A Wonderful Week of Artist Lead Workshops

The Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency (AIR) program is now in its fourth week and this year’s mentors, Alma Louise Visscher and Kritsana Naowakhun, have already hosted two community artist workshops.  This week, the mentors will host three more artist workshops that are open to all ages and abilities, and all supplies will be provided for the participants.   From Aug. 8^th – Aug. 10^th the mentors will visit the communities of Anzac, Conklin, and Fort Chipewyan.  Please note that children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.  Please visit the AIR website for more information on the program, and to register for workshops.

 www.rmwb.ca/air

Monday’s workshop will be held in Anzac at the Community Hall, and the focus will be on painting winter wonderlands. Participants will discover the basics of painting snow covered hills, bare trees, and other winter elements.

One of Wednesday’s workshop will be held in Conklin at the Community Centre, and the focus will be on painting fall landscapes. Participants will discover color and brush stroke movements.

The other Wednesday workshop will be in Fort Chipewyan, at the MaMawi Community Centre. It will explore themes of community, flags, fabric dying and painting.

All workshops will have both thematic or conceptual components, as well as a technical component.

2016 Artist in Residency

The Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency (AIR) program commenced on July 18th and will run for six weeks.  Mentoring artists Alma Louise Visscher and Kritsana Naowakhun and 10 local artists have made studio space at Keyano College their home.  This year’s mentors will be hosting free workshops throughout the Region for the next month.   These workshops are open to all ages and abilities; children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.  Please visit the AIR website for more information on the program, and to register for workshops. 

 www.rmwb.ca/air

The next workshop will be held in Fort McMurray on Tuesday August 2nd, at the Casman Centre from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.  It will be hosted by Kritsana Naowakhun, and focus on Mixed Media.  Hope to see you there.

GRAFFITI ABATEMENT MURAL PROGRAM 2016

The Bob Lamb Bandstand at Borealis Park will be featured as the host location of the Graffiti Abatement Mural Program (GAMP) this year.  The program was launched in 2012, and aims at exploring urban art in a legal and respectful way and while deterring graffiti. To date, there are 4 murals around the urban service centre of Fort McMurray.  

The 2016 Call for Artist is posted here: www.rmwb.ca/murals

Previous murals include:

The 2012 mural was installed behind Composite High School, by artist Wil Yee (with the help of Composite High students)

The 2013 mural was painted by Toronto artist Uber5000, at Father Turcotte O.M.I School

The 2014 mural was painted by Daniel Kirk and Ivan Ostapenko, it is located on the Beacon Hill pump house.

The 2014 mural was painted by Daniel Kirk and Ivan Ostapenko, it is located at Lions Park.

Artist Daniel J. Kirk States “There are different intents behind different acts of expression, some are rooted in creative forces rather than destructive forces. And, for me, I try to find within myself the ability to create instead of destroy.” While being interviewed during the installation of the 2015 mural at Lions Park.

It’s the creative forces that the RMWB wants to foster in its citizens and residents. The 2016 Graffiti Abatement Mural Program will feature a new Mural & Mentorship Project.  This new project offers a local emerging artist the opportunity to build their portfolio and provides peer learning.  For more details on this program or to view the 2016 Call for Artist – Mentor please check out the RMWB’s Graffiti Abatement Program webpage at www.rmwb.ca/mural  For more information on the Mentee Program, or to view the 2016 Call for Artist – Mentee please visit the Arts Council Wood Buffalo website at http://www.artscouncilwb.ca/call-mentee-applications-graffiti-abatement-mural-mentorship-program/. 

Open Call for Individual and Group Artworks

The MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery presented by Kirschner Family Corporation in collaboration with Wood Buffalo Communities in Bloom will be hosting a collective exhibition entitled In Bloom, open to the public from July 25th through to August 19th, 2016. For this exhibition the gallery will be accepting individual art submissions and group proposals.

The “In Bloom” exhibition coincides with the Communities in Bloom’s annual competition and artists are encouraged to be inspired by the CiB program’s judging criteria in their own visual interpretation and express what beautification means to them. Examples include floral, landscapes and heritage. We are also accepting three dimensional artwork for this exhibition. They must fit within our new gallery display cases. 

Group submission proposals are due May 29th at 4:00pm, giving the successful group a month and a half to complete the artwork. Individual artists submissions of up to 3 finished artworks are due June 26th at 4:00pm.

For more information please visit our WEDSITE or contact Christina Beckman, Arts Exhibit Coordinator, Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo, P: 780-791-0070, ext. 5043, christina.beckman@ONErec.ca.

AIR 2016 - Art is a Way of Life!

Art is a way of life. You may work in an office, on site, or be a student but inside you see the world differently. For you the world is brighter, shapes interest you, colours have feelings. You love to work with your hands. You think in pictures and the urge to express these images is overwhelming. If this describes you then you need to apply today to the Artist in Residency program. You are an artist and you deserve a place to be who you are. No matter what your career is you are first an artist and art is your way of experiencing the world.

