JUNE 29,  2008
Students Win Art Awards

JUNE 24,  2008
ART in the HEART is Launched in Bracebridge

JUNE 9,  2008
Program to Foster the Arts in Bracebridge Moves to Next Step

MAY 10,  2008
New Legislation Recognizes Important Role Of Artists

MAY 2,  2008
Government of Ontario Announces $20 Million to the Ontario Arts Council

JUNE 29, 2008
Students Win Art Awards

Muskoka Arts & Crafts is pleased to announce the winners of the 2008 Jean E. MacDonald Memorial Award and the Silver Bridge Gallery Student Art Award – 2D.

These awards are given annually to graduating high school students in Muskoka who are pursuing a post-secondary education in the visual arts.

The Jean E. MacDonald Memorial Award was established in 1988 and since then, twenty-four students from Muskoka have been recognized for their artistic potential.

This year, all the student applicants demonstrated a high level of creativity thus making the jury’s decision a challenging job. After thoughtful deliberations, the jury selected Brynn Higgins-Stirrup of Gravenhurst to receive Muskoka Arts & Crafts’ $1,200 Jean E. MacDonald Memorial Award.

Brynn intends to pursue a career in which she can be a deliberate and positive force in society. "To me, art is a vehicle for change, truth and thought – a means to ask the questions and say the things that cannot be spoken or written down," remarks the thoughtful young woman who hopes that, through her art, people will be inspired and be helped to believe in something beyond their own lives.

Brynn diligently studied art at Gravenhurst High School where, in her final year, she participated in an art show that was critiqued by professional artists in Muskoka. At the show, she was successful in selling one of her paintings to another local artist. Over the semester, she took part in the Life Drawing Open Studio held weekly at Muskoka Arts & Crafts’ Chapel Gallery in Bracebridge. From September to January of 2007, Brynn’s co-op placement was as a studio assistant at Amanda Greavette’s studio. Early this year, Brynn participated in the young artists’ show, Ardour Eruption that was held at the Chancery Gallery in Bracebridge. In addition to selling a painting, she won the JBS Art Scholarship for the Best in Show.

Brynn was accepted to all three universities that she applied to for fine art – Queen’s, Concordia and Ottawa. It was the Canadian University Study Abroad Program offered through Queen’s University that won her over. This fall, Brynn will spend the first year of her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree at the International Study Centre at Herstmonceux Castle, Hailsham in East Sussex, England. While at university, Brynn plans to focus on painting and drawing, then possibly continuing to earn a Master’s degree. After her formal education is completed, this determined woman dreams of working as a professional artist in Canada and to support herself through her work. "I really want to have a life of art," says Brynn.

"I believe with a post-secondary education, I will improve my technical skills incredibly, have the opportunity to travel, meet people involved in the art world and gain life experience which will be invaluable to the quality of my work," Brynn reveals. "It will allow me a firm foundation to reach my potential as an artist and a person."

The Silver Bridge Gallery Student Art Award ~ 2D, which is a $150 cash award sponsored by Michelle Hallam, went to Erin Cunningham of Gravenhurst.

For Erin, art is not simply the finished product. Rather, it is the process as well as the emotions that are evoked when it viewed. "Sometimes the most important impact comes from the feeling and the passion of the artist’s soul that went into the drawing or the painting or even the simple sketch," believes Erin. "Every line, every brush stroke conveys personal emotions. Through my own art, I intend to try and do the same."

It has been Erin’s dream to attend art school. She has a deep passion for drawing and has dedicated much of her time into its practice. It was high school art classes that introduced Erin to a variety of techniques, styles, media and ideas that influenced and shaped her work. "Over the last four years of my high school career, I believe my greatest achievement has been how much I have personally discovered about myself as a person and artist," declares Erin.

During her last year at Gravenhurst High School, Erin began publicly displaying her work and was encouraged when she sold some of her paintings. Erin attended the weekly evening sessions of the Life Drawing Open Studio that are held at Muskoka Arts & Crafts’ Chapel Gallery in Bracebridge and, for the past two years, has volunteered her artistic skills in decorating for the Gravenhurst Rotary Gala. Erin’s academic standing reflects her dedication and desire for knowledge. Throughout high school, she consistently won the Principal’s Honour Roll.

This fall, Erin will be attending Ryerson University in Toronto for interior design. "It is my desire to design. I love to imagine and create ideal perfection and I hope that through interior design, I will get the opportunity to fulfill the dreams of others and in the process fulfill my own dreams," says Erin. "I have a desire to better the lives of those around me and the world. I hope that through my studies, I am given the opportunity to see more of the world. I wish to learn as much as I can and develop my skills to the best of my ability."

Muskoka Arts & Crafts acknowledges the talents of all the students who applied and wish all of them the very best as they pursue their chosen fields.

JUNE 24, 2008

ART in the HEART is Launched in Bracebridge

Today, the Town of Bracebridge along with partners Muskoka Arts and Crafts Inc., and Muskoka Small Business Centre issued a call for entry for the newly created, ART in the HEART program. New and emerging artists have until July 11th to submit their application to participate in this program. This initiative, that received approval from Town Council on June 18th, is designed to assist new artists by providing an opportunity to showcase their work and, to create a new attraction in the core of Bracebridge.

The program will be introduced on a trial basis during two weekends in August of 2008. Elene Freer, Curator/Coordinator for Muskoka Arts and Crafts indicated that, "Artists are required to submit an application that demonstrates that they meet the criteria of the program along with photos of their works." Muskoka Arts and Crafts Inc. will collect the entries that will be juried by a group of professional artists.

According to Cheryl Kelley, the Town’s Director of Economic Development, "The process from application to acceptance is compressed; the artists will be notified of their acceptance during the week of July 18th ". Kelley went on to say, "Part of our approach to developing artists is to help them in creating an actual business and through our partnership with the Small Business Centre we will be offering assistance to them throughout the process."

Deena Brock the Managing Consultant for the Muskoka Small Business Centre said, "We are able to provide these new and emerging artists coaching and guidance in submitting their application and once they are approved, we will be hosting a specific workshop to ‘ready’ them for displaying and selling their work."

In April of this year, the District of Muskoka declared Muskoka to be a "Designated Arts Community". In support of this declaration, the Town of Bracebridge, with support from Muskoka Arts & Crafts and Muskoka Small Business Centre, is launching a new arts initiative. Entitled ART in the HEART, this program will focus on providing new and emerging artists with a venue to display and sell their works. It will take place on two consecutive weekends in August of 2008 (August 16/17 and August 23/24) and will happen in the alleys and public spaces along Manitoba Street. Plans are already underway to see the event expand in 2009 to include every weekend from early June until mid September.

The call for artists is available through any of the partners or their websites.

JUNE 9, 2008
Program to Foster the Arts in Bracebridge Moves to Next Step

The Town of Bracebridge’s Administration and Finance Committee is recommending to Town Council the development of a new program designed to create an "arts" attraction in the core of Bracebridge that will also assist in the development of new artists throughout Muskoka. Artists will be provided certain locations in downtown Bracebridge to display and sell their works of art.

As outlined in a report from the Town’s Economic Development Department, the program will be introduced on a trial basis during two weekends in August of 2008. The artists will be subject to certain rules and regulations and be required to apply to be part of the program. Muskoka Arts and Crafts Inc. will assist the Town by providing a jury process to approve the artists’ participation. At the end of August, the project partners will undertake a review of the program with the intention of making improvements for a summer-long program in 2009.

During the meeting, Councillor Lori-Lynn Giaschi-Pacini said, "Arts and Culture is truly a strength in Muskoka and it is time to grow on these areas, in our efforts of making Bracebridge a destination". Councillor Giaschi-Pacini first discussed this type of program with the Economic Development Advisory in 2007.

According to Sara Hall, President of Muskoka Arts and Crafts, "To offer artists who are just starting out the chance to participate in a venue like this is just terrific. This program will not only work to attract people to Manitoba Street, it’s going to help nurture Muskoka's emerging artists, giving them many of the skills needed to succeed in the business of art". Hall also indicated, "It is wonderful to be part of something which will, I believe, in time become a defining feature of Bracebridge."

