Hope Bridges continues to grow

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Coming back from a one-month break, the Hope Bridges Society recently completed their line up for their fall projects and workshops that trumps previous seasons with more programs than ever before – a result of growing demand from the society’s increasingly expanding community.
Hope Bridges recently added 25 new members to their approximately 400-member-strong community of artists and facilitators that have participated at any given time. In response to their requests, the Hope Bridges Society is offering 10 programs, some new times for old favourites, and guest artist facilitators – a move that’s been unprecedented previously.
“It continues to grow and we continue to be asked to develop opportunities,” said Hope Bridges Society coordinator Wanda Reinholdt. “This is the most opportunities we’ve ever had. People are coming. They’re finding us here. We’re becoming a household name, which is I think is great. It’s starting to really come and this is my fourth year doing regular programming with Hope Bridges, so it’s exciting to see it develop.”
Already this year, the society has created 12 painted quilts, fostered stronger relationships within Wheatland County – including partnering up with Rockyford Library and Rosebud – and connected more seniors with the younger generations than before. Reinholdt has also noticed stronger bonds and relationships formed between members of the society, who not only support one another but the community in general, which was evident during the Let’s Make a Pitch event where 12 individuals showed up to support the event and those involved.
This season, the staff at the Hope Bridges Society is introducing an array of fresh ideas that involve instruction by Calgary-based artist Joan Packham, and award-winning artist Charlene Hart from Chestermere, who will facilitate Hand Built Pottery. While Packham’s specialty is to collect random items on her walks and turn them into art pieces, which she will help those in attendance turn into a community art piece, Hart is no stranger to going on the road and facilitating workshops in schools, with organizations, daycares, and at parties. No experience is necessary for her workshops that run on Nov. 25 and Dec. 9.
“I think there is such a value to bringing this type of artistic work to individuals,” said Hart. “Because we’re dealing with adults rather than children, I’m going to be having them do more the class that they can utilize at home rather than ornaments on the shelf. The adults tend to prefer making vases, bowls, and boxes.”
New this season, is the Zentangle Community project geared towards advanced Zentangle artists. Photographer Kenzie Kettenbach, who previously taught Photography Tips, will also be coming back in November to teach portrait photography in anticipation of Christmas. The Community Drum Circle, although with a new instructor, will also be making a comeback.
The society is also bringing back previous programs such as Go Green Upcycling, Sing & Play Your High Note, and the Community Drumming Circle.
However, in order to accommodate parents, the Go Green Upcycling, in partnership with Parent Link, will be offered every third Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Parent Link location. The Go Green Upcycling in the mornings will also continue every Thursday.
In October, their annual gala will celebrate 10 years of Hope Bridges and provide another avenue for local and regional artists to come together.
“We’re hoping to be bringing back different highlights from the last 10 years, from the galas, so it’ll be a special celebration,” said Reinholdt. “It’s always been the same goal to have a number of local and regional artists bring their art. So whether it’s visual artists, or performing artists, they bring their art.”
Reinholdt added, those interested in attendance are asked to dress up in what they consider their finest clothes, whether that means something simple as pants and a nice top, or a fancy dress. The event will take place on Oct. 22 at the Hope Church at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $10. For more information about programs and workshops at the Hope Bridges Society, visit their website at www.hopebridges.ca. Registrations are now open.