Wheatland Society of Arts celebrates Month of the Artist

By Laureen F. Guenther Times Contributor

Alberta has declared January the Month of the Artist, becoming the first Canadian province to create such a designation.
Wheatland Society of Arts has created an exhibit of their members’ work to celebrate. They’re also offering 50 per cent off society memberships this month. Youth memberships are always free.
“(Art) is literally one of the most important things that you can have for a child, an adult and for everybody that wants to find their creativity,” said Kari Carriere, president of Wheatland Society of Arts (WSA).
In recognition of the month, WSA invited their members to submit pieces for a special exhibit. Five artists now have their work on display: Larry Warman, Lisa Hodder, Darlene Bartman, Kari Carriere and Bruce Heming. Their work includes pen and ink, alcohol ink, oil paintings, acrylic and watercolour.
Carriere invites the public to come and view the members’ exhibit in the WSA gallery until the end of January. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., plus whenever there’s an event in the WSA studio. The gallery and studio are located at 115 3rd Ave., Strathmore.
WSA also offers regular classes for pre-teens, teens, adults and seniors, and classes for people with disabilities.
“Our motto has always been ‘art for all,’” Carriere said. “We really want the Wheatland Society of Arts to be truly accessible for everybody in the community. You don’t have to be an amazing oil painter to come in and take an oil painting class.”
Learn more about Wheatland Society of Arts on their Facebook page or at wheatlandarts.ca.