Pygmalion School of Fine Art

"Bringing Art to Life"

BOOK NOW FOR CLASSES –  Sign up early and pay for the fall semester (Sept. – Feb.) and save 10%. Offer ends June 30, 2023.

What Sets Pygmalion Apart?

Pygmalion offers a wide range of art classes for kids, teens and adults from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and above. The art instruction is designed for all skill levels from beginner to portfolio preparation. The visual art educators, Dixie Orriss and Gerry Rasmussen are practicing artists who have lived, taught and “breathed” art for over 30 years. Their approach to teaching art has been to keep students engaged and entertained by creating a balance between acquiring art skills, using a variety of mediums and art forms, and by learning art history and art fundamentals.

Not everyone learns the same way and they have developed a system to work individually with each student. This approach has led to students progressing with their art at a faster rate as they express themselves and increase their powers of observation, imagination and invention.

The inspiration and knowledge that students gain at Pygmalion have allowed them to make a career with their art.  Some have become 2-D and 3-D animators, illustrators, graphic artists, visual art educators and working artists. Others have used their skills for hobbies and art therapy for relaxation.

cartooning classes for art students of all ages
Summer Art Camps

Meet the Educators at Pygmalion

Dixie Orriss

Dixie Orriss

Visual Arts Educator

Dixie founded Pygmalion School of Fine Art in1992. Her love for teaching art and the inspiration gained from her students have made her time at Pygmalion most enjoyable!

Her favourite mediums are watercolour and acrylic, but she is always open to experimenting and trying new mediums and techniques that she can pass on to her students.

In 2014, she received the Award for Excellence in Arts Teaching at the Mayors Celebration of the Arts for St. Albert, Alberta. Dixie’s artwork has exhibited in Canada, the United States, France, and Italy as well as sold for corporate and private collections.

When Dixie is away from the school, she enjoys taking her Pomsky puppy, Megumi for walks, does yoga, and likes to make new recipes.

Gerry Rasmussen

Gerry Rasmussen

Cartooning Arts Educator

Gerry is a well-known Edmonton area cartoonist who draws the daily comic strip Betty. He has illustrated several books, including an autobiography by the ex-hockey player and advertising giant, Terry O’Malley, and Crazy About Soccer with Loris Lesynski.

Involvement in the arts is associated with gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skill. Arts learning can also improve motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork.

Fran Smith

The George Lucas Educational Foundation

Art Classes and Cartooning Classes for All Ages

Phone: 780-460-1677 | Email: info@pygmalionartschool.com

Custom Picture Framing

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