Mixed Media Embroidery with Katy
Immerse in mixed media embroidery with textile artist Katy in Victoria, a haven for lush landscapes in British Columbia. Learn to follow your creative intuition as you layer watercolor, colored pencil, and embroidery on canvas, discovering the freedom and therapeutic joy of making—all set against the inspiring beauty of the Pacific coast.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $985
- Additional guest(s) (max 2)
- USD $480
Meet the Artist
Katy is a Chilean-born, Canadian-based textile artist known for her vibrant, expressive embroidery that reflects a fusion of South American folk art and contemporary abstract forms. Inspired by her Chilean roots and experiences abroad, she creates richly colored pieces that celebrate cultural traditions and personal creativity.
Her work stands out for its bold colors, textured layering, and intuitive stitches, often combining hand-painted elements with freehand embroidery. Using unique materials from embroidery floss to thicker ropes, she balances structure with spontaneity, combining threads and fabric with an almost painterly approach. Flowers, abstract shapes, and vivid scenes of nature are recurring themes in her work, capturing the energy and joy of her artistic process.
Katy’s approach to art is rooted in playfulness and freedom. She views embroidery as therapeutic, a way to find resilience and joy. Her abstract portraits and figures reflect themes of memory, family, and connection, giving shape to her reflections on home and belonging.
Her work is a beautiful example of how traditional techniques can be reimagined in a contemporary context, blending cultural heritage with personal storytelling. She is excited to offer you the freedom to explore without rules and embrace the unpredictable joy of creating, believing that everyone can feel like an artist and find personal insight in the act of making.
Her work stands out for its bold colors, textured layering, and intuitive stitches, often combining hand-painted elements with freehand embroidery. Using unique materials from embroidery floss to thicker ropes, she balances structure with spontaneity, combining threads and fabric with an almost painterly approach. Flowers, abstract shapes, and vivid scenes of nature are recurring themes in her work, capturing the energy and joy of her artistic process.
Katy’s approach to art is rooted in playfulness and freedom. She views embroidery as therapeutic, a way to find resilience and joy. Her abstract portraits and figures reflect themes of memory, family, and connection, giving shape to her reflections on home and belonging.
Her work is a beautiful example of how traditional techniques can be reimagined in a contemporary context, blending cultural heritage with personal storytelling. She is excited to offer you the freedom to explore without rules and embrace the unpredictable joy of creating, believing that everyone can feel like an artist and find personal insight in the act of making.
VAWAA Includes:
- Learn to paint fabric with acrylic, watercolors and inks exploring different techniques and how to combine these techniques with stitching.
- Compile a fabric journal to take home with textured studies while exploring intuitive processes.
- Learn to build rich, 3D stitched textures using materials like threads, yarns, and cotton ropes on fabric.
- Get guidance on a variety of stitching techniques including running stitch, back stitch, blanket stitch, chain stitch and intuitive embroidery textures.
- Create a finished art piece with a chosen technique.
- Studio visits with local Victoria artists based on availability.
- Tour the historic Emily Carr House in James Bay, home of Canada’s celebrated modernist painter (Fridays and Saturdays).
- Walk through the scenic Beacon Hill Park, with forested paths, ponds, and local wildlife like deer and peacocks.
Explore Victoria
Victoria, set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, is a city on the traditional territories of the Lkwungen (Lekwungen) people, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. As the capital city of British Columbia, it offers a scenic inner harbor, lush gardens, Victorian architecture, and a bustling downtown filled with art galleries, cafes, and unique shops. The nature-filled parks, oceanfront beaches, and nearby forests are a constant source of inspiration for Katy, with plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and whale watching. You won’t want to miss a visit to Butchart Gardens’ 55 acres of flower gardens and Hatley Castle, where you are free to roam among Japanese and Italian gardens. Whether you’re an outdoor lover or an architecture buff, you’ll savor Victoria’s relaxed pace of life and deep history as the home of First Nations in Canada.
Additional Details
The best time to visit Victoria is from May-October, when temperatures are mild and the surrounding nature is at its greenest. Unless you are accustomed to cold temperatures, it’s best to avoid winter (December-February, when it is very cold and rainy
This VAWAA is not available for a longer duration and cannot be adapted for people below 18 years. Seniors and friends with special needs are welcome as Katy’s studio is wheelchair accessible via elevator.
Katy speaks English and Spanish.
This VAWAA is not available for a longer duration and cannot be adapted for people below 18 years. Seniors and friends with special needs are welcome as Katy’s studio is wheelchair accessible via elevator.
Katy speaks English and Spanish.
Guest Reviews
Carla P., Canada
I had a wonderful time doing the mini-apprenticeship with Katy. She was friendly and kind and fun to be with. She was very generous in sharing her techniques and materials, and I learned much more than I expected! Katy wasn't prescriptive in her approach. She met me at my level, and let me decide how we would proceed each day. I initially thought I wanted to concentrate on painting on fabric, b Read more
Joyce B., Canada
I highly recommend this VAWAA with Katey. Her studio was filled with examples of her prolific art creations. Fiber, art installations, multimedia, acrylic and embroidery, gentle watery flowers with watercolour as a base and thoughtfully layered pastel. Also, the most lovely journal pages made with fabric thread and beads. I was immediately inspired.
Bonnie F., United States
I had the pleasure of spending three wonderful days with Katy through in Victoria, British Columbia, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
Katy is an exceptionally talented mixed-media artist who beautifully combines watercolor with hand stitching. She is also a gifted teacher who generously shared her techniques, creative process, and passion for her craft. I learned so much durin Read more
