Shuswap Arts Council

On Jurying

2012-01-16T22:04:00.000-08:00

I set up the two jurors today with pencils, criteria forms, coffee and a few sweets, then scurried out the door to let them start the process. Before I left, I shared a few directives. I fully trust these two excellent minds, but it was important that they know this show is about celebrating the 75 years of the Arts Centre building. I use a four-point criteria system so that it is as subjective as you can get with art, not allowing much leeway in individual taste. When I returned, I found the two of them near the end of the list, chattering away like two squirrels in a tree, and fully engaged with the spirit of the exhibition. They requested yellow stickies to identify 24 "must-be-in-show" pieces. As many as is possible will be selected from the remainder according to the score on the criteria sheet. It's important that artists know that their work isn't being "judged" as though in a competition. It is being juried. The priority is to make a cohesive exhibition. Work not selected may just not fit with the show, even though it may be a successful piece. Tomorrow morning I will begin the long task of separating the works, calling the artists for pick-up, and laying out the show in preparation for the installation team's arrival at 7pm. Then we'll have a better idea of how "75" will look by the time we open on Friday night.

Blank Gallery

2012-01-02T14:14:00.000-08:00

Fresh paint job, and tomorrow the floors are being rewaxed. It's like a facelift, only not painful.

ShuGo

2011-12-07T12:35:00.001-08:00

I'm excited - we've just added three more groups to the list of live arts events that youth can attend for only $5. The Arts Council promotes access to live arts experiences for youth by partnering with arts groups to allow ShuGo tickets. These excellent groups are on board - and all the kids have to do is get their ticket in advance at the art gallery.

Caravan Farm Theatre, Armstrong

Shuswap Theatre, Salmon Arm

Runaway Moon Theatre, Grindrod

Monashee Chamber Choir, Sicamous

Shuswap Association of Writers, Salmon Arm

Live in HD: The Met, Salmon Arm (Salmar)

The Bolshoi Ballet Series, Salmon Arm (Salmar)

Kelowna Ballet, Salmon Arm performances

Northern Lights Community Choir, Salmon Arm

Red Green White

2011-12-06T12:36:00.001-08:00

All roads point to the Elves' Workshop (not Elvis) on Saturday, December 17 here at the gallery. Now that the Affordable Art Fair is on the walls, we focus on the last big event of the season - the madness that is our final Family Saturdays project for the year. The workshop will have four art-making stations doing stuff we've never done before! It will be a Christmas miracle if it all comes together. The DIA is doing a Santa breakfast that morning, then the workshops start at 11am. If we don't eat all the muffins and end up napping in front of our digital fireplace, then four large-sized elves will be welcoming young families to make stuff for the rest of the afternoon. It's thanks to Scotiabank and Culinary Inspirations that we can offer this workshop for free. Generous businesses make the downtown a wonderful place.

All I want for Christmas is my telephone

2011-11-23T20:53:00.001-08:00

We can fit 32 gigabytes of memory into an object the size of a postage stamp, we can send hundreds of satellites into space, beaming back thousands of tv channels... why can't Telus make two phone numbers ring on one line? For the last three days, we've been thrown back to the dark ages with our phones, trying to amalgamate the Art Gallery and Arts Council phone lines. They can't do it this way, they can't do it that way, reconfigure this, reconfigure that, oh if you have it this way it won't go to voice mail, if you do it that way it won't call forward. For goodness sakes! I thought it was going to be simple! That sound you hear is me pulling my hair out. Long story short, be patient when trying to call the Art Gallery or Arts Council for the next five business days. Perhaps use the ol' stand-by... email.

My Dream Council

2011-11-10T10:12:00.001-08:00

Only a week or so remains until municipal election day here in Salmon Arm. I'm quite delighted that most of the candidates have indicated that they are willing to hammer out a fee-for-service agreement between the City and the Arts Centre. On November 15 I will be sending out a list of candidates who signed the letter of support. Vote culture!

Election Issues

2011-11-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

Less than three weeks remain in the municipal election campaign. In light of the recent developments, as we at the Arts Council/Art Gallery research the City's funding practices, we have turned arts and culture funding into an election issue. I am hopeful that the eighteen council candidates will sign the letter of support indicating they would be willing to work on a fee-for-service agreement for operations at the Arts Centre. Of course we would continue to generate about 80% of our own revenue, as we have always done. We are only asking for about 20%, a security blanket, to provide stability and allow us to plan for the future. I have put the brakes on a number of projects and ideas because of the lack of stable funding. If the City ponies up, we will finally have some capacity to put important community projects into action. To help us in this cause, ask your candidates how they feel about a fee-for-service agreement with the Arts Centre. It's your money. Why should it all go to sports and business?

What do we have to do?

2011-10-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

Last year, when we received municipal funding for the two organizations to use for operating, it was the difference between staying open and closing. The 2009 Direct Access cuts were far too devastating to recover from, and the reduction in BC Arts Council funding of 40% was an additional blow. The crisis spurred our generous supporters to donate funds for the "Buy a Day at the Gallery" program. After a year and a half, things have settled out now that we appear to not be in crisis, donations have dropped off. That proposal to the City was for a service agreement to provide secure funding for all the cultural services we provide. It wasn't exactly what we wanted, but it saved our behinds.

Last month I prepared the proposal to the City again, stating how happy we are to be the recipient of some stable funding, and I was just today told "that was a one-time grant." Hmm. Apparently, my 2010 proposal for a service agreement was voted down, and they approved $25,000 as a one-time grant. Me and my limited thinking, I thought that just meant I had to come every year to show what we've done with their money, ask them for more and we'd have this lovely relationship. I guess not. My stomach is in knots. What does an organization have to do to get a commitment from funders? I had hoped 18 years of providing excellent services in visual arts, performing arts, community engagement, children's programs and maintaining an beautiful cultural venue would be enough. Perhaps not. Perhaps we should on slap on some ice skates and ask for $6 million to build one more skating rink. That seems to get approval. The real question is, what does the budget line "Recreation and Culture" really mean? Nearly $3 million operating funds is in that budget each year for the Recreation Centre. Are we not the Cultural Centre? $25,000 is only 1% of that budget. A measly 1%, which is quite in line with the crumbs the arts and culture sector is accustomed to receiving. What do we have to do to get 1%? I'm open to suggestions.

The Pillar That Wasn't

2011-10-12T22:07:00.000-07:00

I'm not worldly. I've never been to the Louvre, MOMA, or the Tate. I've been to our National Gallery, which was a total hoot, as a supplement to my Canadian Art History course in my fourth year of university. I'm a member of Vancouver Art Gallery, and get down there at least twice a year to see the exhibitions. However, I still feel a certain, how shall we say... backwardness? when it comes to knowing what contemporary art looks like. I guess I mean relevant art. It's easy in hindsight to see what was important art, but to know it in its time? How many masters died in poverty because they weren't recognized in their time... it's a funny little quirk in our industry - not to know what's great when it's current. Blah, blah, what I'm really trying to say is that "Peak Year" is awesome, and I think I'm looking at some of the greatest contemporary art being produced today. With every drop of melting ice that I hear hitting that metal bucket, every person I see leaning over the viewing platform railing, and every visitor who walks by Otto's white pillar thinking it to be another white pillar and finding on their third pass that it's a sculpture... I marvel. This is it folks, this is what it's like to look upon art that is relevant to its time. This ecological crisis is one of many crises that our species is facing, and who knows which will take us all in the end, but for now, these ten works are doing what excellent art does - stares us in the face and dares us to think about it.

Peak Year coming in

2011-09-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

Today was delivery day for the ten artists of Peak Year, the exhibition opening on Friday. As the work was coming in, I was floored by their ingenuity, their brilliance, and the perfect construction of their ideas. The tower that Otto built - it held me for several moments before I was able to look away from the salmon eye that stared down at me. The trash bits in Patrick's salmon kept me peering inside looking for more things I could identify. It was like "Where's Waldo" only better. Cindy's stained glass was just stunning with the light behind it. I'm absolutely thrilled to present this exhibition, and so proud of these artists, who did this on a fairly tight deadline and with very little direction from me - only to interpret that amazing salmon run of 2010. I stepped up onto Eric's viewing platform and leaned on the railing, just like I do every year at the Adams River run, staring into the tumbling river. Except this time I wasn't trying to hold onto my kids. It's going to be a fantastic show.

Fall Fair Art

2011-09-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

Did anyone else spend an unusual amount of time in the line-up for both delivery and pick-up of Fall Fair art items? I'm sure the fair board will be reviewing the process and therefore find ways to make the process more efficient next year. In the meantime, I couldn't help but notice the reduction in overall art participation. The adult works were crammed together as though one giant lego project, while youth works seemed thin on the other side. In fibre arts, submissions were definitely reduced. I would love to come up with a wonderful way to increase the quantity and quality of works submitted, but alas, I can barely compose a legible blog after a weekend of 30+ degrees and too many mini-donuts. I think that the enormous group of volunteers at the agricultural association would appreciate anyone of any background getting involved to help them move this fair forward.

