Living Sutton
Cultural Recreation Activities
© Walter Miale, Christina Alonzo & Jean F. Pinel
Cultural Recreation Directory
In response to requests for information about the many cultural recreation offerings in our area, this directory lets you quickly and easily find arts-based activities that suit your interests and schedule.
You can search by artistic discipline, age of participation, language, keyword, etc.
The directory does not provide all the details (such as price, dates, place, or conditions) for each activity. Please contact the organizer or organization directly. Also, remember to regularly check the e-newsletter by the Sutton Volunteer Centre (CAB Sutton Newsletter) or on social media.
What is cultural recreation?
Cultural recreation is an activity that individuals willingly engage in during their free time to broaden their culture, improve the quality of their lives, and try out something in one of the following fields: the visual arts, performing arts, circus arts, dance, creative writing, slam and storytelling, reading, music and singing, or arts and crafts.
Cultural recreation is based on the principle of making culture accessible to all and contributing to community well-being.
Search in Cultural Recreation Directory
Acrobatic Classes
Description
Acrobatics and tumbling class, with music, working on coordination, balance, strength and flexibility in order to practice acrobatic figures such as the wheel, forward roles, headstand or shoulderstand. For kids ages 4 to 12.
Activités de la Bibliothèque municipale et scolaire de Sutton (In French only)
Description
En cours d’année, la bibliothèque organise différentes activités ludiques et instructives ouvertes à tous ou à un public cible comme les enfants. Ainsi ont déjà été organisés des combats de livres, des ateliers de bricolage ou des jeux en rapport avec la littérature. Activités à surveiller, annoncées sur FB ou Ressource Famille.
Adult ballet class
Description
Recreational ballet classes taught in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with live piano accompaniment. Enjoy the art of dance and a great form of exercise! Sign up for the entire session or attend on a drop-in basis (all levels).
Animal Sculpture Summer Course
Description
Clay sculpture course: Nine 2-hour classes, once a week, throughout the summer. Marek shares his knowledge to help you create an animal based on your own abilities and goals.
Annual P.E.N.S. Photo Contest
Description
Every year, the Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton (P.E.N.S.) picks a different theme for its annual contest to select the most beautiful photos of our mountains, taken in any season. The jury’s selections are shown at Mont Sutton during the Fall Festival and prizes are awarded (including one for young people under the age of 15). See contest details on the P.E.N.S. website.
Atelier de Théâtre (In French only)
Description
L’Atelier de Théâtre de Raymond Cloutier à Sutton veut offrir une initiation pour certains et une formation pour d’autres, à l’art dramatique, soit celui de jouer et d’interpréter des personnages et des situations avec réalisme et imagination. Ouvert aux jeunes de 17 à 77 ans, ces séquences de 12 rencontres de trois heures, comprennent trois plages : improvisations, techniques de jeu et travail de scènes. Raymond Cloutier a dirigé le Conservatoire d’art dramatique de Montréal durant douze ans et enseigne l’art d’improviser depuis 1969.
Atelier et Stage Souffle et voix (In French only)
Description
Un outil extraordinaire d’expression, de libération, de centration et d’enracinement. Atelier ou stage de 2 jours complets pour un travail en profondeur sur le corps par le souffle, la voix et le chant (groupe de 9 personnes au maximum).
Ateliers d’aquarelle (In French only)
Description
Ateliers de coaching en aquarelle réservé aux personnes ayant déjà suivi des cours : aide personnalisée utilisant le langage et les techniques d’aquarelle. Deux ateliers par an.
Ateliers d’écriture (In French only)
Description
Pour quiconque souhaite explorer son désir d’écriture, les ateliers de l’écrivaine québécoise populaire Francine Ruel sont une formidable source de stimulation. Grâce à son approche chaleureuse et dynamique, elle vous offre de découvrir ou d’approfondir toutes les étapes de l’écriture – de l’idée de départ jusqu’à la rédaction du roman en développant en profondeur des personnages, en apprenant les techniques de narration, en abordant les dialogues, en évitant les pièges. Francine Ruel : « Je ne peux donner de talent à personne, mais je peux vous enseigner la discipline et comment arriver à vos fins. » Possibilité d’accompagnement individuel pour tout projet avancé d’écriture.
Ateliers d’écriture créative (In French only)
Description
Avec ces ATELIERS D’ÉCRITURE CRÉATIVE l’auteur, récipiendaire du Premier prix littéraire Radio-Canada, vous propose une réflexion de fond sur l’art d’écrire et une expérience d’exploration littéraire engageante. Grâce aux outils proposés, le participant intègre des notions qui lui permettent de structurer sa pratique d’écriture, de dépasser ses blocages et de prendre en charge son autonomie créatrice. Il apprend également à mettre son écriture au service d’une quête, et à considérer celle-ci en terme d’hygiène émotionnelle. Le tout dans un climat de non-jugement et de bienveillance.
