In the coming weeks, Neilson Park Creative Centre will be reaching out with an invitation to make a tax-deductible, charitable donation to the 8th Annual Founders Campaign. As someone who has been part of this remarkable community for many years, I want to share what NPCC means to me — and why your support matters so deeply.
When I first joined NPCC and the Etobicoke Quilters’ Guild (EQG), I never imagined how much this place would come to mean to me. What began as a simple interest in quilting quickly grew into something much more — a connection to people, a sense of belonging, and a creative home.
This year, during EQG’s biannual Quilt Fever exhibition, I was honoured to receive First Prize in Surface Design and Embellishment for my quilt, Joy of Colour. The piece was a collaborative effort with fellow quilters Dale Hendry and Elizabeth Betsch. To give back to the Centre, I donated the quilt as an expression of gratitude for everything NPCC gives to us. The quilt is currently on display near the front desk.
Collaboration is at the heart of Neilson Park Creative Centre. It isn’t just a building filled with studios, it’s a living, breathing space where creativity and community meet. The moment you walk through the doors, you can feel it: the hum of conversation, the quiet concentration, the scent of paint or wool or ink in the air. You see people supporting one another, sharing ideas, laughter, and encouragement. It’s inspiring.
Our members and artists need both space and time to explore their ideas and nurture their imaginations. Here, surrounded by nature and like-minded creators, sparks of inspiration turn into something tangible. A sketch becomes a painting. A design becomes a rug. A thought becomes an exhibit. And perhaps even more importantly, strangers become friends, mentors, and collaborators.
For me, the friendships I’ve made at NPCC have been truly life-changing. We share not only materials and techniques but also wisdom, laughter, and encouragement. I’ve learned that creativity isn’t just about making art — it’s about connection, courage, and continuous growth. Every time I come to NPCC, I leave feeling lighter, happier, and more inspired than when I arrived.
That’s the magic of this place. It welcomes everyone — from beginners discovering their creative voice to seasoned artists deepening their practice. And it gives us something that’s hard to find elsewhere: a place to belong.
But this creative haven doesn’t sustain itself. NPCC receives no ongoing operational funding, which is why the Founders Campaign is so essential. Your donation helps keep the lights on, the studios open, and the programs thriving for artists of all ages and backgrounds. It allows NPCC to continue offering high-quality classes, workshops, exhibitions, and outreach programs that bring creativity to life both inside and beyond its walls.
When you receive your Founders Campaign invitation, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on what NPCC means to you and to our broader creative community. Every donation, no matter the size, helps sustain the spirit of creativity, connection, and belonging that makes this place so special.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting Neilson Park Creative Centre — for believing in art, in community, and in the transformative power of creativity. Together, we can ensure that NPCC continues to thrive.
With warmth and gratitude,
Kathy Ann Kidman
Board Member, Etobicoke Quilters’ Guild
