Posts Tagged ‘York Region Arts Council’

Fit to print

May 15, 2010

Wow, so much has happened lately and new things are about to become.

Today, Rhiana and I entered a juried Mayor’s Art Showcase. I entered “Reach” and “The Pond“. The latter was accepted. Rhiana’s two entries also got in, one of which garnered an Honourable Mention. Way to go Rhiana! Congratulations!

Tomorrow is the Markham Arts Council’s major fundraiser: Arts & Tarts: A Royal Tea. Yours truly was the sponsoring graphic designer. Over 200 guests are expected and will be entertained by June Garber — our favourite local songstress, Opera York and local pianist Scott Christian. There’ll be a Hat Parade managed by Nancy Farr and Christiane Bristow with beautiful models showcasing the latest in headwear. A Tea Tasting by Roger Clements of the Old Curiosity Tea Shop. A heART Gallery with paintings and sculptures – all with a heart theme in honour of our star, the Queen of Hearts played by Christiane Bristow. Elaine Cooledge our décor designer has created a wonderland memory. There’ll be boutiques and balloon pop draws, silent auctions and of course, a Royal Tea. All proceeds will go towards the Markham Arts Council. The invitation was a unique design whereby I created a box with a real teacup and saucer inside. Its been a big hit. My sister Elizabeth created an amazing fused glass dish in honour of the event for the heART Gallery. Robyn Craig and Judi McIntyre are the most important component to this event. Without their continuing hard work, it wouldn’t be happening. Thank you on behalf of all the members of the Markham Arts Council for all that you do for us!

Nicky’s represented Markham Teen Arts Council at several events and attended their first rock concert at the Crosby Arena. He also took the initiative to write a letter to the Director of Culture, John Ryerson requesting an Arts & Culture Centre to be included in the Town of Markham’s long-term Leisure and Culture strategic plan. Good job Nicky – you are the future generation that will be appreciating everything the Town and the Arts Council are doing and your voice is important!

On Thursday, Robyn and I attended an announcement by the York Region Arts Council who showcased a new grant program and an upcoming conference to be held in April 2011. I design the theme logo: Arts Exposed, plus an accompanying flyer that was included in attendee kits.

On May 31 for a week, the Markham Arts Council presents the Art Show to be held in Unionville. I’ll be participating in this show as well and designed the marketing communications for this event. Click here for a poster.

Well, that’s my update so far. TTFN!

Rhiana sells another

October 8, 2009

Congratulations to Rhiana on the sale of her monoprint, “Portrayal” to entertainer, Justin Hines at last night’s, Chairman’s Dinner for the Arts in York Region celebration. Justin was one of the performers at the event which raised funds for the York Region Arts Council and a special endowment fund for the arts.

The event featured performing artists and visual artists, including yours truly.

I’ll see if I can get some photos here…

Life is buzzing behind-the-scenes at the Markham Arts Council

September 30, 2009

First off, congratulations to Robyn on attaining her position of Marketing Coordinator at the Markham Arts Council. I know Judi will benefit greatly from your many talents. Already, you have made an impression with your creativity at the Markham Arts Council booth, bringing more members to the Arts Council. The way the booth is set up was very inviting to visitors, as was the sketch easel. The teen volunteers were also a great help. Well done!

at the Thornhill Village Festival

at the Thornhill Village Festival

at Applefest in the Markham Museum

at Applefest in the Markham Museum

Other things in the works are the upcoming events with the Markham Teen Arts Council. They have a new  executive that is as creative and energetic as the last. They garnered funding from the Trillium Foundation and are having t-shirts made up showing their new logo. A new event to be held in October is the literary showcase, WordUp! Check out their website for more info. Also watch for the 24-Hour Video Challenge and the Music & Lyrics Contest (now named “Xpression”).

The Markham Arts Council has been holding seminars lately to enhance knowledge of the business part of being an artist. An interesting session was led by members of the Ontario Arts Council, explaining grants for artists. We have a couple of contests for Photography and Poetry; and two upcoming events, the November Art Show and the 2010 Mackie Awards. Also our big fundraiser, Arts & Tarts – a Royal Tea. I’ll explain later.

Our art-loving friends Ric and Catherine are now the owners of another abstract painting of mine, “Yellow & Red” and also one of Rhiana’s oil paintings, “Locomotion“. Nicky too, sold one of his photos recently to an avid buyer. Way to go Nicky! I also have a mixed-media painting (The Pond) that’s been chosen for the Chairman’s Dinner for the Arts, a benefit for the York Region Arts Council. Rhiana has two pieces in the same event.

Its been a busy month or so lately and it doesn’t look like its going to let up.