Critique as Gift Crit Club is a pilot monthly program running for three sessions, from May to July 2026, open to the arts community in Halifax and beyond. At each session three artists will present their work and other creative participants will engage in a guided critique session facilitated by Laura Bucci and Katherine Diemert.

This event is for you, if you…

• are an artist or creative!
• want to share your work and ideas with a group of thoughtful fellow creatives
• would like to listen to other local artists discuss their work and process, and participate in dialogue and ask questions

What is Critique as Gift? 

• Jewels of wisdom
• Thoughts to think with
• Avenues to follow
• Aha! moments
• Curiosity and reciprocity

How it works

You can present work or participate solely as a responder. A minimum of 8 participants are needed to run a session and a maximum of 16 participants can be in attendance, this includes the 3 presenting artists. Laura and Katherine will both be present as facilitators and will start by introducing the crit framework with a demonstration. Each presenting artist will receive 20 minutes of feedback (artists arrive 15 minutes before the start of the advertised time to set up work). We take 5 to 10-minute breaks between each crit. At the end, we have a short conversation on the whole experience of the crit.

Our intention is to create an environment that supports the artist in doing their best work. We do this by guiding attendees (presenters and responders) in using a modified critique framework based on Critical Response Process (CRP) founded by Liz Lerman. We also help the presenting artists prepare for the crit with a ‘Prep’ email that invites reflection on their needs. We highly recommend that you review the CRP website before you attend your first session with us.

Want to receive feedback for your creative work? 

You can present work in progress or a finished single artwork, or a small series, 2D, 3D, performance, or other media pending space and equipment needs (no PowerPoints or slideshows unless that is the medium of the work). For our sessions at Wonder’neath, we have access to a projector. When you sign up, we will get in touch to ask you about the work you are planning to show to ensure the space can accommodate your medium.

Reserve your spot and express interest at checkout that you’d like to present. The first 3 people to express interest in presenting will be able to receive a critique. You can present at one event and register as a responder for any of the other dates. You can attend all three events but only present once for this three-month period. Presenters must arrive 15 minutes before the session start time to set up work.

Want to attend as a responder?

Reserve a spot to attend. You can attend one or all events.

After you've reserved your ticket on this event page, you will be asked to send the fee via e-transfer. This allows us to eliminate platform fees.

You can get in touch with questions at critiqueasgift@gmail.com. And please, share this event with any artist you think may be interested!

We hope to see you soon,

Laura and Katherine

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Laura Bucci & Katherine Diemert // Critique as Gift 

critiqueasgift.wordpress.com