Yarmouth Art Society

On July 30th we have two important events to attent.

First of all at 2 pm there will be the opening of the show Underfoot and Faraway with Cecil Day and Caroline Loose at the County Museum and Archives on Collins Street.  Let us support Cecil and Caroline and be there at the opening.

The same day Yarmouth has the Switch event. We will be at Alma Square and set up at 11 am. The event is from noon to 4 pm. If you want to be there, working plain air, showing and/or selling art, do some demonstration, please letMargriet Knubben <margrietknubben1@hotmail.com>  know so we can arrange tables and chairs and claim the space. Bring your own umbrella. The event is free and it is great fun to be there.

Small Art for Small Spaces

The Yarmouth Art Society going to have a summer show of small art for small spaces at the Bread and Olives restaurant on Main Street from July 12 to August 31. Open hours there  are 11 to 6, Tuesday through Saturday.

An opening reception with light refreshments will be held on Wednesday, July 12, from 4 until 6 p.m.

Pieces for the show should be brought to the Print Shop at Th’YARC by Thursday, July 6. The art work itself must be no larger than 5” x 7”; this doesn’t include framing/matting. The work must be ready for hanging. You may bring up to three paintings; we’ll guarantee to include at least one! With each piece, please give your name, title of painting, medium, and price—if for sale.  We’ll probably hang the show at Bread and Olives on July 8 or 11—so if you can’t get to Th’YARC by the 6^th, let me (Virginia) know, and we can make other arrangements.

If you have a photograph of the work you’ll be submitting, please send that to Virginia, too, at vstoddard@bellaliant.net.  Several pictures will  be used for a poster.

This is the document that was approved at the YAS Meeting of June 24th and mentioned in the Minutes.

June 24, 2017

At the regular YAS meeting of June 24, the following two items were discussed and approved by the Membership.

1. Notice of Relationship: Yarmouth Art Society – Yarmouth Arts Regional Council

2. Motion of Support for Downtown site as the preferred location of a new Arts and Cultural Centre

Notice of Relationship:

The Yarmouth Art Society (YAS) understands that there will be a meeting between stakeholders and the Architects proposing conceptual plans for an Arts and Cultural Center at the Downtown location. We support the creation of such a centre in Yarmouth. In the past, while individual members have had an opinion the YAS itself had taken no  official stand on location.

However, it has come to our attention that  Arts Council is claiming that they represent artists and artisans in our community and, therefore,  we collectively support a Parade Street facility. We did participate in the study done by the Arts Council when James Colbeck was President. However, we consciously said we support a new arts and cultural centre with no location implied.

At present we support th’YARC by having a Membership, running a print facility, and having a yearly show in the lobby. We do not use the facility for meetings or workshops because of time or activity conflicts and lack of appropriate space.

Using space at th’YARC (a building) does not imply that we feel we are well represented and supported by the Yarmouth Arts Regional Council (an organization). The facts are that over the years the YAS has lost control of the gallery space which is now  decorated as a theater lobby, lost control of the upstairs arts room to storage, and lost representation on the Board with the Colbeck period restructuring.

In addition there are no initiatives on the part of the Council to support our Society or any consultation with us on what our needs might be. We only represent a portion of the artists and artisans in our region but we think they are in the same position of not being represented by the Arts Council.

Motion of Support:

The following motion was discussed and unanimously passed:

“The Yarmouth Art Society supports the construction of a new Arts and Cultural Centre at the Collins Downtown site.”

These are the minutes of the meeting as recorded. Approval is at next meeting.

Yarmouth Art Society Meeting

June 24, 2017 at Ivan Blades’ House in Kemptville

The meeting was called to order at 12:00 noon.

Minutes from the May meeting were approved as read.

Treasurer’s report: Dues from two members were paid at the meeting so the treasurer’s report from May 27, 2017 to June 24, 2017 is as follows. Total funds carried forward was $2879.44, total funds balance was $2909.44.

Old Business:

Show small pieces: Trish at Bread & Olives has agreed to the show from July 10 to the end of August. Open hours are from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Saturday. Virginia will check with Trish about possibly having a reception on a Friday or Saturday, late in the day. Artwork can be dropped off at the YARC print shop by July 6. Due to small size of artwork, a number will be placed beside each piece and a reference sheet done with the numbers and the artist’s information, title of work, medium, etc. Virginia will also ask Trish if she is interested in selling the artwork and keeping a commission. It was also decided to amend size of artwork to 4X5 or 4X6, not including framing.

