Meet our Instructors!

Jackie Emmott - Art + Design

Hello, my name is Jackie Emmott.  I am a self taught artist primarily working in watercolor, digital art and pattern design.  I am inspired by the beauty and complexity of nature. My style is illustrative botanicals and landscapes.   I paint as a way to express my creativity and as a way to disconnect from life's stresses and enjoy the beauty of life around me.  I love gathering ideas while exploring the prairies where I live, and from places my family and I travel.  I love sharing my passion for painting and have been teaching watercolor workshops since 2022. I also do some custom commission work, I have painted logos for some local businesses, and sell my art on products like tee shirts, blankets, and stickers online since 2021. 

A little more about me:

I love to spend time with my family, I am a wife and mom of 3.  I live in Camrose Alberta. I spend my free time painting, traveling, hiking, adventuring, reading and dancing (ballet).  I also love learning new things and picking up new skills, so I am always taking more art classes, trying out new mediums, and exploring/adding to my repertoire. 

• Redbubble Store 
• Check out Jackies Instagram 

Deanna Mason 

Deanna Mason teaches yoga at the Chuck MacLean Arts Centre. She is a Yoga Alliance-accredited Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and owns Ahimsa Yoga, a studio in downtown Camrose. Deanna has been practicing yoga for 24 years and teaching it for 8 years. She completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at Himalaya Yoga Valley Centre in Cork, Ireland, and is also a certified meditation teacher. Deanna is passionate about encouraging everyone—regardless of experience level, age, or physical ability—to take time, through yoga, to create a quiet, calm space in their life and experience the myriad benefits that arise from it.

Deanna’s love of teaching extends to her previous professional experiences. She holds a PhD in British literature, and taught writing and literature at the university level for over a decade. In each of her classes, she embraces the great privilege of teaching and learning together with her students.

Off the mat, you can find her reading, travelling, enjoying Camrose’s beautiful trails, and sharing time with her husband and pet rabbit.

Ahimsa Yoga

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Lesley Schatz

Lesley Schatz aka LBoll is a professional artist ( oil and watercolour) who has had one man shows since graduating from Alberta College of Art in 1974.

As an artist/ academic, Lesley completed a BFA (2010; U of S ) as well as a Master’s degree in Aboriginal, Social and Ecological Justice majoring in Cree language and minoring in Andragogy through Educational Foundations; U of S, 2012.

Lesley has been a practicing visual artist (Painting, Drawing, Printmaking and Art History) for over 40 years. As an Artist in Residence facilitator, she taught a program called Mouthbows and Murals where schools were able to join in the construction of an Aboriginal musical instrument and complete a mural on canvas using the verses and chorus of a song picked to inspire. 

Jayda Calon

Hello, my name is Jayda! I am an art teacher at the Chuck Maclean Art Centre. I grew up just outside of Camrose, graduated from the Camrose Composite High School, and attended Augustana for the first two years of my Fine Arts Degree. I recently graduated from the University of Alberta Main Campus in Edmonton in April 2021 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction. During my degree, I enjoyed working and experimenting with many different mediums like collage, drawing, and painting. Some areas I specialize in are acrylic painting and figurative clay sculpture. I enjoy teaching and I aim to use my passion for art and working with kids to inspire youth through arts education and create a youth arts community within the City of Camrose.

To check out my work please feel free to visit my Instagram @jalonart.

Elnara Toovey 

Hello! My name is Elnara! I am originally from Belarus . A little history about myself, at the age of 5, my mother sent me to a choreographic school of ballet where I learned folk Belarusian and Slavic dances. For years this was my focus. But as time went on I developed an interest to learn something new. I turned to Latin American dances and middle eastern belly dancing, and are still my favorites today. In addition to my pursuit to perfect my dance, I took a keen interest in fitness. During this time, I received a certificate in the class of fitness-strength and personal training as well as received credentials in fitness nutrition.

Today I am certified to teach Zumba: Zumba Basic 1, 2; Zumba toning, Zumba Step, Zumba Kids and Zumba Kids JR. In my plans for the near future, I plan to get a certificate in Zumba Gold which is a focus on Zumba for the elderly or those with some physical challenges. In my career I have been blessed to travel and earn a living with my dance, some of those places include Bahrain, and Dubai. I now live in Canada with my wonderful husband and two beautiful boys. Zumba has captivated me because it is a mix of fitness and dancing! What could be better than having a great time dancing in  great company to fiery Latin rhythms and burning calories at the same time! When I came to Camrose, I immediately fell in love with this cute town! I will be glad to see everyone at my classes and I am very grateful I can use my passion of dance, to make you healthier. I can't wait to meet you!

Visit her Instagram @elnara_toovey

Mindy Marshall

Mindy Marshall is a self-taught mixed media artist based out of Camrose Alberta. She has had her work showcased in the Camrose Art Walk as well as featured in The Art of Camrose online magazine, including the cover. Mindy has shared what she has learned over the past 12 years teaching beginners drawing and acrylic classes at the Ruffington House and the Chuck Maclean Arts Centre.

Most recently she participated in the fundraising gala Starlight, Star bright, Winter Showcase of the Arts at the Jean & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre

Sherry Tovell

Sherry Tovell has taught dance in Edmonton since 1990 at the well know country dance club Cook County Saloon. Both Sherry and her husband Rob, worked with the CBC National TV Show “Country Beat” and provided the backup dancers. Sherry’s work as choreographer for two movies filmed in Edmonton was a fun and challenging effort. This was filmed at the country night club “Cook County” where everything had started.

