Local nominated for community award
By Melissa Piche Times Contributor
Brandy Hebbes was awarded the Alberta Blue Cross Community Wellbeing Grant as she was recognized for her tireless efforts within the Wheatland Society of Arts (WSA).
Hebbes has been involved in a volunteer capacity with the WSA since 2002 when she first moved to Strathmore. She has been on the board in a number of different roles – president, director at large, secretary and currently, treasurer.
“I just can’t seem to leave,” said Hebbes. “It’s my passion in life.”
The grant she was awarded gives the recipient $1,000 and it also gives their charitable organization that they volunteer for an additional $1,000. Hebbes, being the selfless volunteer that she is, donated her $1,000 back to the WSA.
The Wellbeing Grant was introduced this year in celebration of the 75 years that the Alberta Blue Cross has been recognizing volunteers in Alberta. Alberta Blue Cross started this program to reward volunteers who are making a difference in the health and wellness of Albertans. Seventy-five volunteers province-wide were recipients of the grant, along with their respective volunteer organizations.
Hebbes said that grants and competitions like this keep people motivated to keep working as volunteers for their communities.
“I don’t have kids so this is my way of giving back,” said Hebbes of her dedication to the WSA.
The WSA was incorporated in 1986 making it a long-standing pillar for the arts in our community. Grants like this come in quite handy for the organization. Other sources for monetary contribution come from the Town of Strathmore and other fundraising efforts by the members.
Until 2016 the WSA ran more of an adult art group. Since then, it’s shifted into offering art opportunities to all ages. Their motto is, after all, “Art for all – no exceptions.”
The WSA offers opportunities for visual arts, educational and skill building workshops. This included summer camps and even wine and cheese paint night.
The grant had a huge focus on mental health and Hebbes is a strong advocate for the benefits art has on one’s social and mental wellbeing.
“Of course, art just fits beautifully into mental health, I believe anyway,” she said.
Recently the WSA opened a pottery studio right next to the existing visual arts studio. The grand opening of the new pottery studio is Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. along with the demo day. There will be different artists available to show people around the studio and answer any lingering questions they might have about the different art mediums offered. The grand opening is a free event for all ages.
The WSA has wonderful group of instructors who offer an array of classes for people of all ages from preschool to seniors’ classes.
“We are always looking for volunteers – who isn’t?” said Hebbes
If people would like to volunteer, they can email info@wheatlandarts.ca and for more information and a calendar of events, they can visit the WSA website ( www.wheatlandarts.ca).