|
Trillium representative (L), Nancy Wyonch, MPP
Carol Mitchell, Mayor Mike Smith and Board President, Gordon Boyd
There was a very special opening of the Southampton Art School on
Friday, May 2, after many months of renovations.
Friday's opening wasn't about VIPs or dignitaries. It was to
acknowledge and recognize all those craftsmen in the trades who had
volunteered countless hours that added up to thousands of dollars in
value and those who had contributed to fundraising efforts. From top to
bottom, inside and out, the 120-year-old building has undergone a major
transformation.
Al Downs (L), member of the Board, presents Brian
Cleaver with a special print for his contribution
Project Manager, Brian Cleaver, explained that the
building has now been brought into the 21st Century but that the
craftsmen who worked on it over the past months were in awe of those who
originally constructed the building more than 100 years ago. "It was
simply amazing," said Cleaver.
(next column)
 |
(continued) "Those craftsmen of that era, just
as those who worked on it today, were real artists in their own right.
They used their creativity and skills to make this an exceptional
building. In turn, we made the commitment that this little building
would be so well restored that maintenance on the Town's part would be
very minimal ... and we've achieved that."
He went on to explain that the concerns of the artists, who would use
the building, had been listened to carefully. "There are five sinks,"
he pointed out, "that will accommodate everything from watercolour
painting to printmaking. Our late, Jane Champagne, personally picked
out all the lighting and, after if had been installed, gave her
approval."
Cleaver went on to individually name all those who had contributed the
many man hours that went into making the project a success and also
those who had contributed through a variety of endeavours, such as a
school calendar and cookbook, in fundraising efforts. "This could never
have succeeded without the support of the entire community," he
stressed. "It just shows once again what our community is capable of
when we all work together."
A Trillium grant of $45,000, matched by the Town of Saugeen Shores got
the project started. "Many donors have stepped up to the plate,
including Martin's Home Hardware, Meridian Credit Union and, today, the
Bruce Power Engineering Society contributed $3,000."
MPP Carol Mitchell added that, "Southampton is a truly wonderful
community and every project the people here undertake becomes a success
story. It's very necessary for us to realize how important the arts are
to our lives and this is a truly wonderful end to a huge undertaking."
The Art School is now also barrier free to ensure full access for all
with a ramp at the rear entrance. "One day," says Cleaver, "we said to
Mike Myatt of the Town that we thought there should be a ramp. The next
thing we knew it was there."
In 1887, James Howe ran a library from the building prior to turning it
over top the Art Society. "I know Mr. Howe would be pleased with what
has happened to his building," said Cleaver, pointing everyone to a
painting of Howe hanging in the School, "and I know he's watching
today." Cleaver then formally turned the facility over to Mayor Mike
Smith, representing the Town of Saugeen Shores, saying, "We believe
this endeavour has enhanced our town and will be a creative initiative
for those who use it and will result in its becoming one of the most
important facilities of its kind in southwest Ontario.
Mr. Mayor, we present this facility to the Town of Saugeen Shores."
 |