Mash-less

2011-09-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know some teenagers and they are actually quite responsible and interested in the world. So why did I have 18 teens register for MashUp (youth mixed media exhibition at SAGA), and only 2 brought in artwork on delivery day? Is it the end-of-summer bummer? I had to go out and rustle up some youth artists and get them to bring work in last minute. Thank goodness the art teacher from Armstrong delivered a dozen student works two months ago. Otherwise, the show would have been mighty slim indeed. We created three large collaborative interactive works to mash on during the exhibition, which is great fun. But ultimately, this may spell the demise of the annual youth exhibition.

Bidding ends Saturday

2011-08-26T21:13:00.001-07:00

Saturday, August 27 is the last day of the silent auction at SAGA. We will close the bidding at 3:30pm amidst iced coffee and frenzied art-lovers. It's a fun end to this particular exhibition - and bittersweet. This was the last Paint the Town, although we may re-invent it somehow in 2013. We will continue with Paint the Festival, because our festival artists are so keen and enthusiastic. We're just not sure how those works will be displayed in 2012. Can't think that far ahead... still trying to get the word out about the silent auction. It was only a week that the festival works were up, so not quite enough time to generate buzz. Oh well, I guess a few people are going to get some serious bar-goons.

Roots and Blues and Jack

2011-08-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

My beautiful natural high following this past weekend's Roots & Blues Festival was brought harshly back to earth with the news of Jack Layton's death this morning. The wrenching of the heart when listening to the harmonies of the Sojourners was much the same as realizing the only political force with which I felt any affinity was gone. Barely time to contemplate, to grieve. Then, off to the gallery to receive the work of the artists who poured out their souls onto canvas over the past three days. With each painting that arrived, I felt close to tears with the sheer rawness of their energy - each piece found a way to say something of humanity, of sharing, of love, of the universal language of music. It all comes back to the same thing - we're all in this together. Culture isn't just art, music, theatre... it's what we are together, as a whole. Working in the arts sector, I'm lucky enough to be reminded often of this concept. I'll miss the one political leader who actually stood up and declared this as his platform. May we be so lucky as to see another Jack Layton in our lifetime.

Gaming Again?

2011-08-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

I received an interesting phone call last week. A representative from BC Gaming called to inform me that our children's programs qualified under new eligibility requirements for Direct Access funding. I could apply and receive up to a third of what our gaming grant used to be. I was reluctant to say the least. We've spent the last three years recovering from the loss of those funds, slowing gaining stable funding from other sources and feeling quite proud that we had weaned ourselves off of a less-than-ethical source of revenue. It's a lot of work putting a gaming grant application together. With limited resources, how do I justify spending that time with no guarantee there's something at the end of it? And only a third of what we used to get, which really wasn't all that much. There were just so many questions, but really only one answer. When someone calls you and says "apply for some money, please," well, all politics aside, you just do it. The application went into the mail today.

Readying Oneself for Performance

2011-08-02T06:59:00.000-07:00

I can't say that I know what any actor feels like, about to go on stage, petrified about live recall of rehearsed lines and an audience who is judging every tiny movement. However, this Saturday I will be on a similar display at "Paint the Town." I've had cause to think about this, since we have only a dozen artists willing to paint en plein aire in this final year of the event. After seven years, I figured all of SAGA's artists would be well used to painting in public. Many are already happy to, but so many more are not. After a discussion with one artist who has participated twice in the past and explained the sheer terror and then the massive pressure of producing something for exhibition, I realized that perhaps I'm different. I never thought of this process as "performance," but some do. And some suffer so badly from stage fright (read: fear of being judged) that they are unwilling to do the thing they love in front of others. I will miss this event, as will many Salmon Arm citizens and business owners. It's well loved and looked forward to by many, including young aspiring artists.

Touch Points

2011-07-02T22:16:00.000-07:00

A marketing guru, I am not. However, tonight I just added a new tool to my marketing tool box. I'm pretty excited. Touch points are anything that touches your brand. At SAGA, our brand is "public art gallery striving for high ideals, inspiring our community and being open and welcoming to all." Decisions we make about products we use are all touch points - things that affect how people perceive us. The reason this topic came up is because of the coffee we serve. As a non-profit organization with limited funds, the decision to continue to purchase locally roasted Shuswap Coffee Co. beans was questioned. I was surprised by this because I have always felt that we vote with our dollar and if we expect locals to support us (which they do, thank goodness) then we need to support them. Plus it's darn good coffee. When people attend jazz nights, opening receptions and the once-a-month Coffee Break, we want their experience to reflect our ideals - good quality local stuff. And so, we will continue to purchase and serve the excellent coffee roasted, ground and delivered by Tara and her gang. Plus, I now have a sound marketing reason for doing so.

Measuring Impact

2011-06-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

We may never know the impact that an exhibition has on a young person. In my years at the gallery, I only strive to ensure that everyone feels welcome there - all ages, all areas of interest, all economic abilities. One just hopes that the education and exposure provided to our visitors makes for a better community overall. I got a tiny bit of evidence of that last night. My daughter, who will be turning 11 later this month, was working with plasticene. She sculpted a crooked tree, and said "Look, I made a crooked tree like in the gallery." Wonderful, I replied. Then the explanation came. "It's a birch, you can tell by the white bark. These branches swoop down and will grow along the ground. All sorts of creatures can live here, because there are so many nooks and crannies." And then, she played. Just pure imaginative play for about an hour, sculpting blue and purple cats that climb trees and lounge on the branches with their plasticene tails hanging down. Of course I pride myself in raising two kids that can play imaginatively for hours on end, but knowing this scenario was rooted in the exhibition, I felt a certain sense of accomplishment, that I had impacted a young life with a spectacular colourful show about some crazy crooked trees in Saskatchewan.

Those Crooked Trees

2011-06-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bill Remphreys gave a wonderful scientific presentation tonight on the crooked trees that are the subject of the current exhibition. How fascinating that someone was so intrigued by this little forest (which is actually one organism) that they would spend a dozen years studying it. It was great to sit there surrounded by Ken Dalgarno's bold, textured paintings with a scientist giving the other side of our brains something to chew on.

3:58pm

2011-06-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

It's official. As of 3:58pm, the washrooms are finished. We are having a glass of wine to toast surviving the renos. Bless Delores Mori for being the unofficial project manager for the entire month of May. She must have felt like she lived here and it was her own bathroom. There will be a string of violin players using the facilities tonight, but then tomorrow night is the official opening.

New toity and new gadget

2011-06-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

With the addition of a couple of snazzy doorknobs, the bathrooms are finished. The exhibition "The Crooked Trees of Alticane" opens tomorrow night, and so I'm just relieved that we will in fact have a washroom to officially open at that time. Yes, I saw the word "relieved" and just left it there. It felt strange to get back into the swing of things here at installation time. We all moved a bit slower than usual, and had to ask ourselves "gee, what am I missing here?" We have a video presentation of the artist in a five-minute talk on the show. Very soon we will have the equipment to feature an audio tour as well. Exciting times!

The Long Road to Toilets

2011-05-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Methinks I predicted things a little too early. This morning brought a happenstance meeting with the contractor, and our new date of completion for the washrooms is May 31. Apparently the tile guy is a perfectionist (which we don't usually mind around here) and is therefore taking another full week to finish his part of the job. Looks like the June 3 opening reception truly will be the unveiling of the bathrooms. Do I hear $100 to cut the ribbon and have the first visit?

Bathroom Musings

2011-05-22T20:32:00.001-07:00

My e-grammar needs work, but I've just started a Twitter account as SAGAcurator, so that people can follow the mysterious inner workings of the gallery. For instance, the floor and wall tile on one bathroom is complete - it looks fantastic despite being a week behind schedule. For those of you who are concerned about tearing out bathrooms in this historic building, rest assured. The design is very classic, not trendy, a little retro, with good quality hardware and fixtures. The various floor, tile, plumbing, drywall and electrical contractors have been coming and going, popping in and out in between six or seven other jobs. Bless them, they wander into the main gallery and say "gee, nice room. This used to be the library, ya know." Does this mean I can mark another visitor on the tally sheet? The smell of glue sent me fleeing last Friday, but I'll be back in the office Tuesday in preparation for the amalgamation meeting on Wednesday the 25th. I think we'll still be using the "Court-a-potty" but maybe by Friday we'll have one functioning toity. Ah, the joys of renovations.

