With the arrival of fall colours and a new school year, Gimli’s Hidden Treasures Studio is preparing to welcome young artists back for another season of creative exploration.
The “Just Gogh Picasso” after-school art classes, which began in 2021 with only four students, have grown steadily and will return for the 2025–26 year with an expanded lineup. This year’s curriculum includes five two-month units covering mixed media, Art 101, handbuilding clay, sketching and drawing, and acrylic painting with colour theory.
“Our goal isn’t just to create more professional artists but to help young people become more complete human beings — curious, creative and critical thinkers,” said owner Barb Stein.
Classes run Tuesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for students in grades 1 to 4 and Wednesdays during the same time slot for grades 5 to 8. A program for homeschooled students in Grade 1 and up will also be offered Wednesday mornings.
In addition to studio work, participants will showcase their art at local events such as Culture Days, Nuit Blanche in late September and the Gimli Ice Festival. Young artists will also have opportunities to sell their work through art shows hosted by Artists of the Lake. Photography workshops, guest artists and visits to the Gimli Art Club will further broaden the learning experience.
New this year is a teen program, created in partnership with the Gimli Art Club, which gives older students the chance to learn directly from established local artists. The first unit will focus on pottery, including instruction on the pottery wheel. Classes will be held Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Gimli Art Club.
The program year will culminate with a two-day “Just Gogh Picasso” art show at the Lakeview Hotel, where students’ work will be celebrated.
Registration is open until Sept. 23. Parents can sign up their children online at Hidden Treasures’ website, in person at the studio, or by calling 204-642-3003.
Stein expressed thanks to Lakeview Hotel and Hailey’s Way for their ongoing support, and noted they continue to seek sponsorships to ensure more children can access the program.
