We are committed to recreation and leisure activities of all kinds for the entire family. The Arts & Culture section was established to serve the entire community by helping to support, promote and develop arts programming for all ages and abilities. The goal is to tap the talents and interests of local artists and cultural organizations and encourage their involvement in the community wide programming and special activities that everyone can enjoy.
The Arts & Culture office is responsible for a wide range of arts programming with many art related classes for children, teens and adults.
Looking for Recreation and Sports programs? Click here.
Click on the following tabs for more information about each program:
NEW! Ballroom Dancing Lessons |
Ballroom Dancing for Fun
This session offers beginner lessons in three different styles. Foxtrot and Waltz are contemporary European and North American dance styles that are popular in pop and country music. Triple Swing is the popular rock-n-roll dance from the 1960s and remains relevant today. Program Details Times: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Foxtrot – Beginner Levels 1 and 2, with conversion to Waltz later in session 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. Triple Swing - Beginner Levels 1 and 2 Cost: $150.00 Foxtrot and Triple Swing – 2 Hours each night 7 – 9 pm $100.00 Foxtrot Only 7 – 8 pm $100.00 Triple Swing Only 8 – 9 pm Location: Benson Centre - MacEwen Room
The Instructors - Tom Manley and Isabelle Masson - Tom and Isabelle have been dancing ballroom for fun for about 18 years and have been teaching ballroom dancing for 3 years. Before starting ballroom, they already enjoyed going out, listening to music, and freestyle dancing. Over time, they started looking for more, beyond the routine bobbing back and forth of freestyle dancing. Seeing an advertisement, they started classes and never looked back. Tom is living proof that anyone can learn ballroom dancing. He was initially clumsy with two left feet, could not hear the beat, and struggled to remember the figures. But Tom caught the rhythm and now leads graciously. Isabelle was a natural as she picked up the beat easily and flowed smoothly on the dance floor. The two are now respected dancers and they relish any occasion to go out and enjoy a band or a party.
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New Adult Improv and Adult Acting Classes |
Improv for Adults Click here for Improv for Adults Registration Form
Acting 101 for Adults
Dates: Thursdays March 21 - Thursday May 9, 2019 Acting classes will allow you to: *Have Fun *Build Confidence *Improve speaking and presentation skills *Let your creativity blossom Instructor Brett Desrosiers - Brett has been a working actor, writer, director and teacher of drama for many years now. She possesses a Diploma in Theatre Arts from Algonquin College and a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree with a Specialization in Theatre Arts from the University of Ottawa. Brett's specialty is in comedy but she has both directed and acted in dramatic plays. All and all, Brett sees theatre and drama as a chance for people to build confidence with their speaking and presentation skills and to allow for creativity to blossom. For more information on the Improv programs please e-mail ltaillon@cornwall.ca or call 613-938-9898 x2 |
New! Adult Dance Classes - Introduction/Beginner Contemporary Dance |
Introduction/Beginner Contemporary Dance Free class on Monday January 10 A beginner contemporary class influenced by ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern techniques. Classes will consist of a warming-up which includes; stretching, limbering, strengthening, co-ordination, alignment and articulation exercises. Moving forward to the body of the class we will explore movement exercises that engage dynamics, mood, intention, imagery, levels, travelling, timing, and more. Floorwork while seated, lying, standing and travelling will incorporate exercises enhancing foot, leg, hip, spine, arms and hands articulation, postural alignment, core support, use of breath, weight distribution, full body co-ordinations and releasing of unnecessary tension for fluidity. Class will close with learning choreographed sequences together in unison and in groups for potential performances. Program Details: Click here for Adult Contemporary Dance Registration Form Bio: Amanda Marini-Rohde Amanda holds her Bachelor of Fine Arts with honours in dance and is an elementary teacher with the Ontario College of Teachers, a dance instructor, choreographer and performer. She has taught dance and movement to movers of all ages in public schools, her own dance studio, senior homes and even bachelorette parties! She has always been a kinesthetic, musical learner and so movement comes quite naturally to her. She has studied many different forms of movement including contemporary dance, traditional folk dance, world dances, ballet, jazz, Pilates, yoga, Nia and various forms of conditioning and body awareness techniques. She has taught contemporary, jazz, broadway, burlesque, ballet, conditioning, expressive and creative dance in a variety of platforms including workshops, day camps, traditional classes and more. Her passion is clear in her instruction and attention to her students in the learning environment. Oh, and improv dance is also her absolute favourite thing to incorporate into all her classes!
For more information on recreation programming please contact 613-938-9898 x2 or e-mail at ltaillon@cornwall.ca |
NEW! Youth Drama Classes - Acting Out |
Youth Drama Classes - Acting Out
- Building Confidence - Listening Skills - Presentation Skills - It's really fun! - Working on our Acting Chops! Instructor - Brett Desrosiers - Brett has been a working actor, writer, director and teacher of drama for many years now. She possesses a Diploma in Theatre Arts from Algonquin College and a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree with a Specialization in Theatre Arts from the University of Ottawa. Brett's specialty is in comedy but she has both directed and acted in dramatic plays. All and all, Brett sees theatre and drama as a chance for people to build confidence with their speaking and presentation skills and to allow for creativity to blossom.