CAGE conference

2011-05-05T08:30:00.001-07:00

I have just returned from the Canadian Art Gallery Educators conference in Calgary. It was fantastic, not just because the case studies were inspiring and the tours of other facilities were wonderful, but because the other attendees were just an amazing group of people! There were only about 15 of us, but from big and small galleries all over Canada; Halifax, McMichael, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Burnaby... and then me - from little ol' Salmon Arm. The others were specifically educators, titled Program Managers and the like, there representing a larger staff at their home gallery. Still, I felt very welcomed and encouraged by this professional development organization. At the AGM, there was discussion on how to further extend the learning from each other, and whether symposia were the way to go (given lower attendance due to shrinking budgets all over the arts sector). But ultimately we decided that the networking and the sheer fun of getting together, talking, sharing, touring and getting inspired is worth the trip.

"Art Galleries are not eligible."

2011-04-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

The sentence couldn't be more clear. It is the 2011 BC Gaming grant eligibility requirements on their website. I was directed there by Ursula Cowland from the Ministry. I asked her in a recent email "Hey, people keep asking me if we're getting our gaming money now that Christy Clark has announced she's returning the funding... so, are we?" Ursula replied "Well, that money has already gone where it's supposed to go, mainly to the "Family First" initiatives." It seemed promising that she then suggested I check out the new "Fairs, Festivals and Museums" section of the grant guidelines. But when I got there... "Art Galleries are not eligible." I blinked a few times and then gave up the faint hope that someday the province would find a way to fund us.

TONAC & Money

2011-04-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I travelled to Kelowna for the annual Thompson Okanagan Network of Arts Councils meeting. A typical meeting, we gave our reports and noted the absence of more than half of the Arts Councils. Nice to see that the Kelowna group is getting some youth action, having done a very cool installation event in an old motel, the "Mad Hatter," in March with a bunch of UBC-O art students. The issue of the moment is how BC Arts Council distributes provincial money. Our per capita grant has been cut in half as of last year. Apparently they are putting more of that money into the performance grant (money for ACs that do a good job fulfilling their mandate). But I think it's all smoke and mirrors. When you change a formulated funding system, you can easily reduce the total and no one really notices. Except, of course, the little guy at the end of the line who wonders why they have to cut back their programs in order to survive.

Then we discussed the recent Christie Clark announcement "hey everybody! gaming grants are coming back!" Whee! Oh, wait a minute. Are we suddenly eligible again? That's how they dumped us two years ago, by changing the eligibility requirements to youth-only programs. Funny, but I can't seem to find that information. I'm not sure I'm willing to spend two weeks writing a gaming grant application only to get zero and find out we still aren't eligible. A little clarity would be nice, Premier Clark.

Amalgamation

2011-04-14T12:14:00.001-07:00

The term that caught our ear was "superboard." It brought images of us all wearing a giant "S" on our blue unitards. We laughed long and hard, but then got down to business. The Shuswap District Arts Council and Shuswap Art Gallery Association (SAGA) are amalgamating. The Arts Centre has housed both organizations for the last 16 years, and it has become clear that they both have the same goals in mind - to provide excellent arts programming to this community. The benefits include greater cost efficiencies in accounting, insurance, office expenses, staffing, memberships and contracts. This is going to save literally thousands of dollars. The drawbacks, I don't know, haven't thought of any yet. Everything will look and feel the same as it did before. The gallery will continue to operate as it has done for the last 17 years. The Arts Council will continue to manage programs such as Wednesday On the Wharf (now in happy partnership with the Downtown Association). To most nothing will change. To SDAC and SAGA members, they will have one membership to pay each year and won't have to remember to which organization they belong. To me, the big plus is one board meeting a month, one AGM a year, one Annual Report to prepare, one phone to answer.... the list goes on.

Imagine a stable, secure arts organization with a full strong board of directors, financially sustainable, able to not only provide but expand its programming in the arts. That's a plus for Salmon Arm.

The Queue

2011-04-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

This morning I arrived at 6:55am to find that I am number 28 in the line-up for late French Immersion, class maximum is 30. I wiped the sweat from my brow, phoned the next mom on my list, and settled in for a 24 hour wait. Lawn chairs, blankets, coffee mugs of epic proportions surround me. I take a moment to let it all sink in. I wonder not only if my 10-year old has any appreciation for what I'm doing for her, but also if half of Salmon Arm is shutting down today. I see construction workers, a doctor, a counsellor, two music teachers, a speech pathologist, a dance instructor, a financial advisor, and another couple of dozen people whose profession will remain a mystery because they are so deeply involved with their laptops that they may never speak. Perhaps tonight when the poker game breaks out and everyone's support network starts delivering prohibited substances we'll get to know each other a little more. Right now, the early and late immersion parents are just happy to have a secure spot for their kid in the program, a decision that may or may not have anything to do with their dedication to the French language. Many are just seeking alternatives.

Professionalism

2011-02-14T14:50:00.000-08:00

Some years ago, I took a workshop on small business accounting. After learning the basics, I figured out some of the more complicated aspects on my own. I've improved over time and am pleased to report that I keep my own books and manage my family's finances and annual tax preparation. With that one little workshop and a lot of practice, I have earned the right to do my own books. However, that does not give me the right to teach other people how to keep their own books. That right is reserved for professionals. Those professionals have an association to which they are responsible. This ensures that only qualified teachers are out there, teaching correct foundation skills and offering their guidance where needed. Now, how do we convince artists of the same thing? Why are there completely untrained and unqualified people out there giving art courses and workshops? It's because artists do not have a professional organization to which they are responsible. If we did, they would come knocking on said artist's doors and say "sorry, without some level of qualification, you cannot teach others in this industry." I suppose there are always exceptions, artists who are brilliant teachers and have not a stick of art education. But overall, there is a sadly abundant array of people throwing their hat into the teaching ring who have no business being there. It contributes to mediocrity, and it certainly doesn't serve to elevate the status of professional artists in this country.

The View From Here

2011-02-07T21:20:00.001-08:00

What do you get when you ask a bunch of visual artists to go to the same area and paint the landscape? At SAGA, you get 35 artists with 40 different views. This exhibition, "Paint Paradise: Views of the Salmon River Delta," is wonderful not just because it is a fine collection of excellent works, but because it drives home the point that we are all so amazingly unique in our perceptions. Micro, macro, highly realistic to the madly abstract, the art speaks to us about this extraordinary ecosystem. On opening night Louis Thomas, a Neskonlith elder, spoke about growing up on the delta; skating on the little ponds that formed in winter and playing in the tall grasses in summer. It made us all fall back into our own connective memories of those special natural places. Growing up, who didn't have their own place in the wild, a twisted tree to climb, a river with a secret pool for swimming? Can we not reflect upon our own paradises, and realize that we must protect those same kinds of places for our children and grandchildren? It's easy to wander around the gallery and gaze upon beautiful images, but I'm hoping people will take an extra step this time - out to the delta, to the tall grasses and tiny skating ponds.

Only the Strong Survive

2011-01-28T08:06:00.001-08:00

It's been nearly 18 months since the first of the devastating cuts hit the arts sector in BC. It's no longer front page news, and therefore has fallen out of people's minds, replaced by terrorist attacks, riots and earthquakes. Perhaps this is the government's intentions, that people will forget what happened, pick up the slack (once again) and do what we all enjoy doing, making it happen with volunteers and bake sales. However, this is the point where I'm starting to feel weary of the hard uphill climb with less money. This is our second year with the much-reduced operating budget. Scramble scramble, looking at all options, partner here, partner there. What would it look like if the two arts organizations, SAGA and the Arts Council, became one? Some dollars saved, for sure. The vision and the mandate? What would that look like? Together, both could have more impact, more sustainability. Apart, they could continue to struggle just for survival. While the population of the Shuswap continues to grow, who is going to expand arts programming to meet the demand? Not two small organizations just struggling to stay afloat. One bigger arts organization with a beautiful vision of art for everyone... maybe!

WOW turns 18

2011-01-24T21:37:00.000-08:00

Today I was updating the sponsorship forms for the 2011 WOW season. Eighteen years. That's a good record for a community event supported mainly by small business, and a lot of happy audience members. Due to rising costs, the price of sponsorship is set to double this year. It's been $125 to sponsor one concert for the last six years. Now it is $250 to be a "solo" sponsor, and $125 to be a shared sponsor. Still a good deal, but again, we're asking small business to make this happen for us. I say this with a twang of guilt because I see these owners on the street throughout the year, and feel as though I'm always asking them for some kind of monetary or service support. I wonder if some are starting to cross the street to avoid me. However, there will always be some who feel their contribution to the community is their priority - "making Salmon Arm an awesome place to live" as one business owner put it. I applaud these folks, and want to point out that this has been an awesome place for WOW for the last 18 years. Thank you!

Year of the Youth

2011-01-20T11:59:00.000-08:00

In 2011, the Arts Council's focus will be on youth. Plans include the launch of the ShuGo program, which provides $5 tickets for any live performance of arts and cultural events in the Shuswap for people under the age of 21. In addition, the Arts Council will be sponsoring the September SAGA exhibition "Mash Up," mixed-media works by artists aged 15 to 25, and developing an interactive educational program in the gallery for that month. An annual focus helps provide direction to existing and new programming, which then helps in the final evaluation of said programs. In an effort to engage more youth in the cultural sector of Salmon Arm, we also succeed in speaking the language of the big guns in Victoria when we show them our excellent results.

