This weekend in and around Airdrie, art studios opened their doors to allow the curious art lovers inside.

Unfinished works, tools and the artists themselves were all available to visitors in an effort to connect more with the artist community of Airdrie.

Michelle Donohue, an artist for 25 years, arranged the event herself. She believes art can be more than just a painting on a wall.

"Art is very healing for a lot of people. I think a lot of people start with it because it's an enjoyable thing, to create anything real," said Donohue.

"For a lot of people, once they start doing it, they realize there are healing benefits to it as well. A lot of people use art to get themselves out of tough, stressful situations or postpartum type things. Some people just really enjoy creating it and the beauty that comes with it."

Donohue said she's involved with the Airdrie Art Society and sees a lot of talent from the city.

"It's fantastic. It's a bustling group. There's a lot of talented people in Airdrie for the size we have. I'm amazed at all the talent and we have a really good community."

Originally, Donohue said she hadn't known what a studio tour was.

"I was at an art show at the Genesis Place in Airdrie and a fellow came up to me from Ontario and asked when my next art studio tour is. I didn't know what he meant, so I (asked him) to elaborate. He did and I loved the idea, so I said 'we need to do this' and I just started talking to the artists at the show to see who would be interested."

"The main purpose of it is to get to know people. A lot of times when you see people at a show, you might not have a lot of time to get to know them. This way, they can actually come in, ask about the processes, see the tools used by people and get to know them on a deeper level than when they would see their art at a gallery."

Donohue herself is a contemporary artist, concentrating on beautiful works of art with resin that seems alive with movement.

"With resin, I used to just, of course, do regular, traditional types of art and then I fell in love with fluid art. I played a little bit with acrylic fluids and alcohol ink, but mostly I have been focusing on the resin. It was very challenging and very frustrating to learn. I love the results."

Art, to Donohue, is not something unattainable for those who see themselves as not gifted.

"For a lot of people who are feeling that they don't have an artistic bone in their body, starting out with a workshop or a class is a great way (to learn) because you get out there and you have people helping you. Then, you realize you can. You can create, you can be artistic, it's just a matter of having some guidance. There's no limit to what people can create when they have a bit of help and guidance."

 

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