On April 18, 2020 Deana Wilson greeted a large online gathering of guests. “I want to thank everyone for coming to join this Zoom live today!” The event in question, originally intended to be an in-person gathering, was a book launch for “Liam, Strong as a Tree.” The book celebrates the strength of her son Liam, who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at just three weeks old.
Amidst the COVID-19 world pandemic, arts and culture quietly closed its doors to the public. As people were reeling from news of sickness, financial anxiety, and the inability to see or embrace their loved ones, institutions and organizations across the world cancelled classes, workshops, exhibits, and events. The arts community in Milton followed suit. During a time when people have lost jobs, and access to the things they need the most, the importance of arts and culture falls lower on the list of priorities.
Kids entertainment was top of mind at this year’s annual SuperStarrs 2 SuperHeros event – benefiting the Toronto Sick Kids Foundation. Children visiting with their families were encouraged to dress up as their favorite fictional character or superhero. The event’s organizers are Leesa Ervin and Deana Wilson. Wilson is a Milton mother who aims to raise awareness for cystic fibrosis – her son Liam was diagnosed with the disease at 3 weeks old.
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.
A golden sunset; vivid abstracts; tranquil landscapes; brilliant sparkling spiders; colourful beaded purse decorations: these are just some of Ursula McDermid’s creations.
Summer has finally arrived and Milton Public Library (MPL) is once again welcoming children and their families to ‘read for the love of it’ by registering for the 2018 TD Summer Reading Club, Canada’s biggest summer reading program for kids of all ages and abilities. Join in on the fun on Saturday, June 23rd from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at the Main Library or Beaty Branch.
The Town of Milton has been recognized as a gold-level youth friendly community through the Play Works Youth Friendly Community Recognition Program.
On February 11, 2018, participants of Arts Milton’s Friendship Project battled ice covered roads to gather in the Del Ridge Community Room at the First Ontario Arts Centre Milton for an icebreaking afternoon of board games.