What sets the Esplanade classes apart from other art classes?

These 8-week long art classes draw from the current exhibitions. Two dimensional and three dimensional art projects are designed to give children the opportunity to explore a wide variety of ideas in a diversity of media. Projects and art activities challenge children while instructors offer plenty of encouragement to provide for a safe environment that promotes exploration, creativity and expression.

Sensory Arts for Tots & Preschoolers

Thursdays, January 16-March 13, 2025 (No class Feb 20)

Sensory Arts 1 - 2-5 yrs. 10:30am-11:45am - Instructor Jenn Demke-Lange

Sensory Arts 2 - 2-5 yrs. 4:45pm - 6:00pm - Instructor Ruth Adams

Max: 10 spots per group - a parent or caregiver must be in attendance

These art classes for two to five year olds and a caregiver are fun-filled explorations of art materials, colours, and textures. Tots and Preschoolers will dive right into the creative process, building new skills along the way! They will explore a wide variety of materials and techniques designed to foster creativity, curiosity and fine motor skills. This class will give them their first Gallery experience, and will utilize multiple areas of the Esplanade for inspiration.

About the Instructors

Jenn Demke-Lange graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts in 2007 with a BFA and has since developed her creative professional career as a studio ceramic artist, illustrator and visual arts educator. Throughout her role as an arts educator, Jenn applies creative critical thinking and hands-on inquiry based approaches to visual arts education, instruction and lesson plan development. She enjoys working across all artistic media to develop art education experiences and creative invitations that engage both children and life-long learners. As a studio based artist, Jenn previously maintained her art practice out of the Medalta International Artists in Residence program for 10 years and has exhibited her work both nationally and internationally. She continues to develop her art practice and is invested in contributing to the cultural content and arts programming within the Medicine Hat community.

For the past four years, Ruth Adams has inspired students in local schools through our "Artist in the Classroom" program. Now, she brings her passion to the Esplanade. With a Bachelor’s degree in Art and over 20 years of experience in teaching and creating ceramics and paintings, Ruth is dedicated to fostering a fun and relaxed environment where students can explore their creativity. She encourages them to dive in, get messy, and fully enjoy the artistic process!

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Art Explorers

Saturdays, 10:00am-11:30am

January 11-March 8, 2025 (No class February 15

5-6 yrs. Instructor Ruth Adams

Max: 12 spots per group

These art classes are a great way for five- and six-year-old kids to dip their toes into an unparented program tailored specifically to them. Art Explorers includes aspects of our Sensory Arts and Esplanauts programs, providing a mix of fun material exploration peppered with a few outcome-based projects. Over the span of the 8-week program, a variety of media and techniques will be investigated in new and exciting ways. Exploration of imagination is encouraged and celebrated!

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Esplanauts

Saturdays, January 11-March 8, 2025 (No class February 15)

Esplanauts #1 - 7-9 yrs. 12:00pm - 1:45pm

Esplanauts #2 - 10-12 yrs. 3:15pm - 5:00pm

Max: 12 spots per group

These 8-week long art classes draw from the current exhibitions in the Art Gallery. Two dimensional and three dimensional art projects are designed to give children the opportunity to explore a wide variety of ideas in a diversity of media. Projects and art activities challenge children while instructors offer plenty of encouragement to provide for a safe environment that promotes exploration, creativity and expression.

About the Instructor

Candice Arnold graduated from the University of Manitoba with her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 2005. She has since explored her love of teaching at the Esplanade utilizing materials such as clay, painting, printmaking, pastels, charcoal, and inks. She began with the Esplanade as our Summer Arts Camp Instructor in 2006, continuing in that role for 4 summers while also transitioning into her Esplanauts Instructor role in fall 2006. Alongside her 16+ years of experience with us, she has also facilitated programming at both Medalta and Inspire Café.

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Refund Policy

A patron may withdraw their registration up to two weeks prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund. No refund will be issued after two weeks prior to the start date, but withdrawals during that time period will be considered on a case by case basis and may result in a credit applied to the patron’s name. No credit or refund will be issued to any withdrawals after the start date of the program.

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