs for the following 3 Thursday evenings!

For more information: https://www.artandsoleacademy.com/store/c15/COURSES.html

We are a design studio devoted to design driven dreamers. We value thoughtful products, immersive experiences and beleiv...
06/27/2022

We are a design studio devoted to design driven dreamers. We value thoughtful products, immersive experiences and beleive all big dreams start with small steps❤️

To learn more: www.artandsoleacademy.com

Art and Sole is rooted in the experience. We believe that everything is better when we slow down and take a moment to tr...
06/26/2022

Art and Sole is rooted in the experience. We believe that everything is better when we slow down and take a moment to truly connect with one another and most importantly ourselves. Every part of our workshop process is designed to link you to the rich history, individuals, the materials, and stories that are layered into the shoemaking process ❤️

For more information: www.artandsoleacademy.com

Meet Alix!!! She’s amazing :) But she is moving away and leaving me :(Last week I made her a pair of custom sandals so s...
06/25/2022

Meet Alix!!!

She’s amazing :) But she is moving away and leaving me :(

Last week I made her a pair of custom sandals so she could have a piece of Art and Sole to bring with her on her next chapter as she continues to conquer the world!

For those interested in the custom sandal making process- I documented each step and wrote up a blog article to share with you all!

Blog link: https://www.artandsoleacademy.com/blog/the-sandal-making-process

Address

315 Algonquin Avenue
North Bay, ON
P1B4W1

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