Ateliers d’écriture et coaching littéraire (In French only)
Description
L’écrivaine suttonaise Marie Clark propose des ateliers pour s’initier à la démarche d’écriture, perfectionner ses habiletés ou mener un projet à terme. Accessibles à tous, de 15 à 115 ans!
Basket Weaving Workshops
Description
Arielle Prince-Ferron invites you to explore the marvels of nature and while creating practical and decorative items. She gives workshops on basket weaving and shaping woven objects with cattails, willow and other local natural materials. She also offers workshops on botanical printing, natural dying and bookbinding. For all ages; also tailored to demand. In Sutton and the local area.
Bibliothèque Sutton Library Book Clubs
Description
The Bibliothèque Sutton Library has two book clubs, one in English and the other in French, which each meet every six weeks to discuss the books the groups have selected and read.
Boite à chansons / Open Stage Accoustic Event
Description
This friendly monthly gathering is an opportunity to share one or two songs or a piece of music with an audience of like-minded folks. For the love and enjoyment of music.
Choral singing for kids
Description
An introduction to choral singing for kids ages 7 and up, with or without musical experience. Students will learn to sing on pitch and in harmony, as well as an understanding of music theory.
Classical Ballet Classes for Children
Description
A range of classical ballet classes for children age 4-17, at all levels: pre-ballet (age 4-5), beginner (age 6-7), intermediate (age 8-17), boys’ ballet (from age 5). Programs follow the school year.
Contemporary Dance class for kids
Description
Contemporary dance class for kids 9 and up. Combines classical ballet techniques with modern modes of self-expression and music interpretation.
Contemporary dance for adults
Description
Classes exploring movement, expression and interpretation of music (all levels).
Cordes à vent Ensemble
Description
Community orchestra with musicians of all ages, especially kids age 8 and older. This string ensemble with piano, percussion and sometimes wind instruments is open to any musician who will enjoy an enriching experience before eventually moving on to a professional symphony orchestra. Repertoire of baroque to jazz, as well as classical music and film soundtracks. Two concerts a year (Christmas and Spring) with one or more performances. Nine pratices per concert. No registration fees.
Cours d’espagnol
Cours de tricot, crochet, crochet tunisien et bas (In Frenck only)
Description
Séries de cours de 2 h en groupe qui permettront d’apprendre ou de progresser sur les différentes mailles, la façon d’augmenter ou diminuer, de lire un patron, de réaliser un projet. Cours au choix : tricot débutant (5 cours), crochet débutant (3 cours) ou intermédiaire (4 cours), crochet tunisien (4 cours), bas en tricot (3 cours). Possibilité de cours privés. Cours sur mesure pour les enfants.
Cours de Yoga
Creative and Gypsy Dance Class
Description
Introduction to gypsy dances from around the world for fun and fitness, for girls age 3-5. Two 10-week sessions (one class per week): one in the spring and one in the fall.
Creative Dance
Description
Dance lessons for children aged 4 to 5.
D’Arts et de rêves – Workshops and Art Encounters
Description
The D’Arts et de rêves organization has a residency program for artists working in the visual arts, contemporary circus arts and literature. Depending on opportunity and the artistic forms being explored, interactive encounters or workshops may be offered as part of the artist’s process. Examples include shared poetry with writer Caroline Barbier; an exploration of haïku poetry with children’s writer Jeanne Pinchaud; and interactions with Domlebo (Work in Progress) around the artistic direction of his record album. Visit the website!
Dance Camp
Description
Dance camp during the school break. Instruction in rhythm and improvization; watch ballet performances and do other fun activities related to dance. For children age 5-12.
Dances from Around the World for Women – Class
Description
Introduction to gypsy dances from around the world for fun and fitness, for women age 15 and up. Two 10-week sessions (one class per week): one in the spring and one in the fall.
Danse avec moi (Dance with Me) for Toddlers
Description
Class for toddlers (ages 2-3) accompanied by a parent: introduction to the basics of classical techniques, encouraging cooperation and social skills to nourish a love of dance.
Discovery Rally
Description
An activity for family, friends or team building. Discover the treasures of the Eastern Townships and have a great time doing it. Information at the Sutton Tourist Office.
Djembe Lessons
Description
Small group class for beginners and intermediate students. Learn basic techniques and African rhythms; option to rent an instrument from the teacher (class lasts 75 minutes on Sunday). Three sessions/year. Adults and teens 15 years old and more.
