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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, February 5, 2016 | 18 John Bkila Sub-Editor jbkila@oakvillebeaver.com Artscene "Connected to your Community" Community Living Oakville encourages clients' talents to shine Matteo Esposito's rst play to be staged Wednesday by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff Matteo Esposito is trying his hand at directing his rst full-length play. The 18-year-old is a client at Community Living Oakville and has written a production that will be staged for one-night only next Wednesday (Feb. 10). "This is my rst full play that I wrote and I will be directing it as well," Esposito told the Oakville Beaver. "As a director you have to understand the context of the play to the full extent. Also the actors need to, too. It's a very important thing." The Oakville resident was mum on the plot of his play, but said, "without giving too much away," the story revolved around two characters, Charly and Ms. Kerr as they form a friendship. The play, which is open to the public, starts at 7 p.m. at Community Living Oakville, 301 Wyecroft Rd. While admission is free, donations to the organization will be accepted. Founded 60 years ago by a group of parents, Community Living Oakville provides a range of support services to children, youth and adults who have developmental disabilities and their families. Charly played by Matteo Esposito, speaks with his sister Sam, played by Faythe Hoton, during rehearsal for Community Living Oakville's play written and directed by Esposito on Wednesday afternoon. | photo by Nikki Wesley ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) Executive Director Janet Lorimer said this is the second play the organization's Take Flight Theatre Group has put on. "Volunteer Creative Director Jane Coryel has assisted Matteo and the Take Flight Theatre Group and has made a huge difference to the group by bringing her professional talents," said Lorimer. "It has been a wonderful journey for us to discover what areas people we support are inter- ested in, and then witness the talent they have to share," she explained. "It is important to share all of it with the community both for the community, as well as the joy, pride and con dence (of the clients) that comes from each experience." Lorimer noted Community Living Oakville strongly believes encouraging its clients to express, share and develop their talents is "one of the most important things" it can do. "Choice, friendships, and participating in pursuits that are meaningful to us directly correlate to high quality of life for any of us," she added. "It is also important for the community to have the opportunity to see the gifts that people have to share, and value of inclusion." Community Living Oakville has created a number of initiatives in addition to the Take Flight Theatre Group, including: Music Club, In The Loop Media Group and the Raise Your Voice Council. The music club, supported by Mike Switzer of Massive Tank Studios, has started four bands that perform in Oakville, while the media group covers community events and interviews people. The council hosts events including dances, open houses, fundraising events, and educational opportunities, such as rst-aid training for people who have a developmental disability. For more information about any of Community Living Oakville's initiatives, visit www. oakcl.org. Exhibit featuring works by seniors living with dementia opens this weekend at QEPCCC by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff An Oakville Galleries exhibit opening this weekend will showcase the artworks of participants of a new program for seniors living with dementia. In November 2015, Oakville Galleries launched Points of Entry, a hands-on art program for seniors living with dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. Based on a similar project developed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the local program saw regular workshops being held in retirement homes, community centres and at Oakville Galleries in Gairloch Gardens. Local art therapist Becky Hewis brought the idea of the program to Oakville Galleries' education of cer Elizabeth Underhill in hopes of offering it to seniors here through the art gallery. Participants, and their loved ones, looked at and discussed contemporary art to be used as inspiration to create new artworks of their own. "We get into the art history behind the pieces... but we also want them (participants) to be able to see a work of art, connect with it on a personal level and get them to share some of their personal stories," said Underhill. 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