The Beaverbrook Art Gallery will resume its Open Studio program on Sept. 19. Supported by the Fredericton Community Foundation, this program fosters a safe and creative environment for art enthusiasts who want to explore their artistic skills or escape from reality.
“Open studio is great for new and experienced artists,” said Natasha Leblond.
Leblond is the current Beaverbrook Art Gallery program coordinator, but that’s only one of her roles. She is also in charge of student programs, such as Art After Hours, where the gallery invites bands and students can create art while listening to live music.
Located in the gallery’s art education centre, the studio will open for adults on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. All gallery visitors can explore different art mediums, such as printmaking, painting, drawing, sculpting, embroidery and crochet.
During these sessions, the public can create art pieces using the materials in the studio or supplies they bring from home.
Leblond said her favourite part of the studio is talking about art to adults and children who love it as much as she does.
“I’ve met so many cool people really looking forward to sharing their art and their knowledge about art,” said Leblond.
The program will also have monthly visits from professional artists, the first of which will be professional painter and former Open Studio Coordinator Erin Goodine. Since these visits give a glimpse into the artist’s medium, Leblond thought it best to register Goodine on opening night so she could share her knowledge of painting and drawing with visitors.
Besides supplying art materials, Leblond said the professional artists will teach people how to use any medium they’re interested in learning.
Leblond also emphasized the gallery staff’s desire to make art more financially accessible.
“It’s nice that the barrier is removed for people to experience art,” she said.
She also believes art is essential in all life forms and the studio represents the art gallery’s mission of bringing art and the Fredericton community together.
As a jewelry artist, Leblond finds beauty in the art process. Her art process consists of doing whatever comes first to her mind and it is important to her to gift that to a student.
“Whether it’s to express a specific meaning, get some ideas out of your head, or just get your brain thinking … I think art can be so therapeutic.”
Leblond highlights the importance of exploring different art mediums during sessions. She always tries to relate the work to an exhibition in the gallery to make it more engaging. At the same time, you learn something from the exhibition and leave the gallery with a new source of inspiration.
