The Nina is a fantastic non-profit organization that runs an arts centre featuring a studio and a gallery. Their main mission is to aid and exhibit artists who have developmental disabilities.
To support these endeavors, as well as reach out to the community, the studio is occasionally open for use to the general public via 'Family Art Night' (free events for the whole family - watch their Facebook page for details, or pop in for a printed schedule, they don't typically post about these on their website) and various 'Art Night' events for adults focusing on more advanced techniques.
Art Night is a fantastic night of art, refreshments and socializing, a wonderful night out with friends and an amazing way to explore new techniques. Tix for this are sold in advance and are a great value. I recently attended a glass fusion workshop as part of their Art Night series, it was $50 and worth every single penny. For that I was given the supplies to make a 5"x5" art glass piece that I could choose to have shaped into a bowl or keep flat to hang and display. There was also an option available for a 7"x7" piece. Instructions where simple and clear, accessible to all. The refreshments were varied, including some interesting local treats like NKD chocolates, a tasty white wine sangria, dips, fresh fruit and craft beers. The hosts were lovely, and extremely helpful, topping up the sangria while we worked and offering to cut more glass if it looked like we needed it. Those in attendance ranged from 'girls night out' groups, to couples on a date, to a son taking his family out for his mom's birthday. There was even swag to take home: buttons made from prints by Aaron Harvey, a Nina artist who was our inspiration for the night... as well as colouring pages of some of his work. 100% of the proceeds from the night go towards supporting the continued success of the Nina Haggerty Centre.
The gallery typically runs exhibits featuring artists with developmental disabilities who work out of the centre, but occasionally, often in conjunction with neighbourhood events, such as the Deep Freeze and Kaleido festivals, they put out a call for submissions and exhibit a wide variety of local art. Their gallery is a small, but beautiful space, and does include a small gift shop. Between the art for sale in the gallery itself and the gift shop, consider supporting this local and valuable organization the next time you're in the market for an artsy gift. Admission to the gallery is free, so pop in and see what they do for yourself.
Lots of free street parking in the area, no meters even. And if you don't like parallel parking, a few spots on the side streets off 118ave have angle parking as well. read more