Written By Olena Riznyk
PARKHILL – The Parkhill Artisans Collective celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 16 to 18 with artist demonstrations, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a bake sale and a concert featuring local talent.
The celebration took place in Parkhill’s historic Carnegie Building, which once served as the community library. For the past decade, the Collective has used the space as a gallery and creative centre for local artists and residents.
North Middlesex Ward 1 Councillor Sara Nirta and Paul Napigkit, tourism officer with Visit Middlesex, attended the opening ceremony. Nirta spoke about the importance of having a local arts and cultural centre. Napigkit presented the Collective with an award recognizing its ten years in business.
Artists gave demonstrations on Friday and Saturday, and a bake sale was held Saturday. The weekend ended with a Sunday afternoon concert featuring local musicians and other performers. “The weekend was full of activity,” said Ruth Cook, the Collective’s past president. She said the Sunday concert drew a large crowd.
Treasurer Rebecca Bender said the anniversary was a chance to appreciate the work of those who started the Collective. She said the founders had a vision for the space, and the group has been able to continue that work over the past decade.
The Collective displays work by artists from Parkhill and the surrounding area. Its exhibitions change throughout the year, giving visitors opportunities to see different kinds of art. Members also offer workshops and classes for people who want to learn something new.
Children have been part of that work, too. Summer art camps have included painting, crafts and projects made with recycled materials. The Collective has also offered an art club for children, with plans for it to return in the spring.
Not every activity involves painting or making art. A monthly baking club, started in April, welcomes people to bring something they have made, share ideas and enjoy time together. Bender said participants have come from both Parkhill and London. The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month, and there is no charge to attend.
Current activities include watercolour classes, and a rug-hooking ornament workshop is planned for November. “We definitely would like to expand our programming,” Bender said.
Ten years after local artists found a new use for the former library, the building remains a place where people can show their work, try something creative and spend time with others in the community.
