Testimonials
TestimonialsFrom Participants - "It was a good course with a group of wonderful classmates. Janice is brilliant and nice. Love her." - "Donna Jo Massie was by far the most instructive painter I have had classes with at Station House. Rather than finishing paintings she could possibly sell, she didn't hesitate to ruin the painting she was working on, in order to show us what could go wrong and, more importantly, how to fix it while demonstrating. What a difference this made to us students! By showing us what mistakes look like, Donna Jo told us how to erase mistakes when possible, and how to avoid making mistakes, rather than assuming we could paint flawlessly as she can. - "It was a great 3 days with Grant Fuller. I really enjoyed his teaching style and how we were all able to complete a few paintings! Grant gave excellent critique and I found it very useful not only to his comments about my piece, but comment about the works of other in the course." - "Not only is Isobel MacLaurin ultra talented, but she is hilarious too. She made learning so much fun. She kept us on track at all times and I couldn't believe how much we accomplished. She is a great teacher and she brought out amazing results from everyone!" - "I really enjoyed meeting and working with Isobel - she is so full of life and a fabulous teacher. Thank you for providing the mats at the end as its great to go away with something finished." - "I really enjoyed the drawing class with Isobel. Her approach and technique is very easy to learn from and her personality is a riot! I was extremely satisified with the workshop location and instructor. As a result, I will definitely take more classes from the Whistler Arts Council next year and most likely bring along a girlfriend or two. - "A fantastic workshop. Thanks Brian for sharing your skills and for your generosity!" - "The course was fantastic; the best I have taken so far! Brian Atyeo is a fantastic instructor and artist and I really learned a lot. Bea did a great job as well looking after everyone's needs and was a great host. - "Alan Wylie taught from the heart and never held back. I very much value Alan's experience and incredible passion for art. I thank him for recognizing what is unique in each of us." - "Marianne Broome was VERY helpful; probably the most individual instruction I've observed in the past three years taking these workshops here." - "The class was great. Chili was very patient with those of us who were colour theory challenged. The best thing I got out of the class was watching him demonstrate his layout and process when it comes time for him to put ideas onto canvas. I would recommend his class to anyone at any level." - "Jean Pederson was excellent and well prepared; I felt very well cared for." - "The workshop was wonderful and Suzanne is fabulous! She is effective, dynamic and inspirational instructor." - "I absolutely loved my workshops with Alan and Janice! Now I am thinking of taking the plunge and would like to sign up for two more... Whistler is so high end from the days when I used to ski down the Olmypic run and buy a cappuccino from the guy in the bus at the end of the run. The whole art setup and the little cottage on the lake, and the people it attracts brings such down-to-earth, basic good feelings about life." - "Thanks for the very fun weekend with Janice Robertson...I am so excited that I want to learn to draw now :) Sincerely, Layna" - "Chili put together an awesome class. He was very organized, prepared, and taught in a logical sequence which allowed big learning from me! He is a great instructor." - "Janice Robertson is an amazing instructor - very clear, patient and encouraging. The pace was perfect for us beginners and I learned a ton.She provided excellent step-by-step instruction as well as individual help. A great value and because of this experience, I will be signing up again." - "Janice was fabulous! I would like to do more advanced courses with her in a future session at the Whistler Arts Council's Art Workshops. I recommend this course and Janice 100 percent.I loved the workshop setting and it was great swimming at lunch!" - "It was a great workshop with Mike Svob, and my second one with him. He is a super teacher, and I learned a lot! The location was very good and I was surrounded by a great bunch of artists. I will definitely be back." - The Art Workshops series is a fabulous experience - I'd like to participate in every class if I could. Bea does a super job of keeping everyone happy. Mike Svob is a generous, skillful and encouraging teacher. I'll do my best to get to anything he is teaching - his enthusiasm shines through!" From Instructors -"Art workshops provide a great opportunity for both learning and sharing our own unique art experiences and perspectives on art and painting in general. The Whistler workshop environment is particulary conducive setting, providing a creative space and time away from the normal day to day distractions. I would highly recommend the Whistler Summer Art Workshops on the Lake to anyone seeking out excellent instruction and an opportunity to paint and explore new ideas - Hope to see you all next year!" -"This has been my fourth year teaching a workshop for the Whistler Arts Council; I spent three delightful days on the edge of Alta Lake teaching beginner acrylics, with an enthusiastic group of students. The workshop location is absolutely beautiful. Where