Leader & District Arts Council
2 weeks ago
OSAC is so very fortunate to have a Board of Directors that hail from many different communities across the province. We would like you to get to know this great group of people who make up the OSAC Board.Today we highlight GWEN MOTTRAM:Gwen has been a member with the Lloydminister Allied Arts Council for 19 years and has been an OSAC Board Member for 5.5 years. 1. What has been your favourite Arts Council Performance or Exhibition? “In 2002, we presented Lee Pui Ming, a very unique pianist who played classical, jazz and world music. Her performance included sounding all parts of the piano, engaging her body and her voice. Because her performance included using her hands and small objects to physically manipulate the piano strings, there was an uproar among our local piano instructors that the physical manipulation of the strings would cause damage to our venue's very expensive Yahama grand piano. The local piano instructors were very strategic in their effort to block the performance at our venue. Fortunately, upon our request, OSAC and Honens provided letters of support for this JUNO nominee and the performance was approved by the venue to proceed with a couple of days to spare. Following the performance, and without knowing what had happened behind the scenes, we received many notes of appreciation for presenting Lee Pui Ming. One particular attendee told me as a result of that performance he purchased series tickets for his granddaughter. The grandfather continued the tradition until she graduated from high school and she moved away to university. Lee Pui Ming's performance is my favorite due to the level of innovation in her performance, and due to the fact that 19 years later, the piano is still fine.”2. What has been your favourite Showcase moment? “My favourite Showcase moment each year normally involves a workshop session. I always enjoy the opportunity to look at an issue in a different way. "Come as you are, leave different." Last year during Jerry Yoshitomi's "Grassroots Fundraising" workshop, we were all struggling at our table with our assignment to practice "the ask." At one point, Jerry told us in simple terms that we needed to practice if we wanted our supporters to give funds to our organization. That statement made me realize the money wasn't going to magically appear for our performing arts venue's expansion project if I didn't practice how to ask for a donation. I reviewed my notes again and something "clicked." I came back to our community and determined who our larger donors would likely be in Lloydminster. With my first 3 asks, we received $335,000. These initial three donations are a great start and I feel the end goal is so much easier to reach now.”3. Do you recall what your first arts experience was and how it impacted you? “My first arts experience was at school. I can trace my love for public art back to a Grade 4 teacher who had us build sculptures out of recycled material. All of my fellow Board Members, past and present, can tell you that I frequently have to stop to examine a new public art find when we are hosting a Regional Meeting in any one of our arts council communities. I enjoy that public art celebrates the qualities that make one place different from another. Because of my public art obsession, it was not a giant leap when I became involved with my local arts council 19 years ago. I believe the presentation of visual and performing arts brings energy and vitality to communities. I know it has improved the quality of my life in my community.” - Gwen Mottram ... See MoreSee Less
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3 weeks ago
A virtual Back to Batoche Days is happening now. Click on the link to check it out.Virtual Back to Batoche is ready to begin! Join us at backtobatochedays.ca or at the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan facebook page live Thursday July 23rd at 11am Central for the Opening Ceremonies! Events will be streamed live except for Michif Corner, which is an online opportunity to learn Michif email jburns@mns.work to register to participate in the Michif Corner. Below is the schedule for the Festival July 23rd- July 26th Back To Batoche MBC Radio Canadian Geographic Parks Canada ... See MoreSee Less
OSAC is so very fortunate to have a Board of Directors that hail from many different communities across the province. We would like you to get to know this great group of people who make up the OSAC Board.Today we highlight Treena Redman:Treena has been a member with the Leader & District Arts Council for 15 years and has been an OSAC Board Member for 6 years.1. What has been your favorite Arts Council Performance or Exhibition? “I don't know that I have a favorite. I have never been to an arts council performance that I didn't enjoy, even before joining the local arts council. They may not always be my favorite genre, but I still find them entertaining. After 15 years it is impossible to pick a favorite, but Saskatchewan performers hold a special place in my heart.”2. What has been your favorite Showcase moment? “I would have to say my favorite showcase moment was my very first showcase in 2005. I had no idea what to expect and hadn't even joined the Leader Arts Council. It was a whirlwind weekend of activity and entertainment and I joined the local arts council the day after showcase. After that first showcase, the arts council became my passion. My favorite part of all the Showcase weekends is the networking. Meeting new people, reconnecting with others, sharing ideas and stories, it feels like family getting together.”3. Do you recall what your first arts experience was and how it impacted you? “The Globe Theatre coming to our school was the first professional acting performance I remember seeing. I recall the students sitting in a large square in the gym and the performance taking place in the middle of that square. It was amazing to see the actors bring a story to life. It was disappointing when their school touring program was cancelled. Thankfully, OSAC has the Performing Arts in Schools Program and all children can have the opportunity to see a live performance.” – Treena RedmanThe arts are an important part of life and a person's wellbeing and thanks to OSAC for making it accessible to all. I am proud to be part of such a caring and committed organization.Photo: Treena Redman with OSAC Life Member Dorothy Korol at Showcase 2019. ... See MoreSee Less