Let Your Light Shine!

The Artist in Residency program offers local emerging artists 16+ FREE studio space at the Keyano Theatre and Art Centre, a modest budget for art supplies, FREE mentorship, and FREE exhibition space at the MacDonald Island Community Gallery presented by the Kirschner Family Corporation where artists can display and SELL their art with NO associated fees.

AIR is split into two mentorship programs 6 applicants will be selected into each program. Program one, May 30 – July 8, will be instructed by Kritsana Naowakhun a professional artist who works in sculpting and painting. Program two, July 18 – August 26, will be instructed by Alma Visscher a professional artist who works primarily in fabric arts and sculpture. Local artists can apply to one or both programs. For more information on how to apply please visit www.rmwb.ca/air or contact Michael Beamish, michael.beamish@rmwb.ca, 780-788-1498.

The AIR Studio-Do What You Love this Summer!

Welcome to the AIR Studio.   

One of the greatest features of the AIR program is the FREE studio space at the Keyano Theatre and Art Centre.

This beautiful, open, space allows artists to shed the stress of their daily lives. It is a place to breath, relax, and explore your creative side while meeting like-minded people who will not only inspire your creativity but will hopefully become your life-long friends.

The mentors will encourage your creativity inspiring you to grow as an artist while teaching you new techniques and skills. Not only that they will give you the knowledge to grow your career as an artist helping you to discover your greatest dream. This program is not only a lovely way to spend your summer but it could also be the start of a new chapter in your life.

Apply Today!

The Artist in Residency program offers local emerging artists FREE studio space at the Keyano Theatre and Art Centre, a modest budget for art supplies, FREE mentorship, and FREE exhibition space at the MacDonald Island Community Gallery presented by the Kirschner Family Corporation where artists can display and SELL their artwork with NO associated fees.

AIR is split into two mentorship programs 6 applicants will be selected into each program. Program one, May 30 – July 8, will be instructed by Kritsana Naowakhun a professional artist who works in sculpture and painting.

Program two, July 18 – August 26, will be instructed by Alma Visscher a professional artist who works primarily in fabric arts and sculpture. Local artists can apply to one or both programs. For more information on how to apply please visit www.rmwb.ca/air or contact Michael Beamish, michael.beamish@rmwb.ca, 780-788-1498.

Meet the AIR Mentoring Artists

On Tuesday the call to local emerging artists for the 2016 Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency program was released. The call invites local artists aged sixteen years and older to apply to two mentorship programs:

Program 1: May 30, 2016-July 8, 2016
Program 2: July 18, 2016-August 26, 2016

Up to six applicants will be accepted into each of the two six week programs. Local applicants have a choice as to which program they would like to apply for or they can apply to both. Successful applicants will receive: Access to studio space at the Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre, full mentorship opportunities, a modest budget set forth by the Municipality for art supplies, and their work publically exhibited at the MacDonald Island Community Gallery presented by the Kirschner Family Corporation. The call will end on April 29, for more information please visit www.rmwb.ca/air. 

Meet the Mentoring Artists

Kritsana Naowakhun

The first mentorship program will be instructed by Kritsana Naowakhun. Born and raised in Bangkok Thailand, Kritsana’s first impressions about art came from his grandfather, a painter for Buddhist temples in mainland China. From a young age Kritsana always enjoyed painting, drawing and sculpting, and had big dreams of being an artist. Being accepted into the most prestigious fine art university in Thailand, Silpakorn University, Kritsana studied all different forms of media but chose to focus on sculpture. During that time, he was involved in many group shows all over Thailand and was accepted in the 52nd National Exhibition for his sculpture thesis project. Upon graduation Kritsana continued to create works, but his main profession was creating intricate window designs for high-end fashion designers all over Thailand. Since arriving in Canada in 2011, Kritsana has dedicated himself fulltime to purse his dreams of creating and inspiring others through visual art. He has had many group and solo exhibitions in Ontario and now here in Fort McMurray at MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery and Keyano Art Gallery. Kritsana is currently teaching art classes for children, youth and adults at the Suncor Centre for the Performing Arts and offering special workshops for adults at MacDonald Island Park. He is truly grateful for the opportunity to spread his knowledge and skills with this community.

Alma Louise Visscher

The second mentorship program will be instructed by Alma Louise Visscher. Alma is an artist based in Edmonton, working in textiles, installation and video whose actions and built environments are inserted into the landscape. Her work is influenced by sail and kite making, medieval philosophies, architecture and cloud formations. Most recently, her research has centered around intermediary spaces, surface architecture and archaic forms/structures. After receiving her MFA from the University of Alberta in 2011 she has exhibited in malls, closets, abandoned schools and city parks. In 2012 she was commissioned by the Edmonton Arts Council to create a temporary public art installation in Whitemud Park. Other recent projects include a residency at the Icelandic Textile Center (funded by the Edmonton Artist Council), a solo show at the Art Gallery of Alberta in the RBC New Works Gallery, and an installation for the 2015 Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art.

