The first iteration of the Innisfail Art Club began in 1963 when Ethel Scarlett gathered her friends together to get creative. Since then, the membership has grown and shrunk depending on the influence and interest of community members. The Art Club has gone through the cycle of losing and obtaining nonprofit status numerous times. In the 1970’s Ethel secured space in the former Library where members could gather and work on projects. This space included throwing wheels and kiln for pottery. When the art club lost this community space, the kiln and wheels were saved and former elementary school art teacher, Ruth Llewellyn-Handford was able too create a partnership between the town and high school so the equipment could continue to be used by the community. The current High School Art teacher, Rob Burton continues to host pottery classes for the community on this equipment. Since loosing this community space, the current art club members have been finding local meeting spaces and currently call the Peace Lutheran Church their home.
The club continues to grow under new leadership with an exciting direction and a renewed enthusiasm for the arts in Central Alberta. The club has grown from 21 members in 2022 to almost 80 members at the end of the 2024 season.
The club hosts Monday afternoon gatherings for members looking for an opportunity to connect and make art side by side. Evening classes are often held on Monday evenings and weekends. The 2023 season was robust with various classes held throughout the season. The 2024 season has exciting classes and workshops planned.
Many members show their art throughout the year at various locations in the community providing space for art to be shared. Once per year the club hosts an art show. In 2024, you can look forward to seeing the Art Club Show + Sale on November 15 + 16 at the Library and Learning Centre.
The Innisfail Art Club participates in various community events throughout the year and looks forward to adding their special creative touch to each one.
If you are interested in joining the Innisfail Art Club, it is open to all levels of interest, skill/ability and mediums. Come grow with us!
Purchase your membership HERE
