At first, Innisfail, Alta. may seem like an unlikely choice of residence for an artist whose background is as extensive and diverse as Betty Spackman's.
The multi media installation artist and painter, who has created arts education and mentoring programs, and is the author of a 500-page book that has made its way around the world, has worked and taught extensively throughout Canada, as well as in such places as California, Holland, Mexico and Austria.
Indeed, few were more surprised than Spackman when she found herself considering the rental of an older home in the heart of Central Alberta. "I have family in this area. I've never lived close to family before," she said. "And I had never expected to be in Innisfail."
A unique opportunity presented itself, however, when a project Spackman had been commissioned for in Medicine Hat came to an abrupt end due to some unexpected academic restructuring at the college. "I spent some time after that experience trying to figure out where I was supposed to be," she said. "I ended up here when, on my way to a family campout I stopped to visit some relatives. They mentioned there was a place for rent that they had been helping to clean after previous tenants had left it a mess."
It turned out that the building was perfect for Spackman's needs. "It is deceptively small from the outside, but there is a lot of living space, with room downstairs for a studio and classroom." The rent was reasonable enough, so she decided to give Innisfail a try.
Now settled, and nearly completely unpacked, Spackman is ready to embark on her latest adventure, sharing her knowledge and experience with other aspiring artists in the community.
"I've taught art in universities and colleges for 15 years," she said. "I love to give back to the community I live in, and I have heard from several people I've spoken with that there is a real need for art programs for both youth and adults in the area."
Spackman hopes to help fill that need beginning in February with the commencement of the Youth Art Program, which will be held at the new Innisfail Youth Programming Centre. The program, or YAP as it is affectionately called, will be geared toward youth ages 13 to 17 and will be divided into six-week blocks, with the first block running Feb. 3 to March 10.
"The first three blocks will focus on visual storytelling, which is basically telling stories with art," said Spackman. "In the first block, participants will use single images, and learn about the relationship between text and images. They will then design posters and CD covers using the skills they have learned.î
The second block, running March 17 to April 21, will take visual storytelling to the next level, using multiple images. Participants will design their own illustrated book.
The third block, which will begin April 26, will have participants working with storyboards to explore the world of comics and films. Spackman, who began her professional career in this very genre, feels that it will be a lot of fun for the youth involved. "Kids love that stuff. They will be creating flip books, animation characters, and doing a final storyboard for a music video, a short film, or an animation."
Potential participants in the Youth Art Program need not worry if they lack artistic experience. All that is required is the desire to create and a good imagination.
Creative adults will soon be able to benefit from Spackman's expertise, as well. Beginning in March, she will be offering adult art classes from her basement studio. "I will be doing both visual storytelling classes and drawing classes, initially," she said. After that, her curriculum will be largely determined by her students. "We may do painting next, but we will have to see what the interest is."
Another initiative close to Spackman's heart is the Open Studio Program, a community education and support initiative she developed, with local artists in mind. The program has been installed in several communities with great success, and she hope to eventually see it come to Innisfail. "The Open Studio Program focuses more on mentoring, critique and support of people who are passionate about their art. You aren't teaching a skill -- people come to the program with their own skills at whatever level, and other artists guide and support them."
While this program may be in the distant future for now, Spackman is currently looking forward to encouraging burgeoning artists at any skill level, whatever their interest, with her classes. "Because I have a multi media history in my professional work and my own life, I'm all about encouraging people in their own gifts, their own direction, their own vision," she said. "Besides learning a skill, that's what it is really all about."
Anyone interested in signing up for the Youth Art Program can contact Innisfail Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) at 403-227-7744. To register for adult art classes, contact Betty Spackman by phoning 403-227-7270, 403-505-8101 or emailing [email protected].
