Give the Gift of Wonder: Support Open Studio

Support Open Studio!

This fall, we are dedicating fundraising efforts towards sustaining our anchor program, Open Studio. A welcoming space that provides materials, healthy snacks, artist support and opportunities for creativity, dialogue, and skill sharing. 

Since 2014, we have welcomed over 21,000 participants and shared over 11,100 custom-made art kits with individuals and organizations. In order to sustain our programming efforts, we are asking for your support for Open Studio. 92% of your donation goes directly to programming, and $35 would subsidize a senior to attend one session of Open Studio with materials and refreshments. We partner with Canada Help to receive one-time and monthly donations. Click on the button below to donate and learn more about the impact of your donation here.

The world is going through a complex and challenging time, and our local communities are no exception. We understand that not everyone can contribute financially. We hope that you will help us spread the word about Open Studio and share our campaign efforts on social media and in your communities. 

News from Wonder’neath

Wonder’neath Art Society has some special news to share with our community of supporters, artists and friends. After 15 years, Co-Founder and Co-Executive & Artistic Director Melissa Marr is joining the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia as an Art Education Specialist beginning in September 2023. 

“Working to develop Wonder’neath alongside Heather, our families, our supporters, and the generous community of artists we’ve been able to work with over many years, has been an incredible privilege. Holding space for community, art, artists and questions about how we live and work together has shaped me profoundly and I can’t wait to be involved in new ways as Wonder’neath grows.” -Melissa Marr  

“Melissa’s brilliant artistic sensibility, enthusiasm for possibilities, and deep sense of empathy have been at the heart of everything we have done. Wonder’neath will always strive to hold these to our core, and will cherish her continued and evolving role as a Founder and collaborator in our future development.” -Heather Wilkinson, Co-Founder and Co-Executive & Artistic Director.

 “We are so grateful to Melissa and Heather for bringing Wonder’neath into being. Their co-leadership and vision have realized a purpose built, permanent home for making art collectively in Halifax. We are excited to see the impacts of Melissa’s expertise spreading across the province with the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and we’re looking forward to collaborating with her in this new role. We know the next leadership team, and the broader Wonder’neath community will continue to benefit from Melissa’s legacy and we are so grateful for all she’s created here” -Benny Welter-Nolan, Treasurer, Wonder’neath Board of Directors.

Please join us in congratulating Melissa on her new role, and thanking her for her essential role and artistic vision in Wonder’neath’s development!

Wonder’neath is excited to continue our work as an artist-led organization located in Kjipuktuk (North End Halifax). We are proud of our contribution to 2482 Maynard as anchor tenant, and continue to be excited about our beloved projects like Open Studio, the Studio Artist Program, Art Bikers, and developing The Sketchbook Project legacy, as well as various collaborations with creative and community partners. 

To learn more, please visit wonderneath.com

Please note that Open Studio is taking our usual September break, and will return in October! More Fall news to come soon.