Living artfully every day of the week

BY NADINE ARMSTRONG

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com “Creativity is the power to change your world.” That’s just one motto the Utata Gallery and Art Centre hopes to share with the people of Windsor and West Hants.

The not-for-profit company burst onto the scene this fall with plans to bring community and individuals together through art.

Founder Catherine Jamieson says everyone has a creative side and the aim of Utata is to draw out the hidden artist in even the most hesitant participants. “Creativity is a primal human instinct,” she says. “It makes you feel good, makes you feel empowered. The world is shifting so quickly and what makes us unique is the ability to use creative thought to come up with creative solutions.”

With a grand opening set for Nov. 1, classes Utata has to offer are geared to engage every artistic genre, background and age. From Fine Art and Belly Dancing to professional studios and gallery, there is something for everyone. That being said, the premise behind Utata is pretty basic; “we're all in this together. “There will never be a 'no loitering' sign on our door; in fact, we encourage it,” Jamieson said. Utata plans to become the hangout locale in Windsor. “We just want people to feel comfortable being here, talking, socializing and just sharing ideas. I want to ensure there is a place everyone can go to learn to be creative and think outside the box.”

The centre is open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. seven days a week. Members can come and go as they like, whether they’re signed up for a class or not.

Making connections with a purpose

Jamieson says it about making connections with a purpose. “We believe that creativity and art, in all its forms, is a vital part of life and a vital part of community. So we don’t just want to be a gallery and teaching centre: we want to be a gathering place, a salon, a venue for a variety of interesting events and an animated voice in the community.”

Jamieson returned to Windsor two years ago with some award-winning photographic skills under her belt, and was surprised to see how the area had changed since her youth. “This town has so much potential. It could be the art Mecca of the Valley. This is a market that needs to be addressed.” She adds, “this centre could help to bring a wider audience to Windsor and help create sustainability down the road.”

She also hopes to offer young people more options. “I remember what it was like growing up here and always saying, 'there’s nothing to do'.” Jamieson says Utata will offer teens an alternative place to hang. “Let’s give children a sense they can do something as well,” she said.

Street Punk Thursdays will try to fill that gap with skateboarding, graffiti and break-dancing classes. “I think kids genuinely want to be more involved,” Jamieson said.

As well, the centre will house a variety of movies, board and video games. “I believe when kids have to go elsewhere for what they need they tend to resent where they come from. I want us to leave a better legacy for them.”

Kings Transit is on board with that concept as well and for a time will offer free bus tickets for every class member who needs transportation to and from the centre.

But no matter the age or interest, the Utata team is open to anything. “You name it and we'll try and make it happen. We want to be fluid and able to change midstream.” She said there have already been requests from seniors for a bridge group.

Money where our mouth is “We're really just the facilitators. If people have an idea, let us know and we'll find an instructor. Part of being community-minded also means giving back,” Jamieson said. All profits go back into the collective Utata pot. The primary benefactor will be the Windsor Child and Youth Recreation and Sport Fund, which will helps all children participate in recreational activities.

As well, there is a Utata Gallery and Art Centre scholarship fund. Once per year at least one scholarship will be awarded to a Utata member who is attending a recognized college, university, trade school or other institution for the purpose of studying one or more creative disciplines.

Internships will be available also for students who want to take art classes and need financial assistance. “It's about putting our money where our mouth is and doing what we say is important to do, opening the world of creativity to everyone, every day of the week,” Jamieson said.