Shades of Us: Portrait Drawing Workshop Series

Shades of Us is a 4-week portrait drawing workshop series designed for community members aged 40+ who are interested in exploring or continuing their learning in visual arts. Led by visual artist Kanisha Dabreo, the series introduces participants to the fundamentals of portrait drawing, including line, proportion, shading, and facial structure. Each week, participants will focus on drawing individual facial features-such as eyes, noses, and mouthsm gradually building the skills needed to bring these elements together into a complete portrait.

Workshop Details

Shades of Us will take place from 7pm – 9pm, at Nia Centre on the following dates:

• Wednesday February 25th, 2026
• Wednesday March 4th, 2026
• Wednesday March 11th, 2026
• Wednesday March 18th, 2026

No prior drawing experience is required, and all skill levels are welcome. This program encourages creative exploration, confidence-building, and community connection through the practice of portraiture.

Workshop Eligibility

This workshop series is designed for adults aged 40 and older who are eager to begin or further develop their skills in visual arts with a focus on portraiture. Space in this series is limited, and priority will be given to community members and visual artists who meet the following criteria:

• Live in Toronto or the GTA
• Some experience with portraiture drawing
• Able to commit and attend to all 4 workshop sessions
• Able to commute to Nia Centre for the Arts, 524 Oakwood Avenue, for each workshop
  
  

About the Facilitator

Kanisha Dabreo is a Caribbean-Canadian multidisciplinary artist, muralist, and digital designer whose work explores the intersections of identity, emotion, and personal narrative. Rooted in fine art and traditional media, her practice is guided by storytelling and an Afrocentric lens.

Kanisha uses art as a tool for reflection and connection, expressing narratives centred on beauty, joy, sacrifice, and Afrofuturism. She believes art has the power to encourage dialogue, build community, and honour the emotional depth of everyday human experience.

As an arts educator, Kanisha is dedicated to fostering creativity and artistic development in others through structured, inclusive workshops that support skill-building, experimentation, and personal expression. Her approach emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, creating welcoming learning environments for participants of all experience levels. Kanisha seeks to encourage meaningful connections to art while supporting the growth of emerging and community-based artists