École d’art de Sutton / Sutton School of Art
Description
The Sutton School of Art offers an educational and bilingual introduction to the arts for young and old (age 3-100). Knowledge is shared through the process of creating and exploring within the various disciplines, stimulating each individual’s growth and ability to express themselves. Disciplines: drawing, painting, sculpture, architecture, poetry, dance, theatre, photography, gardening, culinary arts and textile arts. Programming: summer camps, workshops, exhibitions, special events such as the design and building of summer pavilions by and for children.
Elementary dance
Description
Dance lessons for children aged 6 to 7.
Free Sculpture Workshop
Description
Clay and wax sculpture workshop where you can come and do your own work. Held once a week.
French Camp Camp
Description
French Camp Camp is a summer camp for parents and children. In this immersive environment of English and French, children are exposed to another language through music, dance, sports and the natural sciences. Cultural activities take place at the heritage Glen Sutton Church; other activities are held at Camping Nature Plein air. (Children from 6 to 16 years old accompanied by a parent)
Guilde des Tisserands de la vallée de Sutton / Sutton Valley Weavers Guild
Description
Since 1984, the Sutton Valley Weavers guild in West Brome has provided its members with access to looms, knitting machines and reference books. It’s a great way to learn together and create textile-based products through weaving, knitting, spinning, basketry, felting and dying. More recently, members have been learning new weaving techniques on a mechanized loom.
Guitar and Ukulele Lessons
Description
Private or small group lessons in ukulele (soprano or baritone) or guitar (classical or acoustic). Beginners and intermediate. Classes may be given in English, French or Spanish.
Gymnastic Classes
Description
Gymnastics course for beginners as well as those wishing to improve their skills while having fun. Possibility of a gymnastics day camp during the summer.
Imagimots (In French only)
Description
Faire travailler son esprit d’observation et déduction en associant une image à un mot en lien avec la lecture
Improv Sessions at the Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival
Description
Professional and amateur musicians get together for jam sessions. Visit the Festival website for more info.
Intergenerational Choir
Description
Led by two well-known professionals, Trisha Pope and Agnès Boisvert, these workshops welcome singers of all ages, languages and backgrounds, whether beginners or experienced. No audition required. Knowing that singing brings joy into our lives and reduces stress, the two leaders seek to encourage connections across generations to reduce isolation through song. Sessions last eight weeks (75 minutes per workshop).
Introduction to Acrylic Painting
Description
Introduction to making paintings using acrylic paints. Instruction provided to small groups of four children, age 7-12.
Introduction to Music
Description
Music class for children ages 4 to 6 in a friendly, bilingual group setting. Kids will learn the basics of music theory and notation, and develop their ability to listen and hear music through the most natural instrument of all: song.
Kids Book Club
Description
At the Sutton Elementary School, pupils in the 5th and 6th grades read to the younger kids, talking together about the books selected. An interesting intergenerational activity! (For School Children only)
Kids Festival at the Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival
Description
During the Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival in August, there’s a Kids Festival with lots of activities for the young ones: trying out the fiddle, storytelling, dancing and much more. Check out the Festival site for more info.
La dictée (In French only)
Description
Chaque année, une séance de dictée P.G.L. est organisée à la Bibliothèque Sutton Library : une belle occasion de tester, dans une ambiance amicale, ses connaissances du français écrit.
Les Aquarellistes du Québec
Description
Facebook page devoted to the free publication of watercolour works by artists who want to share their passion and their art.
Les Beaux Lundis (In French only)
Description
Rencontres amicales d’un groupe d’artistes, amateurs ou professionnels, tous les lundis après-midis pour échanger et transmettre leurs connaissances à tour de rôle selon un calendrier établi d’avance (ex. : peinture sur vitrail, argile, tissu soluble, aquarelle, etc.). Sessions de 10 rencontres à l’automne et 15 rencontres en hiver-printemps.
Les Mardis croquis d’été
Description
Inspired by the Urban Sketchers movement, these 3-hour sessions take place outdoors every Tuesday from May to September. Free and open to all. Come and draw, do watercolours, or paint at a different site every week; locations announced by email to those who sign up for the group. Drawings and watercolours are posted on the two Facebook pages.
Libractivité
Description
The workshops encourage participants to engage in authentic creative expression through writing, collage, working with clay, etc. No art experience required. Libractivité is a member of the Art Hive network and shares the guiding principles of the Art Hive approach, which emphasize the importance of art’s relational aspects and of a positive experience of art that fosters personal and community growth.
