I am Rose Kanda, and I was born in the city of Ponoka, AB. Moved to the Bonanza area to a small grain farm in a pioneer area with no electricity nor running water unless a person did the running. Raised my 4 children there and after becoming a widow, I was available to help out with grandchildren. But they all too soon have grown up and spread their wings over parts of Alberta and BC.
After visiting my daughter Kathy here in Merritt the spring of 2019 and seeing how very lovely the area is and how welcoming and friendly the people are, I moved here late September 2019. Kathy is very good at crafts and artsy things and was interested in things at the gallery. My first visit was when they were still in the Old Court House. And I gave my support by becoming a member there.
Later at a meet and greet in the present location I discovered they needed help at these functions to oversee the snack /beverage table so I volunteered and soon helped with the purchasing, preparing, and serving the snacks at these functions.
My main motivation is to meet new people with shared interesting hobbies. I have taken several of the offered courses which I have enjoyed. I have dabbled in watercolour painting, pine needle basket making, and pottery. I already do a lot of knitting and crocheting also enjoy a good book.
I encourage anyone who has some time to spare and would like to meet people and is interested in volunteer work. The art gallery is a fun place to come and they will find something for you to do while surrounded by encouraging happy people who are gifted in many ways.
Thank you Rose, for all the time you dedicate to the Arts Council, it's a joy working with you!