Popping in to the new year with art and learning

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Strathmore Municipal Library is in full swing preparing its line up of programs for early 2019 to ensure this year’s momentum is ongoing. The library plans on offering more programs to adults and providing children with programs during their school break.
The local library has always prided itself on making sure programs are available to families when schools are off on break. Therefore, the library has a variety of programs from Jan. 2-4, targeting all ages.
To kick off the coming year, the library is bringing back magician Christopher Cool on Jan. 2 to teach, for the very first time, his balloon twisting workshop. The program is limited to 40 spots and only to children aged seven and older. Cool will also be returning to the library for a magic show on Feb. 20.
The library is also bringing back the Nutty New Year Party for its second year. Following last year’s success when roughly 80 participants made their way through six craft and game stations throughout the facility, staff is anticipating a similar turnout and is planning on offering seven stations this time around. The program is focused on families and geared towards children six and older; however, younger children are welcome with the assistance of an adult.
To finish up the week, the library is hosting their Family Fun Film on Jan. 4 with the title of the movie available on their social media sites.
“I feel that our goal is to keep the momentum going, and we are constantly looking for unique one-of-a-kind types of programs to provide the community (at) little to no cost. So jumping into January, I think it’s going to be another fun year of programs and creativity,” said Carmen Erison, assistant director of library services at Strathmore Municipal Library.
January is also a month when the library is offering additional adult programming with a Beekeeping 101 session on Jan. 19 that will provide an overview of equipment, challenges, expenses and potential legal requirements.
On Jan. 22, Marigold Library System and the RISE program are offering a live broadcast from the Okotoks Public Library on Homeschooling 101. The information session discusses important points, beginning steps, and the rights and responsibilities of providing home education in Alberta, presented by the Alberta Homeschooling Association.
On Jan. 28 the library will host an opioid information session through video conferencing. Patrons will receive an overview of what opioids are, how they work biologically, signs and symptoms of an overdose, and how to explain to kids. Space is limited to 10 participants and is first come first served.
To finish off the month, Erison is stepping out of her usual role to host an acrylic pouring class in honour of Inspire Your Heart With Art day. She will be accompanied by library programmer Heather Ulmer to encourage kids aged six and older to let their imaginations wander and create unique pieces of art. While Erison doesn’t normally host programs, her love for art started several years ago and following years of simple acrylic painting she diversified by looking into other artistic mediums. That’s when she discovered acrylic pouring – a combination of acrylic paint and medium that creates a fluid shape or layer on top of a surface.
“Anyone can do this type of art and the product that is produced is beautiful, unique (and) gorgeous no matter what your skill level or your age. I believe that anyone can learn how to do this type of art and make creative beautiful pieces,” she said.
“Wheatland Society of Arts does host programs like these (but) what is exciting is that our program is not meant to be an ongoing art program, but it will give community members, especially children, a taste of this type of art. And the great part is that if they really enjoy this they can continue on with classes at the Wheatland Society of Arts.”
Erison added that paint shirts will be available, but those participating are encouraged to wear old clothing as the process will be messy.
Christopher Cool’s Balloon Twisting Workshop kicks off the New Year on Jan. 2 at 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Registration is now open and cost is $5 per child. All supplies are included. The library is offering its free family-based Nutty New Year Party on Jan. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. This program is open to all ages and free to attend. Then on Jan. 4 the library will be hosting their Family Fun Film from 1 to 3 p.m. Check out the title on their Facebook page @strathmorelibrary.
Adult programming in January includes Beekeeping 101 on Jan. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. This program is free to attend and no registration is required. Jan. 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the library is hosting Homeschooling 101. The opioid information session goes on Jan. 28 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The month finishes off with Inspire Your Heart With Art day on Jan. 31. The program is limited to 20 children, aged six to nine from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and aged 10 and older from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per child and registration starts on Jan. 7.