When children are encouraged in their creativity they are given a very special gift. I had a very tough but fair Grade 2 teacher who gave me that gift when she told me that I was an artist. And I have known that ever since, in spite of many early years of feeling like a failure in other areas of my life. When things got really bad for me in my late 20s, that knowledge – that I was an artist and I was creative – was the one good thing I held onto, and that eventually got me through the darkest time of my life. Another teacher who I believe understands the value and importance of encouraging children in their creativity and is trying to do something about that is a lovely lady I met recently. Her name is Ali Morrison. She is a very capable and accomplished musician. She teaches piano and is an examiner for the Royal Conservatory – among many other amazing accomplishments. She has worked in various creative industries such as music, dance, teaching, choreography and more in universities, schools, and organizations across Canada, the US, Ireland, New Zealand and Europe. She has been instrumental in creating numerous events for children – because she has a deep passion for helping children understand that they have a voice and can make a difference in their world. Through her non-profit, non-commercial volunteer organization called The Festival of Lights, she is busy working on putting on a “Young Artists Concert” here in Cochrane on Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. She is looking for students aged six to 19, and some adults, who would like to perform at this concert. For more details check out the “Young Artists Concert with Ali Morrison” link at http://www.cochranearts.com/calendar/. That link also includes Ali’s impressive bio. While our focus in CIAS this first year has primarily been with adults, it is definitely on our list to explore how we can get children involved. Look for more on that in the coming months. I was very encouraged by the great ideas shared at our recent Arts Community meeting on Oct. 29. I had asked folks to come with ideas for future events and for ways of building community – and I came away with some wonderful ideas to work with. I’ll be taking those to our next council meeting as we plan for our events and meetings in the new year. Don’t forget to check out all the Christmas Market listings on our website at http://www.cochranearts.com/christmas-markets/. And be sure to put the CIAS Christmas Party on your calendar too. It will be on Nov. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse Activity Centre at the Cochrane Ranche. Hope to see you all there!
