Victorian Poisonous Plant Study: Painting Holly with Annie Parkes
$65.00
Date: Tuesday, November 17th 2026
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Ages: Strictly 15+
Returning artist Annie Parkes joins us in the Curiosa Common Room for another evening of painting inspired by the darker side of the botanical world, this time with a festive twist!
Our next specimen is Holly (Ilex Aquifolium), a beloved symbol of the holiday season with a surprisingly sinister side. Long associated with winter solstice celebrations and believed to ward off evil spirits, holly has adorned homes for centuries. But beneath its glossy green leaves and cheerful red berries lies a secret, those beautiful berries are toxic if eaten.
Inspired by Victorian botanical studies and illustrations from old natural history books, Annie will guide you step-by-step as you create your own miniature painting of this festive but poisonous plant in vibrant gouache. She'll also show you how to paint and distress a miniature frame, transforming your finished piece into a tiny vintage treasure perfect for a curious gallery wall.
No painting experience is necessary - Annie's gentle, guided approach makes this workshop perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike. Each participant will receive all the materials needed to create their painting and vintage-inspired frame. Holly is the second in our series of Victorian Poisonous Plant Studies, following Giant Hogweed, and another beautifully dangerous botanical specimen to add to your growing gallery wall. Whether you're returning to expand your collection or joining us for the first time, everyone is welcome!
Instructor
Annie Parkes is a self-taught floral artist from Toronto who weaves a touch of magic into every stroke of her brush. Known for pairing her vibrant artworks with music, she transforms each painting into a symphony of color and melody.
Her journey with gouache has been a blossoming adventure, and she delights in inviting others into her whimsical world of enchanted gardens and dreamy floralscapes. With each brushstroke, Annie brings flowers to life, transforming canvases into vibrant realms of wonder and beauty.
Cancellation Policy
Please note that all our facilitators carefully prepare in advance for each event, whether it’s gathering materials, setting up special activities, or creating a memorable experience. For this reason, once purchased, tickets are non-refundable.
If your plans change, you’re welcome to transfer your ticket to a friend up to 24 hours before the event. Just call us at (647) 341-0394 or send an email to oracle@curiosasociety.com with the new participant’s name, phone number, and email address, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Please Note
To ensure you don’t miss out, we recommend arriving a little early to get settled in.
Our event space is on the second floor, accessible only by stairs; if this raises any accessibility concerns, we encourage you to contact us before purchasing tickets to explore what accommodations, if any, might be possible.
For a full list of our workshop and event policies please visit our F.A.Q. page.
