Greely resident opens new gallery
Posted Feb 19, 2010 By Charelle Evelyn
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Tweet ThisEMC News - Sharon Elliott has had a love of art for as long as she can remember. Whether she is working with pen and ink, scratchboards, watercolours or gourds she is eager to try new mediums and methods.
With the introduction of her new Greely studio, It's an Art Thing, Ms. Elliott is now able to share her love of art with the community.
As a certified graphic designer, Ms. Elliott said she had fun when she used to teach art classes in her previous community of Wasaga Beach.
Now, after two and a half years in Greely, the desire to start teaching again was ignited after noticing that there was not much in terms of art instruction in the community.
"I'm hoping it gives people an opportunity (to make art) closer to home," she said.
Ms. Elliott tested the waters in January and February with a couple of classes per week for children, and based on the response, Ms. Elliott will be offering six classes per week starting in March. These will include a Friday evening class for adults and another class for children with special needs, learning disabilities, Down syndrome or autism.
The range of classes will reflect their teacher's own approach to art with focuses on various mediums and more practical work.
Along with learning to draw and paint, students can also experiment with new materials such as gourds or rhubarb leaves.
"It's nice to have something different to introduce," she said.
When properly prepared, she said, gourds become as hard as wood and can be used to create anything from birdhouses to maracas to tea lights.
"It's something a little more than your average fridge art," Ms. Elliott added.
Previous projects have included painting on bags and glass as well as learning how to tie-dye a shirt.
"It's nice to have something you can use."
The classes also offer more than learning how to create something, she explained.
"I try to incorporate a little bit of art history," Ms. Elliott said.
Depending on the medium, participants learn which artists are famous for working with it and how to use it properly.
As her studio evolves, Ms. Elliott said she would like to have opportunities for guest artists to assist with classes to introduce them and their various levels of ability to the area.
To register for the eight-week classes, March break camps or birthday parties, visit the studio's web site at www.itsanartthing.ca.
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