Screaming success

ripoffs 2016Here is a photo of the RipOff artists with their creations just after the bell rang on Saturday signalling the end of this year’s challenge.

Although the iconic painting, “The Scream” by Edvard Munch is considered a depressing picture, the RipOffs did their best to liven it up.   Each of the nine artists added an element from the previous nine years challenges: perhaps a dancing girl from Toulouse Lautrec, a cypress by Vincent van Gogh, or a tulip by Geoorgia O’Keeffe. In addition, the current challenge was to add an anachronism – often a reason for the “scream”. For example, a number of artists chose some form of industrialization or climate change in the background as their anachronism. Guest artist, Bethany Handfield with her encaustic talent was a delightful addition.

To celebrate the group’s 10th anniversary, a grand opening reception was held in “big blue”.  Guests were surrounded by previous year’s RipOff challenge pieces.  Shown together the impressive display gave kudos to the merits of the RipOff’s artistic achievements.

The artists wish to thank the Oliver Community Arts Council  for their support in mounting this year’s special anniversary challenge.

Who knows what the group will conjure up for next year.  Perhaps something acknowledging Canada’s 150th birthday….any suggestions?

Feeling a little blue and a lot happy

QNAC 1The arts council may be feeling a little blue, but they are also feeling very happy. This summer, the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre on Airport Street was treated to a facelift. The “Studio” building, the smaller of the two buildings on site, received a fresh coat of blue paint and white trim on the doors and windows. The colours were chosen to match “Big Blue”, the large unheated shed used for set building, arts storage, and rehearsals, and as a rain venue for Music in the Park.

QNAC 2When the property was first gifted to the arts council nearly ten years ago, the building was a pale beige and the doors a bright industrial orange. The council gave the Studio a hit of artsy colour with royal purple doors and burnt orange trim, proudly proclaiming the new location of the arts council.

The council decided on the most recent makeover for two reasons:

1. New, insulated bay doors were installed on the Studio building two years ago, and their baked on white primer received positive comments from both members and passersby. Big Blue’s bay doors were primed white to match. However, this fresh paint job made the rest of the exterior look shabby by comparison.

2. Over the years many visitors expressed confusion over the two buildings on the arts centre lot. Even with its large sign, many did not know that “Big Blue” was part of the arts centre, but assumed it was a separate enterprise. For years, members, neighbours, and visitors have suggested painting the two buildings in the same colour to make it more obvious that the two buildings were connected.  It was cheaper to paint Studio blue than both buildings an entirely new colour!

Watch for the next stage of  the Quail`s Nest facelift. In the works: applying some artwork to all bay doors, supplying irrigation conduit to the front of the property, and landscaping (and possibly xeriscaping) along the sidewalk.

Thank you Cameron Ogilvie for your excellent paint jobs (inside and out)! He`s not just an artist on canvas!

Thank you also to Barry Jeffery for repairs to the Studio Building fascia.

Landscaping continues at Quail’s Nest beginning April 22

Quail's Nest2

Contracted landscaping work will be occurring at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre at 5840 Airport Street, beginning the week of April 22 – 26.

PJR Contracting Ltd. has been hired by the Oliver Community Arts Council to remove the chain link fencing and weed trees along the northern perimeter of the property and the remaining fence along the road on the eastern side north of the “Big Blue” Building. In addition they will also be placing, levelling and packing 3/4 crush gravel on the northern end of the property. This is a continuation of the landscaping project begun in the summer of 2012.

The arts council  anticipates that this work will be completed within a maximum of two weeks, weather permitting. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, especially in terms of noise or access. The council  anticipates the latter to be minimal, with work confined to a small area within the  property. Street parking is recommended during the day.

The fence and weed trees have been an ongoing maintenance issue at the arts centre, with the fence preventing removal of weed trees. The outcome will be a neater exterior with less weeding required  for the council and its northern neighbours.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact the Oliver Community Arts Council at OliverCAC @ gmail.com

Thank you to our new Operations team of Betty Lou Trimmer Bahnsen and Bob Parker for their work on this project. Look for more projects later in the year, including painting the exterior of the smaller Studio Building, and some design elements added to the doors of both buildings.

Landscaping continues at Quail's Nest beginning April 22

Quail's Nest2

Contracted landscaping work will be occurring at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre at 5840 Airport Street, beginning the week of April 22 – 26.