Another program partner is the Muskoka Small Business Centre that, over the past couple of years has focused workshops targeted directly with artists doing business in Muskoka. Deena Brock, the Managing Consultant said, "Our experience with this group in the past is that new artists need very specific assistance in developing and honing their business skills. Through this new initiative, we will be able to provide group and one-on-one consultation with these Muskoka’s new arts business people".

The next step in the approval process is before Town of Bracebridge Council on June 18, 2008. If approval is granted, the partners will begin implementation immediately.

For further information contact:
Cheryl Kelley, Director of Economic Development
705-645-5264

or

Muskoka Arts & Crafts Inc.
705-645-5501

Download the Press Release 

Download the Call for Entry

MAY 10, 2008
New Legislation Recognizes Important Role Of Artists
McGuinty Government Passes Landmark Legislation

The Ontario legislature today passed legislation that will create a better environment for artists to live and work in Ontario, Culture Minister Caroline Di Cocco announced today.

“The McGuinty government is taking a leadership role in recognizing our artists and their significant contributions to Ontario’s creative economy, quality of life and sense of identity,” said Di Cocco. “This legislation formally recognizes artists’ contributions and introduces Ontario’s first arts and culture strategy. This is a significant foundation upon which to build a better environment for our artists to thrive.”
 
The Status of Ontario’s Artists Act, 2007:

• Formally recognizes artists’ unique economic and social contributions to Ontario’s society
• Introduces the province’s first arts and culture strategy
• Conveys the government of Ontario’s commitment to implement initiatives that enhance the socio-economic status of artists
• Declares the first weekend of June as Celebrate the Artist Weekend

This act is one step in the government’s strategy to help artists in the province make a better living. 

“This government understands that while recognition is important, artists continue to face challenges in pursuit of their art,” said Di Cocco. “Artistic communities foster innovation, creativity and a quality of place that gives our province a 21st Century competitive edge. Just as importantly, artists express the spirit and dreams of a society. I am proud that our government is helping them to reflect the best of who we are to the world.”

Other McGuinty government initiatives to improve the lives of artists include:

• Strengthening the guidelines for Ontario’s child performers in the entertainment industry
• Developing new learning and development opportunities for artists
• Boosting annual funding to the Ontario Arts Council by 38 per cent to $55 million over the next three years
• Increasing funding to the Ontario Trillium Foundation by 20 per cent over three years to $120 million
• Providing $10 million in one time funding to the Arts Endowment Fund.

MAY 2, 2008
Government of Ontario Announces 
$20 Million Over Four Years to the Ontario Arts Council

The Honourable Aileen Carroll, Minister of Culture announced an additional $20 million for the next four years to the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) at a reception held for the arts community in Kingston on Tuesday evening.

This boost to OAC’s annual funding, beginning in 2008/09, brings the total annual investment in the Ontario Arts Council to almost $60 million by 2009/2010.

“The Ontario Arts Council provides vital support to many of Canada’s talented artists and arts organizations,” said Culture Minister Aileen Carroll. “Today’s announcement will bolster our growing arts and culture sector and enhance the quality of life in communities across Ontario.”

“We are delighted with this news,” said Martha Durdin, OAC Chair. “Last year the Ontario Arts Council’s support contributed to the work of more than 1300 artists and 874 organizations across Ontario. These new funds will help more arts flourish in more communities.”

The exciting news will help the Ontario Arts Council respond to pressing needs in the various arts sectors. The money will used to invest in new and established artists and arts organizations.

It will also support growing needs in the Aboriginal, culturally-diverse, francophone and regional arts communities. Arts education, outreach and touring are also priorities.

The Ontario Arts Council is currently in the process of completing its next five-year strategic plan which will be launched in early July. The plan will signal the overall direction for the Ontario Arts Council’s support to the arts throughout Ontario over the next five years.

"By passing this motion to declare Muskoka as a Designated Arts Community, the Council of the District Municipality of Muskoka will be making a genuine affirmation to the strength of the arts in this area," Hall concluded. "Council will be giving the arts community visible support and a tool for businesses and organizations to further develop Muskoka’s reputation as a culturally vibrant area."

