Journey Through the Arts
Port Hope · Est. 2002
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Hello from the cabin

Meet Christine

The artist, teacher and neighbour behind Journey Through the Arts and the 1840s log cabin where it all happens.

Portrait of Christine Benson outdoors, looking back over her shoulder. Christine Benson · Founder
Christine Benson at a worktable carving with a red-handled tool, a box of carving tools beside her.
The artist

A printmaker who loves to teach

Christine Benson is a relief printmaker and the founder of JTtA. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design, she exhibits across Ontario, takes part in the Northumberland Hills Studio Tour, and is a steady voice for the arts in Port Hope. She runs the studio alongside her husband, musician Mike Woods.

Her own work is stylized, rhythmic and drawn from nature - hand-printed linocuts, often on handmade papers, sometimes with collaged and hand-sewn details.

Best Local Artist
2024 Diamond Winner · Northumberland News Readers' Choice
The studio's story

From one idea to a whole studio

Journey Through the Arts began in 2002 as a music, art and drama program for kids - built on a simple belief: that these creative disciplines matter in how a child grows.

It grew from there. After-school and seasonal workshops. Art programs carried right into local classrooms. And by 2005, workshops for adults too - because the urge to make things doesn't stop when you grow up.

Today Christine and Mike also run the Journey Through the Arts Gallery in Port Hope, showing the work of local artists. The whole thing stays rooted where it started - in the Port Hope and Northumberland community.

The log cabin from the garden, with weathered log walls, a blue metal roof and a stepping-stone path under a large tree.
the 1840s cabin
The log-cabin studio set up for a class, with paint sets and paper along a long table and children's art on the log walls.
A woman in a paint-splattered apron sitting on a large painted stage backdrop of orange flowers, with paint trays and brushes around her.
What we believe

Music, art and drama matter at every age

Kids, adults, schools, parties, summer - whoever walks in, the studio is a welcoming place to try something, make a little mess, and surprise yourself.

Learn, create, inspire.

Come see the cabin.

Browse what's on for your kids, yourself, your class or a birthday, or just send Christine a note. She'd love to hear from you.

jttacabin@gmail.com

Email Christine Explore the programs →