The Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery (MJMAG) has seen an encouraging jump in signups to their art classes, and education co-ordinator Christy Schweiger advises prospective students to register early for any programs they might be looking at. 

“Our weekend programming is full of activities going on for the whole family,” Schweiger said. “We have kids programs, we have adult programs, we have teen programs, we have programs that can include families. 

“I think what’s happening is people are coming out of the places they’ve been hiding since COVID, honestly. People are more interested in coming out and taking part in programming. Registration has gone up quite a bit in all capacities. 

“Everything is getting better for registrations. Last year, maybe not so much, but this year, yeah, we’re adding more programming because there is more interest.” 

Prominent offerings such as artisan Beth Crabb’s basketweaving class on April 13 (by popular demand, she has added a second class on April 7), or Ward Schell’s acrylic and watercolour painting projects, fill their available spots quickly.  

Indigenous beadwork classes with Jazenta Saultier have also steadily increased in popularity since the MJMAG began offering them several years ago, and Charles Buchanan’s ‘Drawing Fundamentals’ for teens and youth are seeing a lot of interest. 

“We do have an employment section on our web page that asks for contract teachers, so sometimes we get proposals and resumes that way,” Schweiger said. “Sometimes people just message me directly or I hear about them through word of mouth. 

“Another way we get teachers sometimes is through students asking for certain programs, and I am always open if somebody contacts me about putting a class together.” 

To find out more about classes or request a certain subject, contact Christy Schweiger at educator.mjmag@sasktel.net, and check the webpage at www.mjmag.ca/artclasses.  

Upcoming adult and teen classes 

  • Pysanky Ukrainian Egg Decorating 

  • Saturday, April 6 from 1-3 p.m. 

  • Learn the ancient art of Pysanky decorating with beeswax resist and up to 3 coloured dyes used by Ukrainian people. Each person registered will receive materials enough to create one egg. 

  • Basketmaking II 

  • Sunday, April 7 

  • With Beth Crabb 

  • 8:30 am – 4:30 p.m. (bring lunch) 

  • CREATEabilities for adults 

  • Thursdays, April 4 to 25 from 7-8 p.m. 

  • In person art classes for individuals with special needs and learning differences, with teacher Mark Gilliland 

  • Paper Flower Making for teens/adults 

  • Sunday, April 14 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. 

  • Learn the art of making simple to complex flowers with tissue paper, wire, and floral tape with teachers Xeing Senephimmachack 

  • Indigenous Beading Workshop - Leather Keychain 

  • Saturday, May 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. 

  • With Jazenta Saultier 

  • Introduction to Printmaking 

  • Saturday/Sunday, April 27 and 28 from 1-4 p.m. 

  • With Sadi Rose Vaxvick 

  • Beginner Watercolour Painting (for new to watercolour) 

  • Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. 

  • With Bhupinder Singh 

Upcoming children’s classes 

  • Hop into Art over Easter for kids - 6-11 yrs 

  • April 2-5 from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. 

  • With Sadi Rose Vaxvick 

  • Drawing Fundamentals for Teens 

  • Sundays, May 5 – 26 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. 

  • With Charles Buchanan