The Comox Valley Arts Council is launching a brand new series of artists' workshops and classes at the Muir Gallery.
The council boasts a full calendar of events that are sure to get the creative energy flowing.
Kickstarting this diverse group of workshops will be Arlene McLeod with her painting workshop Spontaneous Visual Expressions. Explore the joy of colour, texture and releasing inhibitions with this weekend of art Oct. 15 and 16. All you need to bring is your creativity and stretched canvases. Everyone is welcome, and no previous art experience required.
Have you ever wanted to make your own pottery but don’t know where to start? Creative Mug Building with local artist Jenja McIntyre is a one-of-a-kind hands-on clay experience that will take place over two consecutive Saturdays, Oct. 22 and 29, at the Muir Gallery.
Participants will learn the basics of hand building with clay, working with the pottery wheel and glazing techniques, as well as firing techniques.
McIntyre will also be following up this workshop with Christmas Gifts in Clay, to take place Nov. 19 and 26.
Have you ever experienced artist block? Sign up for Grace Wolff’s, Freeing the Creative Spirit on Nov. 5 and 6. Designed for all skill levels and set in a small group of six to 10 people, this supportive environment is designed to unlock the artist within, developing a "toolbox" for the future. No prior art experience is required.
As if that wasn’t enough, workshops are not the only new thing on the Muir Gallery roster.
Life drawing sessions begin Sept. 23. These non-instructional classes offer artist the opportunity to keep their skills sharp with weekly drop-ins on Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. A live model will be on site — bring your own drawing materials.
However, if you are looking for a little more direction, “Drawing from the ground up” may be the class for you. Learn how to capture what you see and what you feel with this six-week drawing session taught by energetic local artist Grace Wolff, starting Oct. 4.
This series of classes and workshops are designed for artists of all levels and experience — no prior experience is required. All classes need to be pre-registered for and will be held at the Muir Gallery at 440 Anderton Rd., unless otherwise stated.
Partial proceeds from all the classes will go towards the running costs of the gallery, which is solely volunteer-run.
Check the website comoxvalleyarts.org for more details, and sign up for the arts council newsletter to receive information on many more upcoming arts council events. Discounts on all classes are available for CVCAC members.
Phone the gallery at 250-334-2983 for more information or e-mail info@comoxvalleyarts.org.
— Comox Valley Arts Council