Authentic Art totally unique

Art is always meant to be authentic but now there’s an art exhibit in this city that’s so capital ‘A’ authentic that it’s even in the name of the show and of what inspired it.

Authentic Art is a wonderful look into the Visual Arts Studio Association’s art program of the same name. It is comprised of adults with developmental disabilities from St. Albert and throughout the Edmonton area. Together, under the guidance of professional local artists, they come together and experience the joy of creativity in many different forms.

Now, we get to experience the joy that they wish to share with the world.

Instructor Peg McPherson has been running the program since Paul Freeman of the Nina Haggerty Centre in Edmonton passed on the torch more than a year ago. Many of the students have mobility issues, she notes, but none of them have any trouble in making pictures that are full of life, full of colour, and full of personality.

She describes each class like any other where the artists take their inspiration and let their imaginations run free.

“I set up examples and talk about what the theme is. If they choose to go totally different … they’re the boss,” she exclaimed.

It’s really a sight to behold. A lot of the work could be described as vibrant NaÄ‚Ĺ»ve art, with unique and excited markmaking seen as the trademarks of some. Others are expressive beyond compare even while only using pitch-black charcoal or markers. There’s no shortage of work to impress even the knowledgeable viewer.

McPherson reveled in the beautiful lines and amazing control demonstrated by many of these artists.

“I can see their progress,” she said, mentioning how one artist might not be able to speak but “he’s very precise in what he does and he knows exactly what he wants to do.”

Art exhibits frequently come and go but this one is a rarity. It’s a pure delight as it not only shows the wonder and verve of some local artists, confirming the pure power of artistic expression itself, but it also serves to inspire the viewer to be more creative and wildly free in their creativity.

The Authentic Art autumn classes are also set to start Oct. 18 and run every week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until Dec. 7. Registration is open today and on Oct. 11, both from 1 to 4 p.m. The program costs $100 for each participant. The winter program runs from Feb. 7 to March 29, 2017, with registration open on Jan. 31. For more information, please contact McPherson at [email protected] or call 780-459-7886.