Place des Arts kicked off its 40th anniversary season by offering adults the chance to ignite their creative spirit and discover all the centre has to offer at the annual adults-only open house and exhibition opening reception - Ignite - an affair with art, on Thursday, Sept. 6.

The free event was designed as an elegant evening out for adults to explore the world of art, according to a press release.

Visitors sipped on complimentary wine, heard live music performed by Place des Arts' top music students and viewed exhibitions by artists in the centre's Midst Alumni photography group, as well as Place des Arts' teachers and staff.

Exhibition tours and artist floor talks gave the inside scoop on the artists' inspiration and process, while class demonstrations offered an opportunity to try a variety of visual arts techniques, including fibre arts, pottery and drawing and painting.

Additionally, taiko drumming teacher Eien Hunter-Ishikawa were set up in the Leonore Peyton Salon, where attendees could bang on a taiko drum and learn about Eien's new adult taiko drumming ensemble.

A number of door prizes were drawn, including season's passes to Place des Arts' Faculty Concert and Salon Speaker series, as well as a $50 gift certificate for the arts centre.

One week later, on Thursday, Sept. 13, the centre opened its doors for the opening of its latest exhibit, Poetic Abstractions. The event featured the presenting artists and photographers from across the Lower Mainland mingling with members of the community.

Place des Arts offers a wide variety of classes in the visual and performing arts, as well as private music lessons.

Staff say the centre provides an opportunity unmatched throughout the Lower Mainland for students to work on the potter's wheel, learn to weave on table and floor looms, spin yarn the old fashioned way on a spinning wheel or develop and enhance drawing, painting and mixed media art skills.

New this year, Place des Arts offers an adult ballet class and a recreational theatre class for adults.

For those who have always longed to play an instrument or want to hone existing skills, Place des Arts' 35 music teachers provide private lessons in a wide variety of instruments for beginner to advanced level players.

Thirteen music studios host upright pianos, while four also boast grand pianos. Music teachers are available to teach in any style, from pop to jazz and classical.