Copyright debate

2011-01-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

On January 25 there will be a debate at the University of Ottawa regarding government reform on copyright. This from the Canadian Conference of the Arts press release: "The debate will focus on the bill’s controversial proposal to include education exemptions, which will allow for more free use of copyrighted materials. On one side, many argue that the exemption will enhance the academic experience for students and foster the development of the knowledge economy. On the other, critics argue that the provision does not protect artists’ rights by allowing the widespread copying of original works without fair compensation, which will in fact hurt the development of the knowledge economy."

It's important for artists to stay educated about such things. Let's keep our eye on this one...

the pace

2011-01-06T20:55:00.000-08:00

Officially, the gallery is closed until delivery day of the juried members show, January 17. However, the restoration of the lower level studio, stripping the wax off the gallery's maple floors, and catching up on 134 emails has sucked me back in to the office. I am finding it difficult getting back up to the pace I was going all last fall and pre-Christmas. Two weeks is just enough time to slow down. January arrived like a snowball in my face. We've just decided to postpone the fundraising event scheduled for January 30, "The Feast of Impropriety," but hope to hold it in April. With about 90% of the funds raised for the bathroom renovation, we feel confident in scheduling the contractor for early May. The gallery will be closed for the renovation, so that the various trades can make a lot of noise and mess, and just "get 'er done." Alas, no exhibition in May. The youth exhibition will be held in September, watch for more details on "Mash Up."

Restoration

2010-12-27T21:03:00.001-08:00

Holidays, time to slow down and get a little perspective on life. This past week or so I've gotten to know my kids again, and had good extended visits with friends. Another week and I'll be downright relaxed. But then, it will be hair-straight back as we embark on yet another fundraiser, this time to restore the bathrooms at the Arts Centre. We've now received several small grants, and one significant one, to bring the two washrooms up to code and make one entirely wheelchair accessible. I, for one, am looking forward to hands-free paper towel holders. Only one event to go - the "Feast of Impropriety." It truly will be a feast, prepared by a well-known local chef, and we will be talking about bathrooms the whole time. Perhaps a little bathroom humour would be appropriate. Sunday, January 30 is the date, and tickets will be $100. A charitable tax receipt can be given for $50 of each ticket. All Johns get a free gift... can you imagine what that would be?

Flood!

2010-12-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

Is this amazing wonderful historical building trying to tell us something? While we're desperately trying to find funding bodies willing to help us renovate the sorely inefficient bathrooms, the heating system has been staging its own drama. Today we arrived to a flooded lower level, damaging a great deal of items in the studio space, plus ceiling, floor and walls (interesting how paint will stretch into those large sacs!) However, cool heads have come and gone in the past few hours and we seem to be over the shock of it all. The building wants some attention. Not just physically, perhaps. Sure, we catch drips and patch walls, improve, renovate and replace where necessary, but that's not our focus. We've been discussing how the Arts Centre fits into the City's offerings as far as cultural services, and hoping to become one of the budget items on their books. Arts service is our focus. It's time to look at things differently, what we offer, what we can offer, how we can offer it. Efficiency is the word of the day.

Budget Line

2010-11-24T12:44:00.000-08:00

Even though it's not official, we recently read in the Observer that the application from the Arts Council and Art Gallery for joint funding was approved by Council, and that we now have a line in the budget. That's pretty exciting! Even though it's not the full amount we asked for ($25,000 approved, $45,000 requested) it still gives us some security and the ability to leverage that money for other kinds of funding. When an arts centre has a municipal commitment, it's much more likely to get approved for project funding from foundations, other levels of government, and Canada Council. Things are looking up! Maybe now I can buy a pen. When we lost Direct Access funding ($23,000 SAGA, $5500 SDAC) and was cut by BC Arts Council ($3500), I could scarcely breathe. We slashed the budget so severely that I thought any day I could be out on the doorstep. Thankfully, Council acknowledged that we are indeed a very important part of this community, and that our free programs for all ages of residents and visitors is worth something. It's worth a line in the budget!

Face to Face with Art

2010-11-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

Just spent five days in Vancouver, gallery-hopping and discovering more wonderful places to eat. Was not very impressed with some of the current shows in the commercial galleries, plenty of mild work. Also, seeing works from the collection again at VAG wasn't too exciting. However, the new Carr exhibit on the third floor was excellent. "In Conversation with Carr" is work by EC and other artists who are responding to her incredible influence on Canadian art. Douglas Coupland was one, and wow, I was impressed. Also of value was an interview with each of the artists, playing on DVD and headsets. I love that. It inspires me to do something like that here at SAGA. It always helps to hear what the artist has to say about their work - it expands our understanding of it. Plus, there's something about seeing the artists face and watching them speak - the media is the message!

Dedicated Staff

2010-09-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

Now I know why corporations and even non-profit organizations have dedicated staff to manage social media... Since my last post, we've had Paint the Town, Paint the Festival at Roots & Blues (both raucous events, netting the gallery some much needed cash and engaging a huge number of artists - thank you all!), Fall Fair and the opening of Arthur Brooke's watercolour journals. What a treat to have that in our community. Imagine curator Deb Chapman's delight when someone showed up at the museum with six books containing 324 watercolour paintings of early 1920's farming life with this little girl named Ruth. The exhibition is on at SAGA until September 25 and should not be missed. Today at Coffee Break, I encouraged Deb to take this to the National Gallery - it certainly wouldn't be out of place there. Of course, she's another one who needs dedicated staff to do these extra projects.

Paint Paradise

2010-07-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

In the tradition of the Hunaqua Lake painters, and the Orchard Series painters, the next juried members exhibition at SAGA Public Art Gallery will be themed "Paint Paradise: Views of the Salmon River Delta." The call is out for entries to this show that depict the area of the Salmon Arm Bay where the various small rivers enter the lake. Without trespassing on any private property, artists are encouraged to find their way to the pristine spots in that area (and perhaps one would get a nice view from a boat) and depict this area as it is today. In January of 2011, this exhibition will show us paradise before it is paved, through the eyes of our local artists. Margaret Atwood said recently on an edition of "Q" on CBC radio, "leave it to the arts if you want to get the message out."

A New Salmon Arm

2010-07-26T22:01:00.001-07:00

It's a sad day for this community. City Council voted in favour of amending the OCP to allow SmartCentres to build a shopping centre on 20-some acres of waterfront (yes, the details are in the words, but essentially we're talking waterfront). While there are many good reasons for this not to have been allowed to happen, my biggest concern is the backward thinking about community planning. I thought information about creative cities, compact urban cores, in-fill and mixed housing, walkable cities, neighbourhood hubs and motor-free connecting trails was getting through to municipal governments. I've heard many stories about other cities that have made huge strides in building thoughtful, people-friendly communities that attract families and businesses. This decision will change the face of Salmon Arm, and will make us just like any other sprawling asphalt-scape with enough recreational shopping opportunities to feed the hungry consumers of our time. Now Council will have to figure out where to build a bigger landfill.

Paint the Town is upon us...

2010-07-19T22:26:00.000-07:00

Artists are generally a reclusive bunch. There are a few who are flamboyant, but many are shy and a bit timid about declaring themselves an "artist." I say "get over it." When you have the ability to interpret a subject in a new way, and then create an image of it, no matter how realistic or abstract, then you have something to share with the world. Paint the Town and Paint the Festival (at Roots & Blues) is our chance to show people a tiny glimpse of the process. Now it's one of SAGA's major fundraisers (since the loss of Direct Access funding last year) so we want some exciting work that can bring in big dollars at the silent auction, but we also want artists to have fun interacting with the public and perhaps even putting some of that energy into their work. It's a bit outside-the-box for both artist and viewer. Saturday, August 7 on Hudson Avenue and Alexander Street.

Finding Local Art

2010-07-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

I'm just starting to distribute little window signs that say "Shuswap Artist Exhibiting Here" to downtown businesses who show local art. Some of these places enjoy an arrangement with an artist, who maintains a revolving collection of work, adorning their walls with new and intriguing works year-round. Other businesses take different artists each month or every six months or so. Whatever the arrangement, artists generally appreciate the opportunity to show and sell their work in a retail environment. Of course the work has to be visible, meaning at eye level (not stuck between cluttered shelving, for example). When visitors come into the public art gallery they often ask where they can find more local artwork. I will look forward to showing them the little sign that they can look for, and refer them to the Arts Council's website under "ArtWalk" to find out exactly who is displaying where.