Live Model Drawing
Description
About 15 artists meet weekly to do live model drawing. Friendly atmosphere, interest in sharing artistic development. Each session lasts 3 hours, with a number of poses held for increasing lengths of time. Bring your own drawing materials. Sessions run from September to December and February to about May.
Music composition and culture classes
Description
Music composition and culture classes for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of music. Classes offered by PhD graduate in instrumental composition from the University of Montreal.
Origami Class
Description
Jules-Arthur shares his interest in the art of folding, known in Japanese as “origami,” offering to teach a dozen increasingly complex folds. Series of 1-6 two-hour classes where you can make mobiles or other art objects. Material provided.Children 10 years old & more, teens and adults.
Performing Arts Workshops
Description
Performing arts workshops, with singing, dancing, stage performance and the fabrication of accessories, for children age 7-12 and teens age 12-14. Workshop material adapted to ages and interests: teaching of basic techniques in the creative exploration of different aspects of the performing arts. Concludes with an original work performed for family and possibly the public.
Piano Lessons
Description
For all levels, beginners to advanced students. Individualized approach.
Poetry in the Park
Description
In August, the Bibliothèque Sutton Library organizes several outdoor events where everyone is invited to read one of their own poems, or a poem by someone else.
Pottery Class
Description
Artist Qita Reindler, who has produced and shown her pottery for many years in Sutton, offers private and small group pottery classes at her workshop/boutique. Come and find out more about pottery making, perfect your technique or do your own project. Wheel-throwing and hand-building workshops for all ages!
Saint-André Choir
Description
Choir: Singing in French and English for weekly communion services, as well as funerals and other events. Participates in the Christmas mass.(Adults, children participation in the Chistmass mass)
Salle Alec et Gérard Pelletier Performing Arts Venue
Description
The Salle Alec et Gérard Pelletier is central to performing arts activities in Sutton, bringing us many opportunities for cultural recreation. These have included Raôul Duguay and his “way of the voice” workshop; a shared building experience for parents and kids offered by Horta Van Hoye; improv evenings, and dances. Check out their website for more info.
Singing in the African American Tradition
Description
One-day workshop singing in the African American tradition, in English. Open to everyone, beginners welcome.
Singing Lessons
Description
Individual singing lessons and workshops, for all ages, age 10 and up. Objectives: develop your ear and voice in a relaxed and stimulating environment; learn the basics of musical language; acquire a healthy and effective vocal technique; increase your self-confidence; improve how you listen to music and learn to work with other musicians; sing a foundational repertoire suited to your age, interests and level with ease and pleasure.
Skateboarding classes
Sound Bath
Description
Experience sound vibrations with Tibetan bowls, crystal bowls, bells, a Spirit Drum, an Ocean Drum, and Shanti chimes. Workshops available upon request.
Spanish classes
Step Dances, Reels and Jigs at the Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival
Description
During the Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival in August, several evenings are devoted to step dancing, reels and jgs, with live music. Experienced and beginner dancers are all welcome! Info on the Festival website.
Sutton Municipal Library Book Club (In French only)
Description
Club de lecture adultes; rencontre et partage
Tam-Tams Sutton
Description
Intergenerational, participatory and free activity, open to anyone who wants to explore and practice drumming to African or other rhythms. Everyone brings their own instrument. Outdoors, once a month, from May to September.
Tap Dancing Class
Description
Introduction to the steps and rhythms of tap dancing, for boys and girls age 5-12.
Technical Sculpture Workshops
Description
Two-day workshops that address different aspects of preparing for and building a sculpture
Theatre Classes for kids
Description
Bilingual theatre classes for kids in a friendly setting. Students explore acting and self-presentation through movement, voice, text, improv and creating together. For ages 6 to 9, and 10 to 14.
Theme Workshops and Master Classes at the Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival
Description
The Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival in August offers theme workshops and master classes to musicians of all ages who want to learn more about traditional music from experienced instructors. Visit the Festival website for more info.
Toning Workshop
Description
Experiment with voice and sounds. In Knowlton.
Troupe de théâtre Au jour le jour (In French only)
Description
Troupe existant depuis 1987 et formée de comédiens amateurs de 50 ans et plus qui souhaitent vivre une expérience théâtrale dans une approche professionnelle. Plusieurs représentations en tournée locale d’une pièce du répertoire québécois ou d’une création collective chaque année. Répétitions hebdomadaires de décembre à avril. Participation gratuite.
Yoga Sublime classes
‘Boys Jump!’ Dance for boys only
Description
Class for boys 4 to 6 years old in a friendly, energetic atmosphere! This introduction to classical technique develops coordination, strength and flexibility. Students also work on listening to music and cooperating with other students.