After slowly becoming a permanent fixture in the community, the Calling Lake Arts Academy will going into their third year with a couple of fresh ideas.
The Arts Academy is a free program created by the Municipal District of Opportunity offering a range of artistic learning opportunities, including singing, dancing, art, photography, acting and even puppetry.
Fine arts co-ordinator Lance Cardinal describes it as an after-school program that both kids and adults alike can participate in from 4- 8p.m.
"It's kind of a drop-in program for ages six and under all the way to adults, " he said. "It's just a place to come be creative, express yourself and become part of an organized arts group in Calling Lake. "
Cardinal said that this year, they'll be looking to add a few more classes for the upcoming 2016-17 season. The two he highlighted were a miniature club, where participants can learn how to create models, and DJing classes.
"We have some new machines we purchased – some DJ turntables – and we're trying to establish a group in Calling Lake, " he said. "Something that will be different for kids to get involved with. "
A majority of the classes are taught and put on by Cardinal, who has been a professional actor, performer, and set designer for the past 20 years. He said he's been using this program as way to give back to the community he grew up in by creating more opportunities for artistic expression.
"I remember growing up here in Calling Lake, and I remember there not being many opportunities for someone like me, " he said. "Someone who's a creative person, who needed an outlet to express myself that wasn't hockey or sports of some kind. I knew there was a need for that in a small town, especially in an Aboriginal community. "
He added that since the programs creation, it has been continuously growing every year. This includes more participants in the variety of classes and spectators in the live performances. He said that it's becoming a "permanent fixture in the community. "
"Some of the shy kids are becoming more confident, " he said. "Some of the kids who weren't dancers are now dancers and dance captains. The singers who didn't feel comfortable signing are performing in talent shows. "
"We're seeing a lot of community unity because of the arts, " he added. "I'm happy with that. And I know we have a long way to go, but we're beginning to see the improvements in the town. "
