Creating Moments of Discovery and Wonder for all Ages

I would like to start off by saying that I am not a writer. Of course, I will proofread this blog a hundred times before posting, but I am a person who speaks through the work of my hands and not words. I am a neurodivergent artist.

Before becoming a BC Culture Days ambassador in 2019, I had dabbled with teaching paint nights and hosted art and craft projects with my nieces, but I had never organized or participated in a public art engagement. Five years later, though it feels more like two if you ignore the pandemic years, I am working with the City of Abbotsford as the 2024 artist-in-residence, creating and running a series of art activities throughout the city. I attribute obtaining this position thanks to my experience as a Culture Days ambassador. Here’s what I learned during my time in the Ambassador Program.

Planning and Organizing is Hard Work

To my fellow artists: coordinating dates, finding locations, getting sponsored supplies (if possible), and prepping is all part of the challenge, and it certainly is a learning curve. In the end, just try your best and see each activity as a learning experience to make the next event better. For organizers of free-to-participate events, it can be very challenging to prepare for an unknown number of participants. In my experience, I always overestimate numbers and limit participation to one or two tries per person, depending on the activity.

To participants: the cost of supplies often comes out of the artists pockets, and these pockets are shallow. As participants, we often don’t think about these things, and it is important to respect limitations of free events. If the organizer says the activity is one-per-person, please respect that. We want to be able to have as many people try our art activity as possible, to spread the joys of creating. If you absolutely love the activity, you can come back closer to the end of the allotted time to see if there are still supplies left. Near the end of an activity, hosts are usually happy for people to try again, supplies permitting.

Staying Curious with Wonder is Necessary

As I am entering the “middle-aged” era of my life, I am noticing that this age group, we will say 30-50 years of age, is reluctant to participate in art activities, even when they are free. Why is this? Do we lose our sense of curiosity and wonder when we “grow up”? As I am writing this, I am reminded of the movie Hook with Robin Williams playing Peter Pan, as he has to remember what it is like to have an imagination. This is something that is so important to me, and what I attribute as to why people always think I am younger than I am. I have never lost, nor will I ever lose, my sense of wonder, and more importantly, my willingness to make mistakes and learn. These art engagements are not just for kids and youth, everyone can participate—well, unless the event specifies otherwise. Whether you are 5, 35, 95, or anything in-between, you are never too old, or young to try something new. One of the things I hear often from adults is “oh I can’t even draw a stick person,” or “I’ll just mess it up." If this sounds like you, remember that your kids are listening and absorbing those words. You would never say that to your child, so why are you saying it to yourself? Stay curious! Get your hands dirty and try—you might find that you absolutely love this creative medium, and that you have found a new passion.

Everyone Has a Story to Tell

Public art engagement is not just about the artwork, it is also about the art of listening and connecting. I have learned that for a lot of mature people, these events are what keep them socially engaged. It may be the only reason they leave the house that day, and it’s not necessarily about the activity, but being able to socialize. I have heard wonderful stories of where people came from, their family members who are artists, and so much more. It is not my place to tell these stories, but it is part of the job as a facilitator, teacher, and host, to listen and connect with people. We aren’t just here to share; we are here to hear with our ears and let go of fears, with or without tears, my sweet reader dears.

In the end, what I enjoy most about public art engagements like Culture Days is how they allow people to explore, connect, create, and inspire. Public art engagements bring us all together and allow us to connect through exploration and wonder. It is truly a magical thing to be able to host and participate in events like Culture Days, and I thank all the organizers, donors, artists, and participants that make these events possible.

Molly Gray is a multidisciplinary, neurodivergent artist who lives and works in the township of Langley, B.C. Canada on the unceded territory of Kwantlen First Nation. She specializes in linocut printmaking, painting, and graphic illustration, and also enjoys working with textiles, and metal sculpting. Molly’s practice is driven by a deep desire to create with her hands, which gives her a sense of purpose and joy.

Her work often features Northwest Coast Canadian landscapes as well as local flora and fauna, and ranges from fluid impressionism to illustrative realism. Gray showcases her work online and has displayed in galleries in British Columbia. She shares her knowledge of art and craft at in-person workshops throughout the Fraser Valley, as well as through videos shared on social media, which can be found under the name Molly Gray Art (@mollygrayart).

Pop-up Studio & Collaborative Painting

Drop-in and say hello to the 2024 Abbotsford Artist - in - Residence Molly Gray during their 2 hour pop-up studio at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre. Saturday, September 21, 10am-12pm. Molly will be working on an Abbotsford inspired landscape. View the creative process, and/or contribute to a collaborative painting on-site. Alternatively, bring your own sketchbook and art supplies, have a seat near by and spend some time creating your own work. This is a drop in event. Participation...

In-person

Mono-Printing with Nature

Molly Gray and the City of Abbotsford

Abbotsford, BC

Oct 5

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

In-person

Mono - Printing with Stencils

Molly Gray and the City of Abbotsford

Abbotsford, BC

Oct 12

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM