West End Gem: Nepean Creative Arts Centre

I’ve written before about my adventures downtown from my home in the Toronto suburbs to get my fill of arts centres and theatres.

I’m pretty happy with how I have continued to make music and the arts a big part of my family life here in Ottawa – with music classes for the kids, the occasional workshop for me and the (very) rare date night with my husband. 

As readers of this blog know, I’m always up for exploring my city and expanding my family’s artistic horizons. I recently stumbled on the Nepean Creative Arts Centre and was excited that they agreed to become a sponsor on the blog! 

The Nepean Creative Arts Centre (NCAC) offers visual arts as well as performing arts classes taught by accomplished artists - painters, actors, filmmakers, writers, photographers, musicians - in custom studio spaces for participants of all levels of ability. From preschool to adult, students experience a diversity of arts instruction in a creative and dynamic environment. The NCAC arts-specific studios include music, dance and visual arts studios, a black box theatre and set construction workshop.

it's a special time for the NCAC - their 25th Anniversary is coming up, and events kick off this September! To celebrate, the NCAC is offering a broad range of affordable workshops, creative classes and social events for children, youth, adults and the whole family. But watch out - after one workshop you may be hooked! :)

For Adults and Teens

A couple of workshops geared to adults caught my eye – among them: The Art of Egyptian Belly Dance sounds like so much fun! The class gives dancers (with some experience) a chance to try something different while staying active.  The class runs September 21st, 2015 or January 18th 2016, from 7 - 8:15 pm.

And if you’ve ever wanted to try ballroom dancing, now’s the time. International competitive ballroom dancer and coach, Alexander Pauk will guide and glide you through some basic moves - the best part is that you don’t need to bring a partner (did you just hear my husband sigh with relief?) If you have older children, youth 15+ are welcome to attend.

If dancing is not your thing but freebies are (who doesn’t love free?), the Ottawa Printmakers Connective is offering an interactive drop-in workshop (Sept 27th from 10am - 3pm) for adults interested in the printmaking process. 

For Kids

I know my music-minded kids would be eager to stomp and pound on some drums at the Family Drum Circle (Nov 1st 2015 and Feb 21st 2016 from 11am - 12:30pm.)  The workshop is free and is open to all levels of experience. And for those looking to get their kids into drama at an early age, the Live Wire workshop (Oct 17th and Jan 16th from 11am - 12:30) introduces kids (8-12 years) to drama skills, improv, and theatrical techniques.

Celebrations for the NCAC 25th Anniversary run all year long. The variety of workshops available provides just a taste of what the Centre has to offer. Now is the time to venture out and discover this West-end gem! 

Check out a full listing of celebrations planned by visiting the Nepean Creative Art Centre's listing on the City of Ottawa website. Also, follow the NCAC on Facebook!