Whether you're an experienced artist or just harbour dreams of dabbling in oils, the Visiting Artist Series and informational videos at Opus Art Supplies might just offer a demonstration or workshop to fit your needs.
"We invite established B.C. artists to give demonstrations, workshops, and classes to our customers," says Crissy Arseneau, Manager of Marketing & Mail Order at Opus. "Often they are artists that we know because they are regular visitors to our stores. They will come in and hold a demonstration for up to 25 people, often working through a painting or their work right in the store."
The artists share their techniques with the group and talk about their work.
"Demonstrations are free," Crissy notes, "and are held at all our store locations. Often we have as many as 40 demonstrations over the course of a month. Although there's no charge, we do ask that people pre-register."
Workshops on a variety of topics are held regularly at the stores and have proven popular with customers.
"Workshops typically involve a small fee," Crissy explains, "but there's a maximum of around ten participants and any materials are usually included in the fee."
Participants in workshops could find themselves learning how to bind a book, making cards, techniques in watercolour painting, or even painting with coffee.
"We have an eclectic array of topics," Crissy says, "Occasionally we have deeper classes after hours that are usually part of a series. There's something for everyone, whether you're an artist or just interested in the many facets of art."
In addition to the demonstrations and workshops, Opus Art Supplies also features a number of informational videos presented by established artists or Opus staff.
Demonstrations, workshops, and videos can all help prepare you for the annual "Opus Outdoor Painting Challenge."
"It's a fun, free event that we hold each year," Crissy says. "We invite people to come and challenge themselves to paint outside our stores. You bring your own art materials, but we can supply a work surface. At the end, there's a small exhibition where people can hang up their artwork and get to know others in their creative community."
There are also amazing prizes donated by Opus and their many suppliers. While every prize is over $75 in value, many are in the $200 - $300 range.
"It's not a competition," Crissy emphasizes. "There is no judging. Every participant has an equal chance of winning a prize. It's about challenging yourself to create your artistic vision."
For more information about Opus Art Supplies, the Visiting Artist Series, and the Opus Painting Challenge visit the website, call 604.545.0410, send an email, or drop by the Coquitlam store at 953 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam. Opus Art Supplies can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
