Happy New Year! As we kick off 2024, the RCA is here to help you check “Learn a New Skill” off your New Years resolution list. We’ve got lots of new and exciting adult and youth workshops happening this year that you won’t want to miss! 

Adult Workshops 

Returning January 10 as an RCA staple is Beyond the Music, an inclusive and empowering space to connect, share, and express yourself through a shared musical experience. Intended for individuals living with disabilities and diverse abilities, Beyond the Music helps participants build connections and gain confidence through singing, music-making, group songwriting, and movement. This workshop runs Wednesdays, from January 10 - February 28. Register here. You can learn more about the impact on Beyond the Music in our blog, Going Beyond the Music – Inclusive Programming at the RCA. 

Back every Wednesday from January 10 to February 7 is Beginner Bellydance. Join Leona from Kelowna for a 4-week session in the art of bellydance. Leona will take you on a movement journey bringing out the dancer and goddess within. Register here. 

Instructor and musician Peter Raszka is back for Group Guitar Lessons every Monday from January 15 to March 11. This is your opportunity to learn guitar in a relaxed and informal group setting. Register here. This course is also available for youth! Each Tuesday from January 16 to March 12, Peter will help students 13 to 17 learn the basics of chords, strumming, finger picking, and sight reading. Register here. 

After the success of our new program, Abstract Adventurism with Angie Marchinkow, we’re bringing it back for the new year starting January 17! In this workshop, you’ll get to experiment with different artmaking techniques like layering, painting, drawing, and using both fine art and everyday materials to create expressive and experimental works. Angie Marchinkow is a multidisciplinary artist who often collaborates with musicians, artists, and photographers to celebrate personal expression. Class is every Wednesday from January 17 - February 7. Register here. 

New to the RCA workshop lineup is Wellness Through the Arts, starting January 27. This innovative series is crafted for those seeking a holistic approach to wellness through the arts. Over the program, participants will get to experience several different workshops, such as rhythm and song, creative movement, and a crystal bowl sound bath. Register for this unique opportunity here, running Saturdays, January 27 to February 17. 

Every Monday from February 5 to March 25, don’t miss your chance to learn the fiery art of flamenco in Beginner Flamenco Dance. Join Tascheleia Marangoni, professional dancer and artist, in this passionate dance form. Its complex history and the movements are not for the faint hearted. So put on your dancing shoes and register here today! 

Start your 2024 off with a bit of laughter in our returning Stand-Up Comedy Workshop with local comedian Kate Belton. On Tuesdays from February 6 to 27, join a judgment-free community of folks interested in exploring their comedic skills. If you’re always told you should try stand-up, or that you’re the 'funny one' in the group, this class is for you. Classes will include an intro to joke writing, comedic timing, storytelling, voice projection, stage presence, improvisation, and stand-up 'do’s and don’ts'. Register here. 

The RCA is excited to present the first Winter Jazz Improv Camp, a unique and immersive program designed to develop the artistic voices of aspiring musicians. On Sundays from February 11 to 25, This series is tailored to individuals of all ages and is set in a highly collaborative and supportive environment. The camp will feature intensive workshops and personalized instruction focused on jazz improvisation, exploring repertoire set in numerous styles. Join accomplished jazz artists and frequent hosts/leaders of the RCA Jazz Jam Craig Thomson and Joe Auty in this incredible 3-week series. The Winter Jazz Improv Camp is open to anyone 13 and older. Find adult registration here, and youth registration here.  

Want to take your bellydance skills to the next level? In Continuing Bellydance, Leona from Kelowna returns to help you focus on building technique, layers, combinations, and choreography - all done in her fun, inclusive, and engaging way. So let’s dance! Join us Wednesdays from February 21 to March 20. Register here today. 

Calling all artists! Have you heard of The Creative Exchange? Every 2nd Wednesday, join this free/by donation roundtable for creators. Discuss your current projects, get feedback from other creative professionals, share challenges you’ve faces, and make meaningful industry connections. This new community program is presented by the RCA and tenant artist, Mackenzie Perras. Fine more information here.  

Youth Workshops 

Another RCA favourite returns – After School Anime with Brock Gratz. On Thursdays from January 11 to February 29, teens can learn the basics of this ever-popular art style. Participants in this course will feel encouraged as creators, animators, and storytellers. This will be After School Anime’s 4th year running! Spots often go quick, so register here today. 

Don’t worry class clowns, our Stand-Up Comedy Workshop is now available for teens, not just adults! In Exploring the World of Stand-up Comedy, Kate Belton will lead you through the history of stand-up, introduce you to joke writing, comedic timing, storytelling, and more. Wednesdays, February 7 to February 28. Register here. 

Another brand-new course this year is Sketch Booking / Journaling, each Friday from February 9 to March 8. Join fellow artists as we explore everything sketch booking has to offer! Whether you’re starting a project, journaling, or honing your drawing skills, sketch books are key in any artist’s journey. Join Instructor and RCA Educational Programming Coordinator Kaylyn Hardstaff as we learn this crucial art form. Register here. 

Every Tuesday from February 20 to March 12, joining our new Youth Multimedia Studio is your chance to expand your creativity and explore new artistic avenues. Led by none other than Angie Marchinkow, this series is made for beginners and passionate artists alike! Intended for ages 11 to 17. Register here. 

If you’re already planning your spring, why not check out After School Anime – Extended, starting March 7. This course will build on skills learned in After School Anime and is intended to build artistic confidence while creating a space for youth and teens with common interests to make friends and share ideas with peers. Secure your spot and register here. 

 

Whether you're looking to learn a new skill, tune up an old one, or just experiment with art, the RCA is the place for you this winter. Take a break from the cold and get creative!