Blog 7
While I lived in Germany, I had a close-knit circle of family and friends. After I moved to Canada, I was very lonely and depended only on my husband, which was a huge responsibility for him and led to a strain on our relationship.
I knew I had to find a new community to feel at home in this new environment. However, I used to be very shy, and making new friends and building connections was quite challenging for me. However, I have always been myself among my circle of friends who accepted the authentic me.
Joining the Orleans Newcomers Club, Arteast and Women Moving Forward offered me opportunities to mingle with others. In a Sunday morning life drawing group, I made more acquaintances, but I still missed having deeper relationships. My situation changed when I met artist Rebecca Dufton at an Arteast vernissage. We both loved dogs and bonded immediately. When we found out we lived only minutes apart, she invited me to join her group of outdoor painters.
They had already met as a group for some time, but welcomed me warmly. Soon, I joined the Plein Air Ensemble for my first painting trip. Once I joined Helene Martin and Janis Fulton as the executive of the Galerie Belle Rive, I met even more artists. Soon, I also joined a painting group that went to Kamouraska in Quebec for a week each year. I finally had a life outside of my family and enjoyed the growing friendships with people who shared my interests and offered a support system.
Through my art, I connected not only with other artists but also with collectors and students, many of whom have become friends over the years. Art has enriched my life so vastly that I want to share the joy. My mission is to create communities of artists and students who inspire, support, and encourage each other.
I also found a community in my local church, which I had never
experienced before. In Germany, not many people attend church regularly
aside from Christmas. There were no coffee hours or events outside of
the church after the service. I never connected with any members, but
those I already knew from the neighbourhood.
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Drawing from my 2023 Summer Creativity Activities |
Someone asked me once why I needed friends. I cannot imagine life without them. I found my community of friends in Canada. If I were to leave now, I would miss my Canadian friends as much as I miss my German friends when I am in Canada. However, our bonds are strong. Technology has made it much easier to stay connected through email, texting, and video calls. No more waiting for snail mail that was already outdated when it arrived!
Thank you for being part of my community!