Seniors Art Activities at The Confederation Centre of the Arts

(Ella Sarpong) photo

Feb. 1 2024

The studio was filled with colourful paintings and in the centre was a table with several flower arrangements. Around the table sat half a dozen women chatting. There was a table at the back of the with art supplies.

They were part of the Confederation Centre of the Art’s new senior’s art activities which started on Feb.1. The seniors take a tour of the art gallery, then paint.

“It’s being done to create a community and social activity for the seniors to take part in. Also to spread awareness of the wonderful art we have here at the centre,” said Andreas Fobes, the visual art educator for the Confederation Center of Art.

Fobes took them through an exercise; drawing without looking at the canvas.

“It’s not suppose to look pretty, if it does it means you looked at your canvas,” he said.

​Then, they had the opportunity to pick a vase on the table and draw it.

​Judy Goudet sat quietly by herself, she started drawing her flower vase with green pencil crayon. When she was done, shewalked around to chat with the other members.

“Hi, I’m Judy,” she introduced herself to a new member.

For members like her, this isn’t only an opportunity to socialize, but also an opportunity to try new art forms.

​“I enjoy it, my friend and I come together. We’ve been here a couple of times,” she said.

The Confederation Centre of Arts have art activities for kids and the one for seniors was newly added, it happens the first Thursday of every month.

“Generally, I just think doing art activities and using your hands to make things is just a good thing for everyone to do,” said Fobes.