Art Hive offers expanded summer schedule and creative support
Calling all artists — Art Hive, a free community art program, is back for the summer with more opportunities to get creative.
First launched in 2021 by Age Friendly Dunnottar and the Ponemah Beach Central (PBC) Art Centre, Art Hive offers a weekly space for participants to explore their creativity.
“It is a space for people to bring their creative ideas to life,” said Althea Howard of Age Friendly Dunnottar.
The drop-in program runs every Thursday in July and August at the PBC Art Centre, 27 Central Ave. in Dunnottar. All are welcome from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and an adults-only session follows from 1 to 4 p.m. Participants can attend one session or all nine, and are free to come and go during each session.
“We want everyone to know that this is an open and non-judgemental space for you to play around with, and we supply everything you need for free,” Howard said.
Funded by the Village of Dunnottar and community donations, the program offers a wide variety of supplies including fabric, driftwood, paint, polymer clay and rocks. Participants are also welcome to bring their own materials. Those wishing to donate supplies can contact Age Friendly Dunnottar through its Facebook page.
Howard said she continues to be amazed by the creativity shown each year.
“I love when people catch an ‘art bug,’” she said.
New this summer, a student completing practicum studies with the Winnipeg Holistic Expressive Arts Therapy Institute will attend all sessions to assist, offer suggestions or simply chat with participants. Thanks to this added support, Art Hive will run for nine weeks this summer, up from the usual four.
“It’s always thrilling to see people follow their creativity,” Howard said. “We supply the space and materials, and you can let your creative ideas take control. I love seeing what people come up with.”
