Open House + 15 Year in Practice + Art Hive + Holiday Celebration
It was a chilly November evening in 2021, and I found myself at our Orangeville office hosting an event. As the festivities wrapped up, we noticed a growing crowd gathering along First Street, eagerly awaiting the Santa Claus Parade. In true Panjabi Sikh fashion, we decided to join the fun by stepping outside with boxes of warm, flaky samosas.
In those cautious, post-pandemic days, people were understandably hesitant—curious yet wary. "Who are these people? Why are they offering us free food?" they wondered. Despite the initial hesitations, we were inspired by the spark of connection we witnessed. That moment planted a seed.
The following year, we decided to do things properly. We set up a booth and added hot apple cider to our offerings. The year after that, we brought hot chocolate into the mix, drawing even more smiles from passersby. But this year, we truly went all out.
We celebrated 15 years of practice with an open house that radiated warmth and community spirit. We invited everyone to an art hive, hosted an elf art-making workshop in the back, and created a cozy space with heaters where folks could gather, eat, drink, and soak in the joy of the parade.
There’s something magical about the simple act of sharing food and creating art together. These small, heartfelt gestures of connection remind us that in an age where social isolation and the disconnection often prevail, coming together as a community is deeply nourishing.
The laughter, the warmth, the shared joy of that evening—it was more than just a celebration. It was a reminder that togetherness heals, inspires, and fosters a sense of belonging.
So, mark your calendars and join us next year! Let’s keep building this beautiful tradition, one samosa, one smile, and one shared moment at a time.
In the meantime, stay connected with us! Follow this space, join our mailing list, and check out our Instagram for updates on our free Art Hives—community art studios where creativity and connection come alive.
Currently, you can join us at our community wellness space at 47 First Street in Orangeville on a weekly basis. We're thrilled to share that we’re planning to offer weekly Art Hives in Brampton in the coming year while continuing to host them in partnership with the Milton Library near our office there.
These gatherings are about more than just making art—they're about fostering a sense of community, wellness, and belonging. We can’t wait to welcome you to create, connect, and thrive together