Community and creativity on display at The Cotton Factory open house

It’s a hidden gem in Hamilton – The Cotton Factory is home to over 200 creative arts businesses. On Sunday it was open to the public to show different forms of art along with the creators of those pieces.

There were 400 artwork pieces on display from some very talented artists in Hamilton. Annette Auteri took CHCH News on a tour of the event.

“We love inviting guests so I’m so happy that you came to see us … today’s special because we’re showing the artists in their natural habitats,” said Auteri.

There were various forms of art on display from repurposed furniture to pottery and bone China.

The next stop on the tour was a ride in a vintage elevator built in 1945 to meet up with Matt Dampier – an artist who left his life as a pilot to take up his craft.

“I was a pilot for 25 years and you really identify with that. And then when I couldn’t do it anymore, you know, it was really difficult,” said Dampier.

Dampier suffered from debilitating migraines which forced him from the skies. That’s when he picked up a sketchbook and the rest is history.

Dampier says the way to sustain the arts is to create a community, which is why the group at The Cotton Factory is such a good fit.

“When I was up there looking down at Earth I had this incredible view, and it’s something that not everyone gets to see. I think nowadays when we do see it, we take it for granted,” said Dampier.

As you move through the hallways, art is everywhere you go.

Auteri is calling on all levels of the government and business community to support the arts with more funding.

“If we were in Europe we would be superstars. But because we are in a conservative Canada, I think that’s part of the reason why we struggle so much,” said Auteri.

There was also a chance to take an art class. That’s where we caught up with Denise Roig – designing a candle.

“I’ve lived in Hamilton for 14 years and I’ve never been to The Cotton Factory, so it’s been wonderful to walk around and see all the art here this weekend,” said Roig.

Another space showing how art can come from anything – Natalie Hunter is an artist who was inspired by her teacher back in the day at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton.

Hunter says arts education is essential to its survival.

“We need education, we need funding but we also need to foster a sense of community,” said Hunter.

“I hope you get to come back on a day where we have other things going on because there’s always something happening at The Cotton Factory,” said Auteri.

While Sunday’s exhibition is complete, there are new exhibitions coming in November and December.

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