Art programs are widely acknowledged as powerful catalysts for the holistic development of children and youth, offering a unique avenue for self-expression, comfort and healing. Its crucial role in fostering the growth and well-being of the younger generation emphasizes the significance of initiatives like Healing Arts For Kids in creating meaningful art experiences for those who might otherwise miss out on such opportunities. Now in its 5th year, the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre’s Healing Arts for Kids program offers no charge summer camp for disadvantaged children & youth in the Niagara Region and has evolved into a vital community resource, harnessing the transformative potential of art to enrich the lives of the children who need it the most.
Chris Hatch, Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club’s Chair of Community Service, recently presented a donation of $8,695 to Rima Boles, Art Centre Director, to sponsor the program. Since the beginning of Healing Arts for Kids, NOTL Rotary has been a key partner in delivering this program.
According to Hatch, “The Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club is delighted to champion local initiatives like Healing Arts For Kids. This partnership signifies our dedication to ensuring that children in need can benefit from artistic expression. Together with the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, we are building a supportive community that embraces the power of art in the lives of our children.”
Expressing gratitude for the ongoing support from NOTL Rotary, Boles states, “The steadfast partnership with NOTL Rotary enables us to offer the Healing Arts for Kids program this year. Together, we open the door to art camp experiences for deserving children, providing joy in the lives of those who may not have encountered the magic of summer camp. A sincere thank you to NOTL Rotary for making these meaningful moments possible.”
Call to nominate deserving children and youth
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre’s summer art camp is accepting nominations of deserving children for Healing Arts for Kids, thanks to the support of NOTL Rotary. Summer art camps are full-day programs for children aged 4-8 and another for those aged 9-12 will spend the week creating art projects that include drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture. Lessons are supported by visual examples from art history or artworks in our gallery. Campers spend time outside with plein-air painting, lunch break and games. Thanks to the partnership with NOTL Rotary, designated spots at no charge are reserved for the Healing Arts for Kids program.
Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre encourages organizations, schools, teachers, and principals to nominate children for participation. For more information on recommending and to share this opportunity with deserving families, interested parties can contact the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre at 905-468-5455 or via email at office@niagarapumphouse.ca.
About Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is the art hub that connects our community by providing art for all. Located on the banks of the Niagara River in a heritage building that formerly supplied water to Niagara-on-the-Lake (hence our name); the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre offers visual arts programs, exhibitions and events. We give back to the community by providing access to the arts for those in need.
About Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary
Rotary is where neighbours, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change. Through Rotary clubs, people from all continents and cultures form friendships and professional connections while making a difference in their backyards and around the world. Our members pour their passion into completing projects that have a lasting impact.
Our club has been involved in numerous local & international projects: from eradicating polio; providing shelter, clean water and food; to improving medical facilities; and many more. Projects address priority needs identified by the communities they serve, to help people to help themselves, using environmentally sustainable practices.
