Prairie Fusion Arts & Entertainment is embracing a busy September with the launch of its fall programming and the debut of a thought-provoking new art exhibition by internationally acclaimed artist Monique Martin.
The centre’s wide range of fall programs include classes in dance, visual arts, theatre, and wellness for all ages.
"We've got so much happening," said Lee Beaton, Programming Director at Prairie Fusion.
"Whether it's dance, visual arts or wellness and enrichment programs, it's all starting next week."
Thanks to a sponsorship from Southport, Prairie Fusion’s 'Mini' dance program for children ages 3 to 5 is now more affordable.
"Instead of being $97.00, we can offer the program for $70.00. Those classes are filling up so fast," said Beaton.
Offered are mini tap, ballet, jazz, and 'Boogie with My Buddy,' a parent-and-child class for toddlers aged 2 to 4.
In addition to youth programming, Prairie Fusion offers programming for adults, including pottery, drawing, and specialty art nights.
"We have adult art nights every Wednesday," said Beaton. "The first one is musical abstract acrylic painting, and then we're doing a mixed media collage night in October."
This fall also marks the arrival of a powerful new art exhibit by Saskatoon artist Monique Martin, who uses multi-medium installations to tackle the climate crisis.
"I've taken a red chair to the ocean and thrown it in, lit one on fire, and even tied one to a rope and threw it into a flood in B.C," Martin explained. "I use these images to create silkscreen prints and have 50 to 70 of them, with many layers of colour."
The engaging exhibit also includes a 23-foot beehive woodcut, a walk-through ocean filled with plastic debris mimicking the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and a 76-foot fire hose sculpture that reads The World Is on Fire.
"At the end, there's a puddle of water, but no water is coming out," said Martin. "Sometimes we've just run out of ways to solve the climate crisis."
The exhibit is free to view during gallery hours and tonight there is a special evening that will officially open up the exhibit.
Prairie Fusion also recently welcomed a new Executive Director, Timothy Brown, who will be formally introduced at the centre’s Annual General Meeting on September 18 at 6:00 p.m. Community members are encouraged to attend, meet Brown, and learn more about becoming a board member.
"This season is all about connection, through art, community, and important conversations," said Beaton. "We invite everyone to come in, take part, and be inspired."
To learn more about the different fall programs you can visit Prairie Fusion Arts & Entertainment website, and the view Monique Martins exhibit head to Prairie Fusion or visit her social media.