Words & Photo McTavish Academy of Art
When people think of McTavish Academy of Art, they may picture children heading into art camp, an artist sitting down at an easel or a busy evening of dance, yoga and creative classes. But behind the everyday activity at the Academy is another side of McTavish that many may not know about.
Throughout the Saanich Peninsula, creativity is being used as a way to connect people, support local organizations and make the arts more accessible within our community.
For the past eight years, McTavish has brought art programming to residents in the Extended Care Unit at Saanich Peninsula Hospital. These sessions offer residents an opportunity to paint, create and engage with others. More importantly, they demonstrate something we see time and again: creativity doesn’t have an age limit. Art can provide purpose, conversation, enjoyment and connection at every stage of life.
That same belief has helped shape our ongoing relationship with Help Fill A Dream Foundation. Through art programs, creative experiences and art kits for families,
we’re able to contribute in a small way to an organization doing incredibly meaningful work for families across Vancouver Island.
You may also spot us outside the Academy throughout the summer. Every Thursday at the Sidney Street Market, families can stop by our free arts and crafts station, a welcoming space to create.
It’s a simple initiative, but one that reflects our belief that opportunities to be creative should be accessible to everyone.
Inside the Academy, the building has increasingly become a community resource. Local artists use our drop-in studio space to work and connect with other creatives, while local schools and homeschooling families participate in programs that bring more hands on creative learning into children’s lives.
We are also proud to work alongside many nonprofit and community organizations, providing space, support and opportunities to collaborate on programs, events and initiatives throughout the year. Parkinson Wellness Projects, local youth groups, the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, ArtSea Community Arts Council, Moms Against Racism Canada and the Saanich Peninsula Arts and Crafts Society are just a few of the organizations we’re fortunate to collaborate with.
When our families took over a former elementary school and began transforming it into McTavish Academy of Art, we saw an opportunity to create something that could serve the community in many different ways.
Over the years, that idea has continued to grow and evolve. On any given day, the building might welcome a local artist looking for a place to create, a child trying something new, a community group gathering for a program, or people simply looking for an opportunity to connect with others.
Some of the most meaningful things that happen at McTavish aren’t necessarily the ones you’ll find on a class schedule. They’re the relationships, partnerships and opportunities that have developed by creating a space where people and organizations are welcome to come together.
As we continue to grow, we hope McTavish can remain a place that responds to what our community needs, whether that’s access to the arts, a welcoming place to gather, support for a local organization, or simply an opportunity for someone to discover the joy of being creative.
www.mctavishacademy.ca