For more information about the Artist in Residency Program please visit our website www.rmwb.ca/air or contact Michael Beamish, michael.beamish@rmwb.ca, (780) 788-1498 

The 5th Annual Timeraiser presented by Suncor and Shell

Hello Artists & Art Enthusiasts,

It’s that time of year again! The artworks have been chosen and are ready to be installed…. The 5^th Annual Timeraiser presented by Suncor and Shell will be ready for viewing Monday April 4^th to April 29^th, 2016 at the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery presented by the Kirschner Family Corporation! Please join us, along with FuseSocial for the opening reception and silent auction event which will take place on April 14^th, from 6:30pm – 9pm, event ticket required. As a reminder the opening and event will take place on the second Thursday of April in celebration of volunteer week, April 10^th – April 16^th.

What is the Timeraiser Silent Auction? Timeraiser is a volunteer matching fair and a silent art auction with a twist. Rather than bid money, participants bid volunteer hours to obtain artwork that has been purchased by FuseSocial from local artists. During the event there will be roughly 20 organizations on-site with information booths for guests to mingle and get to know more about these organizations, the services they provide and their community involvement. There will be a cash bar and an assortment of appetizers will be provided.

For more information please visit: http://fusesocial.ca/ If you’d like to purchase tickets for the Timeraiser Opening Reception & Silent Auction Event please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/5th-wood-buffalo-timeraiser-presented-by-tickets-19612075245

Make it Public! Workshop

Make it Public! Workshop

Arts Council Wood Buffalo, in partnership with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, is pleased to present a one-day workshop designed to teach local artists the necessary skills to create competitive and compelling applications for Artist Calls and Requests for Proposals, not just locally, but nationally.

Find out how to make your submission stand out, what the selection panel looks for, how to scale your designs, and how to work with fabricators.  Hear from representatives from the Municipality, Public Art Wood Buffalo, Arts Council Wood Buffalo and artists that have worked on past municipal projects. 

Attendees of the “Make it Public!” workshop will be eligible to apply for the Mural Mentorship Project.  Through this capacity-building program, a local artist will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience on a municipal art project, with a professional artist.  Mural Mentorship Project details will be available during the Make it Public! workshop.

When:                  Saturday, April 16, 2016

       9:30 am – 4:00 pm

Where:                 Redpoll Centre Boardroom

Cost:                    $25 (Arts Council Wood Buffalo members) or $35 (non-members)

Registration:        Please register by April 15 HERE.  

*Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring a packed lunch.  

Tonight Come See 4 Local Plays

Tonight join Theatre; Just Because in a celebration of the one act plays created in their Play Production Series of workshops. Each play features local actors, directors, and stage managers who have been working with Theatre; Just Because for the last 4 months to bring these stories to life.

"Check Please" by Jonathan Rand
Directed by Diana Moser
Check Please follows a series of blind dinner dates that couldn't get any worse -- until they do.

"For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls" by Christopher Durang 
Directed by Ludwig Moelbert
A fading Southern belle, Amanda, tries to prepare her hyper-sensitive, hypochondriacal son, Lawrence, for "the feminine caller."

"SCABS" by Maria Blom
Directed by Hanna Fridhed
A warm and humorous play about growing as a person, letting go of and embracing both fears and new beginnings.

"Sure Thing" by David Ives
Directed by Jennifer Townsend
A chance meeting of two characters, Betty and Bill, whose conversation is continually reset by a ringing bell.

The shows will take place at the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts starting at 7pm.  Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the door or at SECPA.CA. 

WinterPLAY Snow Art Challenge - Come Play in the Snow!

Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, this year’s WinterPLAY Snow Art Challenge is sure to get your creative juices flowing. Taking place on Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21 – on the hill beside the Snye – WinterPLAYers are invited to contribute to this year’s first ever community art mural!

Local artist Sonia Burke-Smith, who runs the Boreal Artist Institute, is the Wood Buffalo resident responsible for bringing the Snow Art activity to WinterPLAY 2016. She and other artists from the Boreal Art Institute will be on site from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day to help, encourage, guide and inspire all participants to make the mural.

Brushes and spray bottles will be given to participants to create their masterpieces. Whether you use stencils or let your own artistic creativity guide you, the goal of this WinterPLAY activity is to create a free-flowing art piece with no parameters. The end result will be a physical representation of our community’s diverse culture, our Northern Spirit and our residents’ collective voice. The added bonus of this activity is that it will live on long past the festival. Community members can re-visit the piece and see its many changing phases until spring rolls into Wood Buffalo and the last colourful drop of snow melts away.

For those who may be worried about the Snow Art Activity’s environmental impact, do not fear! Food colouring will be used so as not to harm or disrupt the area.

Lastly, the whole event is sponsored by KAOS! All participants are eligible to enter into the draw, where at the end of the weekend three lucky winners will be selected at random to win an amazing Art themed gift basket.

Be sure to check out this colourful event and make your artistic contribution to our community art project!