Pygmalion School of Fine Art
"Bringing Art to Life"
Pygmalion offers a fantastic opportunity for art education for students of all ages and skill levels. Here are some key points about what sets Pygmalion apart:
- Flexible Scheduling: Students can book art classes as long as there is available space. The one-on-one instruction allows for flexibility in starting at any time, making it convenient for learners with varying schedules.
- Dedicated Instructors: The instructors, Dixie Orriss and Gerry Rasmussen, bring a wealth of experience as practicing artists with over 30 years of teaching and art expertise. Their dedication to the craft and teaching is a valuable asset to students.
- Wide Range of Classes: Pygmalion offers a diverse selection of art classes catering to kids, teens, and adults, spanning from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and beyond. This broad range ensures that individuals of all ages and backgrounds can find classes that suit their needs and interests.
- All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your artistic journey or preparing a portfolio for advanced studies, Pygmalion’s art instruction is designed to accommodate students of all skill levels.
- Balanced Approach: Pygmalion’s teaching philosophy emphasizes a balance between acquiring art skills, exploring various art mediums and forms, and learning art history and fundamentals. This well-rounded approach enriches students’ artistic knowledge and creativity.
- Individualized Learning: Recognizing that everyone learns differently, Pygmalion has developed a system that focuses on one-on-one instruction with each student. This personalized approach allows for faster progress, enhanced self-expression, and improved observation and imagination.
- Career Opportunities: Many students who have studied at Pygmalion have gone on to build successful careers in the arts. Some have become animators, illustrators, graphic artists, visual art educators, and working artists, while others have used their skills for hobbies and art therapy.
Overall, Pygmalion’s approach to art education is comprehensive and tailored to the individual needs of its students, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to pursue careers in the arts or simply enjoy the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression.
Meet the Educators at Pygmalion
Dixie Orriss
Visual Arts Educator
Dixie Orriss is a Visual Arts Educator who founded the Pygmalion School of Fine Art in 1992. She is passionate about teaching art and finds inspiration in her students. Her favorite mediums for creating art are watercolor and acrylic, but she is also open to experimenting with and trying new mediums and techniques that she can then share with her students.
In 2014, Dixie received the Award for Excellence in Arts Teaching at the Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts for St. Albert, Alberta, which is a recognition of her outstanding contributions to arts education in the community. Her artwork has been exhibited in various locations, including Canada, the United States, France, and Italy, and her pieces have been sold for corporate and private collections.
When she’s not at the school, Dixie enjoys spending time with her Pomsky puppy, Megumi, taking walks, practicing yoga, and experimenting with new recipes. This diverse range of interests and activities reflects her passion for both the arts and a balanced lifestyle.
Gerry Rasmussen
Cartooning Arts Educator
Gerry Rasmussen is a renowned cartoonist and arts educator hailing from the Edmonton area. He is best known for his daily comic strip, “Betty,” which has earned him recognition in the world of comics and illustration. Rasmussen’s artistic talents extend beyond the comic strip, as he has illustrated several books, including a noteworthy autobiography by the former hockey player and advertising magnate, Terry O’Malley, as well as “Crazy About Soccer” with author Loris Lesynski. With his creative prowess and dedication to the art of cartooning, Gerry Rasmussen has made a significant impact on the world of visual storytelling, both as an artist and an educator.
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.
Art Classes and Cartooning Classes for All Ages
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