Joan Clayton’s Connective Creative Gatherings by Peri Hayes For a number of years, Joan Clayton has been hosting social gatherings for those inspired by the arts. In addition to organizing the monthly Open Mic Poetry at Mykonos Restaurant in London, Joan also facilitates Creative Gatherings. She now has a property which lends itself to the latter, located at the red brick house of 493 George Street, Port Stanley. The group enjoyed the spacious yet cozy veranda on Sunday mornings during the summer months. Proud to be putting down roots in the lakeside village and connecting with the community, Joan enthusiastically offers, “This is a home that invites creativity.” Her favourite part thus far, Joan details, has been, “I am always excited by who is going to show up and what they are going to have. I like to hear people’s stories, in addition to offering a space for people to explore them. I like coming together and having fun with it.” The routine of these scheduled meetings renders a forum for the historical storyteller — a time to gather, present, and receive feedback — as she encourages, “It really does help your work!” Joan welcomes suggestions regarding alternative meeting times in order to accommodate those interested in attending Creative Gatherings. The gracious host emphasizes, “All genres and levels of experience are welcome!” Fiction and non-fiction writers, performers, poets, and more have all participated in Creative Gatherings. Joan continues, “My whole philosophy is this: I really believe that people need a place to bring and explore their creativity.” She strives to support fellow narrators as they discover where there is a story to be told, as well as how
Joan Clayton (right) and Creative Gatherings member, Gene Gray, enjoying Joan’s veranda.
they choose to use their voice. Art is an outlet, which, as Joan announces, “Keeps your soul alive.” Creative Gatherings are free opportunities for individuals to share their work with an embracing and supportive group, with the following upcoming dates: October 15th, November 12th, and December 10th. Joan will also be offering a Historical Storytelling Workshop in October at the St. Thomas Public Library. Moreover, Joan and a group of ambitious professionals created The Hadō Journal , which is filled with unique writing prompts to motivate creative expression. This is a wonderful resource for beginners and experienced writers to explore their voices. In the future, Joan is interested in providing a space for people to gather and paint, declaring, “This is just the beginning!” For further details, connect with the hospitable and charismatic Joan at 519-673-4091 and dr.jpclayton@rogers.com.
Would you like a lasting tribute for your loved one? We are here to help you create a memorial. Share your loved ones’ stories, your favourite memories, the lessons you learned, and the legacy they left behind. Don’t worry we are here to help you make a memorial your loved one would be proud of. We will design the memorial for you and even help you write it if you would like. Full-page memorial $350 • 3/4 page memorial $275 1/2 page memorial $200 • 1/4 page memorial $125
Book your space now by emailing geoff@villagerpublications.com or calling 519-495-7177
RE-ELECT BOOK YOUR COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH AND TOUR TODAY
226-210-9508
Page 4 Port Stanley Villager • October 2023
To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs