Introduction To Drawing 6 Week Class
January 8 – February 12
Led by artist Clive Powsey on Tuesdays from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. This workshop was $200 for non members and $180 for members. Students explored basic drawing techniques that allowed them to accurately draw with lines and then render, light, and shade on forms. The measuring of angles and proportions; perspective; modular drawing, planar drawing, shading and separating the effect of local colour from light and shade on form will all be explored. Subject matter included still life, architecture, machinery, plaster casts, the human skeleton, and the nude model. As well as looking at how concepts being studied in class are applied in the fine arts we also looked at how they are employed in film, television, advertising and 3D programs. Each class began with a slide presentation of prepared images to illustrate the concepts and exercises of that drawing session.
Trade Secrets: A Professional Practice Workshop for Artists
February 19
Held from 5:30 to 8:15pm with a registration fee of $10. Led by artist Barbara Hunt, this professional practice workshop for artists had three different sections: Exhibitions, How to Promote Your Work, and the Business of Art. Participants learned about the various kinds of galleries and exhibition spaces, how to apply for shows, and how to create your own exhibition – plus lots of practical advice. A variety of strategies for promoting your work were presented, including information on websites, social media, and more. Participants also learned about different ways of supporting themselves as an artist, with some real-life examples. Practical information such as careers, contracts, commissions, managing files and images, setting up a studio, and advice on taxes were covered. There were two 15-minute breaks, with refreshments, and time for questions during each part of the workshop. Each participant recieved notes by email after the workshop.
Engagement and Knowledge Sharing
February 2 – 20
We hosted a variety of interesting and informative interactive talks, demonstrations, and workshops to bring to life the Members’ Show. Demonstrations took place inside the gallery.
February 2 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm: Oil on Cold Wax, presented by Kathi Rudko
February 6 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm: Quilting Techniques, presented by Marni McMahan
February 16 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm: Wheel Pottery, presented by Emma Heitzmann
February 20 from 12:00 to 1:30 pm: Wood and Clay Sculpture, presented by Judit Szilvasi
Sew and Get-to-Know-You Circle
March 14 – April 25
Bi-weekly sewing circle with a feature project each week. Hosted by the CRAG and Sewing by the Sea, led by Colleen Baerg in our main gallery. By donation.
Thursday, March 14, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm: Sewing Patterns: Old school tissue or modern digital?
Thursday, March 28, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm: Hand Stitching: Discuss current trends in handwork
Thursday, April 11, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm :Up-cycle: Stitch reusable cafe napkins from an old shirt
Thursday, April 25, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm: Social/sewcial stitching – Express yourself!: Discussion and examples of social sewing movements on Instagram
Wet Felting Workshop
April 6
Facilitated by artist Kelsey Epp from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Location: CRAG Studio. Cost: $55. The introduction to wet felting class explored the basic techniques for creating flat felt art with a simple inclusion technique using a cotton doily. Participants took home a completed felt art project.
Circular Weaving Workshop
April 2 – Cancelled
This workshop was meant to be facilitated by TaraLee Houston in the CRAG Studio for $40. TaraLee Houston Is an interdisciplinary artist based on Vancouver Island. Her creative process is highly focused on arts based research on the ecology of the Salish Sea and the global environment. She works in Courtenay and Campbell River, British Columbia where she teaches and facilitates community based art programs for all ages. Her life and art are fully integrated when she engages the community in art in various social settings, classrooms, community centres and online, where the dialogue is about the earth and the community based art creates a space for conversation and action to protect and preserve the earth.
Artist Trading Cards
April 13
Facilitated by artist Jeanne Ralston on Saturday, April 13, 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Location: CRAG Studio. Cost: $5.
Paper Collage Workshop
April 13
Facilitated by artist Marie-Douce St. Jacques. Location: CRAG Lobby. Cost: $5. This workshop is aimed for everyone who wants to learn how to make a collage while learning about a few techniques.
Tech Cafe
April 17
Facilitated by CARIHI Secondary School students and CRAG staff from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Location: Main Gallery. By Donation. This community knowledge sharing event is aimed at helping people use their technology more efficiently.
Collage Party! Celebrate World Collage Day
May 11
Facilitated by artist Rosie Schinners from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Location: CRAG lobby. Cost: $5. An unforgettable night of collage, music, and snacks as we snipped the night away for World Collage Day. Rosie Schinners, Kolaj Magazine’s 2019 poster artist facilitated activities throughout the evening. She planned very cool exercises to spark our visitors imagination with seasonal changes and hybrid creatures. The party took place in our lobby space where the exhibition ‘Collage sans colle: The broad reach of collage’ was on view until May 23, 2019.
The Nature of Land and Sky
May 21 and 28
Facilitated by artist Jill Paris Rody on May 21 from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm and on May 28 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Location: CRAG Studio. Cost: $125. In this 4-week acrylic painting class we explored the use of colour to express mood, and light to represent time. Variations on a theme of coastal waters and grasses framed by a setting of our ever-green forest. We used photo reference examples to learn from, but painting each students’ interpretation of these was our main focus. With a deep love of nature, Jill best describes her emotional connection to life through painting; primarily in Acrylic, but also Watercolour, Pastel and Coloured Pencil. Light and Shadow, Colour and Form – All have a role to play in each painting by showing the passion Jill has for life.