New Business:

Show My Canada: Margriet met with Marilyn Francis and Marilyn was to check and advise Margriet. So far Margriet hasn’t heard back and she will contact Marilyn one more time. Father Maurice said members of the art council are interested, he will contact them again as a reminder. The show is at the museum from September 5 to 30, and may possibly continue for the month of October. Virginia will confirm this. We will have a reception on Saturday, Sept 9. Artwork can be dropped off at the printshop during the last week of August.

Show Garson Sisters: Instead of this show running for April and May 2018, it may run for four months. David Gorman is on the exhibit committee at the AGNS. Five students of the Garson sisters’ art classes, who have gone on to have careers in art, will show their work.

SWITCH event Yarmouth: Like last year, Margriet suggests we try to set up in Alma Square. Spaces cannot be reserved, it’s first come, first served. The AGNS will provide folding tables and chairs for us to use. Ivan also mentioned that the town has arranged “Art in the Park” for the summer months in case YAS members want to participate. This is on Wednesdays & Thursdays in Frost Park and is open to visual artists, musicians, buskers, etc.

Other:

Relation between YAS and YARC: Dan presented a statement of relationship with the Arts Council explaining that the YAS supports a new new Arts and Cultural Centre building, not necessarily on Parade Street. Town council held one workshop with the architect and another workshop is scheduled for mid July  to show a model of the new building. YARC members are still saying they want to keep the Parade Street location. Dan made a motion saying YAS supports new arts centre downtown, Elizabeth seconded, it was approved by all. Dan will revise the approved statement of relationship and the motion and send to Margriet for forwarding to Pam Mood, Mitch Bonner, Nancy Hood  and others as President.

Hospital Hullabaloo: We will participate in the Hullabaloo as usual. Ivan Blades agreed to provide a painting for the raffle.

Cecil Day is participating in a show at the museum starting at the end of July. The YAS will help with a reception.

Next meeting:

Our next meeting will be September 30, at 12:00 noon at the AGNS

Respectfully submitted

Noella DeMille

Mi’gitu Teachings, (Grandmother Teachings)

Over six weeks this summer, Marilyn Francis, a Mi’kmaq Elder from Acadia First Nations in Yarmouth, will present a program at AGNS Yarmouth focused on traditions and crafts of her native culture. Participants can expect to learn about Sacred Teachings such as the importance of the drum, dreamcatcher and Talking Circle in Mi’kmaw culture, along with how to make simple crafts representing those teachings. The program will culminate with a Smudge, Feast (pot luck) and Sharing Circle.

 Six week program, Thursday nights from 6pm-8pm

• Registration required (10 participants each week) Ages 16+
• NOTE: People can register for the entire six week or pay as you go.
• Fee of $125.00 for all sessions or $25 per session 

 July 6, 2017   Make a Personal Medicine pouch

Learn 4 Sacred Medicines, which are tobacco, sweet-grass, sage and cedar.
July 20, 2017 Make a small drum keychain

The beat of the drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth of the Mi’kmaq Nation.

July 27, 2017  Make a small dream catcher

The dream catcher originates from the Anishinaabe First Nation. It is said the first light of the sun destroys all the bad dreams and keeps the good ones for the dreamer.

August 3, 2017 Talking circle

The talking stick or eagle feather begins the talking circle. When holding the object, the person gets to speak and share what is in their heart or mind.

August 10, 2017   Storytelling

The sharing of dreams, teachings and experiences of the person telling the story.

August 17, 2017    Smudge ceremony

A smudge ceremony is done with sweet-grass or sage, and clears the space of any negative energy. The Feast consists of a potluck whereby each person brings something to eat. A spirit plate giving thanks for all the many gifts is received from the Creator.

Each session will start with a smudging ceremony.

To register call 902 749 2248 or email selena.crosson@novascotia.ca

These are the minutes of meeting subject to approval at next meeting.

Yarmouth Art Society Meeting

May 27, 2017 at AGNS

The meeting was called to order at 12:00 noon.

Minutes from the April meeting were approved as read.

Treasurer’s report: For the period from April 29, 2017 to May 27, 2017 total funds carried forward was $2995.59, total funds balance was $2879.44. Treasurer’s report was approved as read.

Old Business:

Show small pieces:  Virginia talked about three possible locations for the small pieces art show and believes July and August would be the ideal time. The locations mentioned were Bread & Olives, Sip Cafe and Bill Curry’s art gallery. Virginia will discuss this further with Trish of Bread & Olives and with Bill Curry. After some discussion, it was agreed that the pieces of art work should be no bigger than 5X7 including framing with a limit of 3 items per YAS member and if necessary, more than one location could be used at the same time for the show.

