ABOUT US
SkyBlue Studio has been a staple of our neighbourhood for nearly a decade. Now under the ownership of artist Mirka Loiselle, the studio is reaffirming its commitment to providing a playful and welcoming space for art-loving kids — and adults who want to reengage with their inner creative child.
At SkyBlue, we know that an arts education is about more that technical skill: it’s about fostering creativity, confidence, and joy. Our approach balances both guided learning with opportunities for play and experimentation, encouraging our students to challenge themselves, hone their unique artistic voices, and have fun.
WHAT WE OFFER
Learning from professional artists
Our classes draw on the creativity and expertise of our team of instructors, all of whom work and play within different creative industries. We regularly invite guest artists to host classes & workshops in our space.
Mixed Media & Creative Play
Our approach encourages play and experimentation with a wide variety of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, printmaking, and more. We aim to expose young artists to a wide variety of artistic tools, exploring fun and techniques to get creative juices flowing.
French Language Opportunities
SkyBlue Studio has its roots as a bilingual creative space, and continues to offer a selection of classes and camps for French language speakers and learners. Most of our staff are fluent in French, offering the opportunity for students in our camps and after-school programs to enhance their language skills.
MEET OUR STAFF
Mirka Loiselle (she/they) is a visual artist and educator who is passionate about creating art for, and with, kids of all ages. They have worked with a number of GTA-based organizations, including VIBE Arts, Art Starts, and ExploreIt!. Mirka took over ownership of SkyBlue at the beginning of 2022, after three years at the studio as an instructor and program coordinator. In addition to her work as an educator, Mirka works as a freelance children’s book illustrator and comic artist.
Sasha Pinney is a graduate of OCAD U with a degree in drawing/painting and a minor in criticism/curatorial practices. Sasha is the owner of Mangled Studios and has been providing community based arts programming to youth/adults for the last several years. Sasha is currently completing her graduate degree in counseling psychology and in the future hopes to incorporate art into the helping professions.
Sasha Pinney
Program Co- Manager & Instructor
Owner & Instructor
Mirka Loiselle
Sasha Pinney is a graduate of OCAD U with a degree in drawing/painting and a minor in criticism/curatorial practices. Sasha is the owner of Mangled Studios and has been providing community based arts programming to youth/adults for the last several years. Sasha is currently completing her graduate degree in counseling psychology and in the future hopes to incorporate art into the helping professions.
Instructor
Frances Loiselle (they/she) is a french canadian multi-disciplinary artist based in Tkaronto/Toronto. She has taught at SkyBlue since 2020, and has previously taught arts to youth with Stagecoach Performing Arts and Theatre on the Ridge. She occasionally teaches at Mangled Studios, and her practice focuses on acrylic painting, though she's been wandering back in cartooning. Frances loves dogs, dark chocolate and reading, and has been doodling on anything and everything since she could hold a pencil. She is passionate about helping students find their creative voice!
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Frances Loiselle
CJ is an interdisciplinary artist based in Tkaronto/Toronto with a love for mushrooms, the colour yellow, and hamsters. She specializes in print making and design but enjoys working with a variety of mediums. Their goal is to bring a little bit of joy to every space they're in by finding the play in art making, and encouraging students to find their inner child - no matter the age! CJ has taught at Skyblue since the summer of 2023, and is excited to continue teaching in the fall.
CJ Chua
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Cayne Kitagawa (he/him) is a multidisciplinary artist with a degree in fine arts with a specialty in acting and a minor in French from U of T, as well as a diploma of acting from Sheridan College. For 6 years, he has worked with kids of all ages in environments ranging from camps to birthday parties to babysitting. As a hands-on learner, he loves trying new things and experimenting with different art forms and techniques. An energetic and adventurous goof, he is always willing to help others find their own creative spirit as well!
Cayne Kitagawa
Haley Meyer is an oil painter based in Toronto. Her work explores the connection between memory loss and transitional places, using fleeting images taken while in transit to reflect how memories slip, fade, and blur over time. She has exhibited her work across Ontario and graduated from OCAD University’s Drawing & Painting program with a minor in Printmaking & Publications.