Jim_ElwoodA new series of art classes geared specifically for teens will be offered at the Kelowna Art Gallery this summer. The Friday for Teens Art Series will run from 9 am to 2 pm every Friday beginning July 11 through August 22.

Leading the series are two local artist-instructors, Jim Elwood, and Natasha Harvey.

Elwood is an accomplished artist in several media, including drawing, watercolour, and block printing. He graduated with honours from the University of Victoria, before attending the Banff Centre for Fine Arts studio program, and then the University of Calgary’s Art Education program. Elwood’s time is divided among working as an artist, an illustrator, and as an art teacher.

Harvey has a degree in Fine Arts as well as a degree in Education and holds a current B.C. teaching certificate. She is the owner/founder of Natasha Harvey Art, where she works extensively with children and youth, using a variety of media, including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and printmaking.

During the classes, participants can expect to develop skills in drawing, painting, mixed media, and printmaking, while being inspired by the current exhibitions on view at the Gallery. Class sizes are limited, allowing for more one-on-one instruction to enrich the experience. Classes highlight skill-building and self-expression, as well as the introduction of new ideas and artistic techniques, and are open to absolute beginners, as well as to those of intermediate skill level. Each week a different theme is explored. Weekly themes include More than Watercolour, Everything in Ink, Block Printing, Wildlife Drawing, People Skills, and more.

Registration is now underway for these high-quality, intimate classes. Single classes are available at a cost of $55 for Gallery members and $70 for non-members. The cost to register for the entire six-week series of classes is $275 for members or $300 for non-members.

A full listing and description of available classes can be found on the Gallery’s website at www.kelownaartgallery.com. For more information or to register, please contact the Gallery at 250-762-2226.