In the fall of 2024, Rotary Arts Centre entered into a partnership with the Association of New Canadians to offer a free Community Pottery class.
“We wanted to bring together longer term community members with new community members to build relationships,” said RAC Executive Director Nicole Fougère. “We also knew that the cost of art classes can be a barrier for some community members and we wanted to make sure that arts and creativity can be accessed by everyone.”
Over three weeks the students gathered at RAC under the expert care of artist instructor Denise Hynes from Crimson Art Studio.
“Every time I attended a session something surprised me,” said Community Connections Officer Pooja Kadian from the Association of New Canadians. “Denise always came with different processes and ideas. I loved it! It made me want to do more and more!”
The participants made bowls with autumn leaves and small ceramic winter trees. They worked with Denise to paint their pieces “Doing pottery felt like an achievement for me,” said Pooja. “It will feel like I am receiving a special momento or trophy to get my final finished pottery pieces.”
Throughout these pottery sessions, the participants shared stories from their personal lives, and laughed together as they took risks with their art making. “I saw people build friendships and life long memories together,” said Pooja. “Simple things that we did, like being together in a circle and sharing, they make you feel part of a family.
“RAC gives an opportunity for community members to share their life experience together.”
Photo Credit: Kutis Walsh
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