FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything you need to know before you apply

  • Alice Pelot and Julii McMillan will be your camp councelors. From applications to arrival to farewells you can count on us to be here for you every step of the way. We will also be your fellow campers, present and learning alongside you during the workshops.

    Our wider team and supporters include: Freidi Kleinberger our menu designer and chef, Rebecca James our web designer and brand strategist, and our partners and friends who encouraged us to go for it.

  • Picture Book Camp came to be because both of us and our local illustrator community were looking for in-person opportunities to learn from accomplished Canadian picture book makers in Canada and found few and far between. As two emerging illustrators who also happen to have the right combination of experiences and skills to organize workshops and events ourselves, we decided to make it happen. With the help of our friends, families and fellow illustrators, we are driven to create the opportunities we want to see in the world. 

  • Fourteen applicants will be chosen for each session.


  • Applications Open -     August 20

    Applications Close - UPDATE: September 26

    Applicants Notified - October 1

    Deposit Due - October 15, 2026

    Final Payment Due - January 29, 2027

  • Each camper will have a private bedroom with a double bed with bedding provided. Washrooms and showers are shared.

  • All meals are included during your stay.

    Vegan and gluten-free options can be made available by request. We do not have the facilities to maintain accommodations for attendees with anaphylactic allergy, such as nuts or shellfish. That is to say, we can exclude those ingredients from our menu, but the kitchen is not “nut free”. 

    The team may not be able to accommodate every medical or highly specific diet. The kitchen will be accessible during most of the stay should a camper need to bring supplemental food.

    Please contact the Picture Book Camp organizers before applying to discuss specific dietary needs or include your requirements within the “anything else” section of the application form.

  • WHAT
    A five-day immersive illustration workshop

    WHEN
    Winter 2027

    SESSION ONE
    February 23 to March 1
    Led by Matthew Forsythe

    SESSION TWO
    March 2 to 8
    Led by Sydney Smith

    WHERE
    Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts
    Toronto Island, Canada

    FOR
    Emerging to established illustrators interested in picture books

    FEE
    $2,300 CAD plus applicable taxes *for financial assistance, see the FAQ section

    APPLICATION DEADLINE
    UPDATE:     September 26, 2026

  • Picture Book Camp is not currently able to subsidize attendee fees or offer payment plans.

    The application schedule has been planned to give selected artists time to apply for funding through relevant arts organizations or personal professional-development grants. For example, Canadian applicants are eligible for the EXPLORE AND CREATE personal grant through Canada Council for the Arts. 

    Receipts and invoices will be provided.

  • Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts is not fully barrier-free, but it is considered a low-barrier space.

    The venue is located primarily on one floor, with ramps providing access to the main rooms, however, the vehicle used to transport campers from the ferry dock is not an accessible vehicle.

    Please contact the Picture Book Camp organizers before applying to discuss your specific access needs.

  • No.

    The workshops will include exercises, activities, and projects designed to support your growth, and campers are encouraged to participate as fully as possible.

    You are not required to complete a finished book, portfolio piece, or specific creative product by the end of the week. Being present and open to what unfolds is enough.

  • Bring your favourite art supplies and the materials you use most often.

    A recommended supply list for the guest artist activities will be shared closer to the camp date.

    You should also bring warm layers, hats, gloves, slippers, personal toiletries, favourite snacks, coffee or tea, and any comfort item you would prefer not to spend the week without.