The Kettle River Arts Club holds potluck lunches every month, but the one held last week was special because longtime president Nancy Yamamura was retiring from the executive.
The day was complete with cake and, of course, handmade cards. Along with a gift, many hugs, expressions of gratitude for her service and good wishes for her future were given to Yamamura.
The Art Club began in 1968 as a group of members painting with oils. Later, ceramics were added as an alternative creative outlet with a kiln onsite for firing.
Other items were also made available for members including a drafting table and a pottery wheel.
The members meet twice weekly to share and laugh in each other’s company and allow their creative energy to flow.
“Although the heart and soul going into each piece of work is eternal, time demands much of the body and to allow for the continued use of the building, several improvements have had to be made over the years,” explained Jean Turlock, newly elected president, as she recited a long list of improvements made to the club’s room above the library in McArthur Centre.
The washroom was once situated down a tall flight of stairs. To eliminate this obstacle a new washroom was built into the upstairs, however, to do this required more than the installation of a toilet. The floor dropped nine inches at one end creating a separate area and a difficult problem. The lower floor, being at the entrance made wheelchair accessibility impossible and it did not allow for plumbing of the new lavatory.
Thus the floor was raised nine inches and the washroom installed.
The entrance itself was a hazard to young and old alike. The stairs to the door were merely a mass of crumbling cement. To make the building user friendlier, a wheelchair ramp has been added eliminating the need for the stairs.
The art club is a non-profit organization. With the help of the Phoenix Foundation, a continuance of the club has been assured and openness to new members being its final creation.
“The beauty of life is arrested in the stroke of a
brush, the grain of canvas, the brilliance of sunset
hues of oil and acrylic. The aged hands of the members
of the Kettle River Art Club capture this beauty.”
– Kettle River Art Club president Jean Turlock
The group meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and one Saturday each month for card making.
Canvas artists are asked to confine their use of oils to the Tuesday sessions, so that crafters who have trouble with the odor of the oils can come and enjoy the space on Thursdays.
The Kettle River Arts members enjoy a two-day year-end craft show at the end of May, a monthly potluck lunch and a group Christmas party each year.
“The club is simply a room for artistic expanse, social gathering and a good time in a relaxed and friendly environment,” said Turlock as she made her pitch for new members to join the group.
If you would like more information, drop in on a meeting day or phone either Jean