Laura Chandler is picturing some artistic history for Prince George.
The local painter and some fellow creators are working to establish this region's first chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA). She has been a member for years, as have many others in the local area, but they are either members at large or are attached to some faraway chapter that has no affiliation with this area.
The goal of the local startup group is to get at least 20 FCA members, existing or brand new, to sign onto a local branch that would represent the Central Interior region.
"We feel we could get 20 people from each town in the area so we don't think it will be hard to get 20 people from the whole Prince George vicinity," Chandler said.
Anyone in places like Smithers, Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Quesnel, Hagensborg, Williams Lake, 108 Mile, over to Valemount and all points in between or nearby would be considered for inclusion.
"With the talent abounding here in Prince George and in these mentioned communities, it is a very strong possibility," said Chandler. "Many artists work alone and may not be aware of this exciting opportunity. We hope there will be many who will take the challenge and become part of artistic history."
There are three levels of FCA membership, starting with the mandatory New Supporting Membership category ($50), followed by the Active Membership category, and for more ambitious artists there is the Signature Status category with its two Associate and Senior designations (AFCA and SFCA respectively).
Each level one attains opens more doors to professional development, raising of profile, and flow of artist information.
Just to get into the federation requires the artist to demonstrate a number of pieces to a jury. A determination is then made on the consistency and quality of that art. About 2,700 current painters from across Canada have crossed that threshold.
It was a lofty set of painters that envisioned the power of artists working together and first established the FCA. It began in 1941 thanks to early adopters like Group Of Seven stars Lawren Harris, Arthur Lismer, and A.Y. Jackson, plus other notables like Mark Kearley, Andre Bieler, and Emily Carr.
The FCA is a registered charity and as such turns all its income around for the benefit of the members, which constantly enhances the national arts scene by constantly boosting the artists themselves.
"It really means you learn more about art, you do more art and get better at art," said Chandler. "It's important for personal growth and development. Being juried outside of your own area is invaluable. It is dispassionate, constructive feedback that just feeds your skills."
Being a member gets painters in on exclusive opportunities to show their work in online and bricks-and-mortar spaces, have their work assessed for quality by juries of their peers, a flow of coast-to-coast information about the national art industry, discounts on art supplies and professional development, and access to unique partnerships among other arts and culture groups throughout Canada.
Here in Prince George the first partnership is already underway, with the local Community Arts Council offering Chandler and company a meeting room.
"The Community Arts Council has been so wonderful to us. They have provided us with their support, and that includes the use of the space where we're holding this meeting to get us going," Chandler said.
The first meeting includes a free art critique as well as an open conversation about the FCA and how it can help an artist develop. Signature CFA member Lalita Hamill was raised in the north and now lives in the Lower Mainland where the CFA is headquartered. She will be a special guest at the meeting and lead a workshop on composition and design.
It takes place Friday from 7-9 p.m. at Studio 2880 (2880 15th Avenue). For more information about the CFA call 604-681-2744 or visit their website at www.artists.ca.
