It's not often that during the first week of a new job one gets a call from the managing editor of the local daily newspaper, asking if there is interest in writing a new, weekly column for his paper.
Well, that amazing opportunity was offered to me and I want to kickoff this inaugural article by thanking Neil Godbout and the Prince George Citizen for bestowing me with the chance to share with the residents of Prince George some of the amazing things that are happening in our local arts community.
The Community Arts Council has been a vital component of the Prince George district for 50 years.
Since 1966 our members have been providing a wide range of services and programs that have helped contribute to the spirit of innovation, ingenuity and open-mindedness that defines our city and personifies who we are as individuals and as a community. Our artists, performers, ensembles, artisan guilds and cultural organizations represent city residents from all walks of life - from youth to seniors and from all cultural groups.
The heart of our organization has been located at Studio 2880 for the past forty years. These facilities have become a destination for people who wish to purchase locally created artworks and access and benefit from the unique educational programs and services offered there.
The year 2016 is a celebratory year for us, with it being our 40th anniversary of being located in Studio 2880, concurring with our upcoming 40th anniversary Studio Fair being held on Nov. 4-6 at the Civic Centre.
Studio Fair is Northern British Columbia's original juried art fair. The much-anticipated event provides the public an opportunity to experience and purchase original, one-of-a-kind artwork. This distinction has given Studio Fair a reputation for showcasing quality and innovative design.
Another exciting upcoming event this season is our annual Art Battle taking place on Friday Oct. 7th at 7 p.m. at Hub Space at 1299 3rd Ave.
Art Battle is live competitive painting. Painters create the best work they can in 20 minutes. As they work, patrons move around the easels, closely watching the creative process. At the end of the round, the audience votes for their favourite painting and bid in a silent auction to take the works home. Come on out on Oct. 7 and enjoy an exciting night of live paining action!
For local families looking for something different for the upcoming non-instructional day, check out our Italian Culinary Arts Camp scheduled for this Friday.
Perfect for children ages six to eight, participants will have the opportunity to make delicious food originating from Italy, as well as make fun crafts that reflect Italian art and traditions. The camp will run at Studio 2880 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and registration information is available at www.studio2880.com or by calling 250-563-2880.
And finally there is our beautiful Artisan Gift Shoppe and ticket centre located at 2880 15th Ave.
The gift shop is open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The Artisan Gift Shoppe is a gallery of creative art representing our talented northern regional artists. Visit our shop and discover unique hand-crafted pieces you can use and enjoy every day. And while there, you can buy tickets to a range of shows and events coming up in venues throughout the city.
In closing, I am reminded that a community with a creative vision, with accessible opportunities for expression, with venues for performances and artistic exhibitions, is a community that will thrive and become known for its leadership and excellence.
The community arts council offers a heartfelt thank you to all those who contribute to the creative heart of our city and we recognize that your support today will help ensure there is a strong and thriving creative community in this city for future generations to enjoy.
Sean Farrell is the executive director of the Prince George & District Community Arts Council and Studio 2880.