else can you go for a swim at lunchtime and watch the kayakers go by from your easel? -"Thank you for asking me to be a part of your Summer Workshops. I appreciate all your efforts in getting my supplies shipped, making arrangements and answering questions for my trip out to Whistler. I has such a great time meeting all the participants and real friendships were formed. Jenifer was so attentive and helpful to me and the class. The Alta Lake Station House is an inspirational space for a workshop - all the material one needs for painting subjects is outside! The room at Nita Lake Lodge was fabulous and I cannot say enough about how pleasant the staff were, plus I enjoyed getting to see the beautiful village of Whistler. Thanks again for the wonderful experience. -"I want to thank the Whistler Arts Council (WAC) for hosting another outstanding workshop. This past August was my third summer working with WAC as part of the Art Workshops on the Lake program. I have taught watercolour workshops across Canada from St. John's, Newfoundlans to Tofino, B.C., and I rate Whistler at the top of the list. - The Whistler Art Workshops on the Lake are becoming legendary. The Alta Lake Station House location, with its intimate retro funk, is perched on Alta Lake and makes for a relaxing short hike. The location creates a peaceful workshop environment and is removed from potential distraction. The careful attention to detail at the organizational end and the warmth of the people involved, from organizers to volunteers and students, is unfailing, adding up to a strong draw for serious instructors. - "My experience teaching for the Whistler Arts Council was second to none! The workshop was located at a beautiful cabin on a lake, inspiration was easy to find as a result. Staff and students were welcoming and not afraid to work hard throughout the week; everyone went home with lots of ideas for painting. In particular I'd like to thank Jenn McElroy and Bea Gonzalez who provided me with an invitation, information, transportation, accommodations and hospitality that were so appreciated. Lastly, the accommodation at Nita Lake was exceptional and I would like to thank the Arts Council and the Management at Nita Lake for providing me with such a beautiful location and room! - "I had a great time teaching this class and the students were amazing and really seemed to grasp all of the theory and concepts I put forth. The more I teach, the more I enjoy it and the more I teach, the more I actually learn myself! I look forward to teaching again. - "I wanted to express my appreciation for being asked to conduct a workshop in Whistler and what great work you are doing for the arts. Also to express my thanks to Angela who did an outstanding job in co-ordinating everything. I also wanted to say that the group attending were the hardest working students I have encountered during my many workshops across Canada... - "To Regula at Nita Lake Lodge, My name is Brian Atyeo, I was a recent guest at your fantastic lodge at Nita Lake, courtesy of you and the Whistler Arts Council. I want to thank you and your staff for making my stay so enjoyable for my time in Whistler. I was teaching a 3 day painting workshop with some of the local artists attending, and I want you to know that your involvement in supporting this local effort ripples out in many directions, both culturally and economically in the community. - "To the Mayor and Council of Whistler, I hope you all can take a moment to enjoy a compliment. I have just recently completed teaching a watercolour workshop in Whistler for the Whistler Arts Council. This was a first-class professional hosting job by the members of the council. The accommodation was excellent, but the most outstanding feature of the experience was the heritage home we were able to use for the workshop. I understand that it was the result of your support that we were able to have access to the facility. It is in such a beautiful and inspirational setting that painting there is a real pleasure. It is often said that the only way the general public would appreciate art is if there wasn't any. Mother nature did her best work of art when designing the Whistler landscape and the human designers have worked hard at conforming to that with their architecture. Add your encouragement and support and it all contributes to keeping Whistler as an ideal destination for artists. By having regular art workshops, those who accompany skiers, golfers, cyclists etc., and are not athletically inclined, will have art as an option. Haliburton, Ontario is one example of a community that prospers as the result of art being the core of their economy. Chemainus also proved that art can rejuvenate a whole town. Whistler will never need art to play such a leading role but it can contribute as an important participant for all seasons. My personal experience was unforgettable. The facility and surroundings for conducting the workshops are an artist's dream. The people that organized it were pleasant and professional. All those who attended were enthusiastic and very positive painters. I can't think of anything that would have made my job more fun. I am thrilled to be a small part of making Whistler “World Class” in the arts like it is in every other way. Even though I live in Comox, I take a great sense of pride in what you have accomplished. I can hardly wait for the world to see it in 2010. Sincerely, Grant Fuller" |
