Imagine a place where a child’s first brushstroke or musical note ignites a lifelong passion, or where an adult rekindles a long-lost love for painting or dancing. Place des Arts in Coquitlam is that special place, offering a nurturing environment for creative exploration and growth.
Place des Arts is a not-for-profit- education centre that offers quality programs in music, visual arts, fibre arts, dance, theatre, pottery and literary arts for all ages, skill levels and interests. Additionally, Place des Arts’ experienced music teachers offer private lessons in a variety of instruments and styles.
With over 80% of program offerings geared to beginners, you don’t need to feel intimidated. Whether you’re looking to try something new or gain some serious skills, Place des Arts’ wide array of programs will inspire the artist in you.
“What we hear the most from our clients is how much Place des Arts feels like a second home,” explains Joan McCauley, Place des Arts’ executive director. “When you walk into our facility, you can feel the welcoming vibe and the creative energy that comes from all the arts converging together under one roof. It makes people want to keep coming back.”
Having been a part of the Tri-Cities community for more than 50 years, Place des Arts offers its well-established classes and private lessons each year, but its continual penchant for evolving is front and centre as well.
To that end, numerous new classes are being introduced running through the fall, winter and spring: Kathak (classical Indian dance), belly, Latin and tiny hip-hop dance classes; and both cello and fiddle group classes for adult beginners.
As for the tried, tested and true programs, Place des Arts will also be returning its most popular favourites: foundational drawing and painting classes for those aged three to 17; the musical rainbow program for kids between six months and eight years old; foundational piano and keyboard classes; creative writing; and comprehensive dance programs across ballet, jazz and hip hop for anyone between the ages of three and 17.
All of Place des Arts’ arts education programs are facilitated by skilled and experienced teachers who are experts in their field with many holding master’s degrees
“Regardless of your age or skill level, our teachers are capable and caring and will impart the tools and techniques that will allow your creativity to flourish. Our teachers and our wide variety of program offerings will help you meet your goals,” McCauley says.
Beyond the practical skills inherently learned through Place des Arts classes and lessons, there’s much to gain above and beyond a finished art piece or learning a musical scale: you can tap into a creative place that perhaps you didn’t know you had or you can meet a new friend and before you know it, you’ll be calling Place des Arts your second home too.”
Register online at placedesarts.ca, in person at 1120 Brunette Avenue or by phone at 604-664-1636. Bursaries and subsidies are available as part of Place des Arts’ commitment to accessibility.
To learn more, visit placedesarts.ca
