Our Story: Planting the seeds...
In the Orchard received its not for profit status in August 2008, however our programming track record dates back to 2004 as Pelham’s Happy Place Art Studio. Here is a bit about how we evolved… Artist Angie Geiss moved to Pelham from Vancouver, leaving behind a successful business where she designed, screen printed, and marketed clothing for 9 years. Her garments were “printed and painted by happy hands” and were meant to provide positive thought. Her most successful design was “dirt makes you grow”. After moving back to Niagara in 2003, Angie set up The Happy Place Art Studio where her intention was to continue to manufacture the wholesale original garments. While Angie was busy designing and silk screening at the Pelham studio, local youth started to approach the studio, coming in to see all the cool clothes. They were very interested in the act of screen printing so the relationship began. Angie started teaching screen-printing workshops, while the youth starting dropping-in to to hang out, enjoy the space, volunteer and talk. They wanted to be a part of what was going on, to be a part of the space. The experience changed Angie and her focus shifted. Her energy was redirected. This was Angie's first swoop into the community arts realm – a truly organic process. … And so began The Happy Place, Pelham’s Community Art Studio. Opportunities to participate in or watch arts and culture initiatives are severely limited. Regarding youth, there have been many newspaper articles outlining the need for youth programming and youth-focused space to decrease vandalism in the town of Pelham. AtIn the Orchard, we recognize the need of providing a creative space (with structured programs) for children, teenagers, and adults that may be having a challenging time in their lives and seek inspiration, or simply need a safe environment to learn new skills, have fun and be involved in their local community. The Happy Place filled the need for our community as a creative outlet and In the Orchard will fill the service required to sustain it. We believe that it is a necessary service in order for our community to thrive socially, culturally, and aesthetically. This is a long-term goal that will only add to the Town of Pelham – specifically the youth of Pelham. The long term benefits to our town and our youth will be immeasurable. |   
|
