Join nationally known artist Ken Christopher for a weekend landscape painting expedition and workshop in one of Canada's most unique and beautiful places, Grasslands National Park in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Capture this place for yourself, in your soul, through your eyes and your artwork!

Grasslands National Park
Marvel at the wonders of this place - its open plains, high buttes, and deep coulees, covered in a blanket of sensitive, indigenous short-grass teaming with flora, fauna, and wildlife. Explore along the Frenchman River valley. Enjoy great stories from ancient and modern, natural and human histories. Be engulfed by the living skies of Saskatchewan, the white light, distant horizons, stunning cloud formations, breath-taking sunsets, and brilliant starry nights.

Join Ken Christopher on an inspiring painting expedition into the Grasslands!

Expedition and Workshop Leader:
Nationally known landscape painter Ken Christopher.
Ken Christopher's art practice has spanned well over forty years. His artwork is represented by galleries in Canada and the United States, and is included in many major public and private art collections internationally. Ken Christopher (b.1942) was raised on a farm in southwest Saskatchewan. Much of his practice was centered in Calgary, Alberta. In 1997 Ken Christopher moved back to his homeland. Ken is exploring on a deep level, visually and spiritually, the places he knows well - the landscapes of the Saskatchewan prairie grasslands.

Relax and revitalize...
after a rewarding day of painting!

Retreat, eat, and sleep well at the charming Convent Country Inn and Restaurant. Places to retreat, lounges to meet in, spaces to relax in, beautiful comfortable sleeping rooms. The Convent Country Inn and Restaurant will be your accommodation in Val Marie at Grasslands. Indulge in delicious, delightful, fine dining from a good menu and a great chef. Enjoy a relaxing beverage in a nice chair with a fantastic view. You will feel truly rewarded after a full day of painting.

We take care of everything!
Registration Fee: $495 (Based on nine participants)

This exceptional expedition package includes:
- Travel Friday from Swift Current to Val Marie, all travel Saturday and Sunday throughout Grasslands Park, and your return travel Monday to Swift Current via passenger van.
- Accommodations and meals (3 nights and 2 days) at the Convent Country Inn and Restaurant. (Bar purchases are not included).
- Leadership, instruction and information from Ken Christopher.
- All painting materials and equipment required for the workshop. (If you prefer to bring your own materials and equipment, please make special arrangements with the coordinator.)
- Also includes a special guided tour by Grasslands National Park Heritage Interpreter.

Itinerary:

Friday, August 20
- Meet at Art Gallery of Swift Current at 2:00 p.m.
- Travel to Val Marie via passenger van.
- Arrive at Val Marie’s Convent Country Inn and Restaurant.
- Settle into the accommodations.
- Meet for supper in the Convent Inn dining room.
- Wander over to Prairie Winds and Silver Sage Museum for a reception, orientation and artist-talk by Workshop Leader, Ken Christopher.

Saturday, August 21
- After breakfast, expedition begins with driving tour into the Grasslands.
- Observation and choice of view location, followed by equipment setup.
- Draw, photograph, identify and develop compositional ideas.
- Work up under-painting in acrylic paint and finish work in oil paint.
- Lunch breaks, coffee breaks, and private time as required.- Return to the Convent Inn dining room for supper.
- End the evening with a get-together in the Convent lounge for shoptalk, socializing, music, and refreshments. (Ken will have his guitar, so bring your voice and a favourite instrument.)

Sunday, August 22
- After breakfast, guided walking tour with a Park Heritage Interpreter.
- Into the Grasslands Park for another great day of painting.
- Evening wrap-up; finishing details and final discussions.

Monday, August 23
- Pack it all up and head for Swift Current.
- If either day of painting is held back by extreme weather conditions, Prairie Winds and Silver Sage Museum will provide indoor studio space.

Who can participate?
Adults only. Some previous painting experience recommended.

Please Note:

This is an outdoor activity so please be prepared for walking and working outdoors. In bringing your personal clothing and effects plan for conditions including sun, wind, rain, insects, etc. We provide food and drink, as well as chair, easel, temporary shelter, and equipment and materials for painting.

For more information or to register, please call: 306-778-2736

Deadline for registration July 19, 2004

Presented by Into the Landscape Art Expeditions, Art Gallery of Swift Current