May 7th at the First Ontario Arts Centre Milton was the inaugural Milton Friendship Project Bus Tour by Arts Milton. The Friendship Project 2023 began with a meet and greet in February, and they are currently in the midst of 14 activities across Milton. Tony the Milton Bus Driver took the Milton Friendship group on a tour to showcase significant landmarks of Milton, including Arts Milton’s 10 traffic boxes, which were created through their Exclusively Inclusive program. Tony also highlighted that the bus being used is a brand-new addition to the towns fleet.

This is an opportunity to celebrate, honour and re.ect on the stories, experiences and accomplishments of Black Canadians.

The Black History Month exhibition at the Milton Art’s Centre showcases the diverse work of talented artists Désiré Betty, Omar Hopkinson and the Association of Nigerian Community in Milton (ANCim).

Last month I got a chance to meet several of the talented youth artists that participated in ANCim’s exhibition as well as meet some of their parents. _Thank you Edosa Adams-Idode for making me aware of this and inviting me and others to attend.

Yun Xie is a member of the Fine Arts Society of Milton and also a member of the Shanghai, China Folk Artists Association. She is well known internationally for her exquisite paper-cutting creations. Paper cutting is one of the oldest, most popular folk arts in China and a traditional part of Chinese culture.

“This intricate art form originates from China and is a precious intangible cultural heritage of the Chinese nation” Yun declared, “As one of a new generation of Chinese paper-cut artists, I am committed to combining traditional elements with new ideas to show the unique charm of paper cut art and make this ancient Chinese culture go further to the world.” Her designs represent nature by using mostly animals and flowers.

Teens who signed up for the Mentorship Programme with Artists from the Fine Arts Society of Milton at the First Ontario Art Centre in March 2019 expressed their need for their mentors to take time to give tips, correct mistakes and offer encouragement.This year for 4 Sunday afternoons the volunteer mentors from FASM were: leader Ursula McDermid- acrylic painter and pastellist; Kirsty Rutter-acrylics; Jenny Panda- acrylics, mixed media and illustration.During the sessions, other artists joined the group: Shelley Prior-water colourist, Linda Johnston-fabric art and sewing and Louise Botha -painter, art as therapy, art as a career.

The spirit of entrepreneurship spread to the next generation at the first ever Ontario Kidspreneur Bazaar at Skedaddle Indoor playground August 3, 2018.

In a continued effort to connect artists of all genres and levels of experience with the greater Milton community, Arts Milton will host the 6th Annual Milton Culture Days this fall on September 28-30, 2018.