Cochrane’s arts community will be holding its Art Walk at the ClubHouse Activity Centre July 14 – just in time for the event’s one-year anniversary. The Art Walk has grown to include not only art on display and sale from local artists, but also workshops and exploration to find new ways to engage in the town’s creative community. “People love seeing art being made or music being played,” said Jola Muran, arts and culture programmer for the Town of Cochrane. “It’s a form of de-stressing – we live in a really intense time, it’s just nice to get pulled into a moment of beauty.” Painters, three-dimensional sculpture artists and fiber artists are some of the those displaying their work. A featured artist, Scot Paisley, will also be showcased. He works with the Town as an artist and instructor. Local artist, Gina Groot, will also be onsite teaching a workshop on glass painting. Groot was involved with the previous Art Walk's, and has been active in the local arts community for years. She said she is excited to have the Art Walk back for a second year. “It’s just to get our names out there so people realize, in Cochrane, we have a lot of great artists,” she said. “I think that’s what the Art Walk is about – it’s to promote Cochrane and all the artists that are in Cochrane.” Registration is still open for Groot’s glass painting workshop. To register, contact Groot at [email protected] She said teaching painting has become one of the most satisfying aspects to her role as an artist. She said it’s great for everyone to try something different, but kids seem to connect with art in a special way. “You show them something, you tell them something – they remember those things,” Groot said. “They practice, they do it, and they tell everyone. When they’re finished their project, they’re very happy to take it home, display it and show everyone. That’s the part for me with teaching that’s amazing.” To make sure participants don’t miss any of the activities and displays, an Art Walk map has been created to highlight different creative hotbeds in town. Muran said she wanted to expand the event beyond the ClubHouse, and the map features businesses that might have a live painter present or knitters on the porch. “I’m excited about our little Town of Cochrane becoming more culturally aware of art. We have such a rich arts community,” Muran said. The featured artist will have control of the first floor at the ClubHouse, and four other artists will have their art displayed on the second floor. Muran said she is also trying to arrange for music to played on the balcony to help liven up the Cochrane Farmers’ Market happening at the same time at the bottom of the hill. The Art Walk runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and admission is free. Three tables are still available for additional artists, Muran said, at a cost of $25 for the day.
