The Vernon Public Art Gallery is expanding its public programming options this year, including brand new workshops, specifically for children and youth, as well as professional practices and off-site educational opportunities.
“The gallery wants to provide the type of programming our members expect from a public art gallery,” said VPAG executive director, Dauna Kennedy Grant. “We want to reach out to younger audiences, be accessible to artists at various levels of their practice, and provide a variety of educational opportunities that everyone can enjoy.
“It’s an important part of our mandate to provide information, education and inspiration to the community, as well as providing a meeting place, facility and institution for the benefit of the citizens of the North Okanagan regional district.”
The new programming schedule includes one or two-day workshops where participants will learn about various mediums, such as screen printing or etching.
The gallery will also offer peer critiques, art tours in Kelowna and painting en plein air.
“In addition to encouraging the flow of creative juices, all programming includes an educational component, elements from our current exhibitions, permanent collection, or art history,” said Kennedy Grant.
The workshops are for all ages and artistic abilities, from free drop-in sessions to intensive weekend workshops. Non-gallery members are also welcome to participate.
Workshops include: –– Squeegee Me: Intro to Screen Printing, conducted by Kelowna artist Shauna Oddleifson, Feb. 18, from 11 to 4 p.m.
–– Bits and Pieces: Intro to Mosaics, March 3 and 10 from 11 to 4 p.m.
–– Spring Break workshop, Colour Crazy Kids, March 17, 1 to 4 p.m.
–– Spring Break workshop, COLOURicious, March 24, 1 to 4 p.m.
–– Saturday etching workshop April 14 and 21.
For more information, pricing and to register, contact the VPAG at 250-545-3173 or visit www.vernonpublicartgallery.com.
