Library to host Colours and Connections event this weekend
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on March 22, 2024.
asmith@medicinehatnews.com There are still a few spaces available for the Medicine Hat Library’s Colours and Connections event on Saturday. The goal of the event, said Chris Brown, head of marketing and community engagement, is to combine the healing properties of artistic expression with a chance to meet new people and hopefully create friendships with other members of the community. “It’s for people to come together and, in a large group, do some of their own personal art projects,” said Brown. “The hope is they chat amongst each other while they’re doing these art pieces, as opposed to someone just doing their own art on their own, in their own house and being isolated.” The event holds a similar goal to other works that the library has done in recent weeks, such as a “speed-friending” event, which helped to combat the isolation that residents may be feeling in their daily lives. “The library’s, you know, are all about bringing people together and then making those bonds, and reducing the isolation they may be feeling,” said Brown. “That works out for what the library wants to do in terms of making connections with the community, or helping people make connections with each other and community.” The colours, as well, play a vital role, as colour and artistic work can reduce stress, as well as produce “dramatic effects on our bodies,” said the library on Facebook, “reducing blood pressure, bolstering our immune system, improving brain cognition and fighting inflammation.” Those interested are encouraged to register at mhpl.info/register quickly, as remaining spots are limited, and allow themselves to be inspired by fellow artists and meet people who already have a shared interest with them. 9-8
