Kalispell Senior Center opens doors of new art facility
The Kalispell Senior Center has opened the doors to its Art Program facility. Though the program’s space is new, organizers say the goal remains the same: offer affordable art lessons to seniors in the Flathead Valley.
“People joining us can be brand new to art — never picked up a paintbrush or pencil to draw,” said Sandra Marker, the art program coordinator. “We can help them enjoy art and experiment and grow from wherever they are, whatever their background.”
She said the new facility, located at 1108 South Main in Kalispell, includes a sink, is handicap-accessible, has plenty of room for storage, rows of cabinets and a lot of counter space.
The facility also includes supplies in most mediums for beginners hoping to experiment. Newcomers are welcome to try out the program at no initial cost. For members of the Kalispell Senior Center, the $25 annual fee covers the program’s classes.
Marker said there’s no age limit to be a member, though people younger than 55 may not vote in the center’s elections.
Tuesdays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., an experienced artist will provide coaching for people in the medium they choose. Wednesdays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., painters are free to work on individual projects in the program’s space, but there’s no guarantee a coach will be present.
“Even in our outdated old facility, we had a very vibrant program,” Marker said. “We’re trying to bring back the former participants and hopefully bring in new people to this light space.”
She said with the facility’s new look, she’s hoping to expand offerings to invite professional artists to teach special programs throughout the year.
The center is inaugurating its new art facility with a special course covering the basics of oil painting with local artist Herb McAllister.
Over a 50-year career, McAllister has shaped his work around portraits, landscapes, Western themes, wildlife, illustrative work and his own “Froggy Doo” books.
McAllister’s course will go from March 14 through April 6 from 10 a.m. to noon. Marker said since it’s a special program, there is a cost for each session for members and nonmembers alike.
McAllister’s lessons cost is $20 per session, or $160 for the entire course.
The special course includes eight, two-hour sessions. The lessons will focus on the fundamental elements of painting including composition, perspective, treating light, and shadow.
McAllister will work with participants to identify appropriate tools for their goals and how to use the instruments. He will also teach the student artists how to preserve their work.
“It’s exciting to have a professional artist teach this class at such as reduced rate, it matches the program’s mission,” Marker said.
The deadline to pre-register for the course is Friday, March 10, at 5 p.m. The final chance to sign up for the course is at its first session on March 14.
To register for the special course or for more information, call the Kalispell Senior Center Officer Manager Cathy Herron at 406-257-1598.
Reporter Katheryn Houghton may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at khoughton@dailyinterlake.com.