ESTEVAN - The Great Create project is now open for anyone who feels like doing something artistic.
Gale Tytlandsvik and the Estevan Arts Council put a call out to everyone who feels creative but lacks company, inspiration, ideas, motivation or just workspace. Anyone who likes to paint, knit, write or do anything else by hand is invited to join The Great Create community project, taking place March 15 through April 12.
Every Tuesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., people can drop in at the arts room at the Estevan Leisure Centre, bring their materials and work on their projects side-by-side with other Estevan creators. While mornings may work better for those who are not that busy during regular hours, the evenings may allow for an opportunity to get creative for those spending their daytime at workplaces.
Tytlandsvik said the idea was born out of artists' experiences with retreats.
"A lot of my friends have gone into artists’ retreats, that's usually a weekend, and I have never had time for that. But I've often thought that on the small scale, that would be fun to do. And so basically, this is like an artists’ retreat on a small, informal scale," Tytlandsvik explained. "We've all been trapped in our houses for the last two years. And a lot of people have started painting or picked up hobbies along the way. So, I thought it would be nice to get together with other people and share what you've done. Because creativity sparks creativity. And instead of teaching someone what to do, as people are always being told what to do, how to do it, I thought this would be a good opportunity to bring whatever you're working on and get some feedback, or just work on it and see what other people are doing to get more ideas."
The project is a perfect fit for anyone who is already working on something or wants to start. Tytlandsvik said that even if people don't have a particular idea in mind, they still can stop by and probably get inspired.
The Great Create welcomes any kind of art, including diamond dots and other kit-based projects, as its main goal is to create the atmosphere and the space for idea exchange.
"When you create something and can see that you have done something, it improves your mental health. Whether you use a kit, it doesn't matter. But just to build something with your hands, it's good for your mental health," Tytlandsvik said.
She has four different projects she plans to work on while she is at the arts room on Tuesdays, including one of the city benches she is currently creating.
The Arts Council also has some materials for people who are just passing by, and want to check out what's going on in there and maybe create something.
Depending on how the project goes, it may see some continuation later on, but for now, it will go until mid-April.
"Join us to get your creative juices flowing," Tytlandsvik said. "No charge, no pressure."
Children are also welcome to come and create.
