Located at 6535-111 Street, Edmonton
Studio phone (780) 619-5979

The Quirky Art Cafe is Edmonton caricature/mixed media artist Cathy McMillan’s innovative art studio. At first glance it looks and feels just like a cozy, little cafe, but is actually a well designed and inspiring art studio ready to awaken anyone’s creativity.

Cathy offers classes and workshops in visual journaling, mixed media and altered book making; for adults, youth and children. The studio also offers creative birthday party packages such as “caricature party” or “make an altered book party”. The studio, nestled in the beautiful community of Parkallen, (just south of the university) has plenty of free parking right out front and is within walking distance of the new LRT line.

What is the purpose of the studio?
The purpose of the studio is to be a place that fosters creative play where then authentic, creative expression and communication can occur. This “authentic, creative expression and communication” is one of Cathy’s passions and since she is interested in helping others develop their own personal style of expression (through creative play and visual journaling) she will be sharing her studio space for classes and workshops.

Why does it look and feel like a café?
Sometimes artist studios can be a little intimidating and some workshop environments can be too industrial feeling, whereas a café atmosphere is almost always inviting, familiar, cozy and reassuring.
The café is a powerful environment that facilitates communication and connection. It is the place where ideas are developed and thoughts are shared. From a cultural standpoint, cafes largely serve as centers of social interaction, providing social members with a place to congregate, talk, sketch, write, read, entertain one another, or pass the time, whether individually or in small groups of 2 or 3*.
That same kind of communication can also take place with oneself through a habit of journaling and creative play because it encourages dialogue with one’s thoughts, emotions and desires.

When is it open?
The studio will be open 15 minutes before, during and 15 minutes after each class. Class information is available under Classes.
If you are interested in purchasing artwork, having a caricature done or just having a look around, please call the studio at 780-619-5979 and arrange a convenient time with Cathy for that to take place.

References
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffeehouse