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Spreading the love for arts in the valley

The community truly showed their support for the Elk Valley’s art culture during The Arts Station’s AGM.
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During The Arts Station AGM

The Fernie Arts Station has been open for 25 years now, and the community truly showed their support for the Elk Valley’s art culture during The Arts Station’s AGM.

Hosted on Thursday, May,14, locals, eager to learn more about organizations throughout Fernie and support the board members filled the room.

“Thank you for all being here,” Mayor and chairperson of The Arts Station AGM Mary Giuliano said. “It shows that there’s a lot of interest in The Arts Station and everything it offers.”

Six new enthusiastic board members were elected, including photographer Kyle Hamilton; former president for ArtsBC Stephen “Oz” Parson; actor, director and educator Denise Baughan, graphic designer and co-owner of Claris Media Vanessa Croome; Donna Miller and Mike Tomney.

The new board members will join returning members Troy Cook, Sarah Pike and Doreen Oosterhuis.

Highlighting The Arts Station’s success this past year, Baughan stated, “Some of the highlights from the 2014, 2015 year include the 11th Annual Banner project, the Wednesday Night Socials, the Lantern Festival, the Reel Canadian Film Fest, the Out of the Box dumpster painting project and the Color Run, that helped to raise funds for the Youth Art Series with Shred Kelly.

She went on to say in her president’s report, “On behalf of the board, I would like to express our appreciation to the City of Fernie. We are able to offer an array of workshops and events because of the City’s ongoing support.”

Baughan noted that the 2014, 2015 achievements included 19 concerts, 12 gallery exhibitions, eight indie film screenings and 34 workshops.

Each board member was invited to speak out about their accomplishments in the arts community and what they plan to bring forward to The Arts Station board.

The 2015-2016 budget was also approved during the meeting, which includes a total of $80,355 in grant revenue, including $37,500 from various municipal grants.

In addition to the complete budget being distributed to AGM attendees, a report from various committees and guilds, including the Film Committee, the Building Committee, the Visual Arts Guild and the Spinners & Weavers was also distributed.

“A huge thank you to all of The Arts Station Members, and our numerous volunteers who dedicate hours into making this place such an important and inspiring part of our community,” Baughan said. “We look forward to witnessing the many successes The Arts Station will have during the upcoming 2015, 2016 year.”