« It’s 9:20 and I’m almost an hour early for the Creative Expressions Workshop. Art Starts has run many programs in the Jane and Woolner neighbourhood but this is the first time they’ve offered pottery. In walks Katherine Earl (Program Director and fellow Art Starter) and to my great satisfaction she takes me on an Art Starts historical tour of the park just outside of Access Alliance where we are visiting the workshop. By the time we finish our 15 minute romp through time (and the snow) the Art Starts mosaic benches and playground convince me that Art Starts has been a catalyst for literally changing the face of this neighbourhood.

We head in to the Creative Expressions program. This session the participants are training in the art of pottery with professional potter Melissa Harendorf. I take a moment to introduce myself but I’m barely noticed as participants are already hard at work. The focus and enjoyment is palpable as brush strokes delightfully wisp across the surface of dried clay and mothers carefully put the finishing touches on last week’s work.

At the program, participants complete a new creation every week and this week I was privy to learning the process of creating art with rolled out clay slabs. I was given my own piece of clay and instructed on how to prep it and shape it into something imaginative. The process was immediately enthralling and just the feeling of shaping and marking the clay felt like deep therapy.

When I spoke with the women participating they validated my suspicions that this program has incredible value to the women who participate. Qumrun a veteran of PWW programs said that in her busy life « it’s amazing to get together, create and meet other women. » She is happy with the program and wishes to do more. Roushon, another long time participant said that she believes the program is important because it makes her feel good, people are friendly and she can also teach her child what she has learned.

It was refreshing to see the real impact that this program is having on the community through these two women but talking to participant Sadia was the icing on the cake. For her the program represents a tension free atmosphere that « reminds me of my childhood. » She said that it helps her relieve stress, defeat depression and feel good. She made it a point to mention that the importance of the program is apparent in the fact that on this a minus twenty degree day, with errands to run, she still takes the time to walk to the Creative Expressions program. « I love it. I want it again and again » said Sadia as she anxiously awaits the results of her clay creations after being fired in the Art Starts kiln.

Speaking to the women around the craft table I was able to put the finishing touches on my own clay project before the session was over. As I worked away I thought about the lessons I was taking home. I can now see how important it is to take these moments to create. Today resonated with me and I understand why these women are here. »

-photos submitted by Art Starts and post written by Mario Murray. 
Read Art Starts’ profile in ArtBridges’ Community-Engaged Arts Directory and Map