It ain't easy being WOW

2010-07-03T22:03:00.000-07:00

I suppose to the average concert-goer, WOW looks pretty easy. There's a band, there's a sound guy, there's an audience. Simple. To any of the previous 15 coordinators, this statement is ridiculous. From February onward each year, the Arts Council starts seeking sponsorship, placing ads, applying for grants, booking the sound technician, promoting band participation, booking the gazebo, creating a new poster, establishing a marketing plan, and pulling together a committee of people to select the line-up. This year, things were more crazy with the knowledge that Gaming funds were not forthcoming, and the work to partner with the Downtown Association to make this concert series even possible. And then the concerts start! When the coordinator is up on stage at the half-time break, they are juggling 25 announcements, thank you's and scheduling notes in their head. It's tough, but the main message is that it takes a whole community of individuals, businesses, dollars and volunteers to make this event happen. Let's not let it slip away.

Combining Events

2010-06-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my family had a combined birthday party for the four family members whose birthdays are in June. What a rip. Sure, it's easier for those of us whose schedules seem to require 28 hours in a day. But what we're doing is under-celebrating people, and exhausting ourselves by trying to cover all the bases. Silly?

Let's consider the next scenario: We (being SAGA and the Arts Council) are combining events on Wednesday, June 16. It is time for SAGA's AGM, which at this point doesn't promise to be a blockbuster event. It is also time for the Marie Manson and Blair Borden Awards to be handed out. So instead of plugging in the tea kettle on two different days, we're working together to make a nice reception for the SAGA members and the very talented award recipients; Scott Crocker (MM), Joseph Dansereau (BB) and Asha Pratt-Johnson (BB). Then, weather permitting, we will all hike down to the wharf and enjoy ShuJaz at WOW. We'll be exhausted, but we'll have accomplished a great deal in a day. I wonder if we'll remember any of it on Thursday.

Tribute to Bern Smith

2010-06-04T22:53:00.001-07:00

A wonderful opening reception tonight at SAGA. Bern's work is really amazing - his skill at portraits is unsurpassed. It was a delight to see all his friends from the seventies and eighties come out to see the show, and to meet Bern's son, Brett. So many stories, many old photos were passed around, lots of laughs and memories. What a fitting tribute to the man who had such an impact on this community. Bern is the one responsible for many Shuswapians beginning an art collection. He showed us that original works of familiar landscapes have vitality, an energy that prints and posters lack. Like many great artists, this exhibition came 16 months too late. But tonight we celebrated the man and his work. This show continues to June 26. A must see.

WOW begins again

2010-06-01T21:16:00.001-07:00

Perhaps it's the crazy weather, but summer doesn't feel quite upon us yet. The first concert of Wednesday On the Wharf is my harbinger. Brian PJ will be there with two big jazz bands. Concert starts at 6:45pm, and the clouds better be white. Roger Parenteau (WOW Coordinator) has just returned from coordinating a triathlon in Calgary during that snowstorm. What a nice change for him to come home to the Shuswap!

Done Deal

2010-05-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official. The September 2010 issue of the Umbrella newsletter will be the last. We'll go through the summer promoting all the wonderful Shuswap events, and Wednesday On the Wharf, then that's it. Knowing this made the production of the May issue a little nostalgic. It's a beautiful watery colour combination, blues, purples and green, quite Shuswap-y. I was quite pleased with myself until it was pointed out that I omitted the O-Zone Drama Festival, and made a time error on another event. Now I'll be glad to see the end of it. At least with online info, you can make a change and reload.

TONAC meeting today

2010-04-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

Once a year, representatives from the Arts Councils in the Thompson Okanagan region get together for a networking meeting. That is a fancy way of saying "full day of visiting, bragging, whining and laughing." We spent three hours on item 2 of the agenda, which was "highlights," interrupted by a dreadful lunch at the bistro at Rotary Centre for the Arts. At the end of the day, we skipped items 3, 4, 5 and 6, and moved on to item 7 which was determine the date and place of the 2011 meeting. Does anyone else operate like this?

The Paper Newsletter

2010-04-05T21:06:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to let me know if you actually read this blog. The Arts Council is considering the elimination of the hard copy Umbrella newsletter and going to an online newsletter only. Currently, the monthly one-page newsletter is distributed free of charge throughout the downtown, malls, schools, hospital, etc - a run of about 600 copies. About a dozen volunteers pick up their "route" and deliver within the first few days of the month. The cost per year - about $1500 in printing, and maybe $4000 in wages for the crazy person who puts it together. The big question is "Do we need it?"

The Umbrella newsletter began 20 years ago in response to a lack of effort by local newspapers to cover/publicize arts and cultural events. Now we have four community newspapers, most of which do a reasonable job of such. SDAC stopped mailing out the newsletter to members when it became a monthly, and at the request of a few members who simply didn't want more mail. Now some are asking for just the simplified online version, "Artscape."

What to do? Please, give me your thoughts about this dilemma. The Umbrella has gone through several evolutionary changes over the years, but this is a biggie. We should know what the community wants and needs before making this decision.

General Meeting Doesn't Appeal

2010-03-22T21:59:00.000-07:00

Today was the bi-annual General Meeting of the Arts Council. Each year, we call this meeting to hand out the co-sponsorship grants and give opportunity to arts groups to network, compare event dates, brag about accomplishments. This particular meeting was also meant to share information on the recent cuts to Direct Access and BC Arts Council. We announced that the two co-sponsorship grants given out this year would be our last. Funny thing was, hardly anyone turned out to hear the news. In fact, the two groups who were to receive money didn't show up. What this says about the Arts Council's purpose in the community, I don't know. What was decided by 6pm while Delores and I cleaned up the coffee and cookies... this was our last General Meeting.

News about Direct Access

2010-03-09T12:14:00.000-08:00

Recent news from Rich Coleman indicates that arts and culture programs have been cut from Direct Access. He stated something about not being able to justify supporting certain programs. I wonder if he's ever lived in a community where the volunteer sector and non-profit organizations make the quality of life so vibrant. Oh well, his loss, I guess. There was a slight hint that some children's programs might still be eligible. Since the gallery's Family Saturday program is geared toward kids and parents spending some creative time together, I'm not sure that we'd qualify for any dough. I long ago gave up on Direct Access. While others said "next year," I said "they just won the lottery, why would they give it back?" The real question is, why is this government using gaming profits for essential programs, like health and education? That's a little scary, if you ask me, and certainly not fiscally responsible.

Great idea from another gallery

2010-02-23T19:08:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-02-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

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!

O'er the Holidays We Go

2009-12-22T22:26:00.001-08:00

Hooray for holidays. I really needed some time off. The gallery and Arts Council office are closed until January 11. However, I have a few meetings and proposals to manage before then, so I'm not really on holidays the whole time. A solid two weeks is still fabulous. I look forward to getting to know my kids again, spending some time in the studio, and eating all the amazing food that my wonderful friends have gifted us. LF makes the most amazing chocolate-nut item, DPJ makes almond roca, MC makes salsa, LF2 makes peach jam, JA makes ginger shortbread... oh I have the best friends in the world!

New Gallery Hours

2009-12-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

Gallery hours will be changing come January 2010. Beginning with our first open day on Saturday, January 23, hours will be 11am to 4pm. This will make our volunteer host shifts 2.5 hours in length instead of two hours. There will be only two shifts per day rather than three. One staff person has had their hours cut from 12 to 10 hours per week. We have been randomly tracking attendance between 10am and 11am, and the numbers have shown us that fewer than 5% of our daily visitors arrive between 10am and 11am. Therefore, looking for places to cut, this seemed a reasonable action.

All Through the Shopping

2009-12-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

For many people, Christmas is about shopping and buying presents for all their loved ones. I almost got sucked in this year, as I browsed the Zellers toy section looking for a Barbie radio. Nothing. I thought, "hmm, where might I find such a thing?" but then quickly caught myself and vowed not to add to the carbon output of Canada by traveling from store to store looking for a plastic toy.

That said, I am running around town promoting the Affordable Art Fair at the gallery. 120 original works by local artists, all under $200. Each of these items holds a tremendous amount of energy, wild flowing artistic energy that continues to ooze out of the work for many many years. The same can't be said for that plastic Barbie radio. I realized that shopping can be a wonderful addition to the Christmas season because you can delight in finding the perfect personal gift for the people closest to you. The art of giving has its own energy. Done well, it makes everyone feel joyful. It's only the stress of line-ups, hot malls, traffic jams and cranky clerks or shoppers that spoils it. This is the best reason to come to the gallery and do your shopping there. We're much more relaxed. The Affordable Art Fair runs until Dec. 12.

