More members, more ideas, and more community engagement shape the club’s next chapter
The Woodstock Art Club is excelling since its 70th anniversary show last year, and because of this, the club has grown in numbers and creative direction.
“The club has grown and become more active in the community.With more people, there seems to be a synergy of ideas,” said Brenda Bradley, the club’s secretary.
Bradley says the increase in the number of members has resulted in stronger collaboration and broad community involvement.
Since last fall, the club has offered bi-monthly workshops on Saturdays at the Riverside Court, where a maximum of 12 residents get to work on a variety of crafts like Christmas card paintings, watercolour cardinals, mosaic decorations, and more. The next project will be painted stones.
Bradley says they have increased learning opportunities, like hosting member skill development workshops. The workshops are taught by artists like Stephen Hutching, Jennifer Stead, Celia Gallardo, Juanita Power and Sharon Dugus.
“Even when I was a raw beginner, the Art Club was incredibly supportive and encouraging. They inspire me to try new things and to keep painting,” said Bradley.
“This group of people with a shared interest in art have become friends; people I enjoy working and chatting with.”
The club will be hosting an upcoming fundraiser at the L.P. Fisher Library to strengthen community support. Members of the club will donate a two-square-foot painting and will sell it for $100 each. All proceeds will go towards the River Valley Food Bank and Sanctuary House.
Members of the art club’s work is on display at High Octane Grill and Catering. There is currently an exhibition at the Connell House, featuring on-site artists each Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. The exhibit will run from Aug. 6 to Sept. 24.
There will also be an open reception for the exhibit at the Connell House tonight, Thursday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m.
