Tucked away on a quiet acreage just a stone’s throw from the west end neighbourhood of The Hamptons, sits Canvastone Children’s Art Studio. It is run by husband and wife team, Terry and Penny MacInnis. Terry teaches soapstone carving while Penny is passionate about painting — mainly oils, acrylics and watercolours.
After teaching elementary school for 33 years, Penny retired. She soon realized she missed teaching and began offering art classes in her basement in 2005. After word-of-mouth quickly spread, Penny and Terry built a new art studio and officially launched Canvastone in 2013.
“Kids come from far away as Drayton Valley,” says Penny. “I’ve had some students for four, five or six years.” At last count, Canvastone had 188 students ranging in age from four to 16 years. This is a testament to Canvastone’s unique art classes. Penny guides students through different mediums, brushes and techniques. She even holds a class for preschool and kindergarten students that combines art with reading and writing.
Terry bestows students with the secrets of creating a soapstone carving, which involves oiling, drying and buffing a creation many, many times. It can take up to five months to complete one soapstone bear, which is the animal of choice for beginners. “On the last day, they get to apply the oil and you get to see what color your bear or sculpture is really going to be … they treasure these pieces they’ve worked so hard on,” says Penny.
Amazing! My son took up soapstone carving at age 11 and cannot get enough of this. We thought of him just as an athlete but penny found his creative side and has nurtured it! He loves going and will go forever I suspect!
