Hope Bridges welcomes spring with programming

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

For the past few years, the community-based not-for-profit art organization, Hope Bridges Society, focused attention on building stronger relationships in Strathmore and Wheatland County – an initiative that spurred new programs in Rockyford and interest among other communities.
A few months ago, the society took a step back – while still offering their staple programs – and regrouped, contemplating the direction of the organization in the coming year.
Shortly after the board’s decision to strengthen relationships with Strathmore and Wheatland County and address specific needs, the Rockyford Friendship Club approached the Hope Bridges Society to facilitate an upcycling workshop; creating bird houses out of plastic pop bottles.
“Our relationships are definitely developing and deepening in the county,” said Wanda Reinholdt, program coordinator with Hope Bridges Society.
“What we decided, that was very important to us, was to be in touch with everyone that we had connected with before. Find out where the needs are and that’s how this opportunity came forward from Rockyford. That was neat because we focused the decision where our needs were and this came up.”
Rockyford was one of the first communities to host a Hope Bridges Society workshop outside of Strathmore a few years ago, played a host to the organization’s annual gala event and was honoured with a Zentangle creation in 2015. In the past, the society has worked closely with the Rockyford Library and is eager to establish ties with the Rockyford Friendship Club.
Other communities throughout Wheatland County have also expressed interest for workshops and classes to be hosted in their areas.
The Hope Bridges Society is now an approximately 500-member-strong community of artists and facilitators, with an innovative line-up of programs and roughly 10 facilitators on hand.
Moving forward into the next season, Reinholdt is excited about the prospects of improving mental and physical health through art.
“What we’re really excited about is the idea around how our health is very much connected to the physical health, how we feel about ourselves as well as how well we’re doing is connected to the relationships and our friendships; we’re going to be delving more into that,” she said. “There’s so much more science now that backs up the fact that social connections are key for someone’s health. That’s what we’re all about – healthy community, healthy connections – and we’re excited about how we are helping the community be healthy.
“We’re just really excited about being here and continuing to give people the opportunity to connect around arts.”
The Hope Bridges Society is bringing back Sing Your High Note, Go Green Upcycling, Painted Quilts and Trail Tours, and Hand-Built Pottery this season. The birdhouse upcycling workshop in Rockyford is available to anyone in Strathmore and Wheatland County. The society is also interested to hear from communities and organizations regarding programming and current needs. For more details, dates and classes visit hopebridges.ca.