News Article

Brantford Arts Block takes up temporary quarters at Glenhyrst

New Building

Brantford Arts Block Receives $75,000 Donation from SC Johnson

Focus groups

Brantford Centre for the Arts
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New Building

The Brantford Centre for the Arts
A new 20,000 square foot community arts centre in Downtown Brantford

With the Holiday season approaching faster than we care to admit, our minds are occupied with considerations of what to get for those special someones on gift giving lists. As commercial flyers inundate us with images of ‘must have’ goods, why not consider giving something one of a kind, handmade and unique from one of our local artist or artisans?

Here are some reasons why buying locally makes sense:

• No transportation costs: the items were made nearby so no trains, planes, ships or trucks to bring them from far-off places. This translates to better prices, and also, to benefit to the environment as there is less fuel burned in the process of getting from creator to purchaser. Often items are made with recycled and reclaimed materials

• One of a Kind: even if the item is produced in batches, each one has a unique touch that comes from being hand made. Instead of being swayed by the millions of dollars spent on convincing us that our lives are incomplete without certain commercial goods, these items are created by hand, locally, without the use of the advertising machine that usually drives our lives. There are also bragging rights to having ‘the only one like it’.

• Supporting Artists and Artisans that you may know: Your community is filled with creative people that make hundreds of items that you probably have never seen before. Chances are you may know this individual or have heard of them or their family or their neighbours. There is a joy that comes with the bragging rights of saying “this was made by a Brantford artist “. Get to know your community!

• Supporting your local economy: Putting the money back into local hands means that there is better local commerce. Money spent here usually goes back here. It supports independent businesses, and puts a sense of pride and ownership into our community mentality.

• Joy of Discovery: Finding something that ‘speaks to you’ brings with a certain satisfaction that is not attained by going into the local big box store and finding one of a million. Maybe you got something that you wanted, but what about getting something that you have never seen before, that emanates creativity and was made by someone’s loving hands. Express your individuality!

• There are various locations around town where you can find items that are locally produced. One of them, that represents almost 80 local artists and artisans, is the Brantford Arts Block located at 80 Dalhousie St. Items in the giftshop are all created locally and include soaps and candles, jewelry, pottery, knitwear, cd’s and books. Items change frequently and most items are one of a kind. There will always be something that you have never seen before…and certainly nothing that you saw in this morning’s barrage of flyers in your mailbox!

Thank you for your support of the Brantford Arts Block.  It’s been a great first year and we’re excited about all of the great things we have planned for 2010.  We are about to start our 2010 Membership Drive and we are very excited to announce that Scotiabank will be sponsoring our membership drive and is providing matching dollars for membership renewals, so every membership we renew now is worth two. 

Your support last year allowed us to present dozens of great events including:

•              A 24 Hour Drawathon where 6 local artists drew for a full 24 hours and are having each square of the final product for sale (these are still on sale! $20 per square foot)

•              Le Cyc – A Rock Opera about a land of bicycles accompanied by more than 300 original illustrations

•              Find Your Spirit – Celebrate the Artists Weekend spring arts festival

•              Deck the Walls: Skateboard Art and Silent Auction

•              A number of performances by some great bands (Tim Turvey, Quintessential, The Idlers, Tiny Bill Cody, Lee Reed, Bob Wiseman, and more)

•              Film and Movie Nights

•              Improv and Comedy Nights

•              Bollywood Night

•              And more!

We’ve also hosted a number of exhibits from dozens of local artists including Jeauette Obbink, Arlene Laskey, Jacquie Herron, Aliki Mikulich, and Dave Hind.  Many of the same artists have also taught classes and workshops.

The Brantford Arts Block has given countless students volunteer and co-op opportunities and we recently hired three full-time interns with funding from Enterprise Brant and we had four summer students this past summer. We’ve done a lot of great things in our first year, but our work has only just begun.

We have planned and are planning a whole new season of events and exhibits for 2010. In the first half of 2010 we will also be updating our strategic plan and will be asking you and other members for input.

Renew Your Membership Today and Support the Brantford Arts Block!

Right now, we are asking you to renew your Brantford Arts Block membership. In addition to supporting a unique multi-disciplinary arts organization you will receive the following benefits:

General Benefits

• A monthly e-letter and e-updates about what’s happening at the Brantford Arts Block
• $10 off our arts classes
• A vote at the annual general meeting
• Discounts and selected local businesses
• Free ticket giveaways
• Volunteer Opportunities

Artist Benefits

• A chance to be part of our referral site and artists list
• Members rates to participate as an artist at events, sales, and exhibits
• A link from our website to yours
• The opportunity to sell your items at our gift shop

Sign Up Today

We will be calling you in the new year to renew your membership. Meanwhile, you can renew your membership with a credit card by completing the online membership form on our web site www.brantfordartsblock.ca (click here to register now). Otherwise,  you mail a cheque to the Brantford Arts Block at:

Brantford Arts Block

80 Dalhousie Street

Brantford, Ontario

N3T 2J2

or you can drop by in person with cash or a cheque. The cost is $25.00 per person or $40.00 for a family.  Please feel free to call us at 519-753-9400 if you need further information.  

Thank you again supporting of the Brantford Arts Block, your support means so much to us. 

The art of knitting has evolved from the social stigma of the grandma
generation to the 21 century mind regeneration.
Recent studies prove that knitting is especially beneficial for those with ADD/ADHD.
Knitting is becoming a new yoga and because of this many Canadians are being attracted
to knitting as a stress reliever, and self-confidence builder.
   
T h e  A r t i s t

An aspiring knitter, Gloria Ord has been mastering her craft for over 50 years.
She has developed many advanced techniques and has handcrafted a variety of
objects from clothing to toys for people.
Her goal is to spread the joy of knitting and her personal wish is to see knitting
return into the school curriculum.

Knitting, in general is not a wealthy market. It’s difficult for knitters to make a
living of out it, which is why it’s viewed as a hobby.  In recent years however, a number
of canadians have become more and more intrigued by hand made craftsmanship. Gloria
wants to take advantage of this and has come to the Art’s Block in hopes of selling
her products and teaching others the joy of knitting.  Her classes range from beginner to
intermediate and to advanced in hopes of bringing newly interested people,
(yes including males) and to develop more skills for people who are already familiarized.

If anyone is looking for hand knit items, beautifully finished, high quality work
manship, whether it’s a present for a wedding, baby, or graduation, a personalized
or clothing gift, visit our gift shop located in our arts centre at 80 Dalhousie Street.

C o n t a c t

For all Custom work contact Gloria at:
[email protected]

*Prices can range from $5.00 to $75.00

These aprons will then be worn by Home Depot Brantford employees who receive a score of 100% in the Home Depot Mystery Shop Program. All of the completed aprons will also be on display at Home Depot Brantford for the entire month of February (2010).

Click here to visit the Localmotive 

It’s taken us longer than we anticipated to put this site together, but it's finally ready!!!