Art Class Draws Visitors to British Columbia Church

It’s Thursday evening at Fleetwood Christian Reformed Church, Surrey, British Columbia. Plastic covers the floor, and easels and art supplies cover every surface. The church lobby has been transformed into an art studio where a 10-year-old sits across from a woman who is 84. Experienced artists, dabblers, and rookies are being encouraged by their instructor, Gerry Dykstra, an artist and retired teacher. One of Fleetwood’s pastors, Rev. Albert Westerhuis, says the class “is a nonthreatening alternative to a small group. We have people here who may not be drawn to church for any other reason.”