Art society looking for new members

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

For those who like to dabble in art, or for the more serious artists who aren’t sure where to go, there is the Wheatland Society of Art. The society was incorporated in 1986, and is mostly a place for visual arts such as painting and drawing. 

At any given time there are 20 to 50 members in the society, and twice a year there are art sessions held. The sessions are workshop setting, with a professional instructor/artist. The spring session is already over for this year, and the next session will run in the fall.

“It’s an informal setting where you show up and do your thing and then that instructor can go around and pretty much help anyone working in any medium at any level,” said Brandy Hebbes, president of the Wheatland Society of Art. 

Because there is such a wide variety of skill levels and mediums being used, it has always worked for the society to have some one who is actually an instructor so that they can help everybody regardless of their preferred medium. 

“Last year we tried a little different method, we tried a more structured method. You came in and you went through a certain progression of lessons and it worked really good for the beginners, which is what we’re really after, the newer artists because it’s all about bringing new people in,” said Hebbes.

“Some of the real good artists we have, they weren’t as keen on it but we came to the understanding that club was about attracting new people, so us experienced guys we just bear with it and went through the steps.”

The goal is to bring in any and all artists to the Society from the newer artist, beginning artists, or experienced artists, basically anyone who wants to be in a club that does art. Some of the experienced artists will also give advice to the newer artists, or ones who may be trying a new medium. 

One problem the society is having, which seems to be common among many arts-related programs and clubs in the area, is the lack of a place to call home. Currently the society meets at Store Front School, which has been generous in providing a space. 

All of the members bring their own supplies. Hebbes said if they had a space they would try to have supplies there so that people that want to come try art don’t have to buy everything before knowing if it’s something they really want. 

She will bring extra items if she knows someone new is coming for them to dabble with.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Wheatland Society of Art can contact Brandy Hebbes at 403-901-1500.