Drop-in Art Studio

What is your favorite menu item in the Fern café? That’s a tough question, our Head Cook, Paul makes so many fabulous things it’s hard to pick a singular item! If I had to choose one I’d have to say the pulled pork sandwiches. I am a bit of a sucker for good BBQ.

I understand that you have worked in Recreation for several years. What other jobs have you done with Oak Bay Parks, Recreation and Culture?

Yes! I have been lucky enough to have worked in a variety of departments within Oak Bay! I got my feet wet starting in the Arena as a skating and hockey attendant and instructor. During that time, I also worked a variety of other auxiliary positions such as: Center Host, Table Tennis, Golf, & Softball attendant. From there I started working in our Community Recreation department focusing on children’s programs such as our camps and after school care. While working in that department, I got the opportunity to take on a supervisory role within our licensed after school care and summer camps. From there, the rest is history!

What inspired you to pursue a career in Recreation?

That’s a great question, interestingly I was very close to pursuing a career in the business side of professional sports and was stuck between an internship offer from a local team or a supervisory role with Oak Bay Parks, Recreation & Culture and had to ask myself this exact question. One of the deciding factors is that the culture of recreation is so full of passion, fun and innovation, and I wanted to continue to be able to be a part of that. The final deciding factor for me was that working in recreation really allows you to have a positive impact on so many different levels. Being able to see the enthusiasm for a community event, the joy of someone who’s completed their first or 31st art class, seeing someone come out of a fitness class laughing and sweating, and lastly the communities that are created within our little “bumping zones” brings all of us working in this industry a lot of joy!

Any last comments?

One of the core components of recreation is lifelong learning. At the Monterey Recreation Centre, we strive to continue to provide these opportunities in a variety of different fields. As we look to chart our way forward don’t hesitate to try new things! If you have questions regarding our programming, please don’t hesitate to drop by the Monterey Centre. My door is (almost) always open!

EVENING DROP-IN ART STUDIO

Wednesdays: 6:00 – 8:30PM (Excludes holidays) $6.75/Adult and $5.25/Senior per session. Memberships and punch passes applicable.

Are you looking for a purpose made space to start or continue working on your painting, portrait, sketch, drawing, or other art project? Our Wednesday night Drop-In Art Studio will set you up with a dedicated space consisting of a table, easel, drying rack, and multiple sinks within the studio. Please note that you share the 850 square foot studio space with up to nine other artists. Open to all adults 19 years+.