PJR Contracting Ltd. has been hired by the Oliver Community Arts Council to remove the chain link fencing and weed trees along the northern perimeter of the property and the remaining fence along the road on the eastern side north of the “Big Blue” Building. In addition they will also be placing, levelling and packing 3/4 crush gravel on the northern end of the property. This is a continuation of the landscaping project begun in the summer of 2012.

The arts council  anticipates that this work will be completed within a maximum of two weeks, weather permitting. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, especially in terms of noise or access. The council  anticipates the latter to be minimal, with work confined to a small area within the  property. Street parking is recommended during the day.

The fence and weed trees have been an ongoing maintenance issue at the arts centre, with the fence preventing removal of weed trees. The outcome will be a neater exterior with less weeding required  for the council and its northern neighbours.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact the Oliver Community Arts Council at OliverCAC @ gmail.com

Thank you to our new Operations team of Betty Lou Trimmer Bahnsen and Bob Parker for their work on this project. Look for more projects later in the year, including painting the exterior of the smaller Studio Building, and some design elements added to the doors of both buildings.

Three-dimensional art in a concrete medium

Phase One of a capital improvements plan is underway at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre. All concrete, tarmac, rebar, weed trees, and old Dept of Highways fixtures are being removed from the property, to make way for a new parking surface of crushed gravel to be in place by Friday July 20. Also being added: an irrigation and electrical conduit to the front of the property for future landscaping and signage needs. Contracted to Johnson Excavating.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit:  Jack Bennest, Oliver Daily News

Cleaning the Nest – Inside and Out

Spring Cleanup
Friday June 8
Saturday June 9
8 – 12 noon
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
5840 Airport Road

 

Bring your favourite cleaning and gardening tools and wear your favourite cleaning / gardening clothes. Most creative outfit each day wins a prize!

Your choice of jobs awaits you: weeding, pruning, mowing, garbage collecting and  dump running and other outside jobs are the highest priority, but indoor window washing, and mopping are also available. Rags, sponges, mop, buckets, cleaning products, garbage bags, and hoses provided.  Coffee time treats also provided.

Anyone with a truck or trailer willing to take items to the dump, please drop by in the late morning each day.

Thanks to SOAP Players for pressure washing and cleaning Big Blue on the Sunday!

 

Rolling into the New Year

Over the December holidays, two new rollup doors were installed on the Studio Building at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre.  The doors are insulated to improve heating efficiency, and have four windows each to improve natural light.  Larger window panels were considered by the Board, but concerns with overall weight and loss of insulating R-value resulted in the four smaller panes. However, Studio building users have already commented on the “exceptional natural light” now available for art classes.  Currently primed white, the doors will be painted in the spring along with all other exterior doors at the Quail’s Nest. Watch for a call for a volunteer painting party  – or submit your suggestions now for a colour!

The arts council wishes to thank the Vancouver Foundation for their aid in financing 50% of this project. Thanks are also due to past Vice President Darryl MacKenzie for making the application to the Vancouver Foundation last summer, and to Steve Staresina, Operations chair, for overseeing the project on the ground this December. Doors installed by OK Door Service.

Watch for further capital projects to be completed at the arts centre  in 2012.

Curious about renting the Studio Building or Big Blue for  art studio space, meetings, workshops, or giant garage sales? Contact us at olivercac @gmail.com to receive a perusal copy of the rental contract and rates.

Christmas Arts Jam toasts 2011

All are welcome to attend the last arts gathering of the year:

Arts Jam!
Monday December 12
9:30 a.m.
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
34274 95th Street  

It’s a no-host gathering, so potluck nibbles are encouraged. Bring a few squares or veggies to share. Tea, coffee and mulled cider provided.  

This is not a business meeting but a “news-and-views” forum for the membership and visitors. A great way to connect with arts-minded folks and find out what’s going on in the local arts. Share some highlights of recent performances and gallery shows. Announce your upcoming arts events. Bring a calendar to keep track of dates for 2012. Celebrate the successes of 2011 with us! Cheers!

Vancouver Foundation "rolls" out grant money for new doors

The Board of the Oliver Community Arts Council is “ready to roll”!

