The Valley in Winter, before the Snow Falls, by Janet Jansson
 
JCHAC Newsletter
December 2014

 

Well... here it is - December!!  We all know how time flies.  I used to think as we get older, things will slow down a little but it seems to be the opposite.  Lots to do and not enough time.  That's the beauty of being so involved in what life has to offer.

December is generally a busy month.  Be sure to take some time out for yourself and get into "relax" mode.  Also, the weather is changing and surfaces are getting slicker so please take care when you're outdoors.

With it being the holiday season, for the month of December, you will see some DATE CHANGES TO REGULAR PROGRAMS (e.g. Watercolour Printmaking, Laughter Yoga, Drum Circle, Nia) and SPECIAL INTEREST sessions. Please see the blocks below for any date changes.

The "Celebrate the Seven" exhibition has now closed.  We had many visitors enjoying the art of the Connections Fibre Artists and their interpretation of work by the Group of Seven. 
 
December 7th is the opening reception of the "Elder Art, the Youth of Yesterday" exhibit which runs till January 25th.  Around the corner in January will be the "Art from the Heart" exhibit, with an opening reception on Sunday, February 1st.  For more details on these two shows, please see the segments below "Current" and "Upcoming" Exhibitions.

In January, for those people who would love to learn more about their Point and Shoot and DSLR cameras, Bill Ellis will be instructing another of his very successful Photography Workshops. This is a great workshop series, taking place over four evenings.  This workshop provides you with increased awareness and confidence in using your digital camera.

As a reminder, any of our Watercolour Printmaking and Photography workshops, as well as the Health & Wellness programs make wonderful gifts for those special people on your list.  Or, perhaps a gift for yourself?  The New Year is always a great time to try something new, or get back into something you love.  If you are interested in purchasing a gift certificate, please click here to contact Bill Hewitt.

In February, we will be hosting Winterfest again. Last year, this was a wonderful family indoor and outdoor event.  Please watch out for more details next month.

As you may be aware, JCHAC is a non-profit, charitable organization run by Sybil Rampen. The various programs provided, the Labyrinth, the exhibitions, the sharing of this wonderful oasis in Oakville are all healing and nurturing and are part of Sybil's overall vision to share this special place with the community.  The centre is supported by a number of volunteers who understand and support Sybil's passion.  To each of the volunteers, for any of your precious time that you have contributed to JCHAC this past year, we extend a great big THANK YOU!!  We are very grateful for all your contributions. 


To each of our dear newsletter subscribers and your families, we extend the very best of wishes over the holidays.  Keep safe, warm and happy. Enjoy time spent with both family and friends.

Warmly,
Janet Jansson, Newsletter Editor
Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre
Joshua Creek Legacy
Memories of Sybil Rampen
 
A winter Sunday was often spent hitching up the team to the big sleigh and heading up the 7th Line to visit the Lister's. Behind their house was a perfect hill for tobogganing, sloping down to the 16 Mile Creek.  They always provided hot cocoa, warmth and drying up time before we headed for home. Often we would attach the toboggans to the back of the sleigh and bounce along on the snow covered road. 

Ma and Pa Lister and 5 children lived in a square brick house with no electricity and a well for water. They used a root cellar dug into the earth and light came from a lamp with a sizzling little bag.  It was a happy time with memories rich in friendship and support.

 

CURRENT EXHIBITION
Elder Art, 
The Youth of Yesterday

December 5th to January 25th
Opening Tea Party
Sunday December 7th, 2 pm - 5 pm
















 

Please join us in paying respect to four local artists by attending "Elder Art, The Youth of Yesterday".  Inez Demuynck, Gisela Sommer, Shirley Erskine and Sybil Rampen are considered our elders.  They are between the ages of 83 and 95 and have lived through the Great Depression, WW I and WW II.  They are people who have persevered through times of struggle and evolving technologies and have greatly contributed to our society.  The word "Elder" brings to mind, "wisdom", "intelligence", "creativity" and "respect" - all of which describes these wonderful artists. 

This exhibition showcases their artwork and includes various mediums from fibre art to watercolours , origami sculptures to acrylics and oils.  Something for everyone.


You do not want to miss this important exhibition dedicated to "The Youth of Yesterday".  Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre plans on making this an annual show.

 

UPCOMING EXHIBITION
Art from the Heart

January 30th to March 15th
Opening Tea Party
Sunday February 1st, 2 pm - 5 pm
Art From The Heart Logo















 


 


Art From The Heart is a provocative exhibition by artists who have experienced adversity and challenge and have incorporated this into their artistic practice, inspiration and presentation. The show will reach into the community in a unique and compelling way. 


