Background Information
This volunteer artist-run Creative Age Art Studio is located in the Dorchester Community Centre in the municipality of Thames Centre. Administrative support is provided by Keren Gress and the Active Living Centre staff. The Studio is funded by the Municipality of Thames Centre, the Dorchester Lions Club and grants from New Horizons for Seniors Canada and the Ontario Seniors Community Grant Program.
With the expansion and renovation of the Community Centre, the Studio has moved into a new and larger space at the same address. The Seniors Centre has been renamed to the Lions Active Living Centre.
Programs offered: from time to time, the studio coordinator organizes special workshops with visiting artists. However, peer learning and teaching is the main focus of the studio. Participants use web resources to observe skills and techniques then practice with the assistance of an experienced facilitator. Participants also organize online workshops and activities during the winter months.
Volunteer opportunities: studio assistants help with set up and clean up. Participants help with community awareness by distributing brochures at special events in the Seniors Centre and Community Centre.
Community engagement: members and participants attend community events in London and surrounding rural areas. Participants are invited to set up an education and vendor exhibit at the annual Art in the Barn Art ad Craft Expo.