We Learn By Doing. ARTSWELLS. Doing All Things Art. YOU ARE WELCOME TO LEARN…IT’S VERY WELLS

A Waltz with Ann Walsh Through History, Mystery, and More.

Ann Walsh will read from and talk about her gold rush books “Your Time, My Time” and the Barkerville Mystery Trilogy–”Moses, Me and Murder” “The Doctor’s Apprentice” and “By The Skin of His Teeth.”) Widely used in schools, these books are packed with Gold Rush history are enjoyed by both younger readers and adults alike–check her website http://www.annwalsh.ca/

Wilderness Running with Tyler Doerksen

With all this fresh air and invigorating wilderness, Wells is a runner’s paradise. Join local runners on a moderately challenging jaunt of 6 kilometers down backroads, trails, and a sub-alpine meadow.

Needlefelting the Easy Way with Sharon Cahn

There is a $35 cost to buy the kit for this workshop (cost is not included with festival pass). The kit contains a special paper that allows participants to needlefelt their first project in a foolproof way. There is enough wool and the special paper in the kit for you to make several items. We will make one in the one hour class, but you can later either practice on more of the paper or can go on to needlefelt without it, having gained confidence in their abilities to needlefelt. If you need a refresher course, the kit includes a DVD that goes over the process again. It is an easy foolproof way to begin. http://www.pluckings.com/

PLUS, Sharon will be teaching a second textiles workshop:
Nuno Felting with Sharon Cahn, also known as Laminated Felting is a process where wool is felting into an open weave fabric. In this class we will make a nuno felted silk scarf. There will be a material fee for the supplies, but you will go home with the ability to go on from here to whaterever felting takes you.

Freestyle Rap Session with Ryan Somers aka Fritz tha Cat

Can you rap? Whether you know it or not, the answer is YES! We’ll start with a simple breakdown on the art of freestyling, then have a group rap session. Bring your voice or bring a drum! Kids and grown-ups welcome!

Introduction to Ukrainian Dancing with Ksenya Dorwart

- Warm ups
- Bar work
- Feet and arm positions
- Introduction to basic Ukrainian steps (central and Hutzul steps)
- Boys and Girls technique
- Combinations
Under ideal circumstances, practice attire for girls includes black tights, bodysuits and dance skirts.
Practice attire for young boys includes white T-shirts and black shorts.
Older boys attire includes white T-shirts and black sweat pants.

Yoga with Kate Sulis

Kate Sulis has been leading yoga classes in Wells and Quesnel for a number of years. She is a registered massage therapist and uses this experience to help lead participants through a fairly energetic yoga routine which focuses on core strength and flexibility. She follows no particular brand of yoga, but draws on experience from different classes she has taken over the years. Come prepared with a yoga mat if you have one and a light-weight blanket. We will be outside (weather permitting) so bug dope might be in order!

Bird’s Eye View Stilt-Walking with Ruthie Sumiko Tabata

Stilt walking workshop for all ages, heights, and shoe sizes.

Wells Walks with Mary Forbes

Wander the streets of Wells and hear the sordid stories and stupendous sallies of the the little town that could and still does. From miners to minstrels on a tailings pile or snob hill. From any vantage point Wells will warm your heart and help walk off last night’s dance and prime you for more culture than you can carry in a Cornish water wheel. Let’s go for a walk! http://www.dandelioninterp.ca/index.cfm

Drumming Circle with Granville Johnson

Drummers of any level welcome! Drums are provided. www.designbygranville.com

Sound Exploration Walk with Kristen Roos

Walk through town and listen to the interior sounds of objects using contact microphones. This workshop is great for anyone who hasn’t been exposed to the magic of contact microphones, come listen to a sign post, drum on a wall, turn a playground into an instrument.
Great for a variety of ages: 6 yrs old and up! www.kristenroos.com

Hot Venues: Running Them & Getting Booked Into Them with Carla Stephenson

Ever wonder what it would be like to host your own house concert or start a little venue in your town?This workshop will examine all the basics.
Where to start, how to contact musicians, legalities of alcohol sales, promotion, basic sound requirements.. and so much more. You will leave with lots of hands on information, suggestions, templates for contracts, posters and stage diagrams. If you are a musician looking for gigs this workshop will show you what venues are looking for and what give you some insight into their process for making choices on who plays and who does not.There will be time for an open discussion where we can connect musicians and venues and problem solve collectively on creative solutions to make everyone money! For the past few years we have booked our entire winter seasons at Artswells and we can show you how. www.undergroundartsrailroad.com

Journey on The Relation Ship: Transformative Rebuilding of Our Relationship to Aboriginal History through Story, Song, and Art, with The Melawmen Collective. Facilitated by Meeka Noelle Morgan, M.A. , and Rob Hall , co-founders, The Melawmen Collective.

This transformative workshop brings the story of local Secwepemc People to life through storytelling, song, and music in a way that is inclusive, collaborative and consciousness shifting for all. Through the teachings of her people and family, Meeka presents a perspective of history that is closer to her oral tradition of storytelling, yet merges with poetry, song, and visual art. Through his own experience of consciousness shifting, Rob presents his perspective through song. Their workshops are interactive and encourage collaboration with one another through the development of sharing experience and feeling, and what happens when we channel our creative energies to express our stories. A journey into local Aboriginal history, expressed through contemporary artistic mediums. Bring writing or art making implements and notebook if you like but not necessary.

Getting to First Bass (learning bass as a second instrument) with Peter Mynett

This workshop is designed for people with experience on another instrument who want to get a handle on bass as a second instrument. Also applicable for beginner bassists. Topics will include: basic technique on stand up and electric base, simple base line construction, understanding bass in ensemble settings, and more.

Tightening Tone and Technique with Paul Wolda

This workshop is open to percussionists of all levels, and is an open forum for percussionists. We will be focusing on creating good tone while making sure that our technique avoids injury. We will focus on dynamics and creating an orchestrated sound between percussionists. Also will be tuning djembes. Bring/Bang your drums!

Yoga for Musicians with Kate Sulis

Do you have repetitive strain issues from playing your instrument? Are you interested in learning some self-care to prolong your playing career? Learn to stretch, strengthen, and generally be kind to your body to undo all the stress from life and copious hours of playing instruments. Specific concerns can be addressed – bring your sore and abused body! Kate is a yoga instructor and RMT with 15 years experience in making folks helping themselves to feel better.

Lyrical Dance Class with Jessie Herman

Learn some basic elements of jazz and ballet mixed together to create a flowing and modern movement known as Lyrical dance. Dive into some choreography, let the music fill you up and carry you away. No experience is required, just a open mind and open heart. Please wear clothing that will allow you to move freely!

Rhythmic Fiddle WorkChop with Patrick M’Gonigle

This workshop is going to focus on implementing violin into various styles of music. We will work on improvised soloing, percussive bowing techniques, and the various historical backgrounds of these styles. Topics: Chops and grooves, chord voicing on violin/viola, jazz, bluegrass, old-time, Darol Anger, improvisation.

Veggie Oil Conversion with Jason Griffin

Join Jason and his veggie-fueled vehicles for an overview of converting and operating a diesel vehicle on waste vegetable oil (WVO). A practical demonstration of the how-to’s and what-to-consider in the daily maintenance of a WVO-vehicle including a discussion of the pros and cons of WVO vs. bio-diesel.

Vocal Improvisation with Dirty Grace

Being comfortable with jamming vocally makes way for hours of spontaneous, good’ol fun. We’ll play with singing with others, exploring our own sounds, harmonies, freestyled words, and vocal percussion/beat boxin’. We’ll illustrate some movements and sentiments with sound, inside safe, encouraging, inclusive space. No experience necessary.

Lyric Writing with Linda McRae

Want to find ways to unblock your creative flow? Come have some fun and Linda will show you how to jump start the writing process and improve your writing no matter what discipline you’re in…songwriting, pros, poetry, journalist, what have you. Please bring paper and a pen.

Juggling It All with Tyler D

The ancient art of juggling (keeping more objects in the air than hands used) has brought Tyler into many strange, fun and exciting places and situations. Eventually Tyler and his props ended up at ArtsWells six years ago. Torches flew. People were confused and he hasn’t missed an ArtsWells yet.

Outdoor Natural Art Making with Ruthie Sumiko Tabata and Caroline Anders

Join Caroline and Ruthie in the Wells natural surroundings for an outdoor art making Happening. We will go on a short walk in the woods and bog visiting landmarks and gathering natural materials to make a collective outdoor natural picture/sculpture. Over time, nature will dominate and the picture may evolve into something new or fade into the earth. Come be a part of our nature art instillation and be a part of something special!!

