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Shatford wraps up first year

Shatford Centre emerged through the support of all levels of government and community building organizations

The Okanagan Summer School of the Arts began in 1960, on the Pen High campus with arts and culture pioneers George Gay, Eva Cleland and a team of visionaries that crystallized the need for an art school. Fifty years later, the Shatford Centre became an entrepreneurial, creativity centre and the bricks and mortar home of the Okanagan School of the Arts (OSA),

The Shatford Centre ends its first full year of operation on Dec. 31. This creative community facility emerged through the support of all levels of government and community building organizations.  It is one of those good news stories that has a life of its own and at the core, is part of us all.

Some of the Shatford’s 2012 highlights include Pen High’s 100th Celebrations, Strings the Thing Week, Scott Woods — Fiddle Legends, Pentastic Jazz,  We Love Documentary Film Festival, Broadway Bound International, Medieval Festival  — Arts & Science, En’owkin Centre,  Authors and Artists Christmas Faire, Dragon Dreaming Workshops with John Croft, Saskia and Darrell — Song of the Prairies and the South Okanagan Fibre Festival. There have also been forums, town hall meetings and opportunities to provide awareness on important issues, such as: the Okanagan Health Forum, CFSO Poverty Forum, Bullying & Cyberbullying and Ecstasy Nothing’s Free.

Besides the OSA, the Shatford Centre is home to organizations, such as the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance, Penticton Photography Club, Penticton Toastmasters, Peach Blossom Chorus, Naramata Scottish Dancers and Okanagan Youth Orchestra’s Penticton rehearsals.

We are pleased to introduce the Okanagan School of the Arts 2013 board of director members: Cheryl Galloway, Debbie Tougas, Georgia Krebs, Jennifer Mlazgar, Nywyn Jefferson, Paul Crawford, Randy Manuel, Robin Robertson and Wes Hopkin.

Although the Shatford Centre Okanagan School of the Arts has had its first full year of operation, it is still at the beginning of creating a legacy for future generations. It has a great foundation to build on and there is much that can be done. This project has been accomplished through the support of so many through small and large acts of generosity and community spirit.

As we wrap up this inaugural year, please consider a donation to the Shatford Centre. You will receive a tax receipt for 2012 and also much appreciation. Another option to consider is to buy seasonal gift certificates for individuals discovering or rediscovering their creativity.

Jane Shaak

 

Shatford Centre