The Prince Edward County Arts Council is excited to announce the successful completion of the inaugural project in our new Artists in the Community grant program. This program aims to foster meaningful, professional work experiences for Prince Edward County artists, while providing opportunities for local residents to enjoy the proven benefits of the arts by actively participating in creative activities. 

The program launch was made possible thanks to a grant from the Huff Family Fund. 

The program’s inaugural recipient is Bloomfield-based visual artist Dianne Kehoe, who used the $1,500 grant to run a series of virtual workshops in partnership with Prince Edward Community Care for Seniors. 

“Dianne’s project proposal addressed all of the program’s priorities, which include working in partnership with sectors beyond the arts, providing a sense of community and social connection, and increasing access to the arts for underserved or marginalized communities”, says Janna Smith, Executive Director, Prince Edward County Arts Council.

Held in late winter 2021 as the Covid-19 pandemic raged on, “The Joy of Sketching and Watercolour Journaling” safely engaged local seniors in a participatory arts experience to help counteract the negative health effects of social isolation. In designing the project, Kehoe aimed to “connect and inspire seniors in our community by sharing both the skills and joy of watercolour painting and sketching – art forms that are accessible, enjoyable, and emotionally-positive”. 

As workshop participant Wendy LeBlanc recounts, “There were lots of laughs, some aha moments, plenty of happy accidents, and so much experimenting and learning.”

For LeBlanc, the project was a “wonderful experience that has ignited a real passion that has been dormant in me for years”. The workshops received such rave reviews that a second session quickly accumulated a waiting list, and is already under way. 

The Arts Council is thrilled with the results, and wishes to thank all of the partners who contributed to its success: The Huff Family Fund, Community Care for Seniors, and Art Noise for donating art supplies. 

The Arts Council’s grant programs are funded through its Artist Fund. Established in 2017, the fund has awarded more than $12,000 in grants to support local artists – including visual artists, dancers, actors, and cinematographers – in their community-based and career development pursuits. Upcoming deadlines include May 15, 2021 for the Public Art Program and September 15, 2021 for the Artists in the Community Program. 

Visit countyarts.ca to learn more about ongoing programs and/or make a donation to support the Artist Fund and other programming. 

Incorporated in 1986, the Prince Edward County Arts Council is a not-for-profit service organization providing administrative, promotional and financial support to local artists and arts organizations. Our mission is to promote a vibrant arts community by acting as a catalyst for the creation and enjoyment of the arts, and to work collaboratively with those who share a common interest in leveraging the arts for the economic and social development of Prince Edward County.

To learn more about this program or other artist grant opportunities, please visit: https://countyarts.ca/funding/.