OUR LOCAL TEAM: Former elementary school teacher loves to cover the arts

I have always wanted to write — anything. As an elementary school teacher, my writing consisted of report cards and weekly class letters. Teaching art was my favourite subject.

After I retired, I moved to St. Catharines. I began writing a monthly article about the Niagara Region for a Canadian Mennonite paper. A friend suggested I submit an article to Penny Coles of The Local. She printed the article, and a few emails later, I was writing articles about the art scene in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

For the last couple of years, I have been focusing on the exhibits at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre. I have met fascinating people with incredible talent. I have learned so much about the local art scene. The Pumphouse sets up amazing displays of the work of local artists, including the work of instructors at the Arts Centre. The NOTL Arts Collective produces a wide and diverse array of work, which can regularly be seen at the Arts Centre.

The Pumphouse sponsors many activities. There are classes for a wide range of ages and interests. These include art classes using different techniques, and art history lectures, available for all ages from young children to seniors. Art camps are offered for children.  Art classes are provided to seniors in long-term care. There are in-studio activities and online programs. The Pumphouse Arts Centre also actively fosters community involvement in beautifying public spaces. An example is the hydro box beautification competition.

It has been rich and rewarding to write about some of the activities of the art scene in the Niagara region for the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre.