Artists Gathering

Artists Gathering at Villa 92

✨ A winter gathering filled with warmth and connection ✨
Despite snowy weather, artists came together for a memorable Art Create Learn meetup at Villa 92 Eatery & Cultural House. It was a joy to reconnect in person, share meaningful conversations, and spend time together in such a welcoming gallery setting.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous hosts at Villa 92 — Margaret, Raymond, and Lucie — for opening their doors and creating a beautiful space for our gathering.

We were grateful to spend the afternoon with an inspiring group of creatives: Lupita Amaya G., Adele Steinberg, Suzanne Konyha, Joanne Carr, Kathleen Pistor (with Brian), Sandra Ellis (with Debbie), Andrea Niven, Katherine Roth, Bobbi Wagner (with Garry), Payam Pooyafar, Anna Buckie, Nora Harvey, Julie A. Bell, Carole (Cat) Turner, and Gulnaz Turdalieva.

A warm thank you as well to Ruth Reeb, who travelled from Chatham to drop off her artwork despite the winter conditions.

These gatherings are a reminder of the strength of our creative community and the importance of coming together to support one another. We look forward to seeing everyone again very soon.

Artists Gathering

✨ What a beautiful evening! ✨
We were welcomed by a beatiful gallery Art Galia in Tecumseh for a special Artist Get-Together—and what an inspiring night it was!

Thank you to our gracious host Alicia Ristic for welcoming us into her gallery, to Toto Café for the delicious treats, and to Blue Jay Restaurant for opening their doors for our group dinner—the food and conversation were both fantastic!

We were a group of 26 creatives—painters, poets, photographers, designers, and makers. Seeing so many talented individuals come together was truly uplifting. Thank you to everyone who joined us:
Julie A. Bell, Carole Turner, Marian Drouillard, Kristy LeBlanc, Olga Klekner, Roland Klekner, Margot Forman, Diane Sullivan, Joanne Carr, Gisele Bick, Steph Mason, Maude Chalifour, Ober-Rae Livingstone, Jenifer Thornton, Adele Steinberg, Anita Pistor, Glen Donaldson, Elle Remington, Elaine Guitar van Loo, Layne van Loo, Dennis K. Smith, Nicole Kraphac, Nora Harvey, Lupita Amaya, and myself, Gulnaz Turdalieva

Each of you brought something special to the evening—thank you for your presence, your energy, and for simply being part of this creative community.

Artists Gathering

What a lovely Friday gathering! 💬🎨
We met up for a cozy lunch at Kingsville’s Beach House Grill—such a welcoming spot with absolutely delicious food. 🍽️✨

Afterwards, we headed to the 12x12 exhibition at the Carnegie Arts Centre, hosted by the Arts Society of Kingsville. The show is full of diversity and local talent—definitely worth a visit! Plus, their on-site shop features beautiful work by local artists—perfect if you're looking to support creatives in our region.

Thank you to Lupita Amaya, Bobbi Wagner, Ann Ducharme, Annette Cooper, and Anna Buckie for the inspiring conversation and creative company!

Artists Gathering

🥂 What an inspiring evening!

We gathered on Thursday, January 30th, 2025, at Republik Asian Eatery and Bar in Windsor for a cozy and creative artist meetup. The atmosphere was warm, the food was amazing, and the conversations were full of heart.

It was so uplifting to connect in person, share our stories, and build new friendships. A big thank you to everyone who came out and to Lupita Amaya and Nazila Nasiri for capturing and sharing some beautiful moments from the evening.

Thank you to our incredible group for making the night so memorable:
Cat Turner, Julie A. Bell, Lupita Amaya, Margot Forman, Leona MacIntyre, Anita Pistor, Nazila Nasiri with her husband, Maryam Safarzadeh with Sayed, Joanne Carr, Nora Harvey, and Gulnaz Turdalieva

Each of you brought your own spark, and it was such a joy to spend the evening with you. Looking forward to more gatherings ahead!

Artist Gathering

Inspiring Collaboration and Creative Brainstorming

✨ A backyard gathering filled with ideas, inspiration, and delicious treats ✨
Our August artist meetup brought together a small group of creatives for an afternoon of discussion, brainstorming, and connection in Olga Klekner’s charming backyard in Harrow. The gorgeous weather, peaceful lake view, and Olga’s wonderful refreshments set the perfect backdrop for conversation and creativity. Kristy’s dip was a hit too!

A heartfelt thank you to Olga Klekner, Marian Drouillard, Bobbi Wagner, Kristy LeBlanc, and Gulnaz Turdalieva for joining the gathering. It was wonderful to hear Olga’s, Marian’s, and Bobbi’s stories and learn how each of them began their artistic journeys. We also brainstormed exciting new ideas for Art Create Learn Magazine, including a Poetry Corner, collaborations with local organizations, and ways to support young artists in the community.

The afternoon was filled with laughter, light refreshments, and the shared energy of artists exchanging inspiration. Moments like these remind us how valuable it is to come together, connect, and grow as a creative community.

Artist Gathering

✨ Kicking off the year with art, conversation, and delicious food ✨
On January 6th, 2024, a diverse group of artists gathered for our first meetup of the year at Souq Lebanese Grill in Windsor, a restaurant already recognised with the 2023 TripAdvisor Traveller Choice Award.

Thank you to Katrina Rutter, Bruce Rutter, Carole Turner, Anna Buckie, Deborah Kloos, Suzanna Konyha, and newly listed artist member Cigdem Gunner, and  Gulnaz Turdalieva for joining us. It was a joy to reconnect after the busy holiday season, enjoy tasty Lebanese cuisine, and share creative inspiration.

During the gathering, we discussed ideas for upcoming Art Create Learn projects, including a potential contest for art made from recycled materials, and plans for our Spring 2024 issue, themed “Artistic Renewal: Embracing the Colours of Change.” The conversation highlighted new possibilities for collaboration, creativity, and community engagement in the year ahead.

Moments like these remind us how valuable it is to connect, exchange ideas, and support one another as artists. We look forward to continuing the year with more meetups, engaging discussions, and the shared joy of art.

Artist Gathering

✨ An evening of food, conversation, and creative connection ✨
September 2023 brought together a wonderful group of artists and friends for a dinner at Jose’s Bar and Grill. It was a joyful night filled with laughter, delicious food, and lively conversation, despite the buzz of the restaurant.

A heartfelt thank you to Olga Klekner with Roland Klekner, Lupita Amaya, Leona MacIntyre, Carole Turner, Laurel Storey with Jeff, Maryam Safarzadeh with Saeid Angadji , and Gulnaz Turdalieva for joining the gathering.

Even with the lively setting, the evening reminded us how valuable it is to come together, share ideas, and support one another as a creative community. It was the perfect way to celebrate the release of our Fall 2023 issue and enjoy meaningful connections before our brief hiatus from social gatherings.

Artist Gathering

✨ Connecting over conversation and creativity ✨
On August 4th, a small group of passionate artists came together for an evening of connection, inspiration, and shared ideas at Pho Mango Restaurant. It was wonderful to explore new dining spots while discussing art, life, and the vibrant creative community in Windsor.

A heartfelt thank you to Katrina Rutter, Carole Turner, Gulnaz Turdalieva, Suzanne Konyha, Steph Mason, and Bruce Rutter for joining the gathering. Photography from the evening was captured by Bruce Rutter and Gulnaz Turdalieva.

The discussions ranged from finding studio space and creative work-life balance to sharing practical tips for expanding artistic networks. Moments like these remind us how valuable it is to come together, exchange ideas, and support one another as a community of artists.

Artist Gathering

✨ An evening of conversation, ideas, and community ✨
A small group of Art Create Learn artists came together for a spontaneous dinner gathering (at Nepali Palace Restaurant) to connect, share ideas, and reflect on the early journey of Art Create Learn. It was a relaxed and meaningful evening filled with thoughtful discussion, laughter, and creative exchange.

Thank you to Lupita Amaya G., Nora Harvey, Katrina Rutter, Bruce Rutter, and Carole (Cat) Turner for joining me.
Photography from the evening was kindly captured by Bruce Rutter, with additional photos by Nora Harvey.

Moments like these remind us how important it is to come together, listen, and support one another as artists. Gatherings like this helped shape the direction of Art Create Learn and continue to inspire our growing creative community.