Mary Rivers paints and teaches in her home workshop. This week she is finishing a heritage scene painted on a wooden triptych.

Daron Letts
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 05/05) - For 10 years, painter Mary Rivers has taught art classes from her home workshop.

She practices and teaches a variety of folk art techniques that include toll painting, oil rouging and stroke work done with oil and acrylic paint and drafting pens.

"I enjoy teaching and meeting new people," she said.

Some students keep coming back year after year to build their skills and enjoy the companionship of the group classes, she said.

Others come once or twice to complete a special project for home decoration or as a gift.

"Anyone can do it," she said.

"It doesn't require an eye for colour or artistic talent."

Rivers paints on virtually any surface.

Benches, coat racks, ceramic tiles, tin fireplace screens, lamps, canvas, Christmas ornaments, night lights, shelves, candle holders, flower pots and picture frames have all been decorated in her studio.

"The possibilities are endless," she said.

She guides students through a six-week project from surface preparation to the finishing glaze.

Her fall classes will paint triptychs and wooden memory boxes.

Registration begins in early September.