The Kelowna Art Gallery has a new series of six-week CONNECT classes beginning in February.
CONNECT is an art program developed by the Kelowna Art Gallery for adults with developmental disabilities (AWDD). It is funded by Community Living British Columbia.
The program provides an opportunity for individuals to view and discuss works of art at the gallery, and spend time making art in the gallery’s studio space. Classes are taught by local artists and each class focuses on a different theme or medium.
On Thursdays, for six weeks beginning Feb. 7, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Exploring Landscape Painting will be offered with instructor Leanne Spanza. Students will draw inspiration from photographs, sketches and bold colours to create two acrylic paintings on canvas using Leanne’s unique style of capturing .C.’s mountains, lakes, and coastlines.
On Tuesdays, for six weeks beginning March 5, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Printmaking will be offered with instructor Trina Ganson. Students will explore the world of printmaking, and create one-of-a-kind prints. Watercolour paints will then be added to enhance the works of art. This is a great class for beginner students.
On Thursdays, for six weeks beginning April 18, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Fun with Oil Pastels will be offered with instructor Marlene McPherson. Students will discover the medium of oil pastels to produce art inspired by nature. Colour blending, techniques such as sgraffito, in which you scratch back into the surface of the work of art, and pointillism will all be considered.
If you are eligible for Community Living BC services, please retain a referral from a facilitator at your local CLBC office. The contact number in Kelowna is 250-712-3610. The cost per six-week session is $10.00, and includes all supplies. Once a referral is obtained, please call Renee Burgess at the Kelowna Art Gallery at 250-762-2226, ext. 310 to register for these classes.
“On behalf of our local staff and the people we serve, I would like to congratulate the Kelowna Art Gallery for their commitment to promoting inclusive communities,” said Community Living BC CEO Doug Woollard.
“Community Living BC is excited to be supporting their work to help remove barriers to art programs for adults with developmental disabilities in the Kelowna area,” Woollard said. “These universal classes will allow self-advocates the opportunity for creative expression, independence and community integration.”
The Kelowna Art Gallery is located at 1315 Water St. in downtown Kelowna. For more information about current exhibitions, public programming or special events, please visit the Kelowna Art Gallery online at www.kelownaartgallery.com.
