Somewhere between work, plans, and the endless scroll, it’s easy to forget how good it feels to actually make something. That’s exactly what inspired Made at Union — Union Hotel’s workshop series built for curious locals, creative travelers, and anyone looking for a new hobby (or a new community).
That’s exactly what inspired Made at Union — Union Hotel’s workshop series built for curious locals, creative travelers, and anyone looking for a new hobby (or a new community). Whether you’re cutting and pasting your first collage or learning how to take scroll-stopping photos on your phone, these sessions are designed to feel approachable, social, and genuinely fun.
Collage is one of those hobbies that looks cool and feels good. It’s creative without being intimidating, and you don’t need any “natural talent” to enjoy it.
Collage is an easy entry point into creativity — you can jump right in without needing to draw, paint, or overthink. It’s about experimenting, playing with composition, and trusting your instincts.
There’s something calming about working with your hands. Cutting, layering, arranging — it’s a simple, meditative process that helps you slow down and reset (especially in the middle of a busy Toronto week).
Collage workshops are naturally easy to socialize in. You’re creating alongside other people, chatting casually, sharing materials, laughing at your weird magazine finds — it’s community-building without forced networking energy.
Collage strengthens visual thinking and helps you improve your attention to detail — but it also builds confidence. You leave with something you made, and that feeling carries.
The best workshops aren’t just “arts and crafts.” A great instructor guides you through:
composition basics
storytelling and theme
material selection
techniques you can keep using at home
It’s the difference between making something random and learning a creative skill you actually want to continue.
Union Hotel’s Made at Union session kicked off with a fashion-inspired collage workshop led by Toronto-based artist Kat Honey and continues each month.
The first workshop invited guests to explore collage through the lens of fashion and style (think Vogue and Vanity Fair energy), using a curated selection of magazines, papers, and materials. Kat guided participants through:
layering
composition
storytelling through imagery and text
building a final piece that feels personal and intentional
Whether you’re an experienced creative or just trying something new, it’s the kind of afternoon that leaves you feeling inspired — and a little more like yourself. Check out our upcoming Collage workshops here.
Kat Honey (b. 1966) is an award-winning OCAD graduate with a background in graphic design, collage, signage, and painting. Her work has been exhibited across Ontario and featured in major creative spaces — and she was also commissioned for prints throughout the newly renovated Union Hotel.
Kat brings decades of experience not only as an artist, but as an educator. She teaches in-person and online workshops through organizations like:
Neilson Park Creative Centre
Visual Arts Mississauga
Haliburton School of Art + Design
She also hosts the popular free Virtual Collage Jam on YouTube (featured in Kolaj Magazine).
In 2026, your camera roll is basically your personal brand — whether you mean it to be or not.
If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, small business owner, or someone who simply loves documenting your life, learning smartphone photography is one of the highest-value skills you can pick up.
You don’t need a studio camera to create strong content. With the right techniques, your phone can capture:
clean, professional-looking portraits
restaurant and food shots that actually look good
travel content that feels editorial
lifestyle photos that stop the scroll
Most people don’t need “better vibes” — they need:
better lighting
stronger composition
more intentional angles
simple edits that enhance (without over-filtering)
A workshop helps you learn the fundamentals quickly, so you’re not guessing every time you post.
Smartphone photography is a hobby you can take anywhere. Once you learn the basics, every walk in Toronto becomes a creative opportunity.
Photography isn’t just about settings — it’s about seeing. A professional instructor teaches you:
how to use light intentionally
how to create mood
how to frame a story
how to edit without ruining the photo
how to develop a consistent style
That’s the difference between “taking pictures” and actually learning photography.
The Made at Union workshop series continues with a hands-on smartphone photography workshop led by Union Hotel photographer Neil-Anthony Watson — designed to help you shoot, edit, and capture the vibe.
This session is perfect for:
travelers
content creators
entrepreneurs
small business owners
locals wanting to improve their photos
What you’ll learn includes:
how to work with natural light around the hotel
how to create moody night shots using artificial lighting
composition essentials (leading lines, symmetry, rule of thirds, storytelling angles)
tips for portraits, selfies, food + drink, and effortless lifestyle content
Your hands-on experience includes:
live shooting throughout Union Hotel spaces
a group challenge recreating Neil’s signature hotel shots
a guided edit session to turn raw images into Instagram-ready posts with simple edits, filters, and captions
Whether you’re building a brand or just want better photos of your life, this workshop helps you shoot with confidence — and create content that feels intentional.
Neil-Anthony Watson is a Toronto-based art director and fine art photographer known for luxury brand photography, portraiture, and editorial storytelling.
His portfolio includes collaborations with global brands like:
Cartier
Arc’teryx
Four Seasons
Google Pixel
Nike
BMO
Canada Goose
Volvo
National Geographic
His work has also appeared in spaces like Soho House, and his campaigns have been seen across everything from digital to out-of-home activations.
Made at Union is designed to be an ongoing series — a rotating calendar of workshops that spotlight local artists, makers, and creative professionals.
So whether you’re here for one session or you end up becoming a regular, you’re always welcome at the table.
