A new art school starting at a recreational centre in Brackley Beach will allow students to explore their creativity.

            

            Nathalie Lamontagne, who manages Good Vibes P.E.I., will teach 10 weeks of art lessons for multiple age groups beginning the week of Jan. 27.

            

            The classes are the latest addition to a variety of activities offered at the centre, including French conversation groups, board game nights and Dungeons & Dragons sessions.

            

            She was inspired to start art classes after being impressed by drawings created by children at the centre.

            

            “It’s better to show off that (there are) real art classes run by a real professional artist.”

            

            Lamontagne has experience in a variety of mediums including painting, pastels and sculptures.

            

            Since opening Good Vibes P.E.I. in June 2024, the Montreal native has noticed a need for more visual art-focused activities on the Island.

            

            She has seen many people avoid pursuing art classes and hobbies because they lack confidence.

 

            She wants her students to focus on unleashing their creativity.

            

            “It's not for them to learn how to do a landscape in watercolours. It's just to be creative and to try out different things.”

            

            Classes will be organized into three groups: children, teenagers and adults.

            

            Students have the freedom to choose whichever medium they want, with all supplies provided.

            

            Lamontagne wants to empower her students in her lessons and encourage them to not worry about making mistakes.

            

            “You can work out your mistakes. It's to process more than the final project.”

            

            The artist is excited to finally deliver art classes to her business.

            

            Lamontagne said small classes of four to five students for each age group are ideal for now.

            

            “It's okay if there's not that many people (at first) because I need to also see how it works, especially since there's a lot of flexibility.”

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            An employee at Good Vibes P.E.I. is excited for the art classes to start.

            

            Tyler Panton helps organize shelves and displays for merchandise sold at the centre with his younger brother, Austin.

            

            He said the centre has a variety of art mediums to offer for everyone in and outside of class.

            

            “I think it’s very well-rounded. I think it has a lot to offer for pretty much anyone on the market.”

            

            Panton engages in a variety of art activities in his spare time.

            

            He does not know if he will be helping with the art classes but is open to it.

            

            He said the art classes taking place at the centre could provide a chance for him to further explore his creativity.

            

            “I haven’t had as much time to paint specifically…so I think that would be a nice chance to get back into that.”

            

            Lamontagne plans to expand the business further through her classes.

            

            Art camps are planned for spring break and the summer.

            

            After-school programs will also be offered at Good Vibes P.E.I. starting in September.

            

            She said the art school will take time to grow but hopes it will draw more attention to everything else the centre has to offer.

            

            “We have way more momentum than we did last fall, and I think bringing it as an art school gives a lot more value to it.”