Arts council 2017 a burst of creativity

With a full slate of officers and directors, four of them new, the Oliver Community Arts Council is ready for a creative 2017. The council starts the year with several new arts projects already in the works, a high rating of their year-end finances, and the highest ever performance award from the BC Arts Council with the operating grant totalling over $13,000. A local government grant of $4000 will be added to this total later in 2017.

In 2016, the arts council disbursed funds locally to arts and music programs in local schools ($5,000), contracted services for nine local arts events ($4500), and offered two bursaries to graduating SOSS students ($1000), in addition to administering its own arts events and maintaining the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre.

At their Annual General Meeting on Monday February 13, the arts council membership acclaimed directors Janet Bednarczyk, Andrea Gunnlaughson-Furlan,  Brian Mapplebeck, Bernice Myllyniemi, Lillian Sim, JoAnn Turner, Caroline Whyte, and officers  Penelope Johnson (President), Janice Goodman (Vice President), Diane Gludovatz (Treasurer) and Nathan Linders (Secretary). The gathering gave their appreciation for retiring directors Terry Irvine and Christine Seibeck, and also expressed their gratitude for departing Treasurer Arleyene Farnworth. Farnworth has been contracted for service as the external bookkeeper, maintaining the computerized system for the council.

The council has just completed a smooth transition to the new BC Societies Act and, at the AGM, approved a full set of new by-laws, based on the government’s Model By-laws.

During the meeting, plans for the Wine Capital Art Walk (May 11) and the Canada 150 Mosaic Mural Project (May 30 – June 1) were announced. A committee of arts council members, Oliver Tourism, Oliver-Osoyoos Winery Association, and the Oliver Business Association are already preparing for an evening art extravaganza on Main Street this spring, including exhibits, live demonstrations, wine tastings, live music, and other performance art.  The evening concludes with art draws and refreshments at Medici’s. The arts council is also supporting the Town of Oliver in a community arts initiative to celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial. This spring, all residents will be invited to paint one of 600 tiles in a mosaic mural, to be mounted in the downtown area later this year.

Following the business of the AGM, representatives from member arts groups shared their news for upcoming arts events. Three choral concerts, several music and dance performances, fibre workshops, a theatrical production, and some exciting Canada 150 exhibits are already being planned this spring.

The arts council has set dates for all its 2017 events. In addition to the Wine Capital Art Walk and the Mosaic Mural Project, the arts council will present the following events: Showcase of Talent (May 3), Music in the Park (every Thursday evening in July and August), the Fall Art Show & Sale (Sept 30 – Oct 1) and the Community Christmas Concert (November 26).

Membership in the arts council is a great way to keep current with local arts news, stay connected with artists, and show support for the arts. Membership at the group and business level includes free advertising in monthly newsletters, on the website, and at their public events. More information is at http://oliverartscouncil.org/?page_id=9604 and olivercac @ gmail.com

We Appreciate You!

Please join us at the OCAC Volunteer Appreciation celebration at the Arts Jam! gathering immediately following the

Oliver Community Arts Council
Annual General Meeting
Monday February 22, 2010
9:30 a.m.
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre

 

Thank you for the many ways you dedicate your time and energy to the arts council: all the various committees, OCAC programme volunteers, plant operations, repairs and cleaning, administration, and donations. Join us for a special cake and lots of toasting!

Interested in playing a leadership role? Nominations for all Board positions are still being accepted. Email olivercac@gmail.com and a member of the Nominating committee will contact you immediately.