Kids exhibit their work at Dandelion Art show
By Joan Janzen
Dandelion Art Studio in Leader showcased a beautiful display of art projects which Rylan Cocks’ students had made throughout the summer months. On Monday evening, August 28th, interested folks were able to view the artwork that was displayed at Squirrelly Shirley’s Coffee Shop.
“Squirrelly Shirley’s Coffee Shop offered up their space for the evening. They’re truly the best neighbours!” Rylan boasted.
“So much wonderful work was made this summer. Hundreds of beautiful works were made. What a great show!” It was also a perfect way to wrap up the summer session at Rylan’s studio and showcase the work done in his weekly classes.
All the kids came out to show off their work to their parents. Each young student picked their favourite piece to put in the show, but there were also adult pieces included in the display. Rylan also had more than fifty pieces on display at the coffee shop.
Rylan Cocks at Dandelion Art Studio encouraged the creativity of kids and adults during the seven classes he held each week throughout the summer, as well as holding workshops and day camps on weekends. The summer of activity ended with an art show when kids proudly showed off their work to their parents. Submitted photos
Some people came to see what happens at the studio, along with parents who came to check out the work their children had done. “The kids were so excited to show their piece to their family,” Rylan said. “Honestly, that’s the best part!”
Rylan focussed primarily on weekly classes throughout the summer, holding seven classes a week, with approximately 65 students registered during July and August. Overall, Rylan strives to make art accessible for all people, both young and old, beginners and more experienced artists.
The Adult Hand Building 4-week course was designed for beginner ceramics, ages 17 plus. There, students learned basic building techniques to create original pieces. The class served as a prerequisite to wheel classes. Some very original mugs and vases came out of the kiln, and students were in love with how they turned out.
The adult clay wheel class crafted beautiful bowls, mugs and pitchers during their six-week class. Rylan noted this wasn’t an easy skill; therefore the results were even more appreciated.
The Adult Tapestry Weaving Class crafted individual projects, which turned out to be completely different and unique creations. At the Adult Pottery Painting classes, students decorated pieces of pre-made pottery. All the pieces were totally functional after firing.
There were also plenty of classes offered for children. Kids enjoyed ceramics, making a mess and having a blast bubble glazing their projects. They also tried out a clay wheel, which was an exciting experience.
The painting group learned about a doodle artist, and their own doodle art turned out great. They worked on green paintings which were inspired by Leader’s Millennium Gardens. They learned about Impressionism, using bright and bold brush strokes to make their works come to life. The kids in Rylan’s printmaking class made their own personalized t-shirts. The young sprouts enjoyed themselves, whether they were making a mess in their splatter art class or painting flamingos.
“I did six family workshops and six adult workshops,” Rylan said. “We’re all following the same project, but it’s cool to see everybody’s interpretation of it. It’s really interesting.” These included pottery painting, teacup and painting workshops.
“I also did a couple of day camps,” he added. “It’s a long day, especially for the younger kids, but we do a lot during the day.” The kids explored different art mediums, learned some art history and participated in fun activities. It was messy but fun!
The dance and art camp was a joint effort put on by Dandelion Art Studio and the Leader School of Dance, who provided training in multiple dance styles. The camp was packed with a whole lot of creativity!
Dandelion Art Studio made its presence known at the Sandhills Credit Union Marketplace throughout the summer. There they held mini-workshops, making little turtle sculptures, pinch pots and clay coasters. “It was an introduction with five-minute projects to see what I do at the studio,” Rylan explained.
A few seniors from Eatonia Oasis Living made a trip out to the studio for a painting class one summer afternoon. The results were amazing!
The art show was a perfect end to an eventful summer. “Thanks to everyone who came out to show their support,” Rylan said. “I cannot express how much it means to me.”