Art gallery lets kids explore character creation, storyboarding with summer class

As part of their summer art classes, the Art Gallery of Algoma is running a Concept and Design class for kids aged 10-16 starting next week. 

The class will run from 1:30-3:30 p.m. from July 19 until July 23. It is suitable for all levels of artists and is meant to be a fun learning experience.

Participants will learn how to develop fictional characters, creatures and places through concept art, while exploring storyboarding and learning how to put everything together. 

“It’s an introduction to art and different art techniques. It will be a fun activity and you don’t need to be super knowledgeable about art, it’s for everybody,” said Jasmina Jovanovic, executive director at the Art Gallery of Algoma. 

The class will be taught virtually via Zoom by two summer students at the art gallery, Audrey Grandinetti and Catia Mitchell. 

“Audrey Grandinetti was our art instructor in 2020 and earlier this year, and Catia Mitchell has a degree in Studio Art from the University of Guelph and is going back to school this fall to get her teaching degree. Catia also has teaching experience assisting in the classroom and in school classes on Zoom,” Jovanovic said. 

“During the class, participants will be creating a character or a place that is fictional, and creating a storyboard about it. Similar to a comic book,” Jovanovic said. “On Fridays, we designate a time for families to join the Zoom and kids can talk about their projects and what they did during the week.”

Cost for the class is $140 for AGA members and $160 for the general public, which includes the week of classes and all art supplies needed. Art supplies can be picked up on the Friday and Saturday before the class. 

“I think this is a good way to introduce youth to the creative process. The main thing isn’t that they master the techniques, we just hope they learn to be creative,” Jovanovic said. 

To register, email the art gallery at news@artgalleryofalgoma.com or stop by the gallery shop.

This class is just one of the summer art classes that the AGA has lined up for the rest of the summer. Each week will have a different theme, including animals, Disney, and 3D art. More information can be found on the art gallery’s website. 

Water Wise Cleanup

July 17

The first ever Water Wise Cleanup, run by Lake Superior State University and Algoma University, is taking place on Saturday. Residents are encouraged to go to an accessible, littered place at the water and clean it up either solo or with a small group. This cleanup will take place in conjunction with World Water Day, as part of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, Ocean Wise and WWF - Canada. Registration for the cleanup can be done online.

Rotaryfest 2021

July 15-17

This year's Rotaryfest is taking place from July 15-17, and will be in drive-in/drive-thru format at the Lowe's parking lot. The event will still include Ribfest as a drive-thru event, local entertainment, and the annual 50/50 draw with the jackpot being $25,000. A drive-in concert will be going on in the Lowe’s parking lot at the corner of Northern Avenue and Great Northern Road for the duration of the event. The Sootoday Stage sponsored by OLG in conjunction with the Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie and District and Canadian Heritage will feature a variety of music that you can enjoy from your vehicle, a news release issued by Rotaryfest reads. The Rotary Club asks that anyone planning to attend to please review the rules and regulations on the Rotaryfest website before arriving. 

The Shingwauk Reunions: Looking Back

July 20

The Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre (SRSC) will be hosting a panel discussion on Zoom on Tuesday, July 20 at 1 p.m. called The Shingwauk Reunions: Looking Back. The discussion will be moderated by Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association president Jay Jones, and will feature survivors Irene Barbeau, Shirley Horn, and Jackie Fletcher. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion on the last forty years of sharing, healing, and learning done at the Shingwauk Gatherings, and what the future holds.

Have an event coming up? Add it to our Community Calendar here.

Did we miss something? E-mail us at news@sootoday.com