Artful Years 55 plus | Smithers Art Gallery

ARTFUL YEARS WORKSHOPS

The Smithers Art Gallery is pleased to announce that we have received funding under the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for our project Artful Years: Visual Arts for Seniors by Seniors

This federal grants and contributions program supports projects that are led or inspired by seniors who are making a difference in the lives of others in their communities.

The funds will be used to provide arts and craft workshops taught by seniors for seniors 55 and over. Thank you to the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for the funding support provided to the Smithers Art Gallery. It will make a significant difference in the lives of seniors in our community.

For more information, visit New Horizons for Seniors Program – Community-based projects.

Each one of the following workshops is free of charge for anyone 55 and over. You must register for each workshop, you can register for as many as you like. Please do not register if you don't intend to attend as there are limited spaces.

Click on image for full description and registration link.

The Painters Studio: Discovering Landscapes in Oils with Poppy Dubar.

Dates and Times: Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 from 10-12

Working from your favourite photographs or a supplied image, join Poppy Dubar for a gentle introduction to landscape painting in oils. From composition and colour mixing to capturing light and tone, Poppy will guide you step by step through the essentials, leaving you with a piece you're truly proud of. No experience needed — just a love of colour and a curiosity to create. All supplies included.

Sew Much Fun: Fabric Arts with Rosamund Pojar

Dates and Times: Sept 15, 22, 29 and Oct. 6. from 1-3 pm.

These workshops explore a range of textile techniques to create artistic scenes or images and art objects including vases and bowls. Techniques will include hand sewn patchwork and collage from fabric scraps, simple (sashiko) and traditional embroidery, quilting, and surface design — using diverse materials such as fancy yarns, ribbons, beads, and unconventional elements like melted Tyvek, plastics, and glitter. Projects can be completed by hand or with a sewing machine, and participants are encouraged to continue working between sessions to develop a more complex piece of fabric art that incorporates the skills and materials covered. The goal is to create finished works that are both functional and artistic.

From Fleece to Masterpiece: Needle Felting and More with Nika

Dates and Times: Oct. 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, from 1-3 pm

Four weeks of fibre arts from needle felting to wet felting. Nika walks you through how to create 3 dimensional art, suitable for hanging or gifting. Participants will make a wet felted “painting” and add detail with the needle felting. In addition to making wet felted dryer balls and adding details with needle felting. All supplies are included, just bring your imagination.

Stuck On Art: Mixed Media Collaging with Linda Stringfellow

Dates and Times: Jan. 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 2027 from 11 am - 1 pm

Join collage artist Linda Stringfellow for a hands-on exploration of mixed media collage, where anything goes and happy accidents are part of the process. Linda will introduce you to a variety of techniques for layering, combining, and transforming materials — paper, fabric, found objects, paint, and more — into artwork that is uniquely your own. Whether you're a complete beginner or a curious creative looking to try something new, this workshop will leave you with a stunning collage and a whole new way of seeing the world around you. All supplies included.

Brushstrokes and Beyond: Watercolour with Jill Dunbar

Dates and Times: Feb. 17, 24, Mar. 3, 10, 2027 from 11 - 1 pm.

Dive into the luminous world of watercolour with Jill Dunbar in this welcoming introductory workshop. Jill will guide you through the essentials — brush techniques, colour mixing, and the beautiful unpredictability of water and pigment — before venturing into the exciting territory of texture. Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or returning to a long-forgotten passion, you'll leave with new skills, fresh inspiration, and a piece to be proud of. All supplies included.