ART AS A WAY OF KNOWING: Week 3

Registration for Art as a way of Knowing has been very good. In fact spots at McDougall are very limited. We have a couple spots left, please sign up soon if you are planning to attend. There are still spots at Red Deer Lake. If the sessions you want to attend are full, please consider attending there. You can sign up here.

This week we are going to talk more about what is happening for week Three.

But first, here is a reminder about when the workshops are happening: At McDougall, these workshops are happening on Friday nights (5:30 pm - 8:00 pm). If Friday’s don’t work, the same workshops are being presented at Red Deer Lake on Saturday (11:30 am - 2:00 pm). A simple meal will be provided each week. There is no cost to these workshops. There are limited spots though so please sign up if you are planning to attend.

Here is some more information about what will be covered in week 2.

WEEK 3 (July 24/25): Memory Garden

Our memories help shape who we are.

Through collage, imagery, storytelling, and creative reflection, participants will create visual tributes to meaningful people, places, experiences, and moments in their lives.

You might create something inspired by a loved one, a favorite place, a cherished childhood memory, a spiritual experience, or a passage of scripture that has guided you.

Together we will explore gratitude, remembrance, and the stories that continue to shape us.

What you can expect:

We'll begin by sharing a meal together, allowing everyone time to arrive, enjoy some food, and settle into conversation and fellowship. Once all have gathered, or by the top of the hour, Danah will guide us through a simple reflective process, inviting us to consider a few prompts that might help awaken memory and imagination. Again, any story that feels meaningful to you.

Using images from National Geographic magazines and other found materials, participants will then create a collage that expresses whatever has emerged through their reflections. No artistic experience is necessary. This is an opportunity to play, experiment, and discover rather than to create a "perfect" piece of art.

Throughout the workshop, Danah will be available as a facilitator, offering encouragement, practical guidance, and a few creative techniques for anyone who feels unsure of where to begin. Often, the most meaningful collages emerge simply by trusting the process.

Our hope is to offer a gentle, accessible way to explore and express parts of our stories through found images. Collage has a unique ability to communicate experiences and emotions that can be difficult to put into words, allowing for expression that is both deeply personal and, if desired, comfortably anonymous.

Whether you're an experienced artist or someone who hasn't picked up a glue stick in years, you'll find this process welcoming and accessible. While we can't promise profound discoveries, many people are surprised by the memories, insights, and moments of gratitude that emerge as they create and reflect together.

All materials will be provided, along with practical tips on composition and collage techniques. Come with an open mind, a spirit of curiosity, and a willingness to see where the images might lead us.

People who are interested in creating digital art are encouraged to bring their iPad, or other digital tablets. Danah is very familiar with several iPad drawing programs with his preferred app being Procreate. 

You can learn more and sign up for just this one, or all of the workshops on our website.