Experiencing art at any age

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This article was published 29/10/2019 (2184 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Have you ever dreamed of being The Next Big Thing? Why not try taking a class at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)?

Yes, that’s right: not only is the WAG one of Canada’s leading art museums, it also has classes and workshops for aspiring artists of all ages and abilities who want to take their work to the next level.

The WAG has offered Saturday morning art classes for youth going back to 1937. The program has trained many emerging and established artists, including Kent Monkman, who grew up in Winnipeg and has since turned his love of making art into a career in Ontario.

“It really shaped my artistic identity,” says Monkman, whose exhibit Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience has been touring across Canada and is on display at the WAG until February 2020. “I was really lucky to do that.”

The WAG has continued to expand its offerings of classes and workshops for youth and last year more than 25,000 people took part in WAG’s youth art programming.

“Children’s creativity and imagination flourish through the programs,” says Stephen Borys, gallery director and CEO. “Art education is at the heart of the WAG mission.”

If your youth days are behind you, don’t worry — there are classes for adults, too.

“We’re committed to providing excellence in art instruction by offering a variety of classes for children, teens and adults,” says Cara Mason, learning and programs co-ordinator. “Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that art education is a vital component in the personal development of individuals at any age.”

Registration for the winter session begins Nov. 19 and includes classes such as drawing and painting, mixed media, clayworks, textile art, watercolour and pottery. The classes run for 10 weeks and are divided by age and ability.

“Also new this winter is an intermediate drawing class taught by Ted Barker,” Mason says. If a 10-week-long commitment doesn’t quite fit into your schedule or lifestyle, MakerLabs are one-time sessions that will still get your creative juices flowing.

● MakerLab: Crocheted Scrunchies, scheduled for Nov. 8 from 6-8 p.m., features Courtney Edwards of iHooked.com, who will instruct participants on how to — you guessed it — crochet scrunchies. The cost is $35 for non-members and $30 for WAG members. All supplies and tools are provided.

● At MakerLab: Natural Dyed Pillowcases on Nov. 9 from 1-4 p.m. multi-disciplinary artist Ash Alberg will guide participants through the process of creating their own unique cotton pillowcase covers. The cost is $95 for non-members and $90 for WAG members and includes one pillowcase.

● A Family MakerLab: Paper Poppies will take place Nov. 10 from 1-3 p.m., where families (two adults and up to four children) will learn to make tissue-paper poppies in honour of Remembrance Day. The cost is $20 per family and registration includes admission to the galleries.

● And back by popular demand, Jenni Robins, owner and creator of art and design business Kate + Norah Co., will host a MakerLab evening workshop on May 15, focusing on beaded plant hangers.

Support for the MakerLabs and youth programming is provided in part by the WAG’s annual Gallery Ball, a black-tie fundraiser. The sold-out 2019 event, headed by Gallery Ball chairwoman Joyce Berry, took place on Oct. 19 and offered a unique dining experience inspired by the artwork on display and included live music and after-hours access to the galleries.

“Support for youth programs at the WAG ensures that our children have the opportunity to experience a cultural environment that encourages creativity and innovation,” Berry says. “We are investing in our community’s future.”

For a complete list of upcoming workshops, classes and events, or to register, visit wag.ca.

frances.koncan@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @franceskoncan