Creative Community Muskoka launched its first painting night, a sold-out event, at Robinson\u2019s Your Independent Grocer on November 9.<\/p>\n
The project is the brainchild of Amber Gordon from Community Living Huntsville who was initially looking for a more accessible way to explore art and quickly realized that there are barriers that prevent many in Huntsville from accessing art instruction. Whether it\u2019s timing, location, accessibility for those using a wheelchair or who may not be able to hold a paintbrush, or affordability, Creative Community Muskoka aims to remove as many barriers as possible. The sessions came to fruition thanks to a District of Muskoka Pay It Forward Muskoka Grant and a partnership with the Huntsville Art Society.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s clearly a need for it \u2013 the first night quickly sold out with organizers turning people away who wanted to register.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo get out regularly to do this once a month isn\u2019t in the budget for a lot of people,\u201d said Gordon. \u201cWe have a very rich arts community but we had a gap around accessibility and affordability.\u201d<\/p>\n
Each session is just two dollars with instruction provided by artist volunteers and assistance from Huntsville High School students. Helena Renwick from the Huntsville Art Society was the first instructor; Diane Finlayson will teach the next class on December 14. And Gordon welcomes contact from anyone who is interested in volunteering to help.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are looking for local artists to help in whatever way they can, either as an instructor or to help give tips and assistance to the class,\u201d said Gordon. She would also welcome donations for supplies \u2013 the program\u2019s budget is based on acrylic painting, but they\u2019d like to be able to expand the project to other visual arts. \u201cThe artists who are involved are so excited, but we are limited by what we can provide for supplies. We would be thrilled to receive anything people want to contribute.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t\t