Creative Sparks, the new exhibition of emergent artists of all ages now on at the Arbor Gallery is also creating buzz. The exhibition which runs until the end of March, features collective works from the students of Stephanie Pete’s Art & Dream Studio in Vankleek Hill.
“As a hub for artistic exploration, our studio is a hive of creativity where students of all ages, starting as young as four, embark on a journey of self-discovery and creative skill-building,” says artist and founder Stephanie Pete.
The Art & Dream Studio is modelled after a 40-year-old program in Kingston, Pete’s hometown. “Karen Peperkorn who started the Kingston Community Art and Design project is my mentor,” Pete says. A graduate of Toronto’s prestigious OCAD University, Pete herself is a skilled artist who has exhibited in Toronto and elsewhere.
A holistic approach
As an art school embedded in a studio setting, the centre emphasizes both skill development and creative exploration. The curriculum, designed for participants of all ages, integrates technical mastery with conceptual development, offering a holistic approach to artistic education. It caters to budding artists discovering the joy of color for the first time as well as seasoned creators refining their craft.
“Each piece in this exhibition is a testament to the power of creative self-expression,” says Pete. “It is a celebration of the kaleidoscope of imagination that thrives within our studio walls.” The vernissage for Creative Sparks is Friday March 1, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. For more information about Pete and the Art & Dream Studio, go to www.artanddreamstudio.com.
Aarbor Gallery – Galerie Arbor is located at 36 Home Avenue, in the heart of Vankleek Hill. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 4pm. More information about programming and events is available on Arbor Gallery’s Facebook page, website or on X, by subscribing to the gallery’s newsletter at www.arborgallery.org or by email at [email protected].
