Start the new year with Cultural Centre’s winter classes

The Chilliwack Cultural Centre’s 2017 winter classes are now available for registration and the selection is more diverse than ever.

Glass bead making is just one of the many art classes offered at the Cultural Centre this winter.

Glass bead making is just one of the many art classes offered at the Cultural Centre this winter.

The Chilliwack Cultural Centre’s 2017 winter classes are now available for registration and the selection is more diverse than ever. From pottery, to photography, to painting, and even jewellery making, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the creative mode.

Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, wanting to improve some skills, or just looking for a way to keep your kids busy, the centre’s classes are the perfect place to start.

If you’re already missing the gorgeous landscapes of summer, a painting class is the perfect way to bring them back. Classes like Acrylic Landscapes, Wild Acrylics and Water Colour Seascapes: East Coast to West Coast will give participants the opportunity to bring their favourite views to life, despite the dreary weather. For those looking to build their skills, Introduction to Watercolours and Watercolour Portraiture, taught by the talented Patricia Jaster, will leave you with plenty of new techniques. And if you’re looking for something related but don’t want to try a painting class, A Drawing Primer and Block Printing will get you in the creative mood.

For the pottery enthusiasts, there’s a fantastic selection of classes to build their already existing skills and to learn new ones.

Wheel A La Carte 1 — Use The Force guides participants through the basics, from using a pottery wheel to glaze firing. For those who already have a little experience under their belt, Wheel A La Carte 3 — Trimming Your Heart Out will help you perfect your trimming skills, while Handbuilding 3 — Looking For Spring, and Handbuilding 4 — Garden Party will leave you with plenty of new ceramics, just in time for spring.

If you’re wanting to create your own jewellery, the ten classes offered this winter will leave you more than ready. Some classes focus on the art of creating pendants, including Heart of Glass, Create a Cabochon and Punch a Personalized Pendant.

Others teach wiring skills and, from weaving wire to coiling wire to learning how to braid and twist, there’s something for every type of jewellery lover.

For those wanting to recycle their old accessories there is Upcycle Your Dusty Gems, helping participants make their old strands of jewellery into stunning new pieces.

Aspiring photographers can try their hand at action photography with People in Motion with Ballet Jörgen, taught by Chilliwack’s own Vickie Legere with the help of dancers from Ballet Jörgen. Nature Photography and Travel Photography will help participants capture the beauty around them, while Beginner Photography and Practical Photography: Understanding Composition will focus on the more technical side of the art.

And of course there’s something for kids as well so artists of all ages can join in the fun.

Magic Mud teaches children the basics of working with clay and the infinite amount of things they can make with it. Cars, bugs, maybe even a castle, the possibilities are endless — and they get to take it all home with them at the end.

For those that are a little older or more experienced with clay, Mud Slingers is the perfect way to hone their skills and work on more challenging and complex projects.

And if working with clay isn’t their thing, don’t worry, Theatre Peeps will let them experience the thrill of acting and even participate in a performance, while Anime in Action teaches them are to create and perfect their own illustrated characters.

If you’re looking for a creative outlet to practice your skills the open studios for clay, glass, life drawing and handicraft-a-rama provide a range of days throughout the week, making easy to find a time that works for you.

Private classes for either small groups or individuals can also be arranged. Perfect for birthday parties, girls’ nights out, or getting the hang of that one tricky medium in one-on-one instruction with one of our talented instructors.

With the Cultural Centre’s early registration discount, you can also save while you unleash your inner artist. Sign up for a class four weeks in advance of the start date to save 10 per cent on registration fees. You can also call the Cultural Centre to get a new brochure sent to you.

For more information or to register for a class, visit chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, call 604-391-SHOW(7469), or stop by the Centre Box Office (9201 Corbould St.).

Chilliwack Progress