Wheatland Society of Arts to expand programs in New Year
Laureen F. Guenther
Times Contributor
Wheatland Society of Arts invites community members to celebrate the grand opening of its new studio.
On Saturday, Jan., from 1 to 4 p.m., the studio at 115A – 3rd Avenue in Strathmore will welcome everyone who wants to view the Wheatland Society of Arts (WSA) new studio and exhibit space.
Guests can learn about upcoming youth and adults visual arts programs, including classes, workshops, camps and open studio time. They can register for programs and memberships, tour the facility, view art displays and enjoy refreshments. The grand opening will also give people an opportunity to tell the society what kinds of visual arts programs they’d like to see, and to learn how they can be involved.
“We want to offer as wide a variety (of programming) as possible – not just the traditional types,” said Brandy Hebbes, WSA president. “We aim to have enough variety that there will be something for anyone who is interested in visual arts. We wish to connect with other visual art individuals and groups to support and promote them as well. We hope to reach all in Strathmore, Wheatland County and even beyond.”
This past year, WSA is offering primarily adult classes and workshops, Hebbes said. The society was also present at the Meet Your Neighbours Festival, and placed art displays at Strathmore Musical Society’s Travelling Mabels event and the Strathmore Stampede’s Wine Cellar. In December, they hosted several sneak-a-peek events in their new studio.
“Those who did come out (to the sneak-a-peeks) were very excited and interested,” Hebbes said. “Many are even interested in being a part of Wheatland Society of Arts. It is very inspiring for us to have such positive feedback.”
The WSA also receives positive feedback on their classes and displays – and that people want more of it. “Many enjoy the art displays because you do not have to be an artist to enjoy art,” Hebbes said. “There have also been constant requests for youth programming. There are some youth arts programming of various kinds in Strathmore, but clearly there is desire for more.”
In early 2017, “we will be launching All In Arts – ‘all in’ because there will be something for everyone,” she said. “We have extensive programming plans in the works that will encompass four focuses: youth, seniors, disabled (people) and adult.”
Hebbes emphasized that the society wants to hear from the community.
“We are really going to be encouraging people to give us their ideas and input on what they want us to offer,” she said. “We are currently developing our youth programming and are very much looking forward to the public’s input.
“We also wish to support and promote, and work with other visual arts avenues in our town and county, in addition to what we do in our own studio. The new facility does have a small gallery and we are working out the format for allowing local artists to display art. We will also pursue the Art In Business model to connect artists with business owners who would like to display art.”
“We are about visual art – all visual art, not just what can happen in our studio,” Hebbes said. “If anyone would like to be a part of Wheatland Society of Arts in any way, please do contact us, to take classes, teach classes, volunteer, display art or any other reason.”
For more information about WSA, see wheatlandarts.ca, call 403-901-1500 (evenings), email bhebbes@efirehose.net, or follow on Facebook.