Artists are teachers during ArtsWeek
People can learn how to paint, play a guitar or harmonica and even how to cook during the third annual ArtsWeek in Port Colborne.
“ArtsWeek is a unique opportunity for the community to come together and learn new skills and techniques around the arts from local artist and teachers,” says Mayor John Maloney.
He says the city encourages participants of all ages to PORTicipate in the week-long — July 17 to 22 — art festivities and experiment with a variety of art forms.
Michelle Cuthbert, Port Colborne’s marketing, customer relations and communications coordinator, says ArtsWeek started with Friends of Roselawn Centre.
“They wanted to do something to enhance and bring awareness to culture and arts in the city, with Roselawn being a cultural hub.”
She says the week, previously held in August, has support from the city and Niagara Region through a Niagara Investment in Culture grant. It also fits in with the city’s arts and culture master plan to promote arts and culture.
“We put out a call to artists last November and December. Some of them are artists that are part of our regular programming, some just participate in ArtsWeek.”
Two of those regulars are artist Elizabeth Madronich and chef Lou Caetano. Caetano teaches children how to cook at Roselawn Centre.
“Wendy Malowany is a thirdyear participant … she’s been here since the beginning,” says Cuthbert
Michael Pickett, she says, is teaching blues guitar and harmonica, and also youth-intro for both guitar and harmonica.
“His harmonica program is filling up and he already has some registered in youth harmonica.”
All of the artists are from south Niagara, Cuthbert says, and will be teaching both at Roselawn Centre, 296 Fielden Ave., and Port Colborne High School, 211 King St.
“Music and cooking will be held at Port High. It can accommodate more participants and has a great music room. Principal Ann Kennerly donated the space.”
Registration deadline for courses is Sunday. To register, people can visit OnlinePORT at www.portcolborne.ca, call 905835-2901 ext. 532 or email communityservices@portcolborne.ca.