Spring 2021: Update from our Coordinator
Greetings artists and makers!
As you may already know, as of April 1st, 2021, we have wrapped up our 3 year Art Training pilot project supported by Workman Arts Toronto and local partners, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery and Alpha Court. In this time, we have worked with 28 arts facilitators who led 61 workshops in a variety of artistic disciplines! View our Three Year Report to see what we have achieved together over the past three years.
Our Spring 2021 Art Training Program has paused. However, I have been busy writing grants (with support from ElizaBeth Hill), seeking sponsorships and recently launched a GoFundMe page, to help secure financial support from allies! And, a key goal of raising funds is to continue offering Open Studio.
Please, #SupportMindfulMakers by sharing our GoFundMe!
As of April 1st, Mindful Makers will be moving to operating on a project-to-project basis. This means that we will offer workshops and events based on our income received from grants, donations, and sponsorships. I am shifting to working reduced hours, based on the demands of ongoing projects - likely working 2 days/week (previously I was working 4).
I recognize that during this bizarre time in history, many of us are already processing a lot of loss - especially a loss of routine and social circles. And, that Mindful Makers offers a sense of stability, support, connection and creative encouragement for us all. We need art, a sense of hope and inspiration, and we need each other. So please know that I will continue working diligently to keep us active and I look forward to weaving new beginnings and growing the Collective with our community of makers and allies. And, know that I am also trying my best to take some much needed time off . . . but could also use gentle reminders to keep me accountable to myself and my needs too!
Stay tuned for updates about what’s upcoming ~ later this month we’ll be hosting a virtual hang out of some kind. Until then, Thank You for your patience and for being there alongside me! Mindful Makers wouldn’t exist without You.
~Carol
Here I’m sharing two pictures of us gathering - I can’t wait to gather with you all again!
Left: Indigo Dyeing with Tuija Hansen
Right: Songwriting with ElizaBeth Hill