>> Kathryn Juricic
A small studio behind Fernwood Square has been conjuring inspired connections between women and their communities for the past year. Three women came together to open the Moonrise Creative, a group dedicated to workshops that allow participants to spend time being creative, facilitating connections, and taking risks together.
From organic beginnings, Moonrise Creative has grown into a community built around honouring our voices—especially women’s—in a positive space. The response has been supportive, allowing Moonrise to grow into a thriving collective of creatives and innovators.
Many different styles of workshops are offered, such as: writing, weaving, ceramics, calligraphy, and carving. This is the perfect space to try something new. Not all classes are held in their studio in Fernwood; some are held around the city in unique places that suit the workshop.
I sat down with Pamela Lewis, one of the founders, in their peaceful studio. She explained that some of the makers are from cities around North America, while some can be a local maker’s first workshop. It’s a cultivated space to take risks not only as a student, but also as teachers. Lewis noted her favourite part of holding workshops is “giving someone the chance to nurture someone’s art.”
A true collaboration of expertise, founders include Stephanie Papik, Metka Lazar, and Pamela Lewis, whose day jobs span from small business owner, government worker, finance, health care, and therapy.
Moonrise also hosts community feasts and maker’s markets. This collective does not have boundaries; their direction seeks to promote women in a healing and creative space, whatever that entails.
For more information or to sign up for a workshop, please visit moonrisecreative.ca.
