Arbutis Grace hosts workshop

Hugh McKenzie, the well-known artist from Temagami First Nation, Bear Island, Ontario is offering a workshop at Arbutis Grace Studio, 15612 McLaughlin Road in Inglewood, Saturday March 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 pm. Children aged 8 to 12 are welcome to attend.

This is an outstanding opportunity for children to create original works of art using a sponge-stencil technique that McKenzie developed with his friend, Benjamin Chee Chee. McKenzie was born and raised in the Bear Island area where he learned to respect and love nature from his father. He and his friend Chee Chee showed early talent and developed a close friendship and collaboration that lasted until Chee Chee's untimely death in 1976. Chee Chee's work is famous internationally.

Now McKenzie views his gift of art as a way to offer strength and healing. He has taught art at The McMichael Gallery, Canadore College and native reserves. Reproductions of his work are sold at the McMichael and among his many accomplishments McKenzie has developed designs for the Blue Jays Fan Club and Victims of Violence.

His art is held in private collections in Canada. Learn more about this fine artist at http://www.hughmckenzie.com/index.html.

Arbutis Grace Studio offers art classes for children and adults. The cost is $60 per child; lunch is included. Class size is limited. Call Jennifer Murphy at 905- 584-7021 or e-mail jennifers.murphy@rogers.com for further information.