what we are offering during covid-19 closures
The physical art centre is closed but there are still ways to connect!
Keep scrolling for current opportunities
Join our Community Board!
ways to connect
Our physical space at 25 Regina usually acts as a vibrant community centre. Offering a place for people to take classes, shop for handmade items, and view exhibitions. But the space is also so much more than that.
It is a place where folks stop by to talk, where connections are made, where impromptu inspiration and discussions take place. As we are missing the creative hub of our physical art centre right now due to COVID-19 precautions, we are looking to supplement. The Button Factory Arts Community Board is meant to be an open platform for artists, Button Factory Arts members, and the public to engage. New to fibre arts are creating a new weaving project you want comments on? Post it here! Found a cool opportunity that will help to support artists in your community?
Yep, post that too! Looking to connect with other painters? Give a shout out! We ask that everyone use this space respectfully and treats each other respectfully. It is not a space to sell your work, though if you would like to share your art and link folks to your profile, that is ok!
Click the Facebook icon below to connect.
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Online clubs
our groups and clubs are not just for members right now...
Normally these programs are only available to our members. We understand that this is a difficult time for people, and would like to make our programs available to as many people as possible. So, for the time being, we are hosting our groups and clubs online, and opening an invitation to the general public.
If you can financially afford to become a member, or to make a donation, your contribution can help us immensely.
Please see more information on becoming a member, or making a donation further down this page.
Button Factory Arts Sketch Club is an open invitation for artists working across numerous mediums, to meet weekly to practice the art of ‘observation’ and their drawing skills. During COVID-19 closures, you can participate
An informal weekly gathering of all levels of stitching enthusiasts, during which individuals can work on a current project or begin new ones in a supportive and relaxed environment. During COVID-19 closures, you can participate here
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Art can be the anchor that keeps us grounded throughout the dark waters of uncertainty. As this pandemic unfolds, it’s becoming clear how much more support we need for our mental and emotional wellbeing! Join us for a community that is centred around healing, positivity, emotional support and of course, art-making.
This group is facilitated by Carly Leyburne, an art therapist and teacher at Button Factory Arts. Carly specializes in watercolour and textile arts such as embroidery, felting, and slow stitching, but she is also a dabbler in most art mediums. During the course of this group, Carly will offer videos and posts with guided art projects, meditations, and affirmations that you can follow along with. You are also invited to post your own ideas about how to use art as medicine!
Though this group is meant to be therapeutic, it is not therapy. If you are looking for support from a licensed therapist, and not sure where to start, please feel free to contact Carly at for recommendations. If you or someone you know in the Waterloo Region is in crisis, please call "Here" 24/7 for support at 1-844-437-3257 (HERE247). If it is an emergency, please call 911 or visit your nearest hospital.
We would like to offer a huge thank you to the
Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation
for funding this program.
Participate and join here
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coming soon!
Virtual Classes & Therapeutic Outreach
online programs
support art in your community
Make a donation or become a member
We offer a safe and inclusive space for all members of our community to create, connect, and explore. Without our community support, we would not be able to continue to do the work we do. Please donate in ways that you can. At this time, during COVID-19 closures, donations are more crucial than ever.
Joining as a member helps us to continue to meet the important goals of our organization, and can also help us financially during this time. Click "Join Now" to sign up, and learn about our member benefits.
covid- 19 closure:
Official Letter from Executive director, heather franklin
Button Factory Arts Update - Closed until further notice
The Button Factory Arts facility will remain closed until further notice, as we follow municipal and provincial recommendations. We continue to remain closed during these times for the health and safety of our instructors, artists, volunteers, staff and the larger community.
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All classes and workshops this Spring (April /May/June are cancelled.
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All exhibitions (April/May/June) are postponed.
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All of the rentals in the interim are cancelled.
If you have paid for classes, we will be issuing refunds upon our return.
Please consider a donation or store credit if you are able to afford it.
Summer programs are still scheduled to run at this time.
(Summer Camp, July/August 2020) and can be registered for on our website at: https://www.buttonfactoryarts.ca/store-1
You can also still become a member in our online store, make donations, or take part in virtual programs. We are currently holding BFA ‘Virtual’ Sketch Club for members on Facebook. More opportunities will be added, so, continue to check our website, and follow us on social media.
Facebook: @ButtonFactoryArts | Instagram: @buttonfactoryarts
Staff continue to work behind the scenes during this crisis. We are currently planning our summer and fall programming. We wish all of our members, patrons, students, renters and volunteers to stay safe, and stay home and wash your hands. Take this time to reflect on your creative side and reconnect with family and friends.
We are all in this together. Be kind, be well. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at ed@buttonfactoryarts.ca
Heather Franklin,
Executive Director
Contact Us
Heather Franklin, Executive Director:
Allie Brenner, Program Director:
Erin Stamoulos, Head of Operations:
For general inquiries,
please use the contact form.
25 Regina St. South
Waterloo, ON N2J 1R8
(During facility closure we are
not monitoring our phone system)