New Business:

Show My Canada: Margriet hasn’t been able to meet with Marilyn Francis to discuss this show yet. Father Maurice said he has mentioned to some of the members of the Art Council about participating in the “My Canada” show with YAS members and they seemed interested. He will mention it to more members.

Show Garson Sisters:

The community room at the AGNS has been booked for April and May 2018 for the Garson Sisters show. Virginia talked about having one wall with Garson sisters’ art work, another wall with artifacts and the 2 other walls for art work done by their students

Other: There was no other business discussed.

Next meeting:

Our last meeting before the summer break will be on June 24, at 12:00 noon and will be a pot luck at Ivan Blades’ house in Kemptville. Bring sketch pads, etc.

Respectfully submitted

Noella DeMille

These minutes of meeting subject to approval.

Yarmouth Art Society Meeting

April 29, 2017 at AGNS

The meeting was called to order at 12:00 noon.

Minutes from the March meeting were approved as read.

Treasurer’s report: For the period from March 25, 2017 to April 29, 2017 total funds carried forward was $3387.49, total funds balance was $2995.59. Treasurer’s report was approved as read.

Old Business: Judy Sanders’ idea of having an exhibit of small pieces of art work was mentioned again. Virginia will check and see if a location can be found to proceed with this.

New Business:

Show with First Nations: We haven’t yet received a reply from Marilyn Francis about possibly having a joint show with “My Canada” as the theme in September and October. We, therefore,  discussed the possibility of doing a joint show with the Art Council presided by Father Maurice. He will bring this up at their next meeting.

Request for sponsoring Photography exhibit at AGNS: Dan explained that this is a tourist orientated photography exhibit with the promotion of local activities in mind. It was agreed that the YAS make a $100 donation towards this show.

Other:

Virginia was contacted by Cheryl Harding, chair of the Hospital Hullabaloo, asking if the YAS will be participating again this year. It was agreed that we would participate.

Virginia also talked about a discussion she had with Beth Sweeney about sisters, Trudy and Paula Garrison, who used to teach art classes in Yarmouth and have produced lots of works of art over the years. Virginia and Beth came up with the idea of doing a show of artifacts, photos and paintings about or produced by Trudy and Paula. The AGNS community room would be available during the months of May, June or July 2018 and Virginia believes a grant could be obtained to assist with the cost. It was agreed that Virginia look into this further.

Virginia also mentioned the art talk by Jennifer Angus at the AGNS on May 6 at 2:00 pm.

Next meeting will be May 27 at 12 pm at the AGNS

Respectfully submitted

Noella DeMille

These are the unapproved minutes of the meeting of March 25th

Yarmouth Art Society Meeting
March 25, 2017 at AGNS
The meeting was called to order at 12:00 noon.
Minutes from the February meeting were approved as read.
Treasurer’s report: For the period from February 26, 2017 to March 25, 2017 total funds carried forward was $3310.62, total funds balance was $3387.49. Dan reported that Angela Collier reviewed financial statements and deposits for the YAS and she confirmed that accounts are reconciled and all is in good order. Treasurer’s report was approved as read.
Old Business:
Opening show Brian Porter: The opening reception for Brian Porter’s show at the museum is on April 1st, we encourage YAS members to attend. YAS members don’t need to provide refreshments as Nadine Gates told Margriet that the museum will look after this.
New Business:
Show with Write Away Group: David hasn’t been able to meet with Marilyn Francis yet to discuss the details of a joint show.
Other:
Our Spring Show at the YARC will be over on Thursday, March 30 so the artwork can be picked up as of this date.
Virginia Stoddard has purchased a 3-DVD set called “Story of Women and Art” to donate to the library on behalf of the YAS, in memory of Sheila Miller. We will try to view one of the DVD’s before donating it.
Emily Falencki will be doing an art talk on Friday at 6:30 at the AGNS about her work currently on display.
Judy Sanders is currently working on small paintings and she has asked if the YAS members might be interested in putting on a show of small art work. Judy is only in this area in the summer months so Virginia or Margriet will check to see if this would be possible either at the YARC or the museum.
The community art group currently has an exhibit in the community room of the AGNS. Dan said that the sessions on Thursday evening and Saturday afternoons have been very successful.
Next meeting will be April 29 at 12 pm at the AGNS
Respectfully submitted
Noella DeMille