Workshops and presentations
In addition to my mural work, I offer a variety of presentations and workshops for schools, educators, community centres, and youth groups. Each session can be adjusted for any age group or setting. I especially love sharing my Woodland Arts presentation alongside mural projects. Learning about the history, symbolism, and teachings behind the artwork helps people connect more deeply with the mural and the stories it carries.
Education and community are such important parts of what I do. I love speaking with classes, working with youth, and creating spaces where people can learn, reflect, and create together. My goal is always to make each workshop educational, fun, and meaningful.
For pricing and booking inquiries, please reach out to me at justineproulxartistry@gmail.com.
Woodland Arts Presentation
In this presentation, I introduce basic history, symbolism, and artistic traditions of Woodland art, with a focus on Indigenous groups from the Plains region. We explore how art is used as a form of healing, why it holds such importance in Indigenous communities, and how ideas and stories can be translated into visual imagery through a Woodland arts perspective. I share examples of my own work and the ways I bring community stories to life through painting and murals.
These sessions are adaptable for all ages and settings, anywhere from elementary ages to adults and educators! They can be offered as a stand-alone talk, or incorporated into mural projects and workshop work. My goal is to create a meaningful introduction to Woodland art and its teachings, while also opening space for reflection, conversation, and connection.
For older audiences, I can also speak about the societal and political implications of Woodland art here in Manitoba, and how it continues to shape identity, resilience, and dialogue today.
Seven Teachings Presentation
In addition to my Woodland arts presentation, I also offer a Seven Teachings presentation. In this talk, I explore both the biological and spiritual aspects of each animal and the teachings they carry. This presentation is a little shorter, so it is usually added into the Woodland arts history talk, or woven into art workshops and mural projects.
Voices of the Land Presentation
While my banners are still up, I’m offering in-person art tours that can take place right where the banners are displayed, or in-house sessions where I share and speak about the artwork. Voices of the Land highlights Woodland art and Indigenous teachings through a series of twelve designs, each telling its own story. The imagery features Manitoba animals and plants viewed through an Indigenous lens. We will explore their biological and spiritual significance, the stories connected to them, and how these plants and animals have been used in both practical and medicinal ways. Through these banners, I hope to spark reflection, conversation, and connection between communities. This project celebrates Indigenous knowledge while honouring the shared values that connect us all.
Passion to Career Presentation
My journey to becoming a full-time artist was anything but traditional. Before I found my path in tattooing and painting, I worked in hairstyling, childcare, and even as a lifeguard. In this talk, I share my personal story of how I turned my passion for art into a career, and the lessons I learned along the way. I explore how creativity can meet real-world experience, and how every step, even the unexpected ones, can lead you toward your purpose. Students are encouraged to think about what “success” means to them, reflect on their own goals, and see that there are many different ways to build a meaningful future by following what inspires them.
Beading Presentation
In this presentation, I share a brief history of Métis beadwork and its cultural significance. We’ll look at the original materials used by our ancestors, what makes Métis beadwork unique, and why beading continues to hold such an important place in Indigenous communities today. I also touch on beadwork from other cultures, highlighting how creativity and storytelling connect us all. Alongside this, I introduce some of the modern tools used for beading and open a discussion about appreciation versus appropriation. The presentation concludes with a look at the very basics of felt beading, offering participants an introduction to the art form and its ongoing role in cultural expression and identity.
Workshops
Woodland Arts Painting Workshop:
Alongside my Woodland arts presentation, I offer interactive workshops where participants get the chance to create their own artwork in Woodland style. After hearing the Woodland Arts talk, and learning about the history, symbolism, and teachings, students spend time bringing their own stories and ideas to life through creating their own artwork. First we have a brainstorming session, where I help guide participants in shaping their ideas and finding ways to express them visually for their art piece. From there, we move into the creating portion, where students bring their concepts to life through colouring sheets, painting on canvas, or other mediums. These workshops can be adapted to any age or skill level! Finally, the workshop closes with a sharing component, giving everyone the chance to reflect on their work and the meaning behind it. These sessions usually need at least 3 hours minimum. These workshops can be a single session, or done through multiple sessions if creating a bigger project is desired. The goal is to spark creativity while encouraging participants to translate their thoughts and values into images, deepening both personal expression and connection to the art form.
Beading Workshop:
This workshop includes my beading presentation, followed by a hands-on beading session where participants can put their learning into practice. After exploring the history, meaning, and techniques of Métis beadwork, we move into creating our own beaded pieces. Depending on the group’s age, skill level, and the length of the workshop, there are a variety of project options available, from simple designs for beginners to more detailed work for experienced participants. This workshop offers a meaningful way to connect with culture, creativity, and the ongoing traditions of beadwork.