The GFWC Arts and Culture Community Service Program encourages members to promote and support art and cultural programs in their clubs and communities, and to expand understanding on every level, from local and regional to national and international. Our goal is to create projects that include crafts, dance, drama, food, music, and other manifestations of art and culture that develop skills, awareness, and appreciation. It is designed to inspire clubwomen and ignite within them a desire to make the world a more beautiful, thoughtful, and caring place.
Chair: Ann Stellard
Members: Cathy Chapman, Karin McKean, Delores Simpson & Linda Telfer
Projects:
- Art Project for the Maple Street Post Office Garden
- Festival of the Arts Assistance
- Valentine’s Day Cards for Meals on Wheels Program
- Placement of Bows on Corn Stalks in Downtown Big Rapids
Cookie Decorating Class
Members attended a cookie decorating class offered during the Festival of Arts Program.
Valentine’s Day Cards
At the January club meeting, members embellished Valentine’s Day cards that two club members made. These will be delivered on Valentine’s Day with the Meals on Wheels deliveries to local senior citizens. Another 25 cards where taken to a local nursing home for distribution to their patients also.
New Member Crystal
Crystal was created by an Arts & Culture Community Service Project member. She is adorned with a colorful scarf from the club’s 4B’s fundraiser and embellished with jewels and a GFWC sash. She is ready to go with any club member on their next venture as long as she has her picture taken.
Fall Decoration
GFWC-Big Rapids made and placed colorful bows on the cornstalks in downtown Big Rapids.
Lunch & Learn
Two members were able to attend a crocheting class taught by another club member. This is the beginning of a series of classes that will be taught.
Wine on the Rocks Painting Class
The Wine on the Rocks event held in March 2023 was a great success with 18 people attending. It was fun to learn how to Mandela paint on rocks and enjoy friendships and meet new people.
Cultural Dinner
Members enjoyed a Mexican dinner organized by the Arts & Cultural Community Service Program.
Creating Birthday Bags
The Arts & Culture CSP partnered with the Civic Engagement & Outreach CSP and had club members create birthday bags to be filled with a cake mix, frosting, vegetable oil, napkins, cake pan, balloons, candles and a card. These will be given to a local food pantry to be presented to a client when it is their birthday,
Creating Valentine’s Day Cards
165 Special Valentine’s Day Cards for clients served through the Meals on Wheels Program in Mecosta County 2022.
Cultural Dinner
The September cultural dinner gained us a new friend. The lady was sitting alone and we asked her to join us. So much fun!!!!!
Recycling Bottles into Spinners
The members made spinners out of pop bottles. Recycle and reuse!!!
Creating Chamber of Commerce Centerpieces
GFWC-Big Rapids was asked to decorate 18 Christmas trees for the Chamber Gala. Four members gathered to put their creative talents to use.
Cultural Dinner
Members were invited to a cultural dinner experience at Nawal’s Mediterranean Eatery in November. Seven members were able to attend this and everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed the waiter which added to our laughter for the evening.
Valentine’s Day Cards were again created for the Senior Meals on Wheels program for the 2023, 2024 and 2025 year.