News

The Town of Chapel Arm is pleased to announce the commencement of the Chapel Arm Community Centre Artists-in-Residency Program. This initiative is part of the Our Creative Home project, delivered by Municipalities NL and Business & Arts NL, and supported by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, in celebration of the Year of the Arts.

Starting today, October 15th, 2024, writer Matthew LeDrew and visual artist Kaeleigh Fitzgerald will be hosting office hours and free workshops at the Chapel Arm Community Centre. Area residents are encouraged to drop in and observe the artists at work and ask them questions about their craft, or register for any of the great free workshops the artists will be hosting.

Meet the Artists

Matthew LeDrew is an author and writing coach living in Chapel Arm, Newfoundland and Labrador. He holds a diploma in Journalism from College of the North Atlantic and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in English Literature from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. Since 2007, he has been heavily involved in the local publishing industry. To date, he has published 25 novels and has appeared in multiple short story collections. He has served on the Board of Directors for WritersNL and is currently serving as Secretary on the Board of the Horror Writers’ Association of Atlantic Canada. Matthew has been teaching writing courses since 2018, and his students include some of Newfoundland and Labrador’s finest authors, such as Ida Linehan, Bill Coultas, Alex Hickey, and Helen C. Escott.

Kaeleigh Fitzgerald is an award winning artist and photographer from Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador. She is the owner of an art studio and shop, where she routinely hosts paint nights, themed art parties, and workshops. Kaeleigh has worked with people of all ages and abilities to ensure they have a positive artistic experiences, including through her volunteer work photographing special events and hosting sensory friendly sessions. She brings with her experience in a variety of mediums, such as acrylic and watercolour painting, recycled textiles, and photography.

Drop-In Hours

Matthew LeDrew will have public drop-in hours October 15th, 17th, 21st, and 24th, November 25th and 28th, and December 9th and 12th from 9-2 each day. Residents are encouraged to drop in and chat with Matthew about writing, or participate in the Leaving a Legacy interviews.

Kaeleigh Fitzgerald will be available for public drop-ins from 3:30pm-6:30pm on October 19th, 1pm-7pm November 2nd, 2pm-3pm November 3rd, 12pm-4pm November 16th, 2pm-5pm November 17th, 12pm-3pm November 21st, 10am-1pm November 30th, 11am-3pm December 5th, 2pm-6:30pm December 15th, and 12pm-4pm December 19th. Residents can come see what Kaeleigh is creating, or chat about art.

Workshop Registration

Attendees must pre-register for sessions to ensure adequate supplies will be on hand.

Register for sessions by emailing town@chapelarm.ca with the subject line “Workshop Registration” or by calling the town office during regular office hours at 709-592-2720.

Writing Workshops

Leaving a Legacy (55+) will focus on imparting effective storytelling techniques and encouraging seniors to document the oral history of Chapel Arm and the surrounding area in a way that can be preserved for future generations. After the workshop, participants are encouraged to schedule time with Matthew or drop in during office hours to have him transcribe or edit their stories, which will then be compiled into a book for the town. The workshop will take place October 15th from 6pm-8pm. 40 participants maximum.

Novel Writing for Beginners (19+) that will serve as a condensed version of Matthew’s successful 8-week novel writing course. This beginners workshop will cover the basics of structure following the Harmon Circle and four corner opposition, and will take place October 22nd from 7pm-9pm. 40 participants maximum.

Storytelling for Children (ages 4-11) and Storytelling for Youth (12-18) will each cover taking an idea through storytelling fundamentals all the way to turning stories into comics, with material covered in these sessions tailored to the age groups involved. Storytelling for Children will take place from 1pm-3pm on November 24th, and Storytelling for Youth will take place from 4pm-6pm November 24th. 15 participants maximum per session.

Art Workshops

Pumpkin and Snowman Reversible Décor (19+) will take place October 19th at 1pm. 15 participants maximum.

Wooden Sign for Babies and Toddlers will take place October 20th at 1pm. Bring in your little ones for a fun craft. 10 participants accompanied by a parent/guardian maximum.

Acrylic Painting for Teens and Kids (5-18) will take place on October 20th at 3:30pm. 20 participants maximum.

Mindfulness Art Session for Seniors (55+) will take place at 1:30pm on October 29th. 15 participant maximum.

Upcycled Clothing and Bags for Teens (12-18) will take place at 7pm on November 2nd. 15 participant maximum.

Upcycled Clothing and Bags for Seniors (55+) will take place at 3pm on November 3rd. 15 participant maximum.

Clay Creations for Teens and Kids (5-18) will take place at 4pm on November 7th. 15 participant maximum.

Watercolours for Seniors (55+) will take place at 1:30pm on November 12th. 15 participant maximum.

Creative Photography for Teens (12-18) will take place at 4pm on November 16th. 8 participant maximum.

Painting Session (19+) will take place at 5pm on November 17th. 30 participant maximum.

Mindfulness Art Session for Seniors (55+) will take place at 10:30am on November 21st. 15 participant maximum.

Themed Session for Seniors (55+) will take place at 2pm on November 30th. 15 participant maximum.

Ornament Art (19+) will take place at 3pm on December 5th. 15 participant maximum.

Watercolour Session (19+) will take place at 1:30pm on December 10th. 15 participant maximum.

Themed Session for Teens and Kids (5-18) will take place December 14th at 12pm. 15 participant maximum.

Doormat Creations (19+) will take place on December 14th at 3pm. 10 participant maximum.

Family & Friends Paint a Mug (all ages) will take place on December 15th at 6:30pm. 25 participant maximum.

Homemade Gift for Teens and Kids (5-18) will take place on December 19th at 4pm. 10 participant maximum.