 

This show focuses on different ways of seeing and experiencing the world, reflected in artwork.  It is about sharing, awareness, artistic expression and courage.  The reality of each life made visible is a powerful tool.  It is about art originating from inner spaces not experienced by most people and about the creativity which emerges from such spaces and experiences. The reality of each life made visible is a powerful tool.


 

OakvilleCulturalGrant

 

 WORKSHOP
Photography Workshop
For POINT 'n' SHOOT and DSLR Cameras 

Instructor: Bill Ellis

Wednesdays in January 7, 14, 21, 28

 7:00-9:00 p.m.  















Classes are taught by William Ellis (Bill) who has over 40 years of photographic experience. He is currently a director with the Oakville Camera Club, responsible for managing and judging photographic challenges. Previously Bill was the Director of Nature Photography for the Lakeshore Camera Club in Montreal where he judged both local and national competitions.

 

Bill will present how to get the most out of your camera in terms we can all relate to. This series is for point and shoot cameras or DSLR in full auto and semi auto modes. The four session workshops will consist of presentations as well as hands on.

 

This workshop is limited to 8 students, so please don't delay in registering.

 

Cost: $200.

 

To register call 905-257-4730 or email: [email protected]

 

Class Content (four sessions outlined below) 

1/ Point and Shoot Presentation (full auto and semi- auto modes).

2/ Camera Settings.

3/ Exposure/Exposure Compensation, Metering Mode & Scenes.

4/ Composition and Photo editing.

   

The final session will include a discussion of participant's submitted photos and the use of software for picture correction.

 

Every session will allot time for questions and answers.

ART WORKSHOPS
Watercolour Printmaking Workshops

Typically the 2nd and 3rd Saturdays, each month throughout the year

 

NOTE:

DECEMBER THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE WORKSHOP  - Remember: Great Gift Idea for the New Year !!!!

 

December Workshop: 13th 

 

Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Fee: $50 per person (includes materials)

Please bring a pot luck lunch.

 

Please confirm attendance with Mary Rischke, 905-617-1220 [email protected]

 

No experience required... just a love of colour.  Resident artist, perhaps a play day during the summer months?
 
This  fulfilling art workshop is in collaboration with Joshua Creek Studio.
 
For more information on this technique, click here
Watercolour Printmaking
Introduction and Beyond

Every Wednesday, September thru June

 

Wednesday December 3, 10, 17

 

NOTE: NO SESSION DECEMBER 24th

 

Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

 

Fee: $35/session, Pay-as-You-Go

Open Studio: Bring your own supplies

Pot Luck Lunch

Contact: Mary Rischke, 905-617-1220

[email protected]

  

A perennial favourite of Joshua Creek is Wednesday's art class. This is an Introduction to Watercolour Printmaking. Each week allows you to engage in new techniques and discoveries that takes you beyond the basics. Whether you are a seasoned artist or wanting to learn a new technique, you will be fully engaged with Mary Rischke as your teacher and art guide. Discover the art of learning in play. No previous art experience necessary, just a love of colour.

  

This workshop is in collaboration with Joshua Creek Studio.


For more information on this technique, click here

Watercolour Printmaking
Explorations

Every Friday, September thru June 

 

NOTE: NO SESSION DECEMBER 26th

 

Friday, December 5, 12, 19

 

Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

 

Fee: $35/session, Pay-as-You-Go

Open Studio: Bring your own supplies

RSVP: Space is limited

Pot Luck Lunch

Contact: Sybil Rampen, 905-257-0953

[email protected]

 

These Friday workshops will allow those who know watercolour printmaking to further explore the endless possibilities associated with this medium.

 

This workshop is in collaboration with Joshua Creek Studio.

HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAMS
Laughter Yoga

NOTE: NO SESSIONS IN DECEMBER

WILL RESUME IN JANUARY

 

Sessions will resume in January on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month

 

WISHING YOU MUCH LAUGHTER & JOY OVER THE HOLIDAYS

 

Time: 7:00 pm

Session Length: 60 minutes

 

Investment in your health and happiness: 

$15 per class or $120 for 20 classes (1st time participants can bring a friend for free)

 

We won't be twisting ourselves into pretzels but we will have lots of fun!  Get ready to laugh your stress away, make new friends and have boundless energy!

 

Please wear something comfortable, bring a water bottle and maybe a mat or towel. *** Warning! Excessive laughter and deep breathing have been known to cause serious weight loss!*** 


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Laughter Yoga is the happiest wellness program ever! It is a joyful way to connect with others at any age or any fitness level. It can be performed gently or moving throughout the room with full energy and enthusiasm! Studies by the National Institute of Health and various medical schools have proven the effectiveness of laugher yoga for mental alertness, pain relief & increased immune system function. This unique exercise routine that combines group laughter exercises with yoga breathing allows anyone to laugh without using jokes, humor or comedies.


