|
A WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE OWNERS – MARK & EILEEN GILLOTT
Welcome you to the Creative Edge web site. On this page we’d like to share with you who we are, what we do and a little bit about the history of Creative Edge.
Our commitment is to continue to give our students a place where they feel at home, while learning and growing in the arts. It is our goal that they will always have a better sense of self-esteem and stronger confidence, because of this commitment.
If you wish to skip this intro page and find out about specific programs in dance, drama, music, art or preschool, please click on that program heading in the navigation bar on the left and you’ll find some information there. Of course, feel free to email us if you need more info…
… back to Creative Edge, known affectionately by our staff and students as “The Edge”.
HISTORY ~ OUR STAFF ~ FACILITY ~ PROGRAMS
CREATIVE EDGE HISTORY
In 1991, We first opened our doors at the “Abbotsquare Mall” right next to the old Salvation Army thrift shop. Eileen had been teaching a parent/tot program, known as “Scribbles” for the Abbotsford Rec commission.
Initially, she taught at the Abbotsford Ag Rec centre and later the McCallum Activity Centre, but realized a more permanent space was needed to continue to run this program. So “Abbotsquare” was the answer. Back then, the school we known as “Creative Edge Music & Activity Place”.
To make the best use of the space there, Eileen ran “Scribbles” in the day while Mark, who has a degree in music education, began offering afternoon music lessons. Soon afterward we added Art classes and within a year we had already grown to 135 students.
After our first year we moved to our current location in Clayburn Plaza to make room for this growth, and to make room for the addition of our new programs in dance and drama.
This new facility, was formerly a fitness centre, so it was perfect for dance, already having the raised sprung floors, and mirrors. Now our business became known as “Creative Edge Kids Centres”. Here “Scribbles” became an official licensed “child minding” which at that time we called “Creative Kids” and soon after became an official licensed Preschool.
Since then we have experienced unprecedented growth, with enrolments peaking at times of over 800 students per month.
Almost two decades later we are still proud to serve the Abbotsford community as “The Edge” and hopefully continue to be able to do so for many years to come.
OUR STAFF
Over the years we have had some great teachers, however, we would have to say that we now have the best staff we have ever had.
3 dance teachers (with amazing – award winning - choreography skills). 8 Music teachers from vocal to drums, 4 preschool teachers, Simone (who teaches everything from music to theatre – ages 4 to 8). Holly, our art teacher (teaching art from all over the world), and a very friendly set of receptionists.
OUR FACILITY
We are located in Clayburn Plaza where there is lots to do while the kids are in lessons. Here you’ll find:
- Grocery store
- Coffee Shop
- Drug Store
- Video Store
- Dentist
- Doctor
- Restaurants
- Banking
- Salon
- Gas Station
Creative Edge itself is 4500 square feet and features:
- Cozy waiting room with leather chairs and a fireplace
- One way mirrors
- 2 dance rooms
- 3 music rooms
- An art room
- A craft room
- A drama room
- And a student favorite – “The Lounge”, with two dressing rooms, tables, chairs, table games and video games, a great place to hang out while waiting for their lesson to start.
OUR PROGRAMS
This list below is a sampling of our classes. You can find more information about the courses in each of the headings on the left hand column.
|
