North Thompson Arts Council (NTAC) has gone through many incarnations over the years.
In recent years, the provision of space for NTAC by Yellowhead Community Services at Dutch Lake Community Centre (DLCC) made it possible for the council to open a public art gallery, which showcases exhibits from different local artists each month.
This also prompted a renewed energy towards building an arts council to serve as the umbrella non-profit home for local artists, artisan groups and arts initiatives in the community.
NTAC's mission statement is: “To encourage, support and coordinate the arts in the North Thompson Valley.”
At the NTAC's recent annual general meeting, this mission continued to take shape as directors were elected to represent certain active areas of the arts in the community. In addition, members of the former After Hours Theatre Society joined in order to establish a theatre collective attached to NTAC.
Each director is a volunteer and holds a specific portfolio. Richard Stroh and Stephen Raschke represent the newly named Clearwater Theatre Collective. Elizabeth Shook represents the Clearwater Children's Art Festival. Doris Laner represents the Art Gallery. Heather Adamson represents the Harvest Music Festival and Serenity Performing Arts Centre. Norma Watt represents the Writers' Circle. Lynda Dunkley and Dorothy Schulte represent the Thompson Valley Quilters. Vickie Morden is the treasurer and an artist in her own right, as are all of the directors.
A goal for the coming year is to grow membership, which is $25 per person/year, in order to raise funds to offer additional programming and aid in the application for grants to hire a part-time coordinator.
Current activities include a weekly weaving and fibre arts workshop, a recently hosted music night in the art gallery, a wreath making workshop coming up on Dec. 13, and a variety of programs to come in the New Year, including an infinity scarf knitting workshop, paint night and a children's theatre class.
To become an Arts Council member, you can register at the DLCC reception desk, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
People are encouraged to visit the Art Gallery at DLCC during its hours of operation, Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
NTAC is always looking for volunteers to be greeters in the art gallery. For further inquiries, please email NTAC at arts.ntac@gmail.com or connect on Facebook under 'North Thompson Arts Council.'