Two Blind Bay resident have been working overtime in a successful attempt to bring more fine art to the Shuswap region.
Karen Brown and her husband Tom knew they were in for an adventure when they opened FACES last month on a whim.
“So many children were missing out on the opportunity to experience fine art or express themselves creatively due to travel restrictions,” says Karen.
A month after opening, the studio already has more than 100 members taking part in one of the many classes offered in art, music, dance, and voice lessons, as well as drama and theatre.
The success of the program hinges on the quality of her instructors, says Karen.
Mary Jackson teaches voice, piano and drama, and in the last 12 years, has taught four provincial winners in voice.
“Parents are being blown out of the water by what the children are coming away with, even just one month in,” explains Karen.
Lynn Erin from the Fire Weave Art Gallery, whose work is sought after internationally, is the new art director.
The studio offers a number of weekly classes and also hosts Saturday workshops.
Thursday and Friday night concerts are hosted weekly in Scotch Creek, where 12 members have already joined an a cappella group with plans to perform 1950s music.
Karen is currently seeking grant money to establish a Shuswap musical company that can be offered at little to no cost. She is also looking into pairing up with local companies to produce a good quality dinner theatre.
“The whole idea of the studio is that we wanted to bring something that gave the community a place to gather and explore their creativity.”
Several workshops are scheduled for the months ahead.
Beck McMann, a member of the Candian Federation of Artists member, offers an Oriental brush painting workshop on Oct. 20.
On Oct. 27, a Thriller choreography class is also being offered as part of Copper Moon Festival activities. The workshop will teach all ages and abilities the zombie sequence to thriller in a two-hour class before moving to the Blind Bay Marketplace Mall to perform in a Thriller flash mob.
Karen says that this class has already shown major popularity, with entire families registering for the event. Spaces are still available for just a $5 participation fee, anyone interested in this event can register online, in person, or by phone.
FACES will also be open and hosting a free art session during the Copper Moon Festival as well.
For more information on the studio, classes, or workshops, contact Karen by email at facesblindbay@gmail.com, or by calling her at 250-515-3276.
Information is also available through their website at www.facesblindbay.com.
