What sets the Esplanade classes apart from other art classes?
These 8-week art classes, inspired by current exhibitions, engage kids in 2D and 3D projects, fostering creativity, exploration, and self-expression in a supportive environment.
Sensory Arts for Tots & Preschoolers
Sensory Arts #1 - 2-5 yrs. Thursdays, 10:30am-11:45am - Instructor Jenn Demke-Lange, Apr. 3-May 29, 2025 (No Class April 24)
Sensory Arts #2 - 2-5 yrs. Thursdays 4:45pm - 6:00pm - Instructor Ruth Adams, Apr. 3-May 29, 2025 (No Class April 24)
Max: 10 spots per group - a parent or caregiver must be in attendance
These fun, hands-on art classes for ages 2-5 and their caregivers explore colors, textures, and materials, fostering creativity, curiosity, and fine motor skills while introducing kids to the gallery experience.
About the Instructors:
Jenn Demke-Lange, a 2007 BFA graduate from the Alberta University of the Arts, is a studio ceramic artist, illustrator, and visual arts educator. She fosters creativity through hands-on, inquiry-based learning and has exhibited nationally and internationally. Jenn spent 10 years at Medalta’s Artist in Residence program and remains dedicated to enriching Medicine Hat’s arts community.
Ruth Adams, with a Bachelor’s in Art and 20+ years of experience, has inspired students through the "Artist in the Classroom" program. Now at the Esplanade, she fosters a fun, hands-on environment where creativity thrives.
Art Explorers- 5-6 yrs. Saturdays, 10:00am-11:30am - Instructor Ruth Adams, April 26 - June 21, 2025 (No Class May 17)
Max: 12 spots per group
Art Explorers offers a fun, unparented program for ages 5-6, blending Sensory Arts and Esplanauts. Over eight weeks, kids explore various media, techniques, and imaginative projects in an engaging environment.
About the Instructor:
Ruth Adams, with a Bachelor’s in Art and 20+ years of experience, brings her passion from the "Artist in the Classroom" program to the Esplanade, creating a fun, hands-on space for creative exploration.
April 26 - June 21, 2025 (No class on May 17)
Esplanauts #1 - 7-9 yrs. Saturdays, 12:00pm - 1:45pm
Esplanauts #2 - 10-12 yrs. Saturdays, 3:15pm - 5:00pm
Max: 12 spots per group
These 8-week long art classes draw from the current exhibitions in the Art Gallery. Two dimensional and three dimensional art projects are designed to give children the opportunity to explore a wide variety of ideas in a diversity of media. Projects and art activities challenge children while instructors offer plenty of encouragement to provide for a safe environment that promotes exploration, creativity and expression.
About the Instructor:
Candice Arnold, a 2005 BFA graduate from the University of Manitoba, has been teaching at the Esplanade since 2006. With 16+ years of experience, she specializes in various media, including clay, painting, and printmaking, and has also led programs at Medalta and Inspire Café.