In October, the arts council submitted an application for capital funding to the Vancouver  Foundation. The grant request was for 50% of the cost of new steel rollup doors for the two bays of the Studio Building (pictured) at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre on 95th (Airport) Street.  The doors would be similar in style to those of  Oliver’s Firehall Bistro, complete with R-16 insulation  and a horizontal panel of double paned windows. Last week, the charity approved the arts council’s application, agreeing to pay out just over $4700 when the work is completed. Wasting no time, the arts council Board selected the bid from OK Door Penticton (the same company that installed the Firehall Bistro overhead doors) at their Board meeting this week.  

The Vancouver Foundation surprised the local organization in late summer with a personal invitation to submit an application. “It’s rare for a sponsor, foundation, or other revenue source to approach us with an offer of financial aid.  Usually we’re the ones having to chase the cash,” says OCAC president Penelope Johnson. “It was a good morale boost to the arts council to realize charitable foundations of this size are aware of us and want to support the work we do.”   

Even rarer is finding a source of revenue for capital projects. Most funders in the arts sector want to finance artistic events or operational costs, not  physical plant improvements.

The application outline four benefits to replacing the existing doors with new ones.

1. Immediate Curbside Appeal: The rollup doors are part of a larger Capital Improvements Plan to increase the Quail’s Nest property’s curbside appeal. Not only will the new doors be a visual improvement, the windows will illuminate the property and make it appear more inviting  when in use at night. All exterior doors on the property will be painted in one colour scheme once the new rollup doors are installed and when weather allows.   

2. Increased Heating Efficiency: The Studio building  currently heats with natural gas and blower. The system is very noisy, and is especially disruptive for classes and meetings.  Better overhead door  insulation will decrease the need for the blower and help keep operational costs down. 

3. Natural Lighting:  Artistic groups have been requesting improved natural lighting for years.  The window panels will make such studio work easier. The Board agreed to an upgrade to install one horizontal panel  of  aluminum glass per door (the basic quote was for four small windows per door). The upgrade will substantially improve the natural lighting.

4. Increased Usage:  Other artists and arts groups have been inquiring about usage for classes and exhibits.  The council is excited about the possibility of increasing revenue through member use, while at the same time decreasing operational costs.

The Board has already issued a letter of thanks to the Vancouver Foundation for their financial aid. The council hopes that this will be the beginning of a beneficial relationship with this charity.

Vancouver Foundation “rolls” out grant money for new doors

The Board of the Oliver Community Arts Council is “ready to roll”!

In October, the arts council submitted an application for capital funding to the Vancouver  Foundation. The grant request was for 50% of the cost of new steel rollup doors for the two bays of the Studio Building (pictured) at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre on 95th (Airport) Street.  The doors would be similar in style to those of  Oliver’s Firehall Bistro, complete with R-16 insulation  and a horizontal panel of double paned windows. Last week, the charity approved the arts council’s application, agreeing to pay out just over $4700 when the work is completed. Wasting no time, the arts council Board selected the bid from OK Door Penticton (the same company that installed the Firehall Bistro overhead doors) at their Board meeting this week.  

The Vancouver Foundation surprised the local organization in late summer with a personal invitation to submit an application. “It’s rare for a sponsor, foundation, or other revenue source to approach us with an offer of financial aid.  Usually we’re the ones having to chase the cash,” says OCAC president Penelope Johnson. “It was a good morale boost to the arts council to realize charitable foundations of this size are aware of us and want to support the work we do.”   

Even rarer is finding a source of revenue for capital projects. Most funders in the arts sector want to finance artistic events or operational costs, not  physical plant improvements.

The application outline four benefits to replacing the existing doors with new ones.

1. Immediate Curbside Appeal: The rollup doors are part of a larger Capital Improvements Plan to increase the Quail’s Nest property’s curbside appeal. Not only will the new doors be a visual improvement, the windows will illuminate the property and make it appear more inviting  when in use at night. All exterior doors on the property will be painted in one colour scheme once the new rollup doors are installed and when weather allows.   

2. Increased Heating Efficiency: The Studio building  currently heats with natural gas and blower. The system is very noisy, and is especially disruptive for classes and meetings.  Better overhead door  insulation will decrease the need for the blower and help keep operational costs down. 

3. Natural Lighting:  Artistic groups have been requesting improved natural lighting for years.  The window panels will make such studio work easier. The Board agreed to an upgrade to install one horizontal panel  of  aluminum glass per door (the basic quote was for four small windows per door). The upgrade will substantially improve the natural lighting.