Both were members of the United Country Western Dance Council providing International Dance Events, (River City Dance Festival-Edmonton) culminating in the Worlds Competition once per year. Sherry was elected as President of this association and entered in the Country Hall of Fame in 2006. She has attained certification as a Master Level Certified Judge in both Partner dancing and Line dancing. Sherry’s attained a World Champion award this year (2023) with her amateur student.

Their studio “Dance With Me” started in Edmonton, 2003 and became a great place to learn not only Country Dancing, but Ballroom, Swing, Latin, Hip Hop and Zumba dance as well. Having great success with their programs, they also added a Home School Students Program, promoting socialization as well as building invaluable confidence in each student. West Coast Swing University was started, producing a great Teachers Program and Social Dance Group.

With the recent move to Camrose to be closer to family, Sherry and her husband Rob are dedicated to introducing “Social Partner Dance” and a “Keep Fit Line Dance” based classes, encouraging fitness and the love of all music.

Stephanie Lane 

In my artistic journey, I have found solace and creative liberation in the enchanting world of fluid mediums. Through my artworks, I like to harness the unpredictable yet thrilling nature of alcohol inks, acrylic inks, resin, India inks, and high flow acrylics.

Fluidity is the essence of my artistic expression. With each unpredictable addition to a painting, I surrender myself to the ever-changing dance of colors and textures. The vibrant and mesmerizing qualities of alcohol inks have become an integral part of my artistic vocabulary, especially in the teaching world. I love the way they flow and merge, creating unique patterns and colour combinations.  I delight in their versatility and quick drying nature, as they allow me to create quickly and spontaneously. The way these inks interact with the surface is akin to a science experiment, and it is rather mesmerizing and loads of fun!

Working with resin adds an extra dimension to my creative process. The unpredictable reactions of resin to heat and other manipulations excite me, as I never quite know how the final result will appear. This element of surprise creates an experience that transcends traditional art forms, inviting audiences and students to marvel in the final effects. 

Drawing inspiration from the ancient and fascinating art form of India inks, I incorporate their rich history into my contemporary creations. They are versatile and fast drying, leaving the artist to make spontaneous and interesting effects before they dry to the substrate. 

High flow acrylics are my partners in exploration, as they allow me to experiment with a range of techniques and textures. They are fast drying, so they are great to teach with, or use on the substrate when time is of the essence. They range from transparent to opaque to give me so much versatility. 

The beauty of fluid mediums lies in their spontaneity and the element of surprise they bring to the creative process. Each piece I create is an adventure into the unknown, as I embrace the unpredictability that comes with using these dynamic materials. This unpredictability is what makes my artistic journey exciting and fulfilling, as I discover new nuances and subtleties with every creation.

My artworks are not just visual expressions; they are an invitation to experience emotions and the ebb and flow of life itself. Through my art, I seek to connect with audiences and students on a profound level, inviting them to explore their own emotions and reflections within the abstract forms and fluid movements.

As an artist who revels in the wonder of fluid mediums, I am continuously inspired by the ever-changing world around me. My art is a celebration of life's beauty, complexities, and the infinite possibilities that arise when we embrace the unpredictability of existence.

Thank you for joining me on this thrilling and evocative artistic voyage.

Stephanie Lane

Abstract Underground Studio

Edward Morningway 

My name is Edward Morningway. I am a high school student and artist who specializes in acrylic painting, specifically landscapes. I have been taking art classes and painting for as long as I can remember. Several years ago, I forwarded this passion by volunteering to help teach and assist at many local youth art classes. After several years of assisting, this is my first time personally hosting my own class that is not simply a couple hour workshop. I have a passion for working with kids. I have been a camp counselor at several summer camps and have been assisting and running youth classes for much of my life. I really enjoy spending time with children, I have always felt a special connection with them that much to my appreciation has been noticed and furthered by my time at Chuck MacLean Arts Centre. Being a first time independent teacher of this class, careful work and consideration has been put into the curriculum created for these sessions. My goal is to create a fun environment that promotes creativity and skill building in every lesson. I am delighted to have this opportunity, and exceedingly excited to teach and create art with your wonderful artists.

Experience

• 2 years art classes at Chuck Mclean followed by 2 years volunteering at Chuck McLean youth art classes
• Summer Camp volunteer work in 2022 and paid employee in 2023
• Youth summer camps
  • TREX day camp, traveling Indigenous art show, workshop for ages 8-12
• October-November youth art class assistant, ages 7-9
• November 18, Art Society, Artistic Adventures coordinator
• Canada day youth activities volunteer 2022 and 2023
• Camrose Library family workshops
• Private painting classes for a boy aged 9
• Helped facilitate Indigenous art and cultural workshops for kids and families

Please click here for an example of Edwards Work! 

Leanne Shapka

 The beauty of being raised on a Saskatchewan ranch has propelled Leanne to
do art since before she can remember. Her work is inspired by nature. Subject
matter portrayal is influenced by Colour, Texture and Movement to engage diverse
perceptions and to elicit viewers’ emotions. Leanne believes this is accomplished
not by what you see but how you see. Memory and perception play a big role in
this endeavour. Therefore Leanne considers herself to be an Impressionistic artist.
Holding a BA in Psychology, Fine Art and Criminology from U of A -
Augustana, Leanne also studied Visual Communications and Fine Art in Medicine
Hat College, Fashion Design at Blanche Macdonald Institute in Vancouver. She is
currently obtaining her after-degree B Ed. in Secondary Education at the U of A,
hoping to teach junior high art and psychology. While attending universities,
Leanne designed interiors of homes and businesses from Saskatoon to Vancouver
among many volunteer projects. Before going back to school, Leanne was a
special needs Educational Assistant in Camrose, AB where she was inspired by the
children and her coworkers.

• Read more about Leanne 
• Visit her Facebook