Great idea from another gallery

Took a one day trip to Williams Lake and back yesterday to deliver artwork for a three-gal show at the Station House Gallery (opening March 4). After a nice visit with the assistant there, I learned that we here at SAGA are missing a key element in our art offerings - the lay-away plan. Not everyone can shell out $500 for a painting they've just fallen in love with. A 30% non-refundable deposit, plus a personalized plan for payment will help many bring home the piece they love.

Coffee Break

I am sitting in the foyer of the art gallery, updating membership files while visitors enjoy our free coffee break day, hosted and sponsored by the Arts Council. This is a cheap and easy program, costing us only about $40 per event. However, it would be nice to see more donations on the day. Typical door donations at the gallery total about $20 per day. On a slow day we might get nothing at all. There are a few people we only see on the third Thursday of each month, come to get their free cookies (eating one, pocketing two) but most are surprised by the offering and stay longer to view the exhibition.

Where Did January Go?

My life skipped a beat there... I was basking in my holidays, then lurched back into the pace of the gallery, trying to get the postcard exhibition installed and ready for opening on January 22. Then, meetings with DIA, OCP, OCAC - the month just whipped past.

The most excellent recent news is that the Downtown Improvement Association has enthusiastically agreed to partner with the Arts Council on Wednesday On the Wharf Summer Concert Series. They will provide the Coordinator (and pay his or her wages) for the five month position. The Arts Council has merrily brought WOW to the community for sixteen years, without too many hiccups, breaking even each year. However, with the loss of BC Direct Access, that meant that the $3000 or so for a seasonal Coordinator was not going to be forthcoming. Not only was a financial partner needed, but a human resources one. The seasonal Coordinator was changing each year, and often candidates had great skills in music management but very little in administration and promotion. Or, the other way around. This is why the partnership with DIA is so perfect - their promotions position already manages music events that happen in the downtown. I'm breathing a sigh of relief right now, and can't wait to get started on the 2010 season!