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Congratulations to Tara Campbell, a dedicated Place des Arts fan, pottery and music student and mom to Place des Arts students. Tara’s story won second prize in our My Place des Arts Story contest.

Tara’s quirky, fun story about how Place des Arts feels like home to her shows the powerful impact Place des Arts and our wonderful teachers have on our community.

View the visual vignette about Tara here, created by Eran Jayne Photography, and read Tara’s story below. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Place des Arts; a trusted old friend and a twist of novelty.

A home for all our families’ generations, Place des Arts is a collection of talented folks sharing their passions with students who are ever keen to grow, hone and display their work. The quirky unclaimed pottery pieces at the side door, peeking into pottery classes and the clay pieces and pots for sale in the gift shop, have enticed me to delve more deeply into a preliminary YouTube degree in pottery, and to seriously consider joining a group of potters. So at the risk of becoming a cliché 40-something, I’m signing up!

Place des Art is home because our community is reflected there. As I leave lessons, I run into my elementary school students who are nervously awaiting their piano examinations, cuddled into their smiling parents laps. We all know that music, like all languages, helps our minds grow and that music, like no other language, reaches all people no matter where in the world we share it.

The underground parking culture is one of kindness, courtesy, thank you waves and peace signs. It actually forced my husband to momentarily consider tattooing a red spiral stripe up one stretch of his legs — just one, not both.

There may be a time in the middle of the rainy season when you arrive at Place des Arts feeling a little less than fine, but keep in mind the home-sweet-home kitchen. It’s the perfect place to make a cup of tea. What a comfort!

The Peppermint Patties at the reception, 2 for 25 cents, are the basis of a little tradition for us. Stick one to the roof of your mouth and see how long you can keep it there while you view the incredible artwork all around and relay this lesson’s highlights to family or friends. Place des Arts, brimming with talent and creativity, exudes the comfort of a favourite childhood blanket and is as original and fresh as the next artistic expression.

On piano, red sneakered Frank Bond entertains with a boogie woogie demo to inspire improvisation if you haven’t practiced. Piano or guitar, rhythm will grow once the notes are all known. Patient and focused describe Frank, but it’s the anecdotes, historically rooted, that give every lesson depth and relevance. Once, when feeling a little overwhelmed by my snail paced progress, Frank with a knowing smile said, “Oh, you have adultitis — kids never get that!”

Every gift I buy now is unique and locally made from a source I treasure. Over the years, my Mum has received many gifts originating from Place des Arts. Each has a special spot in our family’s home and in my mother’s heart.

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