Joyful art at CreateAbility

CreateAbility is an arts council program that offers monthly art workshops  to adults with special needs. Each session has 4 – 5 volunteer instructors and 10 – 20 clients with their care givers.  Most are local, some from as far away as Penticton, some in sheltered housing, some employed in sheltered work environments, all enjoying some creative energy! Every workshop has 3 – 5 different art stations with various media available, to keep everyone’s interest high.

We are always on the lookout for a variety of art instructors. The cost of supplies is reimbursed and instructors receive an honorarium. Mentorship is available for all new instructors. Request a visit, a tour, or a discussion with a member of the CreateAbility committee who will provide helpful guidance. A criminal record check is required to work with vulnerable adults, but the arts council provides a link to the form and there is no cost.  Contact OliverCAC @ gmail.com 

The program is very rewarding and beneficial to clients , aides and instructors alike.. Here are what some clients and care aides have to say:

” My residents love coming to the program when it is offered and happily give up other activities they love in order to attend the program. This says a lot about how much they enjoy this program.”

“I feel so empowered; I feel like I can do things, like this is one place where I can be independent. I surprise myself with what I can do on my own. I did not think I would be able to do this.”

“I am so impressed with the wonderful instructors in the CreateAbility program. They give their time and expertise so willingly to both care staff and participants. They make us feel like we all can be artists; like we all have hidden talents. I love the variety of art work they present each
time. There is not much talking – just doing which I like.”

“I love the people. They are so friendly and nice. They make me feel
good. I like the aft too. I like that I can choose where to go. If I want to spend more tirne on one station I can. If I want to come back and do more in one place and skip another I can.”

“Many of my clients are unable to express verbally how they think or how they feel. The art work gives them a canvas to show their emotions – joy, anger, sadness, wonder. Their art work shows me a different side of them. I can see and feel what they are thinking about through their art.”

“I love the colors. Pink is my favorite color and the teachers always have lots of pink. There are different things to try and have fun with but my most fun thing is to make cards which I can send to my boyfriend or family.”

“As a support worker I seldom have any personal time. I love the fact that when I attend the CreateAbility sessions even though I am working I feel like I am doing something good for myself. It feels like fun for me and I leave feeling happy and encouraged.”

CreateAbility art cards are available for sale at Maker Place, 101 6272 Station Street, Oliver, BC. Tues – Fri 10 – 5 and Saturday 12 – 5. They cost $5.00/single card or $15.00 for 4. Proceeds go towards purchasing art supplies to maintain this program.

Thank you to Munday Media and Design for their support of the Art Card project!

WOW! Trade show seeks vendors

Women of Oliver for Women host

Mainly for Women Trade Show

Saturday February 16

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Oliver Community Centre

Lunches, Refreshments, Door Prizes Book your Table ! – $50

Entry Deadline: February 6

Entry Forms: www.wowoliver.org or below

 

The Trade Show began in 1993 as a fundraiser for Soroptimist International of Oliver. When that group disbanded in 2003, the Trade Show continued through the work of the WOW Club.

The Trade show title “Mainly for Women” reflects our mission statement, with the funds raised going to support our projects which focus mainly on women and children within our community.

Trade show displays feature everything from beautifully handcrafted jewelry to pottery, wood crafts, fibre art, health products and services, real estate and investments, home improvement, fashion, food, and many more themes.

The ‘Mainly for Women’ Trade Show occurs every February, on the third Saturday of that month.  Forty to sixty individual vendors showcase their wares in the Oliver Community Centre, where there is free parking for patrons.  A lunch and snack area is available.

If you would like to be part of this Trade Show, please download the information package and the entry form.

WOW Trade Show INfo Sheet 2019

WOW Trade Show Entry Form 2019

The mic is yours at Medici’s

Friday Night Open Mic night is on Friday January 18 at Medici’s Gelateria and Coffeehouse. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.  522 Fairview Road  250-498-2228.  Bring your music, bring your songs and join us for a relaxing evening of music with friends. 

 

Plass Studio opens with dancing

Doulandie presents
Dancing for Birth
from preconception to postpartum!
Tuesdays: January 22 – February 26
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Plass

a new community space for movement, education, art & expression
6570 Park Drive, Oliver
(upstairs from Park Drive Church)
$75 for 6 classes in a session, or $15 drop in
(604) 842-5050 or Email:  Doulandie

Visioning the new year

Maker Place hosts

2019 Vision Board Workshop

Set our intentions for the coming year

Jan 19 and Jan 23

7 – 10 p.m.

Maker Place

101 – 6272 Station Street, Oliver

Register and Info: (250) 498-6696  or Email:  Maker Place

Maker Place on FaceBook

Bring any mixed media, be it magazines, notes, photo’s to add to a board. A board can be cardboard, picture frame, corkboard or anything you want to create with. We will supply glue, scissors, modge podge, tea, coffee and a great table to work at. Last year we had a packed house full of laughter and sharing. We will kick off the night with smudging and a prayer to the goddess.

Start the dreaming of how you want your best year to be!