In June, Susan Greig opened the doors of a unique art studio in New Westminster.
It's a place where professional artists have workspace, and where members of the community - of all ages and abilities - can come in to enjoy getting hands-on with art.
This weekend, Greig is inviting people in to find out what it's all about with a Winter Art and Craft Market on Saturday, Nov. 8.
"We are all getting together to open up the doors of the studio," Greig says, noting it involves the 16 artists with workspace there, plus the eight teachers who offer a variety of classes. "People can wander around, take a look."
The space will be decorated for winter, and hot apple cider and goodies will be on offer while people can enjoy everything the studio has to offer.
Visitors can see (and buy) the art being created by the on-site artists, check out a Métis hand-weaving demonstration - even making their own bracelet if they're so inclined - or get their hands on paint at a painting table.
Or there's the splatter room - and, yes, that's just what it sounds like: you can get all suited up in rain gear and fling paint around.
"You get to go in and make a mess with paint," Greig says with a laugh. "You get a chance to channel your inner Jackson Pollock."
Visitors can also find out more about the various classes offered at the studio, including after-school art enrichment for kids, Pro-D Day camps, and a variety of painting and social events - including corporate and team-building exercises.
One of Greig's own personal passions is a new Artism program, designed for children and adults with autism and special needs.
It's being run by Greig and fellow New West artist Cliff Blank, along with an occupational therapist and a number of volunteers.
Greig notes that traditional art classes, which expect students to sit still for extended periods of time, can often be difficult for people with special needs.
"Our driving force is ensuring that children and adults have a very positive experience," she says, adding that means the participants can take time-outs when they need them, or simply take a break to do something physical when they need to.
There's been one session so far, and Greig says it was a wonderful experience. For the kids, she says, seeing their paintings go up on the gallery wall at the end of the session was a moment of great pride.
"They were hugging each other at the end," she says, noting what a huge step that is for kids with autism. "It was amazing."
Greig will be launching a Kickstarter campaign to help subsidize the cost of the program for families.
In the meantime, she's hoping the winter market will help to introduce people to everything 100 Braid Street is all about.
"We're very new, we're still trying to get the word out there," she says.
The market runs 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Check out http://100braidststudios.com for details.