APRIL 18, 2008
Hilary Clark Cole Receives a Life Time Honourary Membership

At Muskoka Arts & Crafts' 31st Annual Spring Members' Show, Hilary Clark Cole received the organization's highest honour when she was made a Life Time Honourary Membership on April 18, 2008.

This honour was established in 1989 in order to recognize the outstanding contributions of our members who are the heart of the organization.

A member since the early 1970s, Hilary has been an inspirational volunteer and artist.

Art has always been a guiding force for this native of Victoria, British Columbia who graduated from the Ontario College of Art in 1969. As a sculptor in welded steel and bronze, Hilary finds that her best work emerges when she sets out to do something that may not be possible in her medium. Because steel is a relatively new sculptural medium compared to bronze, wood or stone, there were not examples of certain techniques and it forced a kind of innovation where Hilary became an artistic pioneer. 

Her work can be very small or very large, rough or smooth, monochromatic or colourful. It can range in subject matter from a tiny sculpture of a flower, where the curve of the leaf makes one think it is real, to a ten inch bronze or steel female figure that seems human in its detail and beauty, to the fantasy faces that command the wall, to a study of a crow, steely-natured, with blue-black torch-coloured wings, to a life-size figure such as Silhouette, chunks of weathered steel speaking of power and wild nature. The pieces that give Hilary the most pride and joy is when the steel medium and the artist’s spirit combine successfully. It is then a marriage of material and subject matter and a true work of art. 

In a video presentation about her artistic life that was shown at the Opening Reception at the Spring Members’ Show, Hilary remarked: "With a group like Muskoka Arts & Crafts, it is a burgeoning population of artists. We are in fact one of Muskoka’s natural resources in my opinion. We have the lakes the rocks and the trees, and we have the artists."

JANUARY 8, 2008
Art Bank Acquires 78 New Works by Contemporary Canadian Artists

The Canada Council Art Bank is acquiring 78 new works by Canadian artists. The selection committee chose the works from over 2,100 submissions received. The total value of the artworks is just over $350,000.

The new purchases include works by senior artists such as Aganetha Dyck (Winnipeg), Evergon (Montreal), Spring Hurlbut (Toronto) and Wanda Koop (Winnipeg); as well as emerging and younger artists including Jack Bishop (Nauwigewauk, NB), Sarah Elizabeth Fuller (Banff) and Clayton Hanmer (Toronto); Aboriginal artists such as Adam Alorut (Iqaluit, NU), Wally Dion (Saskatoon), Klatle-Bhi (Squamish, BC), and Doug Smarch Jr (Teslin, YT); and culturally diverse artists Fatima Garzan (Waterloo), Ramona Ramlochand (Québec), Howard Tsui (Ottawa) and Gu Xiong (Vancouver).

“This year I am pleased that we have been able to purchase a number of works by young artists and artists from diverse cultural backgrounds as well as artworks by established artists who are breaking new ground in their work,” said Art Bank Director Victoria Henry. “These are important acquisitions for our clients who are looking for edgier contemporary work.”

The works were selected on the basis of artistic excellence, significance to current art practice and suitability for rental. The committee also took into consideration regional representation and cultural diversity and paid particular attention to works by young and emerging artists. The next deadline date for submissions of artwork to the Art Bank has not been confirmed. Artists are encouraged to check the Art Bank website regularly for deadlines and other Art Bank news.

The members of the acquisition committee were: Adrian Stimson, visual artist and associate curator at the Mendel Art Gallery (Saskatoon); visual artist Karen Tam (Montréal); Yves Trépanier, owner of TrépanierBaer Gallery (Calgary); Carol Wainio, visual artist and painting professor at University of Ottawa; and Chantal Gervais, visual artist and photography professor at University of Ottawa.

General information
The Canada Council Art Bank, with approximately 18,000 works, has the largest collection of contemporary Canadian art in the world. It was created to support the efforts of Canadian visual artists and to provide government offices with the opportunity to rent Canadian art for their offices and public spaces. The Art Bank collection is also open to corporations and private businesses. The Art Bank currently has around 6,400 works rented to more than 200 government and corporate clients.

Click here to see images of several of the new acquisitions.