MOOSE JAW — Nestled under the shade of Crescent Park’s amphitheatre, a unique summer program is quietly helping children get creative, make connections — and just be kids.
It’s called Grannie Lannie’s Summer Art Club, and for the third year in a row, it’s offering free weekly drop-in art sessions for children and families on Wednesdays throughout July and August.
Behind the initiative is LeeAnn Rose, affectionately known as “Grannie Lannie,” who runs the program as part of her larger organization, PEERS Relational Skills Program Moose Jaw Inc.
“This is a social opportunity for people to come meet each other,” Rose explained. “I have snacks available for people just walking by. If they want to come in and grab a snack, they’re more than welcome to.”
Each week features a different guided craft — such as popsicle stick painting or tissue paper trees — alongside a collection of open-ended art supplies including paints, markers, and pencil crayons. All sessions are free to attend and take place outdoors at the Crescent Park amphitheatre, where Rose has rented the space for the entire summer thanks to a sponsorship from the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club.
“The funding that they provide pays for my time, pays for the rental of the space, and it pays for the supplies that I use,” she said, referring to the Kinsmen Club. “I also get a lot of things from donation, and I’ve partnered with different grocery stores to provide snacks. Northern Water Cleaners donated the water.”
The idea grew out of Rose’s work with PEERS MJ — short for the PEERS Relational Skills Program — which teaches children and adults how to build and maintain meaningful friendships. Originally designed for people living with autism, the 16-week course has evolved into an inclusive offering for anyone looking to develop stronger social skills.
“The point of having groups like this is (for the) social opportunities, because people can’t meet friends when they’re at home,” Rose said. “They need to get out and … meet their neighbours. They need to meet people who share similar interests with them, and they can then decide if they want to spend time together. That’s how friends are made, right?”
Attendance has remained steady this summer, with daycares and local organizations including Trusting Hands Inclusive Center, Kinsmen Inclusion Centre, and Northwest Child Development Centre all bringing children to participate.
“I’m trying to be as community engaged as I could possibly be,” Rose said. “The more organizations I can get involved, the better.”
Art sessions run at the amphitheatre every Wednesday until the end of August, from about noon until 4 p.m., weather permitting. Families are welcome to drop in, stay for a few minutes or a few hours, and simply enjoy the creative space.
For more information about Grannie Lannie’s Summer Art Club or PEERS Moose Jaw, visit PEERSMJ.com, email [email protected], or call 306-630-5450.
