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Arts Matter: The heart of the arts in Penticton

Penticton Arts Council president Timothy Tweed discusses what you can do for your local arts in this week's Arts Matter.
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Penticton and District Community Arts Council president Timothy Tweed.

Recently, you may have noticed, attended or are planning to attend various fundraising events for the Penticton Art Gallery (or other local arts organizations).

I’ve attended and participated in some of these events myself, including the Art Gallery’s recent Soup Bowls two-night event, where local restaurants and organizations make their signature soups for the enjoyment of ticket holders. Those who attended these two sold-out evenings got to sample the various soups, as well as choose and keep their own hand-made soup bowls, which were created by the Summerland and Penticton Potters Guilds. This type of FUNdraising event is a great example of the Arts community working together to support our local art gallery.

Another great example is the recent Farty Arty Party, organized by local artist and community activist, Kristine Lee — and graciously hosted by The Cannery Brewing Co. Many local artists donated their art works, as well as many other items, to be auctioned off to those in attendance in support of the Art Gallery. I was very pleased to note that Penticton’s Mayor, Andrew Jakubeit, was one of the attendees at this event.

Why all the fundraising events for the Penticton Art Gallery, you might ask?  Well, I recently spoke with Jim Simpson, treasurer of The Penticton Art Gallery’s board of directors, who had this to say:

“Firstly, the Penticton Art Gallery board and staff thank the over 350 patrons, potters and restaurants who helped make our annual Soup Bowls event such a success. This has occurred at an important time, as the gallery has had some funding shortfalls this year and has been challenged financially through the late fall and winter months.

This year has seen many amazing exhibits and we are committed to continue this mandate in the upcoming years. It is clear the value that the gallery brings to both our citizens and also the increased profile we bring to the city at the provincial and national level. Our Syrian show has been asked to travel throughout Alberta and British Columbia and has received very favourable reviews from the Globe and Mail and CBC. We ask for your continued support through our upcoming fundraising events or by direct donation to the Gallery. Thank you for your continued support of the art gallery.”

In my opinion, an art gallery is the heart and soul of any city’s arts and culture scene. Just as a healthy heart means a healthy body, a healthy art gallery means a healthy Arts community. We have an incredible amount of talent in our small city’s arts community, but we need to take care of our “heart” in order for the entire arts community to grow and thrive, for the enjoyment and benefit of all.

So, the next time you hear about a FUNdraising event to benefit the Penticton Art Gallery (or any other local Arts organization), please make the effort to attend, as this is the best way to support — by participating in, and enjoying these fun events. I know we all lead busy lives, so if you are unable to attend then please consider making a small donation (even just the amount of the ticket price for the event you couldn’t attend). These small financial contributions can add up and make a big difference, if we all work together.

If you would like to get in touch, please email me a president@pentictonartscouncil.com.

Timothy Tweed is the President of the Penticton and District Community Arts Council’s Board of Directors.