Rainbow Draperies is a huge supportor of local community, and one way we like to show that is by connecting and giving back to local organizations.
This month we are highlighting the Connect Society. “Founded in 1963, Connect Society exists to strengthen connections among Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing people. They are a nonprofit community agency providing individuals and families with resources to help them fully participate within families, relationships, and the community. They believe the ability to communicate fully is an essential and basic need. This is their purpose.” Taken from the About Page on The Connect Society’s website
Textiles play a role in our sensory experience, This was first brought to my attention when Louise Berezowsky first came into Rainbow Draperies. Her eyes were as wide as saucers as she took in all the many samples of gorgeous textiles, colours, patterns, and textures everywhere. Louise was at Rainbow a little over two years ago to take photos for a mutual client that was capturing the images of locally made hand crafted fabrications and how this related to her business. As Louise took in all the interesting textures at Rainbow, her mind started going a million miles a minute and spontaneously declared one day we should do a “Sensory Gala” together.
As a self-identifying visionary and dreamer, I instantly shared her thought process. Without ever connecting the dots before, Louise created a direct path for me to understand the importance textiles play in our daily lives, which goes far beyond beauty. We at Rainbow get obsessed with function and form, precision and solutions all day long, but on this particular day, the concept of senses and how touch, sight, sound, smell, and sound (or lack thereof) can all impact our quality of life, at the risk of sounding dramatic – this changed me forever. I never thought about it from a sensory point of view before. Sure, touch has always been a factor – and when I think about it, sight has always drawn me into a pattern or colour palette and, at times, almost forced me to touch it. But this was taken for granted, almost as tho it was instinctual, not personal, or intentional. Do you know what I mean? Often creatives do that, tho, right? Take for granted what comes naturally to us; the secret sauce is taking that gift and positively impacting others. Especially from an individual point of view. It hit me that this is the bottom line of what custom design truly is. Making a plan specific for someone.
It became instantly obvious that textiles play a role in our sensory experience and should be considered this way in the design process. Who will be touching it, looking at it, and operating the beautiful custom fabrications? What impact does that have on the overall user experience? These are the questions I now ask every time I have the opportunity to get to know the beneficiary. When we think of the person who will benefit from good design, perhaps better materials will be selected, and better function will be incorporated. For the love of people, it’s a whole thing, and I am here for it.
Okay so back to that fateful day with Louise, well her vision came true! This year, The Connect Society is hosting a fundraiser Gala Called Sensory on April 4, 2025
For more information click here
They are even hosting a FREE ENTRY Day On Saturday April 5, 2025
I am so excited about this and about my small role in it. Rainbow Draperies donated cut-offs and roll ends, and labour to The Connect Society, each piece more textural, and beautiful than the last. Showcasing such exquisite textiles to the community has been so rewarding. As I watch eyes illuminate with expression over the different pieces of cloth, I am humbled and honoured to be a part of it all.
We are passionate about inspiring future generations on the importance of maintaining high standards and preserving the artistry that defines custom design in the interior design industry.
We also strongly believe in what goes around comes around. If you are looking for something to do this weekend, consider the Sensory Gala and open your mind to an immersive experience. It might just change your life. To get more involved in how textiles can play a role in your next design project, please reach out.