It's been scientifically proven that the brain can't tell the difference between fake and real laughter so it is okay to fake it until it becomes real. Trust us...that won't take long!

 

For more information, please contact: Anita Morrow or text 416.879.7217

 

Classes led by Anita Morrow and Teresa Becket, certified Laughter Yoga Leaders.

 

Please join us and discover the 10 Good Reasons to Laugh for NO Reason! 
NIA Classes

Three Days Per Week:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday

NOTE FOR DECEMBER: Holiday Hours
LAST CLASS on the 11th, resumes on 29th
NO CLASS ON WEDNESDAY THE 3rd

December Classes:

 

Monday, December 1, 8, 29

Tuesday, December 2

Wednesday, December 10, 31

Thursday, December 4, 11

 

Class as usual on January 1st at 7:00 pm


Mondays and Wednesdays
10:00 am to 11:15 am  

Thursdays: 

7:00 pm to 8:15 pm  

Cost: $11 per class  

Location: JCHAC Gallery

Contact: Brigita for more information
      
Classes led by Brown Belt Nia instructor Brigita Roube.

Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts and healing arts. It empowers people of all shapes and sizes by connecting the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Classes are taken barefoot to soul-stirring music in more than 45 countries. Trainings teach people how to get in their body, learn about The Body's Way and cultivate body-centered awareness. Every experience can be adapted to individual needs and abilities. Step into your own joyful journey with Nia, and positively shape the way you feel, look, think and live.

 

Nia has 52 moves that optimize the body's natural design. Nia choreography is body-centered and allows practitioners to connect to nine diverse movement styles: Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, jazz dance, modern dance, Duncan dance, yoga, Alexander Technique and Teachings of Moshe Feldenkrais. Nia classes balance form with freedom encouraging people to personalize the movements making choices for pleasure and comfort.

EVOLVING FAMILIES PROGRAMS 
Community Drum Circle   

 

NOTE: NO SESSIONS IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER

Sessions will resume in January, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month

Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: JCHAC Gallery
Hosted by: Evolving Families Foundation - Click here for more information  or Contact  Peaches  and see below for Volunteer Opportunities

Offering: $10 / participant in an energy exchange for use of space in the JCHAC Gallery. 

No need to preregister, show up and sign in with Evolving Families.

 

In the spirit of a drumming circle all ages and experience levels are welcomed. You will be led by John and Joanna in a unified front of drumming, dancing and grooving; all moving you to a level of relaxation.

  

Bring your djembes, frame drums, bongos, bodhrans, oscars, flutes or other percussion instruments that make your spirit soar. There are percussion instruments and several extra drums available for those who require a loaner. 

  

Until you have experienced what a collective can accomplish through percussion, you will never know how uplifting and infectious to one's spirit the positive vibrations can be.


 

Join us and express yourself. You will be glad you did! 


 

NOTE: Volunteer Opportunities

If you  enjoy nature, music and the arts, please contact Evolving Families Foundation.  We  are seeking volunteers from 1 years old to 100+ to participate in our projects in 2015.  Please Email: Peaches at [email protected] and or visit www.evolvingfamilies.ca  

Labyrinth
 

Labyrinth Hours:  

Same as Gallery hours 

Tuesday - Sunday 1pm - 4pm


 

Friends of JCHAC  are welcome to walk the Labyrinth in the meadow during Gallery hours. The Labyrinth is also available by appointment as well as invitation.

  

Offerings: 

To assist with upkeep of the Labyrinth an offering of $5.00 is suggested. All offerings are gratefully accepted. The offering box is located inside the Gallery beside the sign-in sheet. 


You may also choose to become a Friend of Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre and enjoy the benefits of use.  Click here for more information. 

 

Evolving Families is working in collaboration with JCHAC to maintain and promote the Labyrinth. Please contact Peaches  at Evolving Families for any inquires that you may have regarding the use of the Labyrinth.   

 

Sign In: 

You are requested to sign in before you walk. The sign in sheet is located in the Gallery.


Parking:

Please park in the area of the Gallery. To access the Labyrinth follow the lane and cross the bridge.  A path, marked on your left, will lead you to the Labyrinth in the field.

Length of Walk:
To walk the curving path of the Labyrinth will take 45 - 60 minutes depending on your pace. Total distance: 2.5 km.
SPECIAL INTEREST
Flying Pigs Arts & Letters Society
  

3rd Wednesday of the month

October through May

 

NOTE: No Session in December. 

 

Will resume in January.


Cost: $5.00 per meeting

Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm

 

This is a casual group that meets the third Wednesday of each month.  Meeting topics vary and any suggestions are welcome.  

 

Please join us.  It's a great group of people and interesting topics of discussion.

Oakville Stitchery Guild
 

4th Monday of the month

September through June

 

 

 

 

NOTE: 

December date is Pot Luck Supper. Regular sessions will resume in January.

