TORONTO – Creative Village Studio is a studio and art gallery in Islington Village that tries to enhance the lives of artists with intellectual disabilities.
The studio is operated by Community Living Toronto and is known as a leader in providing a full range of personalized support and services to those with intellectual disabilities, according to Regional Executive Director of Community Living Bra Saunders.
“The idea behind Creative Village was to set up a location where people can come…and they could belong, create art and really feel like they were a part of their community,” Saunders said. “In addition to creating something and allowing them to grow and develop artistically.”
A diverse array of professionally taught classes is run by the studio, ranging from arts and crafts, painting, photography to card making.
“I am really impressed by the individuals that we serve,” Harold Tomlinson, Facilitator of Creative Village Studio said. “Just to watch them build and grow in their own personal styles and technique.”
Tomlinson aspires to navigate artists towards a particular area.
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“I try and find a direction for people and it’s really, really humbling to see them become comfortable and explore their own areas of interest,” Tomlinson said.
Artists have the opportunity to sell their work, benefiting from part of the proceeds, with the remainder going back into the program.
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“It’s just heart-warming to see all of the training and skill building and the hard work and dedication that they’ve put into their work being appreciated by someone who buys it,” Tomlinson said.
Conrod Skyers, an artist at Creative Village Studio admits Tomlinson has had a positive impact on his life.
“I think he changed my life and gave me something to do. I think this is a great place to be,” Skyers said. “And I think Harold is a great person and he’s a nice man and he brought me into this art studio the first day with a smile on his face.”
Saunders agrees with the idea that lives can be enriched through creative expression.
“Absolutely. There’s a number of people every time I come in here,” Saunders said. “They feel it’s a place they belong, they can contribute and it’s a place where they fit in, in their community.”
Artists from Creative Village Studio also have an exhibit coming up. From February 8 to March 10, the Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre will be showcasing some of the artwork. The opening celebration of the exhibit is Sunday, February 10 from 2-5p.m.
Visit the Creative Village Studio.
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