Delta Comunity Living Society

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Kathy Hones her Talents at Studio 19

For the last three years, Kathy has been a regular at DCLS’s Studio 19 Art Program, which provides participants with the opportunity to express their artistic talents through various learning and mediums. Not only has Kathy blossomed as an artist, but she’s developed her natural teaching and support skills as part of her ongoing participation.

Studio 19, which includes a fully-equipped art studio, is one of the most popular programs at DCLS and is held twice a week at our Tsawwassen Connections Community Support Centre. As part of its ongoing study of various artists, students make trips to local art galleries and experiment with a wide variety of mediums and styles, including representational, tramp, abstract, protest and expressionist art. Studio 19 even has some of its artists’ pieces on display, with other work for sale at our new Solutions Employment location in Ladner.

Described by the Studio 19 instructor as a neat and careful artist with natural talent, Kathy is always cheerful and willing to learn new things. Since attending the program on a regular basis, her instructor says she has become more adventurous in her use of materials and media.

Kathy particularly likes painting and is an admirer of First Nations artists such as Bill Reid and Brian Jungen. She also enjoys viewing the work of Emily Carr in the Vancouver Art Gallery and was very excited when she learned that the legendary artist painted totem poles in her home town of Alert Bay.

In addition to her artistic skills, Kathy has a natural inclination to help others and is always willing to put her work aside to make sure that other students are completing their art projects on time and to the best of their ability. Although Kathy finds it a challenge to balance how much help she should give to other artists, or how to communicate her instructions, she makes herself understood by using simple words, signs and gestures effectively.

Over the years, Kathy’s willingness to help has increased, to the point where she now plays an important role in supporting the educational activities of Studio 19. One day a week, for example, Kathy gives up her free time to assist a group of students from one of DCLS’s community living partners.

As part of her volunteer work with this group, Kathy opens the blinds, sets out the art equipment, helps students to get into the building and find a seat and passes out aprons and art supplies. She also works alongside participants who need her assistance to utilize certain tools and equipment. Kathy’s co-participants really appreciate the support and she takes great pride in her role as the instructor’s designated assistant.

The pleasure and satisfaction that Kathy gets from helping others and expressing her artistic talents in Studio 19 is evident to everyone around her. Her contribution to the program and her artistic skills are continually praised by her instructor and other participants.