Last Saturday, Club Chez Nous opened the doors of the community centre in St. Jean for an art show and sale.
The Creative Oasis art program and seven artists took over the foyer and clubhouse to put their works on sale to the public.
Club Chez Nous celebrated its 50 anniversary in 2023. The club, which rents space in the St. Jean Community Hall, welcomes seniors to socialize, watch entertainment, attend exercise classes and take part in crafts.
In 2022, local artists Janet Desautels and Chyrstal Sabourin approached Chez Nous about starting an art club in town. From that discussion, the club membership formed Creative Oasis.
“Our winters are long and if you are not one to travel and there is nothing to do, you can get depressed,” noted Desautels. “With the Creative Oasis program, I can supply the materials needed for different projects so people can come and make something without having to invest too much money and then finding out it’s not for them.”
“I thought it was a wonderful idea for our club,” said president Lucille Dupuis. “Club Chez Nous hosted this event to attract more people. Seniors have different tastes. We want to expand our activities to find things that members can do.”
Club Chez Nous currently has a membership of 106.
“A lot of our members are 50 years old,” shared Dupuis. “They don’t consider themselves seniors, but they are still looking to stay active.”
The Creative Oasis program has between 10 and 12 members, depending on what craft activity they have going on.
The art sale also included a raffle and silent auction. Monies raised by the fundraisers will go to support Creative Oasis.
“The fundraiser part provides Creative Oasis members a chance to show their work,” said Dupuis. “We want to create funds to support member activities as well as reduce the costs to members in the club.”
Jo Graydon, owner of Bridgehill Pottery & Gifts, came north to the show with a purpose.
“I came to see what is going on. I want to see what artists are doing in this community. I’m always looking to hire artists for my shop.”
Tammy Blanchette, an artist from St Jean, had the product of her artistic talents on display for sale.
“I’ve been an artist for a very long time. I’ve been a member of the club for about two months. I was very excited to attend the new program and help with the fundraiser.”
This was the first sale, show, and fundraiser for Chez Nous Creative Oasis.
“Our clubhouse has some artist work from past projects. We welcome ideas and new activities for the club. Creative Oasis is one,” said Dupuis.
