This month, H’art Centre unveiled the first community workshops ever to be offered in its new outreach space, THE MIX. The much-anticipated fall workshops feature a line-up of four different mediums, all led by trained professional artists who combine inclusive practices and their art form to bring to life welcoming and accessible experiences. They are a safe and accessible way for older adults with mobility challenges or cognitive issues to engage in meaningful arts experiences.
“Many people, as they age and experience illness or mobility issues, find it challenging to continue to participate, create, and contribute through the arts. At H’art Centre, we know the heart and soul of a creative person never fades. We don’t want paintings to go unpainted, stories to go unwritten, or songs to go unsung.” said Katherine Porter, Executive Director of H’art Centre. “These workshops will build on our legacy of collaboration with seniors and long-term care homes. It’s our response to the sense of isolation many people still feel after years of pandemic restrictions. With our new outreach space, committed professional community artists, and a focus on short, social, and stimulating activities, Kingston’s older adults can create again and share the experience with supportive friends or care partners.”
The Mix is a new 4,000 square-foot space that neighbours H’art Centre’s other spaces: H’art Studio and The BOX inclusive performing arts space. The Mix is where inclusive artists and inclusive arts groups can come together with the D/deaf and disability community to share ideas, explore, create and present new groundbreaking works. In its first year, it will pilot outreach programming for various communities facing barriers to inclusion in the arts.
The first round of workshops begins the week of September 12. The two-hour workshops share similar structures which include a 15-minute “meet and greet”, followed by a short goal introduction, an hour of “doing”, and a final “wrap-up and wind down” with ample time for conversation and beverage.
About the workshops
SOFT TOUCH N’ SEW WITH ACCLAIMED FABRIC ARTIST ISIDORA SPIELMANN
TUESDAYS 12:30 – 2:30 PM WEEKS OF SEPT 12-OCT 17 & OCT 24-NOV 28
Come and join us to refresh old knitting, sewing, crocheting, or felting skills. Let’s sip tea and exchange stories. This weekly group activity is about joy and delight. Hand-sew a bright felt pillow, stitch a picture with felt and wool or knit a lacey scarf. It’s your choice! Isidora is an experienced designer, trained artist, teacher, and writer, working with textiles, fine clothes, costumes, ceramics, and performance. Her focus is on creating a joyful, creative atmosphere
ANTICS, ACTING & APPLAUSE WITH THEATRE DIRECTOR KATHRYN MACKAY
TUESDAYS 9:30 – 11:30 AM WEEKS OF OCT 10-OCT 31 & NOV 7-NOV 28
Come play with us! Join us for two 4-week workshops in which we will be exploring everything to do with performance. Each session will begin with a warm-up game using some combination of voice, gesture, and imagination. From there we will go on to develop stories around experiences with water which we will animate in a theatrical form. Kathryn is a professional theatre director and Managing Director of PeerLess Productions, a company dedicated to providing opportunities for mixed-ability theatre artists. No experience is necessary and the focus will be on having fun!
50 TUNES OF GREY WITH AWARD-WINNING MUSICIAN DAVID ARCHIBALD
WEDNESDAY 12:30 – 2:30 PM WEEKS OF SEPT 12-OCT 17 & OCT 24-NOV 28
Dust off that old guitar, limber up those trusty piano fingers and, if you don’t have an instrument close at hand, we’ve got ten lovely new ukuleles! Come and join award-winning singer/songwriter David Archibald for Wednesday afternoons of fun and great music. The setting is a welcoming and informal jam. The tunes will represent the best of the 20th century
MOVEMENT & MUSIC WITH ADAPT N’ DANCE’S CAMILLE SPENCER
THURSDAYS 12:30 – 2:30 PM WEEKS OF SEPT 12-OCT 17 & OCT 24-NOV 28
come a little early for tea, coffee, and a chat! Designed to be accessible, this class can be entirely done in a seated position. For those with mild physical and/or cognitive differences, there will be opportunities to safely sit or stand. This programming is designed as an out-of-residence opportunity to gather and meet new people. Camille is a local dance artist who has worked with multiple communities around the world sharing her passion for dance, specifically those with neurodiverse abilities, and the Parkinson’s community. Join her while she takes you through creative, musical, and easy-to-follow dance experiences that anyone can do. No dance experience is necessary. Just a willing heart and your positive vibes!
Registration information
These workshops are free thanks to the generous support of our project funders Empire Life, Ontario Trillium Foundation, and many of the MIX IT UP! campaign supporters. Spaces are limited so call 613-545-1392 or contact us to sign up today.
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