It was a strong turnout of voting members for the 2011 annual general meeting of the Hope & District Arts Council, held on Wednesday, January 19.
The meeting commenced with the election of a new executive board of directors. Elected for another term is Rod Fowler, as president, Sharon Blythe, vice-president, Janet Henderson, treasurer, and Adrienne Marshall, director. New members to their positions are: Louise Anderson, secretary, Janet Rigby, director, and Nancy Dobson, director.
The new board has lots of exciting arts events in the planning. “The first fun event of 2011 was the wine and cheese ‘get to know you’ that followed the elections,” says vice-president Sharon Blythe. “As usual many more events are being organized for the coming year.”
Arts & Culture week falls near the end of April, so watch for posters announcing the ‘Dine & Depart with Celebrity Art’ fund raising dinner.
“Some very interesting art pieces showed up at this event last year, and you can expect more of the same this year,” adds Blythe.
The art council staff and volunteers will also be soon booking acts for ‘Concerts In The Park’ – a series of free concerts in Hope Memorial Park on Sunday afternoons during the months of July and August.
Although “these concerts are free to the public... a hat is passed around at some point during the event to accommodate those who wish to make a donation,” adds Blythe.
Philosopher’s Café has revamped its format for 2011 and now meets every Wednesday afternoon at The Blue Moose Coffee House on Wallace street from 3:30 - 5 p.m.. “There is usually a topic of the day, but newspaper articles, books that have been read, community happenings, and almost any other subject are discussed in a friendly environment,” says Blythe.
The provincial government has also announced that a week has been set aside in July to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the first provincial park in British Columbia. The Hope & District Arts Council has received funding and will be putting on a huge arts and cultural related event at the Quinette/Othello Tunnels, including an art show, a guided tour through the tunnels by the manager of the Hope Museum and Visitor Centre, Inge Wilson, as well as musical entertainment.
The B.C. Culture Days task force has also announced that Culture Days across Canada will be held from September 30 to October 2.
“HDAC’s ‘Art Machine’ participated last year by having their drop-in workshop attendees create Trading Cards. They will participate again this year with a fun event of some kind,” adds Blythe.
In 2011, the month of December will once again bring with it ‘WinterFest’. This will be the sixth year that letters to Santa at the library will be written, and artists will participate in the Church Walk, local Christmas concerts, theatre productions and other events have been organized.
The Art Machine, located at 777-5th Avenue, continues to provide drop-ins on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Drop by and pick up a schedule during their Open House, Saturday, January 29 between 1 and 3 p.m.. Interested in exploring your artsy side? Stop by and chat with Art Machine artist, Linda Bishop and program co-ordinator, Diane Ferguson.
And “The Art Machine has another little surprise! Lori Ann Steberl has rented one of the office spaces and now offers piano lessons at the 5th avenue location,” adds Blythe.
“HDAC is thrilled to have added a music component to their arts related programs,” says Blythe.
Love to work with clay? There will also be a two-day workshop called “Feline Fairies” with April Wilding in February. April will help you create cute and fanciful clay felines and then help you glaze your creations. Both workshops will be held from 1 - 4 p.m.. There is a fee, but all materials are supplied. Pre-register for this workshop by calling 604-869-3400.
“Of course you can also register the day of the open house!” says Blythe.