Paper Crane Community Arts Centre has spread its wings over the last year, taking programming to new heights.
Paper Crane opened in September 2012 and began full-time therapeutic arts programming for Ranch Ehrlo and the community in October 2012. The space has since become a thriving place for creativity, creation, self-expression, and wellness.
“The modality of all expressive arts and body-based learning has grown within the Ranch over the past year,” said Amanda Scandrett, manager of Paper Crane. “As far as what’s happening in Regina, the Ranch has been a forerunner in bringing the arts into wellness concepts. Paper Crane is not an art facility and is not a therapy facility; it is a place where all of those concepts come together.”
Paper Crane offers art programming to Ranch clients, youth, individuals, companies/organizations, and community groups.
Through a variety of art concepts, participants gain a greater understanding of themselves with a focus on common themes such as empathy, positivity, personal identity and strength, emotion, forgiveness, safety and risk-taking, and more.
“A lot of our programming is built around the needs of each particular group. Each youth and individual is different, but we’ll generally focus on what’s happening right now with our bodies and processing those emotions, so that when situations escalate we might be able to understand why and regulate them a bit more.”
Approximately 87 per cent of Paper Crane programming serves Ranch Ehrlo clients and staff. The remaining patronage is made up of external community groups and partners including: Regina WorkPrep Centre, Regina Open Door Society, Saskatchewan Abilities Council, Chinook School Division, Social Services, Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, 11 and Under Initiative (Regina Police), and more.
“We started out with a few school groups and after-school programs and now all of our days are booked and our evenings are starting to be as well,” said Amanda. “There’s a huge demand for time and space here which is awesome.”
Prior to securing the dedicated space at Paper Crane, Amanda was travelling to schools, group homes, and locations throughout the city to deliver the therapeutic arts program. She said the Paper Crane Community Arts Centre has given the program flexibility and opportunity to grow and diversify.
“It started out really small with a studio in the back of my car,” she said. “Having this -- an environment just for creation and self-expression-- is really nice to have. This space streamlines everything and provides the opportunity to have more happen.”
“It really has been a whirlwind year,” said Amanda. “Paper Crane has received a phenomenal response, and it’s really great to see that the creative and expressive arts are becoming more recognized as a therapeutic modality.”
For more information about Paper Crane Community Arts Centre visit papercranearts.com or email amanda.scandrett@ranchehrlo.ca.
