Authentic Art Program

Art Education for All Abilities

The Authentic Art program has been offered to individuals with developmental disabilities by VASA in the Hemmingway Centre in St. Albert for nine years. The art projects are based on themes chosen from the interests that students express during the classes. Principles of design are emphasized through examples created especially for the classes and from reviewing the current exhibition in the VASA gallery. Colour theory is introduced each week and discussed with each student individually as their project develops.

Samples are created, displayed and discussed as a starting point for ideas, demonstrations of how to handle the media are given but students are encouraged to develop their way of creating that is comfortable to them and matches their abilities. There is no ‘right’ way. It is the process of creating and the development of the student’s techniques that is important. The success of the program may be measured by the sense of community that results among the students! They are proud of what they have created, and they encourage each other.

An exhibition of the student’s work is held every two years in conjunction with St. Albert’s Arts Festival, as part of Alberta’s Culture Days. Viewers are invited to vote on their favourite art piece to be added to the program’s permanent collection. The next exhibition will be in 2024.

2023 Winter Session

The winter sessions will be starting on Wednesday, February 22nd and Thursday, February 23rd and runs for eight consecutive weeks. Students may register for a once-a-week class in either the Wednesday or Thursday group. The cost per student is $100 for an eight-week session.

Wednesday: 3:30 – 5:00pm, February 22 – April 12, 2023

Thursday: 3:30 – 5:00pm, February 23 – April 13, 2023
 
If you would like further information or have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

Winter Session

Start Date:     February 22nd, 2023

End Date:      April 13th, 2023

Registration:   $100 per student (8-week session)

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. There are no spaces available. Please check back again for our next session!