Newmarket’s Old Town Hall has been filled with the artwork of 40 individuals supported by Community Living Central York throughout January, thanks to a collaboration between the organization and Town of Newmarket.
With the help of four local artists, the organization-supported individuals put together a vibrant art exhibit, which continues to Jan. 28 with paintings, clay creations, flower pressings and collages lining the gallery walls of Old Town Hall at 460 Botsford St.
Although Community Living Central York has its own fulsome art program, the collaboration with the town allowed its budding artists to express themselves through different mediums while ensuring their work is displayed in their community.
“The participants themselves really enjoyed it and it was a great activity to come out of the holidays in an engaging way,” said Natasha Fieldman, director of fundraising and marketing at Community Living Central York.
“It is also nice for them to go beyond our centre and have that face-to-face time with the community in terms of the public being able to show up and see their work. We have had a ton of people connected with us who have said how great it has been to see the work open to the public.”
Four art classes took place from Jan. 6 to 9, when participants hand-crafted their artwork with the help of some of Newmarket’s local creators.
Community Living Central York has been empowering people with developmental disabilities in places like Newmarket, Stouffville, East Gwillimbury and Aurora for more than 70 years now. Fieldman spoke of the wide range of assistance and programming the non-profit continues to provide.
“Our support runs the gamut,” she said. “We offer housing for individuals with diverse abilities, both fully supported and assisted living and we also offer programming and services for day, evening and weekend programs. That ranges from art to cooking to employment programs and much more. We also provide opportunities to engage and connect and help form friendships through group outings and similar activities.”
The wide range of programs available through Community Living Central York allows for supported individuals to hone different skills or learn a new one entirely.
Community Living is hosting a reception on Monday, Jan. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Old Town Hall to celebrate the artists and their achievements alongside staff and the public.
“It is a great opportunity for our individuals to express their talents and participate in the community by showing that they have talent and are developing their creative skills,” Fieldman said.
“That is the kind of work that we do every day at Community Living Central York and hopefully everyone who has enjoyed the exhibit so far, even people who have not had a chance to get out to see it yet will come out and support us.”