Death by Chocolate

2009-11-30T22:07:00.000-08:00

Two main themes dominated our discussion at the Arts Council's board meeting today: the job list for the Chocolate Reception we're having after the White Lights Christmas Studio Tour on Saturday, and the multiple wounds inflicted on us by the funding cuts via BCAC and Direct Access. We've been decapitated (or, as Jaci put it "the other way around, because 92% of us is gone) by the two major sources of operating funding. Technically, we have no secure operating funds. Of course, revenue generated from fundraisers like White Lights is ours to use as we see fit, and SAGA just received its news about CSA granting some operating funds, but overall there is no light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to stable funding just to stay staffed and pay the rent. Why, then, are we all just putting one foot in front of the other, celebrating, making music, having parties... I just shake my head and laugh, because it's who we are. I love what I do, it's fun. We'd all find a way to do it anyway. I fear the only major repercussion of the funding cuts is that we can't involve the broader community - children, seniors, low-income families - we can't provide the programs to expand the arts. That is a wound that affects everyone, one that can bleed a province to death.

Council said YES!

2009-11-25T09:25:00.001-08:00

Hooray! City Council approved SAGA's request for $7500 in operating funds for 2010! We're so happy - and Council was very positive, the vote was unanimous. I'm thrilled. It shows that this place means something to everyone in this community.

Clyde likes me!

2009-11-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

Not that I've been feeling like a voice in the wilderness, but I've said many times that Salmon Arm needs an Arts & Culture Policy, and subsequently a Public Art Policy. We need a collective cultural vision for this community. It should be part of the OCP. Yada yada yada. I've talked to a few CSA councillors, they nod in agreement, then give me the "we have lots of priorities" routine. I haven't pushed, I'm trying to work within the system, do my job. Today, after a meeting with Clyde Tucker about a Grantor's Roundtable being planned for the new year, he told me he commented on my post on Aim High Salmon Arm. I immediately checked it (I'm not very prompt about this sort of thing) and I was delighted that he agreed with everything I said. His last statement was "Bottom line: Salmon Arm needs a Cultural Master Plan." Yay! Somehow, when Clyde Tucker says it's a good idea, it suddenly becomes a good idea. He has an amazing amount of experience in policy, planning, investing, strategizing... the list goes on. He's a community treasure. I feel rejuvenated by his comments, and want to work harder to make Arts & Culture Policy for Salmon Arm a reality.

Arts Matters

2009-11-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

I listened with interest to CBC Daybreak's special this week "Arts Matters." Heard from a few people whose names I know from various media releases and events promotion. Today there was a public forum in Kelowna. One fellow was talking about how a new and otherwise unsellable development in Toronto brought in an arts component and suddenly blossomed to become a cultural destination. He also advocated for creating a low-cost district for artists, making it easier for them to live/work in publicly accessible studios. This plan re-invigorates communities, making them lively and interesting for everyone. Makes me think that our little cultural district in Salmon Arm (from Filiatrault's on Hudson, up past the gallery and down to the theatre) can use some attention. What would happen if the landlords in that area made space available to visual and performing artists at cost-recovery rates. For instance, that lovely little space in the bottom of the old courthouse. There are likely many little cubby-holes that can be turned into studio space for artists, thus giving that area more creative energy. More fun for both visitors and residents... with the added bonus of keeping young people in the community.

Busy

2009-10-23T08:47:00.001-07:00

Everyone is busy. Personally, I have a husband, two kids, a farm, two jobs, a career as an artist, friends, parents, groups I belong to, a Spanish course, and a house to fix up. I try to make time for yoga, swimming, walking, reading, going to movies and concerts, printing my photographs, playing the recorder, writing to friends and taking vacations. I've been through the "seven roles" exercise, but really, how can we stop at seven things? Squeezing it all in is what makes me who I am. If I was only seven of those things, I wouldn't be very interesting. Healthier, maybe, but not nearly as interesting.

On motivation

2009-10-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

What motivates a person to go to work each day when you know it's a struggle, a gasping for breath among waves of uncertainty? Why wouldn't one just say "okay, I give up" and let it all go? Is it a sense of loyalty, a dedication to an ideal, or just the thin paycheck at the end of each month? I've just gone through an analysis of what makes me walk into the gallery each day to face this turbulent time and juggle all the fundraising projects and ideas into some cohesive plan. I realize now that the struggle is what helps me feel like I make a difference. Passion is born out of accomplishment - when something that was just an idea becomes reality, and people see and experience it, get joy from it and express gratitude - well, that means something. Even if the process was a bit painful, or stressful, or "impossible." It's the artist's nature to overcome.

Public Art Project Number 6

2009-10-05T22:26:00.000-07:00

Wow, we're really getting up there. We (meaning myself, Madeleine Eames, and about 35 Salmon Arm kids) just completed the sixth public art project in the downtown. We gathered at Fletcher Park last week to bash tile and create many little images about things we love about the Shuswap. There are flowers, mountains, sky, suns, lake, fish, birds, houses, a cat and a crab. Plus a few abstract works from those budding Mondrians. It is located in the centre of the park, right beside City Hall. The adhesive should be set by now, and we will be grouting this week. For many years to come, kids will be able to see the little dash of colour they added to this world.

Public art project number 6, after the bumpy things at the post office, the apples at SASCU, the family at Fletcher Park, the City Hall art collection, and the Ross Street Plaza water fountain pebble tiles. This is only the second one created by kids. Soon, we will have many very small public artworks around town created by this community's children.... watch and see!

The Dust Settles

2009-09-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

Humans... we're so resilient. We can become accustomed to pain. Just used to it. Here we are, appearing on the outside as though nothing is wrong, while inside we are scrambling to find some secure funding to keep going past the end of the year. Some immediate cuts have taken place, like custodial staff (please, no one barf in the gallery while I'm working), office supplies (donations of working pens welcome) and cheese for opening nights (what? no more Gort's Gouda?) Come January, gallery hours will be reduced. Musicians honorarium will be axed. Commission taken on art sales will go up. Rentals will go up. But you know what? We'll get used to it. Stings now, but it just isn't enough to make us march on parliament. I don't know what ever will. Maybe if I'm out of a job in January, I'll start walking.

City Council presentation

2009-09-14T16:47:00.001-07:00

I have just returned from presenting a budget proposal to City Council for $7500 in annual funding for the art gallery. About 20 people came out to show their support - artists, musicians, administrators, funders and gallery-goers. My main point was that we've been running this gallery for 15 years efficiently and with joy, and now we'd like the City to step up and help fund a portion of our operating costs. It would be about 8% of our budget. It is no longer possible to run the gallery on volunteers alone - we have a hard-working staff and board of directors, but our volunteer base is slowly disappearing (a phenomenon noticed by many non-profit organizations). The four staff we have don't even make up a full-time job between them, but the work we get out of everyone - whew! Now we wait for Council to consider our proposal. We hope that by December we will know that they are committed to supporting this important community hub.

Call to Action: Art Black-Out February 12 - 28, 2010

2009-09-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that one government can single-handedly destroy what takes years to create - a vibrant arts community. The government didn't create it, we created it. Through a lot of hard work and passion, our little community has 33 arts groups representing about 4000 artists of all genres. But the government can tear it down through this brutal set of cuts to funding on all levels. What do we have in our arsenal to fight back? Lobby groups, no. Big corporate interest, no. Big money? Certainly not. Here's what we do have - art. Yes, we can leverage our art.

Want a life without art? Let's see what that looks like: Art Black-Out from February 12 - 28, 2010. Art galleries take the work off the walls. Theatres close your doors. Musicians don't play. Dancers don't dance. Artists don't exhibit. Poets don't read.

Show the world what the provincial government is doing to the arts in BC. Fight back.

Denied

2009-09-01T17:49:00.000-07:00

I am writing to advise you and your organization that your request for a regular 2009/10

community gaming grant has been denied.

That is the first line in the letter we just received from Gaming via email. No shock, as I have learned today that arts organizations all over the province are reeling from the same news. On the backs of the poor, this government is generating revenue to pay for the Olympics, tax breaks for businesses, MLA salaries (increased by 30% last year). On the other side: arts groups, seniors groups, organizations that feed the homeless, amateur sports groups.... all denied. Who is going to stand up and say this isn't right? Who? Surely as polite Canadians we can't actually protest, or have a revolution. No. We'll wait until three years from now when the next election comes and everyone has adjusted to the wounds inflicted on our culture, and elect the same pathetic group of morons that we elected this time. We'll forget the lies, the betrayal, the actions that smacked of fascism. We always forget. Until then, we will pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, keep putting one foot in front of the other, find some creative ways to fill the gaps... all because we are passionate people who believe in doing the thing we love. We will survive.

Still no word...

2009-08-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

Not only were we left hanging when the Provincial government decided to freeze Direct Access funds and not tell the non-profit organizations what was going on, but now the media releases all say "The Freeze is Lifted!" and there is still no word from Direct Access or the Government! We don't know if we'll get what we've received for the past six years, or less, or none at all. I just heard this morning on CBC radio that a Vancouver theatre festival received word they were denied their Gaming funding, money they were counting on for this year's event. Now I'm really worried.

