University student holds workshops during winter break

By Joan Janzen

Many university students come home to relax during their winter break, but not 19-year-old Rylan Cocks, who spent his winter break in his hometown of Leader. 

He was busy opening Dandelion Art Studio, where he held workshops, camps, events and classes for all ages during his winter break.

“I go to school in Vancouver,” explained Rylan, who is in his second year of Liberal Arts. “There’s nothing for art here, and I want to do this for kids who haven’t found their things yet. While I’m here on breaks, I will be continuing to do this. Now I don’t have to get a job in Vancouver and do something I love and am excited about.”

Kids enjoyed making bubble planters at Dandelion Art Studio in Leader.

Rylan Cocks held an art workshop at Eatonia Oasis Living.

He’s not the only one who is excited about the new studio in Leader. Parents have said to Rylan, “It’s so awesome for my kids; this is what they love to do.”

Rylan added, “A lot of adults are excited and keep coming back and learning. I’ve had a very positive reaction; I was very surprised by it.”

Rylan’s art events are held at 111 - 1st Avenue West in Leader, where he sublets space from Leader Pantry. “I receive a lot of community help,” Rylan noted. “The Lions Hall let me use their tables for the month. Obviously, my parents are helping out, and my gramma has a kiln in her house that I’ve been using. But in terms of teaching, it’s just me right now.”

Dandelion Art Studio workshops aren’t just for kids; adults are also welcome. Create and Sip Night’s for adults aged 19 and up, an opportunity for friends to enjoy stress-free art-making and a glass of wine. Friends and family workshops offer an opportunity for families to come and create art together.

Teen camps enable young people to explore different art techniques and discover their passion for art. And the Leader Arts Council had a fun time doing a pottery class as part of their Christmas party.

“My favourite part is that anybody can do it!” Rylan said. ‘Anybody’ included seniors enjoying a painting workshop at Eatonia Oasis Living (EOL). “I really like going to EOL. They love having me d it, and it’s fun to go there. It’s not about being good; it’s about trying it.”

Along with painting, visitors to the studio have experimented with pottery, ceramics, drawing, printmaking, textiles, painted ornaments, and an Italian decorating style called Sgraffito. Kids at camp also learn some fascinating art history facts, and there’s always a game or two in between projects.

The most rewarding part is when participants are able to take home their personally hand-crafted project. “Most people haven’t done clay, and now they have a piece they can use. A lot of kids gave their creations to their grandmas,” Rylan said. “I show the kids the skills, but they put their ideas to it as well. It means a lot to me to be able to bring this to our community, something I know I would have loved to have around when I was a kid.”

Rylan’s winter workshops are done, but he will be returning to Leader in mid-April, when he’ll be scheduling workshops, after school classes, and adding more ideas. “I want to bring in weaving,” he said. “I love to talk about something I’m passionate about and communicate with any age group.”