REGINA — Over the next few weeks, visitors at the Regina Public Library’s George Bothwell branch will see dozens of art displays.
The artworks were created by youth and adult participants of the Ranch Ehrlo Society as part of their annual Make A Mark art showcase on Friday.
“They'll draw their own [artwork], which can be seen on some of the smaller canvases. And then they'll help join in and paint the big canvas together,” said Dustin Ritter, art facilitator with the Ranch Ehrlo Society.
The theme for this year’s showcase was Sacred Animals, the same theme as the first year.
Each piece at the showcase is developed over time — sometimes taking months or even years to complete. Many of the artworks also feature contributions from multiple artists across different periods, which Ritter said makes the final product even better.
“It takes it to another level, and it's stuff that you couldn't really plan on your own. It's got to be a group with everybody's input.”
This year alone, Ritter estimates upwards of 100 participants helped design the artworks, including Eric, who has been creating art for five years and described art as fun and a good way to hang out with people in an emailed response.
Beyond having fun, Ritter mentioned several benefits of working on art.
“There are a lot of self-soothing techniques, like if you're having a hard time dealing with your emotions, it's easy to go sit and work on something. Or put your energy into something productive.”
Ritter himself has visual impairment issues and said working on art has been a therapeutic activity for him.
After the month ends, the artworks will be sent to Black Dog Art Supply in Regina for a silent auction, which will help the Ranch Ehrlo Society buy new supplies.
Some other artwork will also be given away to students or displayed at several Ranch Ehrlo Society facilities.
As for Eric, he said he will continue to work on art in the future.
