The Juan de Fuca 55 Plus Activity Centre is a nucleus of activity. From its early 1970 beginnings with 102 members, now at more than 1,000, this proactive membership enjoys a variety of pursuits that include bridge, bingo, carpet bowling, photography classes, painting, woodworking, and dozens more leisure interests. In fact, the Activity Centre features more than 60 classes and programs in art, education, entertainment, social pastimes and physical exercise.
Volunteering at fundraising events is part of the fun of belonging to the Activity Centre, which has raised more than $800,000 to maintain and renovate existing amenities and to construct new facilities.
On April 28, from 10-4 p.m. and April 29, 10-3 p.m., the Activity Centre will present the popular biennial Showcase of Arts and Sale 2012 fundraiser. Admission is by donation with all funds going toward supplies, equipment, improvements, and maintenance of the volunteer-operated complex.
The first Showcase of Arts and Sale was held in 1996, and every two years afterward. Ten artists and artisans participated that first year. By the mid-2000s, 25 artists put his or her works on display. This year the Juan de Fuca 55 Plus Senior Citizen’s Activity Centre will be hosting approximately 150 artists and artisans; most of whom will show up to five pieces of artwork each, providing an extraordinary selection for viewing and purchase.
Christine Henry, participating artisan and marketing volunteer, says this year’s event will features fine art works in acrylics, watercolours, Chinese brush, drawing genus, jewellery, fibre arts, quilting, ceramics, clay sculpture, wood carving, en plein air (with agreeable weather), and photography art. Christine says more than 200 works of art in different genres will be for sale to the public, adding that all of the works have been created by the talents of artists and artisans who are members of the Activity Centre. 
Coordinator volunteer Vonnie Simpkins says there will be approximately 350 volunteers involved in the Showcase of Art this year performing duties as greeters, cashiers, floorwalkers, raffle ticket sellers, parking attendants, setup and tear-down crews for displays, and numerous other tasks. Many volunteers work behind the scenes in planning, organizing, and implementing the Showcase. Vonnie says the Showcase has outgrown its previous showing space, and this year’s display is throughout the whole area of the Activity Centre, which is entirely wheelchair accessible.
This year, as in the past, artists and artisans will be demonstrating the “how-to” of their crafts, often inviting adults and children to join in a session. These displays are well attended; children will sit for long periods fascinated as a painter develops a canvas, or a carver or sculptor brings wood and clay to life.
The Palm Court dining area, staffed by Activity Centre volunteers, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Showcase visitors can take a relaxing break and contemplate where that beautiful original art piece will look the best in their home, while enjoying a refreshing beverage with an appetizing homemade lunch and a delicious dessert, all at reasonable prices.
The Juan de Fuca 55 Plus Senior Citizen’s Activity Centre is located at 1767 Island Hwy. Building 3 (next to the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre). For more information, call the Activity Centre at 250-474-8618 or go online to www.jdfseniors.shawbiz.ca Cash and cheques for purchases will be accepted, but not debit or credit cards.
SENIOR LIVING MAGZINE APRIL 2012
