Returning to Her Roots: Alexandria King's Artistic Journey at RDP
When Alexandria King completed her Visual Art Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) in 2014, she left with not only foundational artistic skills but also a deep appreciation for the creative environment that helped shape her. Though she went on to pursue further post-secondary education in Edmonton, the desire to return to RDP never left her.
“After I finished the diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic, I transferred to the University of Alberta to complete a degree,” King recalls. “I missed the RDP studio—the space was designed so mindfully. It always felt like home.”
In 2016, King’s connection to the Polytechnic was rekindled when she was offered a role with the Series Summer Art Workshops, a long-standing program that has brought aspiring artists together with local, national and international instructors since 1984.
“I received a position as a technician at Series Summer Art Workshops where I helped with preparing materials and supporting instructors and students,” she says. “It was a wonderful opportunity to come back to RDP and be surrounded by creative people again.”
That opportunity marked the beginning of a re-immersion into the Polytechnic community. King eventually joined Red Deer Polytechnic as a staff member, finding herself once again in the very environment where her artistic journey had taken root.
This summer, King chose to return to Series, but this time as a student.
“My passion for Series grew because I studied visual art in the same studio space years ago,” she explains. “I wanted to experience that feeling again, but from a different perspective.”
She enrolled in Acrylic Landscape Painting, taught by Gillian Coulton, a practicing artist, Red Deer Polytechnic instructor and alum of both RDP’s Health Care Aid Certificate (2015) and Visual Art Diploma (2018). King applied for one of the eight $600 Series Scholarships via a link shared on the Polytechnic’s social media accounts. These scholarships are funded by the proceeds of last year’s public art showcases and instructor artwork sales.
“I was really surprised and grateful to hear that I received a scholarship,” King shares. “For anyone considering attending Series or applying for a scholarship, I truly encourage them to take that next step. It’s such an easy process. No matter how old you are, you can still come back and enjoy the experiences at Red Deer Polytechnic.”
The workshop, which focused on exploring personal style through landscape painting, offered more than just technical instruction. King and her classmates learned how to work with colour values, layering techniques and glazing—both inside and outside the Polytechnic’s art studios.
“It was a wonderful experience,” she says. “We even spent time outdoors painting, which was a nice learning opportunity. That really inspired me to go out and paint on my own.”
King praised not only the resources offered by Red Deer Polytechnic but also the atmosphere of collaboration that the Series program fosters.
“RDP offers more tools and materials at an affordable price, and Series features amazing instructors,” she explains. “With small class sizes, it's easier to connect with classmates and build stronger bonds with instructors.”
That connection proved to be one of the most enriching aspects of the workshop.
“Taking this class has helped me grow in several ways,” King says. “I learned some unique techniques. We worked with colour mixing, painting from black and white images and understanding depth through value. It’s all really inspired me to be more creative in my own art.”
King’s class was one of more than 50 offered during the 2025 Series Summer Art Workshops. This year’s offerings included one session lasting two weeks, four sessions lasting one week each and the Taste of Series one-day workshops, with a variety of options ranging from Bronze Casting and Glass Beading 101 to Flowers in Watercolour and Ribbon Skirt Making.
As someone who has experienced Series in multiple roles—technician, staff member and now student—King encourages others to take advantage of the opportunity.
“We are fortunate to host Series Summer Art Workshops right here in central Alberta,” she says. “It attracts people from across Canada and around the world. If you’ve ever thought about attending, you should go for it.”
More than 320 people honed their artistic skills and knowledge this year at RDP’s Series workshops.
Although her workshop has ended, King says the experience has left a lasting impact—one that extends beyond the studio walls.
“Series gave me the confidence to explore more avenues and opportunities to create art,” she reflects. “Now, I feel more inspired and empowered to continue my art practice at home.”
Learn more about the Polytechnic’s Series Summer Art Workshops
