A phonotrope is a fun way to explore the art of animation through looping characters or shapes. Participants create a simple repeating movement over 16 frames on a paper disc. They can draw, paint, use collage - even sculpt simple forms with plasticine clay. Rotating on a record player, the images are synced to the class camera’s shutter speed and recorded as looping video.

During this course we will project the class work on the wall for immediate feedback and iteration. With plenty of room for experimentation and play, participants can take it slow and perfect a motion or work on several discs to broaden their understanding of how animation might impact their arts practice. Each class will focus on the basics of animation: timing out actions, spacing drawings to show weight, looping motion, and form vs line. By the end of this course, participants will gain understanding as to how animated characters and forms are made, and will be able to create their own animated loops for multiple outputs. 

Please Note: The County Arts Lab has moved upstairs! Classes are now taking place in unit 2E of the Picton Armoury (Main Street level). The most convenient access is through the Main Street entrance, but you can also enter through the back/Mary St. entrance and use the interior stairs to reach the main floor (please note there is no elevator in the Armoury). There is one accessible parking spot at the corner of Main and Ross streets across from The Regent Theatre.

Art supply fee - Please note that the cost of supplies is not included in the course fee; this amount depends on the course, and will be automatically added to your total. If this cost is prohibitive for you, please contact Stacey at [email protected] before registering to make alternative arrangements.

Offline registration - We prefer to take payment and registration through this form, but if you are not comfortable with this option and it is more than 2 weeks before the course begins, please check the "Offline" box in the Billing Information section below. We will contact you with alternative payment options. Payment must be received at least one week before the course begins.  

Processing fee - This covers transaction and ticketing fees. We've decided to use Regfox, the most affordable ticketing platform we could find, which will collectively save our participants over $1000 in processing fees per year.

Policies and Waivers - We've included these as part of the registration process (thank you for your patience!) to save some paperwork on your end and get straight to creating when we are in person!