MERA hosts Christmas sale and meets their new man

Dec 01, 2011

Photo: Felt elves created by Rosie Kotze

Holiday gift buyers crammed the MERA school house in McDonald’s Corners for their annual Christmas sale. Shoppers had a choice of an eclectic array of hand-made gifts created by local area artists and makers, which included holiday treats to tantalize the taste buds and arts and crafts galore, including wearable and decorative weaves, fine fabric bags for your favorites vintages, toys for the kids, paintings, handmade chocolates and much more.

Delectable treats and beverages were available from the MERA Café and MERA members were represented at one craft table where Linda Zeisner was selling various items with all of the proceeds being donated back to the MERA coffers. Downstairs in the pottery studio, children had a chance to try their luck at a number of different crafts courtesy of three long time MERA members. Potter Molly Forsythe demonstrated how to make pots; Maria Hofbauer, straw star ornaments while Rosie Kotze helped kids and adults alike to make their very own cute and cuddly felted elves.

Shoppers also had a chance to enter a draw to win various gift baskets donated by the participating artisans.

Mingling amongst the shoppers was the newest member of the MERA group, David Poole (photo right), the recently hired new arts administrator, who was thrilled to be a part of MERA’s holiday buzz. Poole, who was born and raised and lives in Perth, brings decades of expertise to his new post. He was a former arts administrator for the Canada Council for the Arts, where he specialized in Media Arts, and has a film degree from the New York University.

Poole said he first became aware of MERA early on in his stint at the Canada Council (which he just retired from in 2007) and recalled that way back then it was and remains “a very high profile community arts organization.” When the opportunity arose to become a part of MERA he said he saw “an ideal opportunity to use some of my skills as an administrator close to home in a community that has a very engaged and active membership.”

Poole will be working closely with MERA members and volunteers who put together the programs, workshops and events and is excited about MERA’s current mandate to try to get younger people involved in the programming. “You always want to ensure the participation of young, new blood that can bring new vitality into programming, with the aim that the organization continues to grow and thrive.” he said. Poole is confident in the experience he brings to his new post. “I believe I have what it takes on the administration sides of things but also the ability to bridge the gap between that side and the creative side of things. It’s the marriage of the two that can allow for great things to happen.”

To see what is happening at MERA visit meraschoolhouse.org or call 613-278-0388.