Instructors
Holly McWilliams >
Holly attended ACAD majoring in sculpture and painting. She has been instruction at Swinton's since 2000 with a focus towards providing an enjoyable, positive and inventive learning environment for the enthusiastic artist. Holly continues to concentrate on painting, inspired by tradition, and shows and sells her work in and around Calgary.
Adult / Teen Instructor
TUES 9-12 Adult, TUE, WED &THURS 4.20-5.50 ages 13 and up, Thurs 6-9 Adult, Sat 10-1 ages 13 and up
Visit Holly McWilliams' website >
Erica Neumann >
Erica graduated from the Ontario College of Fine Art program, and has been pursuing art professionaly ever since. Passionate about teaching the fundamentals in any art medium, she believes a good knowledge of the design elements and techniques particular to each medium will help anyone communicate their ideas successfully. Her work can be seen at the Whyte Museum in Banff, and Sunny Raven Gallery, Canmore.
Adult Instructor
MON. Morning | TUES. Morning, afternoon | THURS. Evening
Visit Erica Neumann's website >
Karen Swearengen
Karen is a multifaceted artist & instructor with more than 15 years teaching & a lifetime of making art. Her goal as an instructor is to give confidence to the student along with the skills necessary to bring out the unique style and personal expression of the student. Areas stressed are techniques & composition, including value mapping, colour & design.
Adult Instructor
WED. Afternoon, evening | FRI. Morning
Doug Swinton
Doug Swinton has the enviable reputation of being one of Canada's premiere outdoor painters. Doug owns and operates Swinton's Art Supplies and teaches many classes in-house. His knowledge of art and his willingness to share this knowledge with students has earned him a reputation as an outstanding artist and instructor. Classes include topics such as colour theory, composition, life drawing, and outdoor painting.
Adult Instructor Indoor/Outdoor and Specialized Courses.
Please call Swintons for dates (403) 258-3500.
Visit Doug Swinton's website >
Michele Zarb
Michele grew up living and traveling extensively throughout the United States and Canada. Her interest in art started at an early age, winning her first art competition at age six. After settling in Canada in 1988, Michele devoted herself to painting professionally.
Michele’s love for the rich culture and heritage of the Northern Plains is evident in her work. Research in libraries and archives as well as personal experiences ensure her paintings are accurate. Her favorite subject is the Plains Indian. Michele finds their culture, artifacts and spirituality fascinating. She discovers endless subjects with the mystery, symbols, color and tradition of the First Nations people.
Beyond technical ability, Michele feels an artist’s biggest challenge is to evoke emotion. To capture a fleeting moment or mood, involving the viewer in more than a photographic translation. Her experimentation with various techniques and media keeps the work fresh and exciting, as well as allowing her to constantly grow as an artist.
Michele’s work has been accepted in international competitions in Canada and the United States. She has been elected membership in various art organizations throughout North America. She was the only artist in Canada accepted to the Cowboy Artists of America Workshop in Bozeman, Montana. Michele was also selected to design the 2004 Stampede Western Art Show collector pin. Michele’s work can be found in private and corporate collections throughout the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, the Middle East and Japan. Some of Michele’s collectors include Hyatt Hotels Calgary; ABC News, Washington, D.C.; Nova Corporation; Virgin Records, NY, NY; and Lenny Kravitz, Musician.
Adult Instructor TUES. Evening | WED. Evening
Visit Michele Zarb's Art In Canada website >
Julie Macklin
Julie developed a passion for art at a very young age, taking art classes both privately and within school up until graduation. This continued into her adulthood, and in 2005 she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Lethbridge with a focus on drawing, painting and art history. Soon after moving back to Calgary, she began teaching at Swinton's, as well as other locations around the city. As well as being an instructor at Swinton's, she is also a student at the University of Calgary. Obtaining her Education degree, Julie would like to become a high school art teacher when she's finished. The numerous positive experiences she's had at Swinton's as a children's and teen's instructor, is what's led to her decision of becoming a full time art teacher. Her goal is not only to teach students the skills they need to create art, but to become life long learners of creative expression.
Childerens instructor.