My board of directors meets this week to discuss the situation, although without any information, what's to discuss? Cuts to staff? I don't imagine the board members want to do my job, I wonder if they even realize that would have to happen. You can't cut someone's hours in half and expect the same job to be done. Oh wait, the government itself has been doing that for years to civil servants, RCMP, etc. Do you think they'll cut MLA wages by 40%?

End the Freeze. Buy an Ice Cube

2009-08-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

Crazy - We raised $73 today selling ice cubes to the passing public out in front of the art gallery. Many people had a laugh and happily donated a few coins or dollars in exchange for an ice cube. It helped that it was a very hot day. We were protesting the funding freeze by BC Gaming. So many people had no idea, and even non-arts folks were surprised to learn that sports groups were experiencing the same crisis. This affects everyone, because your local PAC, or ski club or writers group may be depending on that money for their next project, festival or event. Now, that event may not happen, or their doors will close, or their staff will be laid off. Big consequences. Everyone should be calling Kevin Krueger and Gordon Campbell making sure they know what funding like means to a small community. They're talking billions, we're talking thousands - but those thousands have big impact in Salmon Arm. Don't sit back and let this happen. We all must make a stand. Tell the BC Government to give arts, cultural and sports group their duly assigned Gaming funds.

Paint the Town

2009-08-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

For the fifth year, 20 or so artists hauled their gear to a downtown location in Salmon Arm to create a masterpiece. In one day they painted our luscious scenery and then brought their work back to the gallery for display and the reception. What a hoot. Everyone was in a good mood, the weather was perfect, not too hot and just enough haze to make an interesting painting. A few newcomers this year, which is always nice to have. It's like Christmas when I go back to the gallery at the end of the day - bless Margaret for doing intake for me these last couple of years. I never get to see anyone else's work while I'm slapping paint to canvas in the same frenzied way. Again, I'm blown away by the quality of the work. It's a beautiful show. David Askew - get your butt down there and look at the cool work Justin Maas did of your store! And put a bid on them while you're at it.

Now, to Paint the Festival - I've got eight artists lined up to paint on Sat/Sun at Roots & Blues. They are all excited and rarin' to go. Can't wait to see what they do - especially given the opportunity for night-time paintings. Ooooo.

Funding Cuts

2009-08-10T16:37:00.000-07:00

Oh brother. Talk about creating your own reality. I've never worried about BC Gaming funding until this year. I was so stressed from the moment I plunked the application in the mail back in May. Now I'm thinking that I was in tune with some universal vibe that Gaming was going to pull the rug out from hundreds of arts organizations. Nothing is for sure, but the word is that Gaming has frozen our funding pending the next provincial budget on September 2. This on top of BC Arts Council funding being cut by 40%. Is this their brilliant plan to stimulate the economy? No, it's their plan to pay for the Olympics, I'm sure. This is old-style dirty politics. I thought as a species we were making progress, understanding the impact arts and culture has on sustaining communities, both economically and socially. Apparently none of the suits in Victoria have entered the 21st century. I'm just so mad I can barely formulate a nasty letter to Kevin Krueger. I think I need a face to face meeting with him and our own MLA George Abbott. I'll be sure to pull out my bag of stats to prove what all the intelligent people know about the benefits of supporting arts and cultural groups.... one of which is that for every dollar the Provincial Government invests in the arts, they receive $1.36 in tax revenue. Seems like a good investment to me.

Downtown Music

2009-07-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

Oh what fun. Old Man's Beard played at the Ross Street Plaza during lunchtime today. What a fantastic group - it's only a matter of time before we'll be paying $125 to see them in a grand stadium somewhere. Had to stand in the dotted shade of a sad little tree, but I was lucky as most were in this full 39 degree sun. The musicians are such troopers, baking on the concrete stage and still bustin' a move and singing their hearts out. Love the song "Tofino." What a great town, so much talent, and a few dedicated organizations working to give these artists exposure. Not much monetary reward, but lots of exposure. We threw $5 into the Tequila Fund.

Vancouver Art Trip

2009-07-30T22:50:00.000-07:00

Another quickie trip to Vancouver to see the Vermeer Rembrandt show, plus a few other galleries on the "Drawing" tour. Must say, wasn't too impressed with the Dutch masters show. One Vermeer, not even the blockbuster one, and a few little Rembrandts. Enjoyed some of the historical information, and some of the big portraits were quite impressive. It only took us two hours to do the whole thing, which included the trip through the knick-knack section, where I spent $1.75 on some Vermeer stickers. How embarrassing. The highlight was the second-floor show: the Emily Carr and Jack Shadbolt drawings - wow. Of interest is Jack's efforts to "exorcise" the influence of Carr on his work with the "Hornby Suite" drawings. I got sucked into them, was there. Very cool. His early work is fantastic, too - from the 40's. We Canadians have some great artists. Couldn't be bothered to spend much time on the other shows, photography - not my thing. The installation in the atrium was hilarious - like time travel. Loved it.

Visual Radio

2009-07-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

I'm amazed what good editing and gentle music can do for the spoken word. The interview with CBC Daybreak's Jennifer Chrumka this morning was wonderful. She made me sound so good! Unfortunately, Daybreak doesn't post a podcast, so anyone who missed it is really out of luck. Talk about an ethereal piece. I feel blessed that Jenn contacted me about the show, as it really was an enlightening artistic experience all round, and I think that message came across clearly over the airwaves. I used to think describing visual arts on the radio was, well, unsatisfactory. Now I feel differently, of course. I suppose it engages your imagination, which can be far more intense than reality.

I love CBC Radio

2009-07-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Chrumka from CBC Radio interviewed me today about Visceral Loss, the exhibition of five Shuswap artists who painted at Roderick Haig-Brown Park. Jennifer was very considerate and encouraging as she held the microphone alarmingly close to my lips. The gallery was closed, so it was just me and my quivery voice hoping against hope that I answered each of her questions in some coherent manner. We finished and she thanked me and left, poking her head back in to quickly asked what kind of music I listen to while in my studio. Truthfully, I only listen to CBC Radio! I'm in my right brain anyway, so learning from all the wonderful guests on the various programs happens so naturally. I love it, the constant chatter from that handsome Jian Ghomeshi (on Fridays, my day off), or Paul Kennedy, or Randy Bachman if I'm out there after the kids are in bed. It motivates me, the ever-present value on the arts. I told Jennifer this, and she laughed. I hope she didn't think I made it up. Anyway, my back-up answer was Leonard Cohen. Eric and I listened to "The Future" album for three solid years in art school. When we play it now, we instantly feel stressed and hungry. Thus, CBC Radio is on in my studio. It feeds my soul.

Always Thank the Right People

2009-07-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

At this week's WOW concert, the Cats & the Fiddle played a wonderful set. Half-way through the last song, the lead violinist calls out "and thanks to the City of Salmon Arm for Wednesday on the Wharf!" I just about choked on my popcorn. Last time I checked I don't work at City Hall. Aside from renting the gazebo to us, the City doesn't have much to do with this concert series, now in its 16th year. A lot of hard work by Arts Council volunteers, and a great many business sponsors, have made this possible. I wonder if the musicians in this community even notice who they send their application to each year, or who writes their cheque. The Arts Council is almost invisible in this community, but WOW! is supposed to be our flagship - the one program that is known throughout the BC interior, loved by all ages. I guess I'll have to charge up the branding machine...

A great WOW and opening

2009-07-03T22:55:00.001-07:00

A wonderful week, with a fantastic Canada Day WOW concert. Ethereal Edge were fine, and Old Man's Beard rocked. I've never seen that many people dancing in front of the gazebo at a WOW before. Must be a record. I hope it happens again and again.

And a lovely opening for the dual park exhibitions - from eleven Revelstoke and Shuswap artists. About 100 in attendance, and the noise level was insane! Couldn't even hear Jake, Willy and Bill over all the racket. High energy, which is great. This show provokes people a bit, makes them think about development at the mouth of the Adams River. A few "pretties" but mostly high impact works.

To WOW or not to WOW

2009-06-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

For those of you who packed your lawn chairs and water bottles down to the wharf last night hoping to see the Salmon Armenians, I want to explain how the WOW! concert rain policy works. Our sound technician, Bryan, nice guy, requires about two hours to set up the electrical equipment. The sound check is at 6:15pm, so that puts him at the park around 4pm. If it's raining, he can't set up electrical equipment. If it's a shower and we expect it to end within an hour, then he can hang around and then start setting up double-time around 5pm. If it looks like it's going to rain for a while, then we're basically finished. The band also requires some time to set up before the sound check. If it starts raining during the concert, it's not as bad, things can be tarped. However, because there are no gutters on the gazebo, a lot of water finds its way onto the stage, damaging the musician's equipment.

So, if it's raining at 4pm, and the forecast is for more rain, we cancel the concert. If the sun busts through at 6:30pm and everyone gets excited, wanders down to the park and finds it cancelled.... well, now you know why. To find out if a concert is cancelled, listen to EZ Rock (we always tell them first) or call the Arts Council office 832-6807 (we will put a message on the answering machine).

