Art society to host its first fundraiser

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

A local arts society is hosting their first fundraiser in over 30 years of operations to show community support, raise dollars for art programs, and expand further into Strathmore and Wheatland County.
The Wheatland Society of Arts is hosting an art show and fundraiser early next month, complete with entertainment, a dinner, and a live and silent auction.
While the money raised will go towards funding operations and various art programs – such as Adaptive Art, Youth Art, and senior programs – the event also lends itself as a platform to showcase the society’s appreciation.
“Every year it’s good to reconnect with the public, with the members (and) with our community,” said Ken Bourassa, executive director of Wheatland Society of Arts. “There are a lot of people out there who really support community art programs and want to be involved.
“This gives them an opportunity to support us financially but also gives us an opportunity to say thank you to the community. For us it’s really about being out there and showing the community what we’re doing, thanking them and having them involved.”
The society came into existence in 1986 and has since expanded throughout Strathmore and Wheatland County. Last year the organization acquired a studio space and left their mark in the community through various projects, including the Community Mosaic Mural in celebration of Canada’s 150th.
Various organizations have felt the impact of fewer grant dollars available over the past few years, and the society too has felt the pinch.
“Arts has been under attack in the big centres as well as in the small centres,” Bourassa said. “I think the economy is still very depressed and I think there’s a lot of places that have a more viable type of business that they’re able to produce a product that they’re going to get an income back. But arts has always been one of those programs that has been more of a luxury item, and so in terms of funding it’s often cut back and the value of art in our community is always a question.”
The art show and fundraiser takes place May 4 at the Strathmore Civic Centre from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $40 or $250 for a table of eight. The event features entertainment, dinner, and a live and silent auction. Tickets can be purchased at the studio location (115 Third Avenue), or at eventbrite.com. For more information contact info@wheatlandarts.com.