This summer, four fantastic artists are promoting and creating art throughout the region as part of Wood Buffalo'a Artist in Residency (AIR) program.
Liana Wheeldon, Penny Chun, Mandy Wills and Reinalie Jorolan are this year's Artists.
The next time you are visiting Mac Island, why not take a moment to pop into their Snye Studio to see what they are up to? The studio is located in the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery, just outside the fitness centre. In addition to their Artist Talks and weekly Open Houses ( click here to see the schedule), the artists are also engaging with the community and participating in special events throughout the summer!
Last week, the Artists partnered with a local organization to provide programming for children. On July 14th, the Artists spoke to the children about the importance of art and respecting other people's work. The activity consisted of making "Super Hero Foxes", with each child making a "superhero" fox that had the power of such qualities as kindness, politeness, and respect. This activity also provided awareness on recognizing and respecting public art.
The Artists also participated in the new Municipal beautification initiative called BAM (short for Business Ambush), where volunteers makeover local businesses using locally sourced materials, to show the impact and affordability of beautifying storefronts. The Artists showcased their talents by painting a dumpster at the Centre of Hope. You can check it out for yourself the next time you walk or drive along Franklin Ave, or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/woodbuffaloair
In the upcoming weeks, the Artists have a busy schedule.
During the August long weekend, the Artists will be participating in the YMM ArtFest (August 1- 3).
On Friday, August 1, the Artists will be hosting "AIR Studio Conversations" from 7 pm to 9 pm at their Snye Studio. You are invited to attend, learn about the artists’ work, and enjoy delicious tapas with the new friends you meet!
On Sunday, August 3, the Artists will be part of "Art in the Park" at the newly opened Marine Park from 12 pm to 4 pm. In addition to all the other exciting events planned for the day, the Artists will have a Children's Craft Corner where you can take home an illustrated colouring book created by one of our resident artists!
Make sure to tune in to Mix 103.7 fm on August 18th at noon, when the Artists will be talking with Shauna MacKinnon during McMurray Matters.
On August 27, while you are attending the Urban Market at the Jubilee Centre, keep an eye out for the Artists, who will be holding a special event from 5 pm to 7 pm.
Lastly, be sure to attend the opening of the Artists exhibition "FOURSIGHTS" on August 28, at the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery at 7 pm. This is a collaborative exhibit that will showcase the work each of the Artists have accomplished over the summer.
If you want to learn more about the artists or the AIR program, visit www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/artist or follow the Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency on Facebook to get daily updates!
