“Really, our goal in Strathmore is to create a community for the arts.”

Emmeline Keeling is the Program Coordinator and an Art Instructor with the Wheatland Society of Arts, and is excited to share about the Society’s newest lineup of classes for the April to August season.

“One of the things I’m most excited for is pottery classes. They are going to continue for preteens, teens, and adults. And we have some exciting news- there’s going to be a new pottery studio opening up right next door!”

Construction is currently underway to build a new pottery studio next door to the WSA, which will expand not only the pottery class availability, but all classes.

“When we can have the pottery classes next door, that frees up space in the studio for other classes,” Keeling clarifies. “Classes that can happen simultaneously. Which means more art classes in general. It’s just fantastic.”

The Wheatland Society of Arts is really proud to provide a safe and fun environment where all ages and skill levels can create. Their reach extends throughout Strathmore and beyond, with new classes and opportunities being added to their calendar with each new season.

Enrollment has been consistent over the past year, and this is partially attributed by staff to the instructor lineup.

“I think we have a really fantastic group of people teaching right now. Our instructors are talented, they’re kind, and they’re creative,” Keeling says. “I think when you come in, you know you’re going to have a fun time.”

The Society is always happy to accept more students. Keeling shares her recent experiences with large and small classes.

“Sometimes I teach free family paints- that’s at the beginning of every month, usually on a Saturday. At the most recent one, we had 28 people in each class. We’ve also had as little as five people per class. Or we have over 50 people do the exact same painting and, well, it’s amazing to see.”

Looking ahead toward warmer weather, the Preteen Summer Art Program is ready to roll for 2023. Preteens are invited to head to the studio on Mondays during summer break to get artsy and discover new mediums.

Other workshops and classes of note include the following:

Needle Felting

Create miniature sculptures from nothing but a ball of wool! Classes are on May 2nd and 9th for both preteens and adults.

Palette Knife Watercolor Workshop

Push the boundaries of the craft by using a palette knife! Learn how to apply, scrape, and move paint on watercolor paper. Supplies will be provided, but please bring your own as well so that you can learn to use what’s already available to you! This class is for ages 16 and up, and happens on April 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Encaustic Painting

Create an original piece using hot liquid beeswax. Inspirational images will be provided, as well as supplies. This class is for ages 16 and up, and happens on May 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Batik

Transfer an idea to fabric using wax and dyes! Participants will learn the art of batik painting. This class is for ages 16 and up, and happens on April 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Byzantine Weave Bracelet Making

Learn a fun, basic chainmail weave using anodized aluminum jump rings. This class is for ages 16 and up, and happens on April 27th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Wood Carving

This Open Studio class aims to reconnect artists with this ancient form of artistic expression. Classes happen on Fridays, and attendants are asked to bring their own carving tools and supplies.

Youth Programming

For those interested in regular programming for children and teenagers, the Society’s calendar is always chock full. Classes include:

· Preschool Art: Tuesdays 10:00-11:00 a.m. (ages 3-5)

· Homeschool Art: Wednesdays 10:00-11:00 a.m. (ages 5-9)

· After School Art: Mondays 4:00-5:30 p.m. (ages 6-9)

· Preteen Art: Mondays 6:30-8:00 p.m. (ages 9-12)

· Teen Art: dates and times vary (ages 13-17)

“We offer many youth programs every single week,” Keeling explains. “It’s $20 a month, and you get four classes. We try to keep the prices as low as we can for our youth programming classes. That’s through our grants that we get specifically from the Town of Strathmore.”

Anyone interested in taking a class or simply browsing their options is welcome to pick up a brochure, which are updated and reprinted three times a year. Brochures are available at the studio, at The Vault, and at the Library.

“Our hours are Monday noon to four, Tuesday ten to four, Wednesday ten to two, Thursday ten to three, and Friday nine to two. But also… the studio is open anytime we have a class going on. So, if you see that a class is happening, you’re welcome to drop by.”

The Wheatland Society of Arts can be contacted through Facebook, Instagram, and their website at www.wheatlandarts.ca.

Sponsored Content by the Wheatland Society of Arts.

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