Stu Salkeld, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
East Central Alberta Review
The Stettler Public Library is a warm and welcoming place for many people, and organizers would like to add “artists” to that group. The library is offering a Stettler Art Club 18+ that gathers artists from all walks of life once a week.
On Jan. 16, Stettler area artist Sandy Roenspies dropped by the impromptu meeting; Roenspies stated she’s been painting and creating art for 11 years now. Her interest in art was first piqued by a family member who was an artist, and seeing those pieces of art fascinated her.
When beginning her career as an artist she had just moved to Sedgewick and joined an art program there that she said was wonderful and really inspired her love of creating and appreciating art.
It wasn’t that hard to get involved, either: Roenspies stated a teacher she knew within the community suggested they join the art club together; Roenspies said they just showed up at that meeting and her art odyssey began.
That’s essentially what the public library’s art club 18+ is aiming at: a relaxed, friendly, multi-disciplinary approach to gathering artists of all stripes together and offering the opportunity once a week.
Regardless of an artist’s discipline, Roenspies stated all are welcome, noting she’s been working in a lot of oils lately after starting her artistic journey in acrylics. She noted that acrylic was a great place to begin as an artist because there was a lot of help around while the discipline is also very forgiving.
Trying new things is one of the most enjoyable experiences of being an artist she said.
“It’s pretty easy to get sucked in, once you get started,” said Roenspies.
The library’s effort to get a new group rolling for artists comes after COVID caused serious problems for some of the groups operating in the area.
Roenspies observed that she sees the group as a relaxed, laid-back place where like-minded people can get together, share their creations and experiences, give and get feedback and learn about the regional art scene. There are no memberships and no fees.
She noted the group is intended for virtually anyone who creates art: beginner or experienced, from town or from the region and just about any discipline you can imagine.
“It is open to everybody,” said Roenspies, who added artists don’t need to RSVP or phone ahead. She said they should just bring whatever they’re comfortable with to the library on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m.
“A second opinion is huge sometimes,” she added.