Training and expertise can’t help but shine through
We’ve just started a new Healthy Living program that involves participation in the community. Once a week, after our morning programming, a group of Landing Strong members attend the Windsor Maker’s studio to work with artists in specialized areas such as ceramics, glass fusion, painting and woodworking.
It’s been a blast, but there have been a few surprises along the way.
The first day, our group members blew through the glass fusion workshop. What normally is completed in 2 hours took our highly specialized team of veterans and first responders 40 minutes to complete. Not to be undone, the instructor Cheryl good-naturedly upped the ante, inviting participants to make their own designs, cutting and buffing the glass in order to create beautiful large sized fusion glass art.
We’re talking highly technical, precision work.
Instead of shrinking back, the team rose to the challenge. They quickly formed an efficient team with members working collaboratively to draw, cut and buff the 15 houses needed for their projects.
Adapt, Improvise and Overcome.
In the ceramics corner, participants applied unbelievable focus and skill in the creation and glazing of fantastic over-sized mugs.
In the painting section, our veteran artists whipped off dot mandalas with hand control precision, speed and accuracy that was humbling.
Even when relaxing, the training, skill, focus, teamwork and adaptability of our community members shone through. Most importantly, there was a lot of laughter and cheerful banter.
I am reminded of how highly skilled our population is, even following injury. I look forward to next week, and only hope I can keep up.
Warm regards,
Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.Executive Director, Landing Strong
