CANORA – “I hope that no one’s painting looks exactly like anyone else’s.”
With that encouragement to be creative, Kulchera Nicholson opened her 10th Canora Paint Party on March 22 at the Golden Age Centre.
What began as a personal creative journey inspired by online tutorials has blossomed into a thriving community tradition in Canora.
Nicholson, local event planner and multimedia artist, first picked up a brush after teaching herself to paint through YouTube videos, and has been holding gatherings about every month to six weeks since December 2024. She said the events have grown steadily in popularity and have been selling out in recent months.
“I just wanted to create a space where people could come together, try something new, and enjoy being creative,” Nicholson shared. “You don’t need experience – just a willingness to have fun.”
Held typically on Sunday afternoons from 2 to 5 p.m., each three-hour session welcomes up to 10 participants, creating an intimate and relaxed environment. For a nominal fee of $25, attendees receive all supplies, including a canvas to take home, along with refreshments and homemade treats, often prepared by Nicholson herself.
To encourage creativity, the atmosphere is intentionally calming. Gentle music plays in the background as participants follow along with beginner-friendly instruction from Nicholson, experimenting with colour and technique in a supportive setting.
About halfway through each session, guests take a break to enjoy fresh baking and hot or cold drinks – an element Nicholson discovered has become a cherished part of the experience
“I love colour and trying new techniques, and it’s been amazing to see others discover that joy too,” she said. “It’s as much about community as it is about painting.”
When asked why they wanted to be in attendance at the March 22 paint party, fittingly enough, participants contributed their own unique thoughts.
“It gives me some time to myself.”
“I can learn something new here.”
“It’s chance to visit with friends.”
“It’s a good opportunity to complete a project.”
“I love Bridgerton.”
The milestone event featured a “Bridgerton Floral” theme inspired by the Netflix series that follows the close-knit siblings of the noble and influential Bridgerton family as they navigate the highly competitive social season, according to an online show synopsis.
Participants created a colourful abstract floral painting while celebrating the program’s 10th class. To mark the occasion, a special door prize was offered.
The success of the paint parties has been supported through strong community partnerships. The event is regularly promoted by the Canora Public Library Facebook page, where local librarian, Deb Leson, plays a key role in organizing and encouraging participation. Leson handles promotion and books the venue, the Golden Age Centre, where the classes are held.
An avid supporter of local culture and community events, Leson has championed the paint parties from the beginning and has attended every session as a participant herself. She continues to look for new programming ideas that bring people together and encourage skill-sharing within the community.
Residents with ideas for future classes or events are encouraged to connect with Leson through the Canora Public Library.
Nicholson said as the paint parties continue to grow in popularity, one thing remains constant; “a passion for bringing people together through creativity, one brushstroke at a time.”
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