4. Increased Usage:  Other artists and arts groups have been inquiring about usage for classes and exhibits.  The council is excited about the possibility of increasing revenue through member use, while at the same time decreasing operational costs.

The Board has already issued a letter of thanks to the Vancouver Foundation for their financial aid. The council hopes that this will be the beginning of a beneficial relationship with this charity.

Community Living Helps Out at the Quail's Nest

Clients of the Southern Okanagan Association of Integrated Community Living (SOAICL) have been contracted this past summer to assist with groundskeeping at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre. Under the direction of SOAICL staff Mike Bell, the group has kept weeds at bay with periodic weed whacking. Arts Council board member Sally Franks and treasurer  Jack Bennest have been instrumental in arranging for SOAICL’s assitance to keep the grounds neat.

The arts council Board recently approved a contract with SOAICL to pay for monthly cleaning inside the Studio Building at the Quail’s Nest. The arts council’s cleaning crew co-ordinator Marion Trimble is stepping down from her post after many years of quiet behind-the-scenes labour. With that in mind, the Board has now divvied up the cleaning duties between Quail’s Nest user groups and SOAICL. Repeat users are responsible for the lighter and more regular housekeeping duties to keep the centre neat, clean,  and tidy, while SOAICL is now contracted to do heavier duty cleaning such as washrooms and floors.

THANK YOU!! to Marion Trimble for keeping us bright and shiny all these years!

THANK YOU!! to Oliver Sagebrushers Art Club for continuing to provide cleaning crews!

THANK YOU!! to the hard working SOAICL team for taking a load off our shoulders!

Community Living Helps Out at the Quail’s Nest

Clients of the Southern Okanagan Association of Integrated Community Living (SOAICL) have been contracted this past summer to assist with groundskeeping at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre. Under the direction of SOAICL staff Mike Bell, the group has kept weeds at bay with periodic weed whacking. Arts Council board member Sally Franks and treasurer  Jack Bennest have been instrumental in arranging for SOAICL’s assitance to keep the grounds neat.

The arts council Board recently approved a contract with SOAICL to pay for monthly cleaning inside the Studio Building at the Quail’s Nest. The arts council’s cleaning crew co-ordinator Marion Trimble is stepping down from her post after many years of quiet behind-the-scenes labour. With that in mind, the Board has now divvied up the cleaning duties between Quail’s Nest user groups and SOAICL. Repeat users are responsible for the lighter and more regular housekeeping duties to keep the centre neat, clean,  and tidy, while SOAICL is now contracted to do heavier duty cleaning such as washrooms and floors.

THANK YOU!! to Marion Trimble for keeping us bright and shiny all these years!

THANK YOU!! to Oliver Sagebrushers Art Club for continuing to provide cleaning crews!

THANK YOU!! to the hard working SOAICL team for taking a load off our shoulders!

Whatcha Got Cookin'?

The Quail’s Nest Arts Centre has seen a number of improvements this summer.  This past week kitchen cupboards, countertops,  and a stove were installed in the lunchroom area of the smaller Studio Building. Here arts council Board member Brian Mapplebeck checks out the oven.  

“THANK YOU!” to:
Colleen Polychroniou who donated the materials and appliances
Trevor Eckstein who installed the kitchen
Steve Staresina who is helping with removal of old units
Sally Franks, Esther Brown, and Linda Nunweiler who cleaned and filled the cupboards

At a later date, a second-hand dishwasher (also courtesy of Colleen Polychroniou) and a new fridge will be installed. The kitchen will also get a fresh coat of paint to complement the new look.

Whatcha Got Cookin’?

The Quail’s Nest Arts Centre has seen a number of improvements this summer.  This past week kitchen cupboards, countertops,  and a stove were installed in the lunchroom area of the smaller Studio Building. Here arts council Board member Brian Mapplebeck checks out the oven.  

“THANK YOU!” to:
Colleen Polychroniou who donated the materials and appliances
Trevor Eckstein who installed the kitchen
Steve Staresina who is helping with removal of old units
Sally Franks, Esther Brown, and Linda Nunweiler who cleaned and filled the cupboards

At a later date, a second-hand dishwasher (also courtesy of Colleen Polychroniou) and a new fridge will be installed. The kitchen will also get a fresh coat of paint to complement the new look.