Cranbrook Arts is alive with the arts, between the featured artists show of November to an ongoing slate of successful and proposed workshops.

‘Mixed Media Madness’ inspires local artists Charlene Venier, Darlene Purnell, and Tara Mercer, featured artists at the Gallery at Cranbrook Arts (1013 Baker Street) November 5 – 30.

“I enjoy using a palette knife to create texture and depth in my (acrylic) paintings,” Venier says. Purnell’s vibrant alcohol ink paintings and stunning fibre art pieces are inspired by the mountains, wildlife, and flowers of the Kootenays. Mercer’s love of texture and whimsy can be seen throughout her work. Her latest pieces are beautiful, small encaustics, some of which include inspiring text. Join these local talented artists at the Meet the Artists Reception on Saturday, November 16 from 1 – 3 p.m.

The new building for Cranbrook Arts at 1401 – 5th Street North is “the location” for our workshops, as the renovations on the classroom area are nearly complete and the space is already in use. The Baker Street location will remain the gift shop and gallery. Drop in to the gift shop to register for workshops or go to our website at cranbrookarts.com.

In October, Marty Ryan facilitated a successful copper etching workshop, in which the participants completed a beautiful bookmark, bracelet, or plate and learned how to etch copper for future projects. Ryan is willing to come back and facilitate another workshop, perhaps next spring.

The next weekend one day workshop is scheduled Saturday, November 30, 10-4 at 1401 – 5th Street North. Popular fibre artist and instructor, Barb Guillen, is teaching nuno felt scarf making. Make either an open weave lacy scarf or a scarf using open weave on silk. Register soon as these classes fill up.

On Sunday, December 1 from 1-3:30 p.m., Arts Council President and talented painter, Yvonne Vigne, will facilitate painting a ceramic Christmas ornament to get participants in the holiday mood. Should be fun and relaxing.

Besides weekend workshops, the new building offers exciting new opportunities and the space for ongoing arts activities.

Past President Jenny Humphrey and the scheduling committee are busy planning arts activities for all ages.

Mondays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., November 18 – December 23, will be Monday Painters, where participants bring their works-in-progress to work on or to be critiqued. Board member and local artist Bill McColl will facilitate the group.

Tuesdays the arts council hopes to host “Tots on Tuesdays” from 10 – 12. We are currently looking for young parent leaders to enable parents with pre-school age children a place to come for screen-free, creative activities for their children.

Also in the planning stage is “Wild Card Wednesdays” Cards and Paper Crafts, 1 – 3:30 p.m., with various instructors and projects.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. will be “Art after School” for school-age kids. This is confirmed.

The arts council is also hoping to offer art therapy classes on Thursdays, while Fridays will focus on fibre from 10 – 1, but these are still in the planning stages.

For the weekend warrior there will be a variety of workshops, including beginner watercolour, drawing, felting, and more. The details need to be worked out so be sure to check in the gallery on Baker Street, go on our website (cranbrookarts.com) or our Facebook page for current information.

And finally, our first book Fourteen Trumpeting Elephants is planned for release in December…. we’re just waiting on the publisher. Save a few dollars by buying a copy before the books arrive.

These are exciting times with new opportunities for creative opportunities and growth in the arts for Cranbrook. At Cranbrook Arts we are inspired and hope we inspire you too.

Cranbrook Arts

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