Geodesic Dome Building for Kids with Beth Holden

Simply using newspaper and masking tape, help make a three dimensional, geodesic dome appear before your very eyes! This workshop is geared towards kids but is open to all of those who are young at heart. You don’t need to bring anything other than your creativity and a smile.

Laughter Yoga with Heather & Chris Hartridge

The Quesnel Laughter Club started in 2006 after Chris was smitten with the laughter bug in his first Laughter Yoga session at ArtsWells and yes, he was instantly inspired! Now both certified by the Dr. Kataria School of Laughter Yoga, Chris and his giggling wife Heather will host life-changing Laughter Yoga session for this year’s festival. Bring a friend and come prepared to LAUGH FOR NO REASON… all you need is the willingness to laugh! You’re guaranteed to experience the power of laughter and you’ll feel all warm and fuzzy after… maybe even the next day!! www.heatherhartridge.com

Everyone Can Sing, hosted by Onalea Gilbertson

Everyone welcome. No experience necessary. Let’s start at the very beginning….a very good place to start. We’ll do vocal warm ups, sing together, and you will be empowered to find, cultivate, and use your voice……..and leave singing. www.onalea.com

Signs of the Times with Martin Comtois

An astrological perspective on the changing times. Join astrologer, chef and artist Martin Comtois for a journey into the astrological archetypes as we search for insight into the meaning of these very powerful times.Visit him in the school kitchen to find out about the times he will be presenting his workshops or for an individual session. You can also visit his website for more information on what he’s been up to. www.mountainmystics.ca

Introduction to Stage Combat with David Jeffery

Everyone is welcome to come and learn a few simple tricks for creating basic stage fight moves such as slaps, punches, and chokes. Who knows…you may leave this workshop with the skills to fight James Bond (ask Dave about the Bond role he turned down). Hi-ya!

Top Hats and Tails with Jessie Herman

Class and steamin’ hot sass all rolled into one! This dance class will focus on good old Cabaret style JAZZ! Top hats and tails will be provided for all you cats who come on out! Ladies, fish nets and heels are smiled upon but not necessary. Gentleman, bare chests and suspenders are smiled upon but not necessary. This class can be rocked in bare feet and clothing that will allow you to move freely.

Drawing in the Fifth Dimension with Megan Hepburn

What is drawing? A process? A language? Design? Creative self-expression? The primary abstract human art form? What you do when your teacher is boring or your parents are fighting? Mindless scribbling or a big waste of time?
In this all-ages drawing workshop we will take all of these ideas and more to the next level. No, you will not need to bring pencils and paper, though please do if you want to use them.
You will, however, need a few supplies.
Please bring:
– some tape
– a roll of coloured thread or rope
- scissors
- a camera of any kind if you have one
- an image or object that makes you want to draw
- an image, object, word or text that frightens you
- some serious attitude

Clowning Around with Aubrey Burke

Aubrey Burke, a.K.a “Po-Co the Clown” was born in to a clown family with big feet, a big nose and a big ol’ laugh. He encourages the absurd and life as one big joke! www.aubreytheburke.com

Introduction to Ballet with Jessie Herman

Come take a graceful step into the mad and marvellous world of classical ballet. Learn the basic positions, work on posture, placement and carriage of the arms, all through the voice and memory of my most loved and hated Russian ballet Master! Please wear clothing that will allow you to move freely and bonus cookies for men in tights.

Radical Folk History 101 with Joey Only

The working class has used folk music for centuries to represent their struggle against the system. Joey Only will take you on a musical journey through the slave rebellions, the strikes of 1877, the death of Joe Hill, the Industrial Workers of the World (1905-1930) and the songs of Woody Guthrie, Utah Philips and more.

No Score? No Script? No problem. Hosted by The Sunset Theatre. Starring You

A colourful film will be shown with the sound turned off. You are invited to improvise the score. You are invited to improvise the dialogue. This delightful drop-in-when-you-like event could go anywhere. It’s your call. Aaaaand “Action!”

Watershed Roves with Mary Forbes

What’s a watershed? What’s the significance? And where did she get that fabulous hat? If you can’t spot Mary (I can only imagine you’ve misplaced your glasses), she’ll spot you and share her treasure trove of information. www.ccconserv.org