September 2, 2015 · 0 Comments
In 2013, a number of local artists – including Cameron Courtney, Julia Poletto, Jack- lyn Hancock, Nicola Meyer, Meagan Cooper, Emily Haws, and Ricky Shaede – came together to create a space for artists and youth to meet and create. Today, Heather Scott is working to keep that dream alive.
“Things are changing,” she said, in reference to both the leadership of the group – which now includes her – and the space itself. With the street-level floor of the building empty after a change of location by the previous business, As We Grow, Club Art’s portion of the building will soon no longer be shared with Koros Games.
The space designated to Club Art is massive. It’s also very different from anything else in town, a fact that is visible from the moment you walk up the stairs. The walls are covered in art, by both street artists and people who preferred paints and brushes to a spray can. The result is a wonderful melding of styles that feels just as collaborative as the environment Club Art hopes to foster.
Club Art functions as a space for self-expression, Heather explained. “It’s a free space in the community.” Open every Tuesday from 6-8pm, Club Art is a place to come and create. “The main idea is to bring artists out of their shell. We encourage art in any form.”
As a non-profit organization, Club Art is run solely by volunteers and kept running by donations – of money, as well as art supplies – and fundraisers. “I want to put more effort in, but I’m working full time.” Heather said, and this is a problem that seems to be keeping Club Art from expanding. According to Heather, people just don’t seem to know it exists, and that means the volunteers who do come in on a regular basis struggle to bring the club up to its full potential.
“The problem is that we don’t have supplies.” Heather said.
“They’re dwindling.” Luke Anderson, another volunteer, chimed in.
For people interested in art, Club Art could be just the place to volunteer. And, as Luke pointed out, for high school students interested in getting their volunteer hours, Club Art is completely able to help them out. “That’s what I’ve been doing,” he explained. Heather is part of the new era of Club Art,
having recently taken over leadership from Ricky Shaede, and she means to make the most of it.
“You could sign your child up for art classes, or you could come here with them once a week for free,” she said.
“We encourage parents to come and paint with their kids. We encourage them to join in. A child won’t look up to me the way they’d look up to a parent. Parents are super encouraged.”
Those who do come to Club Art are more than just club members; they’re a team. Both Heather and Luke have been coming to Club Art for over 3 months, and they believe their lives have been transformed by it.
“Everyone’s so open-minded, they’re always up to learn about each other’s art. There’s such a variety of styles, we all learn from each other, and help each other. We’ve all made friendships here.” Heather said. “It’s a secret club that we don’t want to be a secret any- more.”
To connect with Club Art, you’re invited to their Tuesday studio night, which runs every Tuesday from 6pm-8pm on the 3rd floor of 113 Broadway, Orangeville, Ontario. To get in touch with Club Art, contact them at: clubartov@gmail.com.