Azby Whitecalf, pictured here in front of the mural she designed last summer in North Battleford. (Submitted photo/Matt Jacques Photography)

By Martin Martinson

Allen Sapp Gallery

Sweetgrass artist to host youth art classes at local gallery

Feb 23, 2021 | 2:30 PM

Local area artist, Azby Whitecalf of Sweetgrass First Nation will be leading art classes at the Allen Sapp Gallery next month.

Whitecalf, who recently graduated from a four-year Visual Communications program at the Alberta University of the Arts in Calgary, will offer both an Art Fundamentals for Youth class and a Manga and Anime class.

Whitecalf said the Art Fundamentals course in particular is a great opportunity for all youth who have an interest in getting involved with visual art, whether they’re looking to learn new skills or just beginning to hone their craft.

“I think it’s a great place to start, especially for young kids who have a love for art or think they may want to try to make it into a job one day when they’re older,” she said. “[But] it’s also a great way to just develop a new hobby, and especially during quarantine.”

Whitecalf said she enjoys teaching visual art classes to young artists because of their natural inclination to create and their courage to try new things.

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“They just have no restraints on their creativity,” she said. “They just want to create and have fun, which I think is so inspiring to myself as an adult now.”

“When the kids come, they should just be ready to really explore their imagination and creativity, and be prepared to have lots of fun,” she added.

Curator and manager of galleries with the City of North Battleford, Leah Garven said they are happy to have artists like Whitecalf come and help teach and encourage the next generation of local artists.

“We call it enhanced programing at the gallery when we are able to connect professional artists with the community, because it really instills innovation and creativity,” she said. “We’re excited to have Azby come and offer these classes for the community.”

The Art Fundamentals for Youth course is recommended for ages seven and up, and will be offered Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Mar. 23, Mar. 30, Apr. 13 and Apr. 20.

The Manga and Anime course is recommended for ages 10 to 14 and will be offered Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Mar. 24, Mar. 31, Apr. 14 and Apr. 21.

Pre-registration for both classes is available now and closes on Mar. 16. To register, or for more information, contact the Allen Sapp Gallery or find them on Facebook.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1