Spins & Needles, a not-for-profit arts organization based in Ottawa, is expanding its artistic influence by offering local internships and contemplating a future franchise, says co-founder and craft guru, Melanie Yugo.
Spins & Needles fuses art and music. Interactive craft projects are led by Yugo, while local DJ and co-founder, Jason Pelletier, mixes music tracks in the background.
“We’re creating our own culture in a town that is stigmatized for being non-creative,” says Yugo.
The organization offers monthly events in venues such as the Montgomery Legion on Kent Street and the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
“It’s a really fun, funky atmosphere that gives people a chance to be creative,” says Pelletier.
For Winterlude 2010, Spins & Needles collaborated with the NCC to create a public art installment that involved knitting tree cozies. Yugo called the art “knit graffiti”. Formally known as the Urban Cozy Project, Yugo said the mittens-in-the-tree look made the wintry environment more warm and cozy.
Spins & Needles also hosts monthly art and music nights. These events include crafts such as silk-screening, clothing embellishment and alterations, stenciling, and felt creations.
They charge participants just enough to cover the cost of the venue and the materials, says Yugo. Any left-over money is donated to local charities, community organizations or used for the next event.
“Being creative isn’t just for elite artists . . . we’re trying to empower people to be creative in their everyday lives,” says Yugo.
A past recipient of a Spins & Needles donation was the Ottawa School of Art. Executive director Jeff Stellick says the money went to their bursary program, which enabled underprivileged children to attend art classes at the school.
“Their impact on the community has been very positive,” Stellick says about Spins & Needles. “They are a good example of a small group of community-focused artists who use their talent and their energy for the benefit of the greater community.”
Participants Stephanie Paolin and Tara Lachapelle agree, Spins & Needles events provide the community with a rewarding arts experience.
“Everyone is so friendly, there is always a feeling of community and sharing in the air,” says Lachapelle.
Both Yugo and Pelletier also have day jobs. Work for Spins & Needles is done in their free time.
The organization is in its fifth year and Yugo says that they are starting to think more long-term. Spins & Needles’ monthly events attract about 70 to 100 people.
Both organizers also mentioned that franchising Spins & Needles is a future possibility.
The next Spins & Needles event will be a clothing swap and embellishment night at the Montgomery Legion Hall on Oct. 22.