Hope Gala success

Times Contributor 

 

The Hope Bridges Gala, held on Oct. 24 at Hope Community Covenant Church, was well attended and received by the public.

“We had a really great crowd. We counted about 240 people,” said Wanda Reinholdt.

Reinholdt said she received positive comments about the various types of art and accomplishment levels that were supported, and viewers appreciated the fact all the artists were valued. The night featured various musical entertainments, as well as gallery displays. Entertainers came from Wheatland County and the surrounding Calgary area.

Singing acts such as ‘The Short Grass Boys’ from Rosemary and Cluny, Mary Oxteby from Hussar, a crowd favourite ‘Chuck Bailey and the Four Amigos’, and Strathmore’s own singer song writer, Kirstyn Johnson entertained. Johnson was the third runner up in the national Coca Cola competition this year. Workshop participants from Hope Bridges ‘Sing your high note’ presented selections and African drummers set a beat. Gallery displays with artists Mary Larsen and Robyn Millman were displayed. The Hope Bridges travelling mural, created in October 2012 and completed in the summer of 2013, was on display. The mural was moved from one business to another throughout Strathmore, before ending up at the Gala. 

Reinholdt said the night was just one of many successful engagements of Hope Bridges.

“We have seen tremendous growth of people coming out to workshops, an increase in our financial support, and a lot more volunteers than we did. We have regular offerings with things happening every week. There are consistent facilitators, regular fundraisers and events happening,” said Reinholdt. “We are reaching a greater number of people. It has increased from 40 people to 150 people last year. “

She said the real focus of the program is to create nurturing connections.

“Art is really not the point of our organization, it is connection and community. Art is the medium we use to create community, welcoming events and inclusivity,” said Reinholdt. “The most significant artistic accomplishment is we see people’s confidence rise. It takes courage and confidence to create anything. The experience with the gallery is that we had a lot of people showing their work, which they may never have done before. There is growth in understanding music, and people come out their shells in music therapy. We see people with no rhythm or comfort with music, learn something about rhythm and enjoy it.”

Reinholdt said they are creating a belonging place; a place where people can come, be and create, where everyone is acknowledged as human and valued.

The next event for Hope Bridges is the Rosebud River Valley Boys concert and dessert bar being held on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m., again at the Hope Community Covenant Church situated on Brent Blvd. For tickets call Sheila Konschuh at 403-734-0179.

Reinholdt also wants everyone to know that the office is in the process of moving. Not too far though, as they will be occupying a larger office and workshop space next to where they are currently set up. For more information on programs and events see www. Hopebridges.ca or call 403 983-3640.