Did you know neuroscience shows that making art actually makes us healthier and happier?

Join us at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery for “Make Art: Feel Better.” This isn’t about the final masterpiece; it’s about the messy, joyful process of playing with colour and texture. Perfect for curious beginners or artists looking for a creative reset!

One-off session | No experience needed | Expect to get messy!

About Your Instructor

Tanya Collard is a professional artist and art consultant who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with distinction from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design. With extensive experience in post-secondary arts education, she specializes in “process-based” instruction, helping individuals use art as a tool for self-expression, mindfulness, and health.

Program runs 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Stewart Discovery Studio.

Pre-registration preferred, but drop-in is welcome on the day.

$20/member | $25/non-member

Join us on July 3 from 5-8pm for snacks and refreshments as we highlight the Alberta Foundation for the Arts' Travelling Exhibition (TREX) Self Reflection, curated by Jamie-Lee Cormier with artwork by Aretha Laverne, Aurel Tchoumo-Tsafack, Kelsey Holzli, and Matthew Stewart. Thanks to the support of the TREX program, artists Aretha Laverne, Aurel Tchoumo-Tsafack, and Kelsey Holzli will also be in-house talking about their work in this group exhibit on the same day starting at 5:30pm.

As part of First Fridays, visitors are invited into the Stewart Discovery Studio at the MAG to create their own art inspired by the exhibit. This month, we’ll be drawing our own unique self-portrait with a twist!

Pink Tea: if you know, you know, but in case you don’t…

When the Famous 5 were campaigning for women to have the right to vote and the right to run for elected office, their suffrage meetings were disrupted by their opponents. Women traditionally held teas for the birth of children, when someone left the community, or other reasons. Men didn’t attend these teas, so suffragists started calling their political meetings Pink Teas and very few opponents attended.

What the Famous 5 began, we continue! 🌺🍵 Bring a friend, colleague, or neighbour on July 4 starting at 2pm to begin a conversation of the issues most important to our community today and determine how we might take up ‘the mantle’. Free to attend!

Have you ever wanted to learn the history behind different art styles and try your hand at creative projects that are friendly for beginners? Each month’s Making Art History consists of 2 classes: The first class starts with a brief lesson on art movements or artists in history (as well as contemporary artists). The second class will occur the following week, and we’ll focus on completing our projects while enjoying a lively discussion about the themes and techniques we’ve been exploring!

Drop-ins are welcome, but to guarantee a spot, please register in advance on our website.

This month’s Making Art History presents A Global Tour of Tattoo History Part 1

Explore the ancient roots of an art form that has shaped cultures across the globe, then make it your own. In this series, you’ll travel through the history of tattooing from early societies to the 16th century before picking up brush and ink to create your own geometric watercolour paintings inspired by tattoo traditions!

Classes run July 8 & 15 from 6-8 pm. Registration covers both classes. All supplies included.

$25/Non-member | $20/Member

The Red Deer Arts Council and our VA committee are excited to present our 3rd annual "Plein Air Paint Out" at the McKenzie Trails on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

This 1 day event will feature time to paint late into the evening with a wet canvas sale throughout the day! Everyone is welcome to bring their favourite painting medium, and come enjoy a day of painting alongisde other creative community members! Bring your own canvas and supplies for this plein air event, and dress for the weather. We will have some easels available to borrow during the event.

Register here or day of at https://www.reddeerartscouncil.ca/news/plein-air

All paintings that are not sold that day will be displayed at the Red Deer Arts Council Community Gallery during the month of July and August with the intention to sell at a commission of 30%.

Members $10.00

Non-Members $15.00

Kids Free with (registration with an adult)

Schedule of the Plein Air Event:

• Painting Time Check-in starts 9am on Saturday.
• Turn in paintings throughout the day to dry and is for sale for the public to purchase.
• Sign Out 6pm.
• Paintings will be moved to the Community Gallery or Scott Block Venue to be exhibited for the Month of July to be purchased.
• Art Show & Sale through out the day and will continue in the Community Gallery until July 24th, 2026
• 30% commission to the Red Deer Arts Council to continue programming for the Plein Air Event Artists take home unsold works to be picked up Friday August 31, 2026.

If you want to help out and volunteer email us at info@reddeerartscouncil.ca