Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery education co-ordinator Christy Schweiger says schools and Seniors’ Centre Without Walls (SCWW) programs are full and she’s having to expand them — workshops aimed at adults, on the other hand, aren’t attracting participants.
“I don’t know what the stigma is still, about in-person programming,” Schweiger said. “I’m doing individual posters for everything now, just to try and get word on our bulletin boards, on social media, word of mouth, the paper. I hope we can get more interest in what we have available here.”
Adult programming aside, Schweiger is excited for a fall season packed with art education. She works only part-time at the museum, making it a bit of a rush to assemble kits, co-ordinate with teachers, and prepare over-the-phone instructions for programs such as SCCW’s.
Nevertheless, she gets a lot of enjoyment from providing opportunities in the arts to the community of Moose Jaw, and it is gratifying to see the seniors’ programs and the school kids programs full — usually a month in advance.
“The gallery has been around since 1967,” Schweiger said. “It’s always offered the community engaging exhibits and art classes and different programs with qualified art teachers.
“The community needs to be aware of that, especially with competition growing in the market, with other programs. We are a city-funded building, and we’re here to nurture young people, older people, in-between people, just serving the community needs and wants.”
To learn more about MJM&AG educational programming, email Christy Schweiger at educator.mjmag@sasktel.net. Online program registration is available at mjmag.ca/artclasses.
Those interested in participating should note that some of the art programs do have mask requirements. Those requirements are in place to protect specific teachers and students who are immunocompromised, making them much more vulnerable than most.
Programs for school groups
There are four formats this year to help children engage:
- In person at the MJM&AG
- In person outdoors, such as at the Moose Jaw Cemetery
- In person at school, with programs brought right to the classroom
- Virtual — all virtual programs have complete instructions, materials in kits, and a live virtual gathering
Out in the community — in person outdoor/classroom programs
From Sept. 26 to Oct. 20, Heritage Gallery tours at the MJM&AG will examine the history of Moose Jaw. The Heritage Gallery is kept current as well, with the latest addition being a section on the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools.
Tours will also meet at the Moose Jaw Cemetery, where students will learn how to do respectful tombstone rubbings.
From Nov. 14 to Dec. 8, the theme is Indigenous beadwork. In co-ordination with the Edward Poitras exhibition, Indigenous artists will help students create their own beadwork pouch.
In person or virtual programs
From Oct. 24 to Nov. 21, in-person programming will focus on Poitras’ exhibition and Indigenous teachings about Treaty lands, animals, and artistry.
The activity will be making mosaics using found objects.
From Nov. 15 to Dec. 8, students will explore art related to the Moose Jaw Art Guild’s Sunflower Power exhibition, which is themed around the national flower of Ukraine.
Teachers will choose from three different paints — tempera, acrylic, or watercolour — for students to learn how mixing only three colours can create almost the entire visible spectrum.
Adult/12 and over classes
- Painting with Ward Schell – $80
- Fridays, Oct. 7 to 28 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Bring your own supplies and learn more about watercolour painting
- MASK REQUIRED
- Drawing still life with Charles Buchanan – $80, materials included
- Saturdays, Nov. 12 to 26 and Dec. 3, from 3 to 5 p.m.
- Pencil, pen, ink, and pencil crayon drawing techniques
- Basket making with Beth Crabb – $125, materials included
- Saturday, Nov. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Learn how to create practical, beautiful baskets using reed
- Advanced painting with MJM&AG staff – $85
- Sundays, Nov. 20 and 27, from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
