“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”
— Margaret Mead
Cresteramics has just received a much needed and appreciated donation from Regional District of Central Kootenay Area C director Larry Binks. He has a special connection to our agency and has made a donation that will allow us to purchase a computer for our main building. Thank you, Larry.
What is a community partnership? It is people working together to address what matters to them and Birding with Art and Heart is just such a partnership. Wildsight’s Creston Valley Bird Fest committee members are avid birdwatchers and conservationists. They are also people who are aware of the needs of others in their community. As people who understand that everyone has something to offer, they invited Cresteramics members to partner with them in the operation of the 2015 Creston Valley Bird Fest. Cresteramics members are proving to be valuable partners as they deliver posters, make decorations and table centres, and get ready for an art sale at the bird festival.
The bird festival will start at 11 a.m. May 8 at the Creston and District Community Complex. While registration is happening, Cresteramics members and volunteers will host a sale of bird- and nature-themed artwork. Creston’s local artist and artisans who consign their creations at the Cresteramics Store on Canyon Street will be there to work alongside Cresteramics members. Included will be paintings, sketches, birdhouses, photographs, jewelry and woodwork. Birdhouses, sun hats and crafts reflecting the bird theme will decorate the banquet room for the evening program. Cresteramics members will help with decorating.
The bird festival committee has arranged for Cresteramics members to make a field trip to the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. Also, this committee secured funds from Columbia Power Corporation to assist Cresteramics members to prepare art to be submitted for the 2016 Creston Valley Bird Fest art contest. Included is teaching by a local artist and supplies.
Cresteramics staff member and local artist Joanne Ferry has been helping members who have painted, papered, stamped and decorated an eclectic assortment of birdhouses and other craft items for the bird festival. The birdhouses were made at the Creston and District Society for Community Living workshop and items to decorate with were collected from the Gleaners — a real community effort.
Cresteramics Store manager Val Brooks is working closely with store vendors to make the art and craft sale an exciting event. We hope you will come to the community complex on May 8 to enjoy the art display and sale.
This arrangement is beneficial to both parties because it reduces the workload for one group and gives the other a chance to share its skills. Partnerships such as this increase the community’s awareness of each partner while making programs stronger.
The support Cresteramics receives from the Creston Valley helps us be contributing members of our community.
Terry Nowak is a board member of the Cresteramics Society.