Centretown United Church is selling pews from its chapel to raise funds for an art studio aimed at helping self-identified artists from the adjacent outreach service, Centre 507, explore their creative capacities.
Artistic Expressions was an initiative introduced this past summer when Centre 507’s life management skills worker Margaret Johnson noticed the large number of artists frequenting the support service. Many lacked the supplies and proper studio space to practice their art.
“I’ve seen different artists come in and they’re not just dabbling or doing it to pass time, they’re actually creating art,” says Johnson. “It’s what you would expect to see hanging in restaurants or in a gallery.”
While it’s uncommon for outreach programs to cater to needs other than food and shelter, Johnson stresses the need to honour and support those who self-identify as artists.
“Being an artist is a big part of one’s identity and self-worth, and it would be crippling to have that aspect removed,” says Johnson. “That’s why it’s important to provide a space for them to express themselves.”
Fortunately for Johnson, Centretown United was interested in helping, as it was already planning to renovate its chapel to house various events and programs. It applied for seed funding from the United Church Presbytery and was awarded $2,500 to jump start the project.
“We thought it was a great initiative to support because a lot of artists aren’t pursuing their dreams due to lack of funding and opportunity,” says Rev. David Illman-White, the church’s minister. “Sometimes you just need that push forward to get started.”
Illman-White says that the idea to sell the pews came about when they were clearing out the chapel for renovation.
“The pews were no longer needed and we thought they’d be such a waste to just throw away, so we decided to sell them,” says Illman-White. “A fellow from the congregation happens to be a carpenter and he volunteered to custom cut the pews for those who wanted.”
Made of solid, light-coloured oak with double-fluted edges, the pews are being sold for $200 each and can be customized for an extra $50.
The pews, are selling out fast. Within a week or two they sold almost all 10.