By Stephen Vance, Staff
Those looking to find their inner artist have a new resource to turn to with the recently established Georgian Bay Art Academy. Founded by artist, and new Meaford resident, Herbert Pryke, one of the primary goals of the academy is to share the therapeutic benefits that can be found through artistic expression.
“My whole idea is that I want to give people who don’t know how to paint, who have never touched a brush before, to get over that idea that they aren’t an artist, or they can’t create anything,” Pryke told The Independent. “People say they can only do stick people, they talk themselves out of just going for it, so I give them a brush, I give them the paint, I show them what I’m doing, and they follow.”
In order to bring the joy of art to the community, Pryke has been hosting Paint Jams for adults, and this summer he will be hosting summer art camps for kids.
Pryke says that art can help people with some common problems.
“Everybody is creative. There’s the therapeutic idea that using your imagination is good for us. Sometimes when we are older we decide that we don’t have time for imagination. We’ve got business, finances, we’ve got mortgages, but just getting out and being creative helps us with our own well-being.
The first two Paint Jam sessions at Meaford Hall have attracted a number of art-curious adults, who are provided all of the materials required, instruction and encouragement from Pryke, and participants are also treated to a glass of wine or micro-brewery beer during the session. The next Paint Jam at Meaford Hall will be held on Wednesday June 24 from 7 to 9 pm, however you can also host a Paint Jam at your home or office with a group of friends.
The summer camps for kids will be held in July and August, and will include painting with acrylic paint, creating apple blossoms with tissue paper, mask decorating, and even the creation of collage treasure chests.
More information about the Georgian Bay Art Academy can be found on their website – www.georgianbayartacademy.com or by calling 226-974-1042.
