Creativity abounds for members of the Rimbey Art Club, which is now offering courses in various mediums in the upcoming weeks.
On April 26, Christel Langan will teach a class on alcohol inks, and then on May 3, Janet Mireault will share her skills in the area of needle book.
For members of the club, it's a fun way to connect with the community and perhaps attract more members, too.
"I've always appreciated art, and it was back in November that I decided I would take on the president role," said Lana Curle, adding that the goal is to offer four courses in both the spring and the fall.
Those interested in taking part in the sessions can call Kathryn at 403-843-3151 (cost is $50 for non-members and $40 for members).
Meanwhile, there are many advantages to being part of the Rimbey Art Club. For one thing, Curle said members can call and ask an executive member with a key to open up the studio so they can work on their projects.
The studio is located in the Peter Lougheed Community Centre.
"If someone wants to come and use the studio as a drop-in, it's five dollars a day," she said, adding folks can also book the studio for a particular group for $50 per day.
"We rent this space from the town," said Curle, who is also a town councillor.
"The quilters come and spend every Monday here. And then we also do something that is called 'Art Fusion'. We've offered it at least three times a year, and it's about gathering students here. It's really neat. It's all different media, too."
The program is open to students from ages eight to 14. The sessions bring together a variety of projects and means of artistic expressions to aspiring young artists.
"We've run it twice this year so far, and we will probably run it again in the fall."
Meanwhile the club has about 30 members.
Curle said members also supply rented works to the Servus Credit Union in town each year to showcase at their location.
About 11 pieces are changed out twice a year - it's a terrific means of showcasing members' work to a broader audience, said Curle.
She noted another means of getting local artists' work out in the community comes through an event called Originals Only.
"Say you had some paintings in your house - original artworks - that were in your closet, for example. You could bring those to this show, put a price on them, and then people come along and put an offer on them."
The club takes a commission from the sales, and again, it's a key way for local artists to share their work.
For her part, Curle is passionate about quilting.
"I'll tell you what I love about it - whereever I put that piece of fabric, it stays there," she said with a chuckle.
Unlike watercolour, she added, smiling.
"I grew up with a mom who was a seamstress - and so I didn't have a hope of not doing it. Her sewing machine was always out! Later, I was a nurse by profession, so I kind of set the (sewing and quilting) by the side for awhile. I would drag it out from time to time. And then when I retired from nursing, I went into it full-bore.
"I love it," she said.
"Some days when I was working full time, it was all I could do to not run home and do some quilting or something," she laughed, adding she also enjoys painting and drawing. These days, she has also grown increasingly interested in the medium of alcohol inks, which is described as a fluid art technique using alcohol-based inks to create vibrant, translucent, and colourful compositions on non-porous surfaces like 'Yupo' paper, ceramic tiles, or glass.
For Curle, delving into creative pursuits brings a rich sense of fulfillment.
"Most of the quilts that I make, I give away. I found this quote once that said, when I give to you what I make with my hands, I share my heart'. That's what it's all about."
In the meantime, the club is always encouraging more artists to join in the fun. For more about the Rimbey Art Club, find them on Facebook, or email rimbeyartclub@gmail.com.
