At their June Board meeting, the arts council awarded Contracted Service Agreements in varying amounts to four local arts groups. Financial aid is granted to successful applicants presenting a public seminar, workshop, performance, exhibit or other event with an arts focus that upholds the mandates of the arts council. As such, these events now become an extension of the work of the arts council.
The Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers received funding for an eco-dyeing workshop with Coby VanDerGaast at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre this summer. VanderGaast is an instuctor in the fibre program at Kootenay School of the Arts at Selkirk College in Nelson, B. C. She is also an organic farmer and is currently growing dye plants for Earthues, a natural colour company based in Seattle. Desert Sage regularly seeks arts council funding, enabling them to hire professional instructors in the fibre arts.
The Oliver Handbell Ringers were awarded financial aid to purchase sheet music for two public performances in the 2011 – 2012 season. This is the first year the Handbell Ringers have been members of the arts council and applied for funding. The arts council was especially pleased to see a new group apply — and apply successfully.
Another first-time applicant, although long-time member of the arts council, was the Oliver Sagebrushers. The painting club received funding for a public demonstration and exhibit entitled “En Plein Air Painting at Rustico Winery” on the weekend of September 10 – 11. The public can watch artists at their easels at scenic locations around the vineyard and winery. Arts council funding will cover publicity and live music at the event.
The South Okanagan Concert Society, which has relied on arts council support for many years, has been awarded $500 towards expenses for their 2011-2012 season. The season is a promising one, including
Fri. October 28: Alexander Sevastian, solo accordion Fri. Nov 25: Kallisto Trio, a capella female trio Fri. Jan 27: Daniel Bolshoy, solo guitarist Fri. Feb 24 : Penderecki String Quartet$60 regular flex pass and $20 single ticket. Tickets at Beyond Bliss, Oliver and Imperial Office Pro, Osoyoos. All performances at Oliver Alliance Church.
Congratulations to the successful applicants! Please attend these fine artistic events over the next year of programming!
Photo Credits: Gail Erickson, Val Freisen (file photos)
Oliver Sagebrushers
Every Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
September to June
Studio Building, Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
34274 – 95th Street
Oliver, BC
Info: 250-498-0104
Quail’s Nest: 250-485-0088
Club activities run from September to June. In October, members participate in the Oliver Community Arts Council’s Fall Art Show , run in conjunction with Oliver’s Festival of the Grape. Sagebrushers host a booth in November at the Arts and Crafts Sale. During Arts and Culture Week (third week of April) and the Meadowlark Festival (mid-May), the club holds exhibits and open house. Weekly classes conclude with a plein air painting picnic in June. Sally (above) and Hazel (left) enjoy the warm sunshine and lovely views in Val’s peaceful garden retreat at last year’s picnic. One week of every summer , the Sagebrushers display and demonstrate their artwork at the Oliver Community Arts Council’s Summer Studio at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre. 