 

Time: 7:00pm to 9:00 pm

Cost: $5.00 per meeting


 

The Oakville Stitchery Guild of Joshua Creek invites interested fibre artists to visit or join the group.  The guild meets on the 4th Monday of each month and offers "hands on" sessions, speakers, workshops and exciting programs.


 

Pre-registration is not required.  Please drop in and introduce yourself!   

Tea Leaf Reading Sessions

First Sunday of each month

Start Time: 3:00 pm
Maximum Group Size: 6
Cost: $15 per person

NOTE: Sunday, December 7th session is filled
January session will be on January 4th.

Please join Sarah Adamson for a cup of tea and to relax and satisfy your curiosity as she skillfully reads your tea leaves. The tea leaf reading sessions will start at 3:00.  This is a group tea reading. Each person will have an individual session in a group setting.

While you're here, you could visit the art gallery and view the current exhibition.

If you are interested, or know others who are, please contact Sarah Adamson

Tea Time at JCHAC
 

An invitation is extended to interested groups who are  considering looking for a spot to gather and enjoy some "tea time" in a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. Of special interest  are residents in retirement  communities looking for a meaningful and fun outing to this extraordinary land where the city is forgotten and the country feels like coming home.

 

Please contact Bill Hewitt by e-mail or call

905-257-4730.  

Friends of Joshua Creek

Current "Friends of Joshua Creek", THANK YOU for your previous donation to our Friendship Program. Your support helps Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre's vision of sustainability and in addition, it provides the means to maintain our art gallery, fund numerous community projects, as well as support emerging and differently-abled artists.
 
It is always a perfect time to become a "Friend of Joshua Creek". Joining now will not only assist in supporting JCHAC but also timely to participate in an upcoming exhibition in the Gallery of art by the Friends of Joshua Creek. Show family and friends your talent in a setting that highlights your passion. This exhibition will take place the end of July. Enough time to decide what piece you would like to enter for consideration.
  
New and Renewing Friendships
Joan Barber

It takes a community to support the vision of JCHAC. We are in gratitude of your financial contribution.  Your gift makes a difference in the lives and hearts of many. 
 
For more information on how to support JCHAC through the Friendship program click on:
 
JCHAC RENTALS
JCHAC Facility Rentals

  

If you are looking for a venue to hold a celebration or special event; perhaps a   wedding, anniversary, birthday or a business meeting, look no further than JCHAC. Change your event space from the usual to unique. We welcome inquiries.

 

For more information please contact Bill Hewitt 

by e-mail or call 905-257-4730.  

JCHAC Exhibition Rentals

  

Gallery

We are presently taking proposals for future exhibitions in the Art Gallery. JCHAC Gallery is the home to ten shows each year with each exhibition running for one month to six weeks. The focus of the Gallery is to be a venue for emerging artists. Should a showing by a single artist seem daunting consider an exhibition of a collective of three or four artists. 

 

We look forward to hearing from you and discussing opportunities. Please contact Bill Hewitt by e-mail or call 905-257-4730. 

Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre

For 50 years Sybil Rampen has had a vision. Her lifelong goal has been to establish a cultural legacy on her family farm to inspire the future generations of Halton. Joshua Creek Heritage Arts Centre is a place to discover, it is an oasis.

   

The converted 1827 barn gallery hosts unusual exhibitions by well known and emerging artists. It is a place for small intimate weddings, for celebrations, for workshops.

 

For more information about our Centre, please visit our website www.JoshuaCreekArts.com

 

Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre
1086 Burnhamthorpe Rd E
Oakville, ON L6H 7B2

Gallery Hours and

Closures for December

 

Closed

All Mondays 

Wednesday, December 3

Tuesday, December 9

Sunday, December 14

Wednesday, December 24

Thursday, December 25

Friday, December 26

Wednesday, December 31

Thursday, January 1

 

Please check website for updated closures.

 

Open

Tuesday thru Sunday:

1 pm to 4 pm

 

Current Exhibition 

Elder Art

December 5 - January 25

Opening Reception Dec 7

  

Upcoming Exhibition

Art from the Heart

January 30 - March 15

Opening Reception Feb 1

 
In This Issue
Join Our Mailing List
Grant Sponsors
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OakvilleCulturalGrant


Gift Certificates

 

Offer the gift of inspiration and creativity with a gift   certificate to Joshua Creek Studio.

 

For details contact: 

Mary Rischke

905-633-8609

[email protected]

Volunteering

Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre is grateful for the volunteers that contribute their time to us. If you, or someone you know, would like to become a volunteer at JCHAC or would like more information on volunteering please email Janet Jansson.  As little or as much time you can contribute is very much appreciated.

  

Click here for our Volunteer Information Form.  


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