Calling all art aficionados! “Art Outside of Ourselves” is an exciting new initiative that provides opportunities for artists of all abilities in the Vancouver community and those from the Henri Cros studio in Valence d’Agen, France to participate in an art card exchange program. Cheryl Fortier, a Vancouver based artist with over 20 years of experience is leading these workshops where participants are creating “mail art” (postcard sized, two dimensional artwork) which will be exchanged between both countries.  Through the creation and exchange of artwork, the two groups are using art as a tool to communicate and discover the similarities and differences between their cultures.

Here’s your chance to work with some of the amazing artists at Alternative Creations Studio, a local East Van studio that provides a stimulating and vibrant space for artists with developmental disabilities to showcase their art and express themselves creatively.  We welcome anyone and everyone (art novice or connoisseur!) to participate in the final two workshops happening on January 19th and 26th from 10:30am-12:00pm at Alternatives (1387 Venables Street in Vancouver).  The workshops are free but please note that an RSVP is required.  Contact Cheryl Fortier at [email protected] for more information and/or to reserve your spot!

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To check out some more photos from the first two workshops, click here.

“Art Outside of Ourselves” was made possible through East FEAST Vancouver – a micro-funding event that supports local artists.  In July 2014, Alternatives pitched their project and it was selected as the winner by popular vote!  We look forward to sharing the work that comes out of this project and once it has been completed and exchanged, the broader community will be invited to attend an art exhibition and presentation this coming spring.  Stay tuned for more information!

Links:
Cheryl Fortier – http://www.cherylfortier.com/
Alternatives Creations Studio – https://www.facebook.com/AlternativeCreationsStudio?ref=hl
A Deux Mains à Centre Henri Cros –  http://www.arseaa.org/etablissement/henri-cros-les-c%C3%A8dres
East FEAST Vancouver –  https://eastfeastvancouver.wordpress.com/blog/