Try something new with the Art Gallery's online felting class

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have started taking up new hobbies and trying new things. The Art Gallery of Algoma hopes to give community members another opportunity to try something new with an online felting class.

The class will be taught by local fibre artist Dawn Allard, and will be held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 24, at 6 p.m. The last day to register is June 19. 

Felting is the process of turning wool into fabric by connecting the individual fibres and creating a piece of art. Allard will teach participants the basics of wet felting with step-by-step instructions, and each participant will end the class with two felted flowers of their own creation. 

Allard has been felting for the past seven years, and has been teaching classes for the past three. 

“I’m constantly learning myself and perfecting what I do, and I love sharing what I do and teaching,” Allard said. “I’m looking forward to the class. It’s been a year since I’ve taught and I miss the connection with students and teaching them the process.”

“We’ve only had one felting workshop before,” said Jasmina Jovanovic, executive director at the Art Gallery of Algoma. “I loved the process and the end result. You can achieve very interesting colour combinations.”

“People usually expect to do drawing or painting classes with us, so this is something new and different. I think people will enjoy it. We’ve had a lot of interest so far,” she said. 

All supplies will be provided and included in the cost. The shop at the art gallery will open on Thursday, June 17, so participants can pick up their kits during shop hours until the day of the class. 

Cost for the class is $55 for Art Gallery of Algoma members and $70 for the general public. Registration can be done through email. 

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, Saultites are still encouraged to continue following public health guidelines and stay home as much as possible. 

So each week, SooToday will share some of the virtual events taking place to help you make the most of these unprecedented times and have fun safely at home.

If you or someone you know is planning a local virtual event (concert, class, celebration, etc.), send the details to [email protected].

Other events taking place this week include:

Online Reformer Level 1 and 2 by Jade Wellness Studio

June 18

Noon - 1 p.m.: This equipment-based class is programmed with key resistance exercises that leave you feeling toned, strong, and more flexible. Core control and strengthening is the focus of every exercise. Reformer classes take Pilates to an entirely new level and are appropriate for most levels.

Join live online via Zoom! Please register at least one hour in advance to receive log in information via email.

Troy's Trail 10th anniversary virtual walk

June 19

June is Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida Awareness Month. The annual Sault Ste. Marie Troy's Trail Spirit Walk began in 2012 as a means of raising awareness and funds to support those impacted. Participants are encouraged to complete their walk any time on Saturday, June 19. Please make a donation or register here.

Kids Shredding Singletrack registration is now open

Open to kids aged 10 to 15 years, the focus is on introducing kids to fun and safe mountain biking in a non-competitive environment. Sessions will run Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. from June 22, ending July 13. Rides will be approx 90 minutes, depending on conditions and skill level of participants. All rides will start and end at Kinsmen Park at Hiawatha Highlands.

Registrants must be Sault Cycling Clubs members, have access to a mountain bike, wear a helmet, and be able to ride 6 and 10 kms of singletrack trail. 

Please register here.

Free fishing at Ontario Parks to celebrate Father's Day

Ontario will waive the need for a fishing licence or Outdoors Card for families that want to do some fishing this weekend. It's also offering free admission to provincial parks on Sunday (Father's Day).

The waiver of a fishing licence and Outdoors Card is in effect both Saturday and Sunday. However, anglers must abide by conservation licence catch limits, obey size limits, and follow all other fishing regulations.

Free day-use permits at more than 100 provincial parks are available Sunday only.

Have an event coming up? Add it to our Community Calendar here.

Did we miss something? E-mail us at [email protected]