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NEW! Improv Junior Acting Class |
Improv Junior Acting Class
Winter 2019 Session Improv Junior! Improv Class for ages 4-7, focusing on drama techniques and improv for kids.
- Speaking up!
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March Break Workshops |
The Recreation Department of the City of Cornwall will be offering a wide range of activities during the March Break to keep you and your family busy! Some of the possiblities include:
March Break Fun and Games Workshops Boys and Girls Club Day Camp March Break Camp Boys and Girls Club - Choose Your Own Adventure Camp Sports, Games and Positive Activities Dates: Monday March 11 - Friday March 15, 2019 Cost: Details to Follow Registration for camp is available at the Benson Centre, Aquatic Centre and the Boys and Girls Club at 506 Marlborough Street.
Visit the Ed Lumley Arena Hall at the Cornwall Civic Complex for a walking or jogging session. The arena is open to walkers and joggers from 7 am to 9 pm every day (except in the evenings when a Cornwall Colts hockey game is scheduled). Walking and jogging at the Benson Center will be interrupted due to the holiday schedule for March Break. We encourage walkers / joggers to use the hall of the Cornwall Civic Complex as an alternative venue.
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Gingerbread Construction Workshops - Christmas |
Christmas Gingerbread House Construction (Ages 5 - 12 Years) Join us and create your very own gingerbread house and decorate it any way you like. All the goodies will be supplied. Keep your eyes peeled for this "SWEET" program. Sign up early as space is limited. Program note: Parent/Guardian over 14 years of age is required. Date: Returning December 2019
Click here for Gingerbread Construction Workshop Registration Form
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Youth Painting & Drawing |
Attack Art with Pizzazz 6 - 10 years
Dates: Saturday January 19 - Saturday March 2, 2019 What to Expect: Discover the world of art with our new Attack Art with Pizzazz class for children ages 6 to 10 years. Students will get an opportunity to learn and practice a variety of art skills using different materials. Students will create original and amazing works of art. No experience necessary, just wish to have fun with art. Material will be provided, students are encouraged to wear "paint" clothes. Join instructor Penny Bateman for our new set of art lessons for children.
Freewheeling Art 10 - 13 years
Dates: Saturday January 19 - Saturday March 2, 2019 Time: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Location: Benson Centre Ages: 10 - 14 years Cost: $60.00
What to Expect: Experiment with known and new techniques in painting, drawing and printing and discover the wild and wonderful creations you can make. Work at your own pace and level of experience. Whether you are looking to discover or enhance your already existing art skills this class is for you. Students will get an opportunity to learn and practice a variety of art skills using different materials. Students will create original and amazing works of art. No experience necessary, just wish to have fun with art. Students are encouraged to wear 'paint' clothes. Join instructor Penny Bateman for our new set of art lessons for youth.
Click here for Freewheeling Art Registration Form
To sign up, use the contact information at the bottom of the page! Mixed Media Art 8 - 16 Years Program Details: Dates: New Dates Coming Soon Time: Location: Ages: Cost: |
Little Chefs - Cooking Up Fun! |
Little Chefs - Summer Programming Returning Summer 2019
Make it and taste it classes for boys and girls featuring healthy, fun, quick and easy recipes. Each Wednesday participants will be instructed on healthy eating, healthy lifestyles, basic kitchen skills and hands on cooking fun! Weekly themes include Tex-Mex, Italian, Cajun and more. There is a Little Chef in everyone!
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Tiny Tots Craft Program |
Check back soon for new dates for our Tiny Tots Craft Program. For more information please contact the Leisure Arts Coordinator by using the contact information at the bottom of the page. Join us for our special craft theme days specifically designed for children ages 2 - 5 at the Benson Centre. What a great way to spend time with your child or grandchild, working together on arts and crafts projects. We will take care of the set up, supplies and the clean up, you just have to create and have fun! Sign up for 1 or all 6 of our workshops. The program is offered in partnership between the Ontario Early Years Centre and the Department of Planning, Parks & Recreation. Ages: 2 - 5 years |
Arts and Crafts Workshops |
Arts and Crafts Workshops for Children
Art Attack Craft Workshops ( 5 to 13 years) Make-it and take-it classes for boys and girls will feature weekly theme-based crafts. Register for our upcoming classes, wear old clothes and come prepared to have fun. Younger students should be able to cut well with scissors and be able to print/copy simple words. Students will take home two or more crafts. Classes are held selected Saturday mornings throughout the year, (see below for full calendar) from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at the Benson Centre. Classes are instructed by Leah Prevost. Participants must pre-register at either the Benson Centre or the the Cornwall Aquatic Centre. |
Looking for information on other arts and cultural events in the community? Check out The Spectacle on the website of Your Arts Council for other upcoming events!
Contact Us
Lorne Taillon
Leisure Arts Coordinator
800 Seventh Street West, Box 877, Cornwall ON, K6H 5T9
T.: 613-938-9898 ext. 4012
F.: 613-938-8855
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