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The red deer art club welcomes artists of all skill levels.
Thirty-seven years ago, Sheila Wright was a busy mother of two young sons who yearned to express her creativity.
She found artistic motivation and plenty of like-minded friends by joining the Red Deer Art Club.
Formed in 1948, the group has become one of Red Deer's longest-serving cultural organizations. Even back when Wright signed on in 1988, it had been around for four decades, with a loyal membership.
She notes three current members have been with the group even longer than she has. People stick around because it's "a community," Wright believes.
"You learn from (other members). You can talk about art with them. Art had been part of my life, forever, since my mother was an artist... I just throught it was a comfortable place, where I needed to be..."
The non-profit continues to spark creativeity in new and established artists who meet weekly on Thursday afternoons at the Golden Circle.
By payhing a $25 annual membership fee, local artists can put their work into twice-annual club sales and various exhibitions, says Wright.
Red Deer-area residents can also choose to remain non-members, and just drop in to attend the club's weekly art sessions for a $2 coffee fee.
All attendees are welcome to bring their own projects - a drawing, watercolour, or acrylic painting, or even a gel print (only oil paints and solvents are not allowed due to city fire codes).
The can take inspiration from monthly "prompts." Wright says past ideas have included creating art based on song titles - leading to interesting perspectives on How Much is that Doggy in the Window and Rocky Mountain High.
Landscape painted can be challenged to tackle depicting people, or otherwise leave their comfort zone. But Wright said it's always in a supportive environment.
Members had largely been focused on elevating their skill level when she first joined the club. There are still member-led tutoritals on colour theory, watercolour techniques, composition, printing methods, etc. And once a month, anyone who wants constructive critique on a project can ask for feedback from other members.
But Wright says the focus has become more inclusive since she became president 11 years ago.
While some individual artists still take outside lessons to improve their skills, others are happy to work away on personal interests, including adult colouring books, or just share in the discussion.
Wright considers it a no-pressure environment.
Most of the 40 club members are retired. A few are disabled. Wright says the club includes everyone "in the conversation" and provides artistic encouragement.
She invites anyone interested in joining the creative community to stop by on a Thursday afternoon.
