One of the joys of any hobby is sharing it with others. We’re partnering with hobbyists, artists and craftspeople in our community to teach a variety of workshops about painting models, crafting and more. These talented people will be teaching their tips and tricks, do's and dont's and other helpful information regarding a variety of hobbies.
Workshop Registration
Learn Hobby Skills in Community-Led Workshops
How It Works
Our workshop program is organized and hosted by BC Hobbies with the help of local artists and creators. Workshops will be hosted within Hillside Shopping Centre at a temporary location. Your facilitator will roll call attendants to the front of BC Hobbies and will lead the group to the workshop location together. It’s advised Show up a few minutes early!
Some basic supplies like paint & paintbrushes will be provided by BC Hobbies for the duration of the workshop, but some requirements outlined by the facilitator may require attendees to bring their own. Timeslots for our workshops depend on mall hours. They are:
Days: Fridays 12:30-3:30PM / 5:30PM-8:30PM, Saturdays 12:30PM-3:30PM
Capacity: 6-8 Attendees (Usually)
Ticket Price: $20.00
Age Requirement: Participants must be 14 years or older.
Duration: 2-3 hours with a 15 minute break.
Signing Up
To sign up for a workshop, check the available listing below. All our signups are handled via Eventbrite below. The ticket price for a workshop is $20. If we have to cancel a workshop, all tickets for that workshop are automatically refunded to their original method of payment via Eventbrite. Workshop attendants must be 14 years or older.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are workshops taking place?
Workshops are hosted within Hillside Shopping Centre. Meet at BC Hobbies and your facilitator will escort the group to the event space! Check the listings below to see when each workshop is held.
How much do workshops cost?
Ticket prices are $20 via Eventbrite.
Can I sign up for a workshop in-store?
No, you will be directed to this page. Tickets are available online only via Eventbrite.
Are there any specific rules or age limitations for workshop attendees?
All attendants must be over the age of 14. Other than that, be polite and courteous to other attendees and the facilitator. Do not disrupt the workshop - your facilitator will answer your questions after they have explained their points. Rudeness and inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated and will result in immediate ejection from the workshop.
Will I be filmed or photographed?
BC Hobbies will not be filming or taking photographs at these events. There is a possibility of photos or video being captured by your facilitator. If so, you will be told by your facilitator at the start of class and presented with a waiver. Your facilitator is responsible for any concerns around the media they capture during a workshop.
Are tickets refundable?
Tickets can now be refunded if necessary. If a workshop needs to be rescheduled or cancelled, eventbrite will automatically refund all tickets to any attendees that purchased one for that workshop.
Still Have Questions?
If you've still got questions, direct them to liam@bchobbies.com with the subject line "Workshop Questions" and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. Do not call the store with workshop questions, you will be referred to this page as organization is handled by our office team.
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Available Workshops
More 2025 Workshop Dates Coming Soon - Stay tuned for an update on social media!
May 10th: Miniature Painting - GW Method w/ Ariel
Miniature Painting: Games Workshop Method AM07
This workshop is designed to teach how to paint in the official GW style and get your miniatures looking as close as possible to the official look of Warhammer miniatures. It can be applied to any type of miniature though! Some general knowledge of painting miniatures will help with this workshop.
Level: Beginner
Capacity: 8
Facilitator: Ariel Moore/ariel_moore_minis
About the Facilitator(s): Ariel Moore has been painting miniatures for over 15 years. He is versed in teaching miniature painting methods and theory, and has taught in schools, summer camps, independently and within BC Hobbies programs. He has done commission work through BC Hobbies, and has a range of minis on display within the store.
Safety: There are no safety concerns.
What to Bring: Materials will be provided.
May 16th: Introduction to Terrain w/ Greg
Introduction to Terrain w/ Greg (GA03)
Have you ever wanted to create realistic looking battlefield terrain for your tabletop games, or dioramas for your models? Well good news: these all rely on the same basic skills. Greg has been building tabletop terrain for decades, and he’s here to show you the basics on working with scenic supplies from Woodland Scenics using a kit from BC Hobbies.
Level: Beginner
Capacity: 8
Facilitator: Greg Amlin (Subscribe on YouTube)
About the Facilitator(s): Greg has been building war-gaming terrain for over 30 years, has played 40k socially and competitively all over Canada. He has worked extensively within the business (including being trained in retail by Games Workshop). Additionally, he has had the great fortune of earning two Warhammer 40k Canadian Grand Champion titles.
Safety: Um… don’t eat the glue?
What to Bring: You don’t need to bring anything.
May 23rd & 24th: Introduction to Painting Miniatures w/ Jordan
Introduction to Painting Miniatures w/ Jordan (JR01)
This workshop is designed to teach you the basics of miniature painting, with a focus on what tools and supplies to use as well as how to use them. You’ll learn about priming, thinning and mixing paint, and get to paint your very own miniature to take home.
Level: Beginner
Capacity: 8
Facilitator: Jordan Riswold/little-ghost-minis
About the Facilitator(s): Jordan is a veteran hobbyist with a passion for 40k, painting, terrain sculpting and 3D Modeling.
Safety: There are no safety concerns.
What to Bring: Materials will be provided.
Want to Teach?
If you're one of our many talented hobbyists in the Victoria area and would like to teach a workshop through the BC Hobbies Workshop program, please reach out to liam@bchobbies.com with the subject line "Workshop Questions!" Be sure to outline exactly what you'd like to do, and if it fits within our plans we can work together to make it happen. Please be advised that BC Hobbies has the final say on any workshop plans, curriculums or materials and some changes may be imposed to make things fit within our framework.