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BIAC unveils new season of arts programming

Arts Council courses the perfective incentive to get creative this fall
Eat. Drink. Paint.
Eat. Drink. Paint! with Janet Esseiva is a popular program so you are encouraged to register soon for the next series.

While there’s still time to kick back and enjoy the final weeks of summer, it’s not too early to start thinking about what you’ll be doing -- creatively -- in the coming months. Why not consider taking a class or workshop? The Bowen Island Arts Council is pleased to announce its fall line-up of arts programming -- including painting, writing, and textile programs. We have classes for both children and adults and we urge you to check them out and register early, as classes do fill-up quickly. 

For a number of established artists, it’s not the creative work, but marketing and business aspects that can be quite challenging. To help with that, we’ve invited Bill Higginson, artist and co-founder of Direct2Artist to talk about selling work online. He’ll be at the Gallery the evening of September 16. Admission by donation.

The very popular Eat.Drink.Paint returns this fall with an exciting line-up of classes inspired by famous artists and their renowned masterpieces. Artist and teacher Janet Esseiva will guide you through the process of painting using acrylics in this fun-filled two-hour workshop. Absolutely no experience is necessary and we supply everything you need for a relaxing no-pressure evening, playing with paint and socializing with friends. This fall’s line-up is inspired by the work of Tom Thomson. But please note that these classes often sell-out so we suggest you register early. 

We are thrilled to present Eat.Drink.Write, an exciting new addition to our Eat.Drink series! Once again you can relax with treats and a beverage of choice, but in this version spend a few hours playing with words. Writer, artist, and teacher April Bosshard will lead a two-hour workshop of fun writing exercises to get the creative juices flowing and inspire writers of all levels. 

April is a writer and creativity coach who has written and published novels, short stories, poems, and articles for traditional and independent markets. 

Do you have a budding artist at home with a passion for art and an endless sense of creativity? This fall, we are pleased to offer two wonderful youth art classes led by artist and instructor Rebecca Smith.

Art Primer is designed for the younger child. Children will explore the possibilities of art media including conte crayon, printmaking, collage, and painting through lessons that integrate age appropriate challenges with inspiration from master artists. The emphasis will be on developing perception, resourcefulness with media, and a sense of ability in art-making. 

Youth Drawing & Painting is designed for the older child, aged 9 to 12 years. No previous experience is necessary. Students will use drawing and painting media to develop visual perception, design ideas, and technical mastery of tools and materials.

For those 16 and older who are ready to take the first steps in painting with acrylics, Janet Esseiva’s Beginner Painting class is just the ticket. The class will also be ideal for those looking to refresh rusty skills and gain a little more confidence. No experience is necessary as Janet will provide everything you need to know in this back-to-basics, step-by-step course. For intermediate level painters, Janet is also offering an acrylic landscapes course on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. 

Artist and instructor Kathleen Ainscough will facilitate a one-day workshop where you can create a bright and beautiful floorcloth. These works of art are stunning accessories to decorate the floor or wall.  Design, paint, transfer, and stencil a beautiful canvas 2’ x 3’ floorcloth using original patterns and imagery. 

Register for courses at bowencommunityrecreation.com. Or contact the Community Recreation Office, 1041 Mt. Gardner Rd., 604-947-2216. For details visit the BIAC website at biac.ca.