Scenic study destination
Situated on the shores of Emma Lake within boreal forest, the University of Saskatchewan’s Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus does more than just create a scenic destination. The unique combination of natural environments enables the Kenderdine Campus to offer a diverse range of classes across a variety of subject areas.
Paul Trottier, left, Kenderdine Campus director, and Ken Van Rees, chair of the campus board
“It’s a very well located site for any kind of research or artistic endeavour that may happen,” said Paul Trottier, director of the Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus. “There are so many possibilities. If you look at most of the colleges on the U of S campus, they could teach practical classes here.”
The Kenderdine Campus is already used for many credit classes, and the number has increased in recent years. Students can enrol in programs such as art and art history and soil science. “The students not only learn in the classroom but they learn in the field, and it is very hands on,” said Trottier. “That’s what makes it practical.”
Although the campus is continually updating its programming, its roots are in art. One of the most important traditions at the Kenderdine Campus is the Artist’s Workshop, which began in 1955 and runs every other summer. The visiting artist this year is Kim Dorland, an artist who currently works out of Toronto. As in the past, a number of senior artists from Saskatchewan and across Canada have signed up for the workshop. Trottier estimated that most senior artists in Saskatchewan have a connection to the workshop and the campus.
The Kenderdine Campus often welcomes back students who have previously attended classes there. “Almost everyone who comes into contact with the site returns at some point. That’s the kind of positive experience people have. It’s powerful. It impacts people in a significant way.”
Although a lot of hard work takes place at the Kenderdine Campus, the serene setting creates a calm atmosphere, said Trottier. The accommodations have been recently upgraded and food is served on site. These elements help contribute to a welcoming experience for students.
There are also classes that are open to the public. These range from song writing, carving and blacksmithing, to painting, drawing, digital photography and children’s art. About 300 participants take part in these classes each summer, in addition to about 200 credit students.
There is still time to register this summer for both the Artist’s Workshop and other classes. Visit the Kenderdine Campus website for more information.