Casa re-opens with new summer programming and exhibits

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Casa has reopened just in time as Covid health restrictions loosen and Lethbridge artists are ready and raring to go as they unleash a year and a half of pent up artistic energy.
 Casa is offering a variety of activities, including outdoor classes, studio time and Summer camps for children in July and August.
 The week-long classes in clay, textiles, drawing, painting, collage, printmaking and sculpture. Camps will run full days from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
“It’s been a little slow so far. But it will pick up as word spreads that we’re open again. We’re in a bit of a transition period now,” said Allied Arts Council Communications manager, Kelaine Devine, noting artists can book studio time and classes are starting up again including the always popular clay and pottery classes.


“They always fill up fast,” she said, adding artists wishing to rent studio time must register in advance by appointment only. Studio access will be available 10 a.m.– 9 p.m.; Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis by contacting 403-327-2272.


A lot of activities are planned to take place in Rotary Square including classes including still life painting featuring costumed models posing for artists of all skill levels.

Holding classes outside will take advantage of nice weather.


“They’re usually between 6-8 p.m. when there‘s no direct sunlight,” she said, adding  if you want to make art on you own, the Allied Arts Council also sells arts kits.

A new exhibit, “Inside-Out” opens in the Casa Gallery, July 3.
 It features works from 73 local artists throughout the building including a Summer Salon throughout the building, two installations in the Rotary Square artist kiosks and five shadow boxes.

“There’s clay, mixed media, photograph and painting. There’s a lot of different styles,” she said.
 The exhibit runs until Aug. 21.


“We’re not having an official opening like we usually do because we’re still taking Covid precautions and being safer,” Devine said.


 While the deadline for submissions for “Inside-Out,” The Allied Arts Council has opened for Arts Days, taking place Sept. 23-26. The deadline for artists as well as buskers and performers to apply is July 30.
 “There will be lots of performance opportunities,” Devine said.


Casa is also limiting access points, so patrons can use the parking lot but have to walk around enter through the Rotary Square entrance.


For further information please call Casa at 403-327-2272, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 a.m .to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. More information is available online at https://artslethbridge.org/events-programs/

—  By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor
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