Arts Mosaic in Virden will be hosting “Art With Sas” classes throughout the month of July. Four different classes include: Beginner Kids Acrylic (Non-neon) for ages 7-11, children learn to paint their favourite animal in fun landscape and seascape themes. Beginner Teen Acrylic (Neon) for ages 12-16, students will learn to paint neon animals under a black light. Intermediate Acrylic (Neon/Metallics) for ages 17 and up, students will paint under a black light, expanding and developing painting skills with neon and metallic paints. Lastly, a Beginner Water Colour Paint Night will be held, also for ages 17 and up; which will be a black light glitter party, also building water colour techniques, incorporating neon and glitter colours. To register call 204-748-3014 or email: [email protected].
Stephanie Strugar started doing art when she was a toddler. In middle school, she began selling her art in the school library during lunch hour. She says, “Art always came naturally to me.” In middle school Strugar also started writing comic books and children’s novels. At age 13, she took her first acrylic painting class at a community center, and went on to study graphic arts, fabric art, wookworking, pottery, and metals in highschool. “It was then that I knew creating sculpture in all of these forms was what I wanted to do for a living,” said Strugar.
Although Strugar works mostly with acrylics and water colour, her specialty is the use of neon, glitter paints, and molding gel mediums to create texture and elements of texture in her paintings. “I do that primarily to create an inclusive art experience for people who have issues with their sight,” says Strugar. The use of neon paints and gel mediums make it easier for the eye to see paintings in different light; and feel it with their hands.
Strugar’s passion is painting tropical animals and landscapes, because of the bright colours and variety of techniques needed to create the diverse species of life.
The majority of Strugar’s education has been through peer-to-peer study, mentorship from artist friends, Grumbacher Academy, Thalo Arts Community Living, and several online art classes. She is a ceritified Grumbacher Academy acrylic, water colour, and drawing instructor.
Strugar has instructed classes for the Red Lodge Recovery Centre, the Y.M.C.A./Y.W.C.A., the Canadian Forces, the City of Winnipeg, Imagine Ability Art Zone Program, and Michaels.
Strugar’s art can be purchased online. She does mostly commission pieces for clients, and also neon home installations. The installations are for customers looking for a fluorescent experience, and consost of custom bathtub and bathroom murals, including children bedrooms and family decks.
