Classes and Programs

Classes

The Art Studios offers 10-week classes in 3 sessions per year and in many forms of art, including drawing, mixed media, painting, pottery and print making.

Youth and Young Adult Program

Young participants aged 16 to 25 enjoy learning art skills while connecting with their peers. The classes run after 4:00 pm so that high school students can attend, and participants are provided with bus fare and snacks. Clients in this program have gone on to volunteer as class assistants, join the regular Art Studios program, attend art or other schools, and sell their artwork. The Youth Program is kept alive by donations to the Recovery Through Art Society.

Art and Creativity

This class is relaxed and caters to all levels of ability, including older adults. Breaking into song and telling jokes while painting makes for a good class. As one client expressed it “For a bunch of depressed people, we sure do laugh a lot. I look forward to it all week. We have a hoot.”

Drawing

Beginner and intermediate classes are available. Occasionally, The Studios offers specialty classes in advanced perspective drawing or an introduction to optical illusions.

Pottery

The Art Studios houses a full working ceramics studio at a professional level. Great things happen in beginner and intermediate classes plus workshops.

Some clients have said:

Glazing is exciting because you get to play with colours, accents, stains, layering and you’re never 100% sure of the outcome. So seeing it after its been fired – it’s always a surprise how it turns out – teaches you to let go.

To me, pottery is very forgiving because you don’t have to be an artist.

I love working with the clay. The clay all wrapped around and between my fingers – reminds me of playing like a kid. There’s something very comforting about it.

Painting

Acrylic and Watercolour painting classes are offered at beginner and intermediate levels. Occasionally, advanced level classes are offered as a workshop.

I believe that part of my recovery is staying busy making art. The Art Studios helped me on this road.Yaho Hanan

Mixed Media

Mixed Media involves using a range of materials, including found objects and a variety of techniques.

As one client said:

Mixed Media is probably the most amazing class at The Art Studios. You have so many possibilities because there are so many different kinds of objects and techniques you can put into your artwork.

Printmaking

Participants learn how to carve beautiful relief prints on linoleum, ink them up and put them through the press in both beginner and intermediate classes.

Workshops

Throughout the year, The Art Studios and Recovery Through Art offer group workshops on canvas stretching, knitting, matting, sculpture and more. Check the calendar to see what is scheduled.

Open Studio

Between scheduled classes, The Art Studios is open for clients to work on their own projects. It is a free drop-in program, supplies are included, and it is a fun break for clients. Recovery Through Art runs a Saturday Open Studio.

Note:

For more information about The Art Studios, its programs and how to join, call 604-871-9788.