All of our members at Cresteramics are back into the routine of their off-site jobs, running the store and a crazy variety of programs at our building on Railway Boulevard. This building is full of laughter, hugs and, very often, karaoke. The youth summer program was well attended with the teens producing tie-dyed products while learning life and job skills and having fun.
Our partnership with the Creston Valley Bird Festival committee is continuing with our members working with local artist Eileen Gidman. Eileen is a very accomplished watercolour and textile artist who is sharing her time and talents with our members as she guides them to produce the poster that will promote the 2016 bird festival. This was made possible by a grant from Columbia Power that provided funds for materials and teaching. The bird festival volunteers worked to develop this community partnership, seeking funds for it to be possible and are now involved as volunteers in the art project. It is through people and relationships like this that persons with disabilities are able to be truly valued members of their community.
A pileated woodpecker is the first watercolour painting being tackled by our artists. The results to date are amazing. Watch for advertising for the Creston Valley Bird Festival 2016 and see how accomplished everyone can be with help and support. Thank you, Eileen, for your patient guidance.
More community support has come to Cresteramics from the Creston Valley Aquatic Society. They have given us funds to team up with Brooke Cherfils, aquatic programmer at the community complex, to help launch an adapted aquafit initiative that will meet the needs of our members. The aquatic society has also generously funded a leisure access pass for a young lady who will really benefit from it. Thank you, Creston Valley Aquatic Society members, for recognizing how much we will benefit from your assistance.
Cresteramics has received recognition in the Kootenay Business magazine’s September/October Best of Business edition. Our little store, Cresteramics on Canyon Street, won the gold award in the art gallery section. This is a big achievement for a little store, congratulations to Valerie and her helpers there. If you haven’t been to our store, please stop by. Many artists display and sell amazing products there, along with Ron Hurry, an accomplished goldsmith and jeweller. Our members help out at the store and our experienced staff offers excellent assistance. This example of community involvement is one of many that Creston is noted for through the Kootenays.
While all of these activities and projects are going on, our agency continues to offer a safe, supportive and fun program for our members. Thank you to the staff and administrator who work very hard to make this happen. Our community becomes strong when we are all included.
Terry Nowak is a Cresteramics Society board member.