Tiny City Maker’s store opens for holidays made by A Better Tent City residents
Posted Dec 11, 2024 03:25:59 PM.
Last Updated Dec 11, 2024 03:34:48 PM.
Some of the community members of A Better Tent City (ABTC) are creating art as part of a new therapy program and just launched the sale of their first products, despite a recent tragedy.
They’re calling themselves; Tiny City Makers.
They have Christmas ornaments and cards for sale, all of which were crafted by members of ABTC in workshops.
That community is still grieving the loss of another member who passed away tragically Nov. 30 during a shooting in the tiny home community. The 39-year-old male participated in the Christmas workshops back in October, with some of their artwork now being donated back to ABTC in memorial.
“We’ve decided to share the project either way, so that folks who are feeling unsure about ABTC because of the media coverage around that incident can see another side of what ABTC is all about,” Zoe Miller, Community Development Lead, The Community Company said. “That they are providing life-saving housing and support for individuals that would be completely unhoused in Waterloo Region.”
The Community Company worked with ABTC to create Tiny City Makers as a social enterprise. The art-based therapy program aims to provide future workshops for the unhoused or those staying at ABTC.
Proceeds from the sales go directly into future workshops with a stipend given to the community members who make them.
“The goal is that this is a sustainable program, that’s kind of the outcome or goal of our social enterprise. It’s not necessarily to generate revenue for ABTC but its to self-sustain,” said Miller.
“Folks can access trauma-free and legal income. Make something beautiful, have that creative outlet and learn a new skill.”
She added that members of Tiny City Makers are enjoying being able to not only give something back to the community but also share a part of who they are.
So far, they’ve had 36 members of ABTC come out to the workshops. The first official workshops were in October, but the original idea came from an art class hosted in the summer at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, which is when they noticed how beneficial art was to the members.
They created a partnership with the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery to help make the products and sell them in their gift shop.
Miller mentioned the program is completely funded. They were accepted for a grant to pilot the project from the Waterloo Region Community Foundation and received donations from companies like Gore Mutuals.
The holiday sale will be the first time Tiny City Maker’s online store takes in any revenue.
The workshops are hosted by local artists, who do receive some money for their time. Miller is hopeful more artists will sign up to teach a workshop in 2025 after learning about how the therapeutic program is helping the members of ABTC.
To purchase a Christmas card or ornament, go to tinycitymakers.org or checkout the gift shop at the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery in Waterloo.