SAGA's AGM

2009-06-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

You know your organization is doing a good job when hardly anyone attends your AGM. With a dismal turnout of 9 people over and above the board of directors, I should feel complimented. However, I would have liked more people to see the slide show I prepared of our "year in review" with 130 fun photos of our wonderful events and exhibitions. Thank you Roger at DIA for arranging that DVD projector - it's good to have friends in high places (he's on the second floor). I think I'll make a youtube video of it, because, darn it, we have a good time presenting art in this town.

OCP and rain

2009-06-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

My first OCP meeting. We went over the terms of reference and the overall planning schedule - not too much fun. However, the exciting part is still to come. This community is at a cross-roads. We can choose what kind of city we're going to be - a city of tourism, arts and culture, where people come just to bask in the character of our town and experience our terminal coolness. Or, a retirement village. Or, a city of shopping. Oh wait, Vernon is a city of shopping, so is Kelowna, and Kamloops. Hmmm. Maybe we should think about where the niche is.

And what is with the rain? We need it so bad, but please don't rain on WOW!

Gerry Marchand opening reception

2009-06-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

It's not a surprise, Salmon Arm folks don't come out in droves to an opening reception for an out-of-town artist. However, the few who did come to the June 5 opening of Gerry Marchand's "In Search of Light" (he's from Vernon) were the ones who genuinely wanted to be there. First, some lovely words by Louise Wallace - her business Mediability is the sponsor of the show. She said that as her high-school art teacher in North Bay, Ontario (quite a coincidence, hey?) Gerry emphasized creativity over a specific talent in drawing or painting. Seeing how creative she is in her web design business, it's clear that it was a gift for her. A couple of other former students came, ones who'd never attended an opening before. One of them ended up singing old songs with the other crooners, leaning in to read Tom Brighouse's score as he played the Kuwai with soul and charm. A few others had seen one or two of Gerry's works elsewhere and felt a certain draw to come and see this show. Gerry and his wife, Marie, are lovely people, easy to talk to. They were delighted with the reception. Gerry will be back on June 18 to talk at "Coffee Break" at 2:30pm.

Interview with Kay McCracken

2009-06-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hello all, Margaret Chrumka here. For those of you who don’t know, or just wonder… I work a few hours a week for both the gallery and the arts council and I pull the Umbrella arts council newsletter together each month.

In preparation for the June Umbrella, I had hoped to connect with Kay McCracken to do a face-to-face interview about her new book – A Raven in My Heart. We couldn’t seem to manage a meeting, so I ended up quickly sending her a few questions via email. I was so pleased with her responses and she enjoyed the process, so we decided to post our Q and A. Kay’s book launch is set for 7pm, June 13 at the Gallery.

What was the name of your bookstore?

Reflections, plain and simple. Ironically the bookshop reflected things back to me that hastened me along on my spiritual journey.

How long was it open - when did it open and when did it close?

I opened it the beginning of September 1993 and it closed December 31^st, 1998, about 5 and a half years.

Why did you close it?

The “final nail in the coffin” was the “beautification of Shuswap Street,” which was the two and a half months that Shuswap Street was barricaded at both ends of the block as men and machinery tore up the street. Even the sidewalks disappeared! That travesty was right on the heels of the fire of ’98, and the evacuation of Salmon Arm. Eventually health issues and burnout played a part, too.

How was it the impetus for your book? Was it?

Well, this was a story begging to be told. When I moved to Salmon Arm to open a bookstore named Reflections, I felt like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Like Alice, far from finding an idyllic garden, I found myself in a world that had its own nonsensical rules.

When do you think you developed this connection with Raven? Have you always lived in BC and had this connection? Is this something that evolved as you worked at the store?

Raven first came to me when my plans to move to Salmon Arm and open a bookstore were well under way. Raven is a powerful Trickster for First Nations people, and in mythology he’s the figure who embodies paradox and change. It’s probably no mistake that this mysterious bird began showing up—in person as well as symbolically—as I was at the threshold of middle age. With seismic hormonal changes playing havoc with mind, body, and spirit, it was if the spirit of Trickster taunted me. I began to learn as much as I could about the iconic bird.

How long have you been working on the book?

I began writing the book a couple of months after I closed Reflections. It was either that or go crazy. I found that the process of writing helped me make sense of what had happened. Opening the door to creativity was the most healing and the most beautiful thing I could have done for myself. So, off and on over a ten-year period, and hundreds of drafts later, I have something I’m proud of.

Can you easily describe how you feel as it is about to be released?

I’ve gone through a lot of different feelings about releasing something as personal as this book is. A memoir is so much more damning than a novel. It’s your life, your feelings (and failings), your family and friends that are being written about. Thankfully, the fear (what will they think) has been mostly replaced by positive feelings of joy at the opportunity to share my labour of love with people.

Wednesday on the Wharf begins

2009-06-04T14:07:00.000-07:00

That Jacob Verburg... what a guy. He's been so laid back these past few months, working away quietly and happily, getting everything lined up for Wednesday On the Wharf. Yesterday he was beside himself with stress, getting all the last minute details worked out for the very first concert of the year, bless him. But what a way to start the season - Dan Engelland played to a crowd of about 300 people on a beautiful sunny Shuswap evening. What could be better. And Jacob has created quite the amazing line-up for this year, there are several bands on the schedule that we've not seen at WOW yet. It looks like it's going to be a fabulous season.

Panicking on Gaming Grant

2009-05-31T15:16:00.000-07:00

My stomach is just in knots over the Direct Access Grant application. I still haven't seen the gallery's name on the BC Gaming website as having been received. We mailed it May 19 via Express Post. Oh, the stress... I'm sure that they just haven't been able to add all the names of people who sent their grant application in last minute, right? Still, one always wonders if something went wrong, or maybe I missed something. Oh I can't stand it, I wish they would just send the same amount of money every year so we don't have to go through this each time. I just want some continuity. This constant angst over deadlines and budgets and "demonstrated need." We're running an Arts Centre! Of course we have needs! In fact, we have far more needs than funding, but I'm willing to get along at our current level if I could avoid these annual application processes.

Ross Street Plaza Water Fountain

2009-05-28T11:04:00.001-07:00

I'm so pleased with the fountain at Ross Street Plaza. It looks so beautiful with all the little pebble mosaic fish swimming happily. We put blue stones in the corners to soften the diamond-shaped tiles (designed initially to fit the original 3-tiered waterfall plan of 2005). Now I think it would look even better if the entire bottom were filled with these lovely blue stones. It would pull the whole thing together. However, I understand from the City crew that they need channels of flat surface so that they can clean out all the soap when some yahoo soaps the fountain - which apparently happens once a week on average. Why don't they install web-cams on either side of the plaza? They could have it on the City's website (like Silver Star) and people can check in to see what's going on at the plaza, ie. concerts, etc. Also of use to police when someone soaps the fountain.

OCP Review Committee!

2009-05-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

Wheee! Yesterday I received my Letter of Appointment from the City of Salmon Arm that I have been appointed to the Official Community Plan Review Committee! I recognized a few of the names on the list, all excellent people. I'm very excited. First meeting in mid-June. Yay.

Bathrooms and Art

2009-05-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

Just realized that I better get to work on the grant application to the Shuswap Community Foundation for our bathroom renovations. There isn't anything romantic or even artistic about fixing old toilets and replacing 60's plumbing. We have to install a durable floor, and we're keeping the hideous yellow wall tile (just because it's so retro). It's tough to be practical. Perhaps a mosaic backsplash for the sinks, or a bulletin board to look at while you're... well, I'm sure we'll think of something.

Art is everywhere in the city

2009-05-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

Just back from Vancouver and cannot believe how people survive in that sea of moving bodies and hot concrete. However, it rejuvenated me, made me think differently about our place, our purpose. Art is everywhere in the city. Riding the bus made my neck hurt, I was always craning to get a look at some sculpture or creative water feature. I have to focus more on public art for Salmon Arm. Today City Council chooses the OCP Review committee members - I applied for one of the ten positions. If I get on, public art is at the top of my agenda. Making it part of the Official Community Plan is a priority, then getting continual funding - like the 1% of development budget idea that works in other communities. If I don't get selected, City Council will be seeing a lot of me anyway, as I am on a mission!

Fresh Ideas about Publishing from RM of Kelowna

2009-05-05T16:06:00.001-07:00

Just back from the Assembly of BC Arts Council's conference in Kelowna, and brimming with ideas to renovate the Umbrella newsletter - thanks to Robert MacDonald and an excellent workshop on publishing. All this time our little newsletter has been full of boosterism, and not educating the public. I'm thinking and planning big changes to add challenging articles to this monthly item. Mainly about artistic process, as Chris Tyrrell says "to help the visual artists in your community you need to create more art buyers, and one way to do that is to educate them in the artistic process."