The Spice of Life
H ow many times have you heard the adage about ‘variety’ being the spice of life? If, like me, you are already an active senior, then chances are that you have experienced that variety and tasted some of that spice. I know that I have – here at Goward House – and I recommend it.
As an active member of Goward House Seniors Activity Centre for over a decade, each time I enter this historic structure, I see (and hear) its members and patrons participating in and enjoying a variety of programs, offerings, events and activities – and tasting the spice. Here, a word to the wise – some spices (fun and friendship for example) may prove to be both addictive and contagious. Imbibe with caution.
Built in 1908 by Bernard and Mary Goward and owned by the Corporation of the District of Saanich since 1973, Goward House has a long-standing connection to the original owners, and specifically Mrs Goward who was a founding member and patroness of what, today, is known as The Goward House Portrait Painters. Meeting each Tuesday afternoon, this group is always on the lookout for models. With a dozen or more artists (mostly painters) participating in each session, volunteer models are offered the portrait of their choice in appreciation for the sitting. If participation on either side of the easel would be of interest to you, contact Goward House by phone: 250-477-4401 or e-mail: info@gowardhouse.com
An individual looking for something with more variety and less structure might find the Wednesday morning Drop-In Painters more to their liking. This is where you’ll find me – having fun. Within reason and as space permits, this eclectic group of individuals covers a full spectrum of artistic endeavours and challenges. Wielding pens, pencils, chalks and brushes with gay abandon, drop-in participants come from a variety of artistic backgrounds, from the novices and self-starters to those with more formal training and expertise. On Wednesday mornings, as I can attest, we are all there for the fun, the friendship and the non-threatening environment. Paint what you want, how you want and when you want.
On Wednesday afternoons, for approximately 10 years, the Studio of Harmonious Endeavours (Chinese brush painting) has been welcoming members to participate in one of the oldest artistic traditions in the world – using similar techniques as those used in calligraphy, with a brush dipped in black ink and coloured pigments. The most popular materials on which paintings are made are paper and silk. This is the smallest and perhaps most intimate of the three groups.
Throughout the year, each of these groups is provided with an opportunity to display its creations in a month-long show at Goward House.
If you feel moved by the muse to pick up a brush, put a dab of colour on canvas or just doodle, you should be able to find your niche and a like-minded soul mate in one of the above collection of artisans. If any of these groups happens to be your cup of tea, they are scheduled so that you may end or start with lunch in the Goward House Tea Room which is totally staffed by volunteers. Now there’s an opportunity for you to put a little spice into someone else’s life.
Goward House Society is a nonprofit organization that operates as an adult activity centre for those aged 50+. Visit gowardhouse.com