On September 3^rd l’Association Focus Art Association will host its first meeting of the season 2014-2015 at le Centre Charles-Émile Claude, 146 Chevrier Ave at 7pm.

The evening is an exciting event that will impact the future of the art scene in Cornwall. Candidates, who have announced their candidacy for election on October 27, are invited to meet members and the public in order to exchange on the potential of art and culture in our city. (We understand nominations are open until September 12)

At the time of press, 11 of the candidates invited indicated their intention to participate in the forum:

Brock Frost, Jamie Gilcig, Gary W. Samier, Alyssa Blais, Todd Bennett, Rony Macarone, Leslie O’Shaughnessy, Carilyne Hébert, Guy St-Jean, Glen Grant and Dave Murphy indicated they would attend. Mayor Bob Kilger and Roland Besner expressed their interest but had previous engagements on September 3.

One of the interesting topics to be addressed could be: How important is art to you? Is art important to a community? If so, as a councillor, how would you work to help a group such as 95 visual artists obtain funds for organizing events, programming and community projects in the arts?

Don’t miss this occasion to begin the debate on the need for art and culture in Cornwall.

 MEMBERSHIP

Members are expected in large numbers at the forum since this is our first meeting; it is also the date to renew your membership or join if you care to do so. Doors will open at 6pm.

Elaine Arkwright, treasurer, and her team will be on hand to get this done quickly before the forum begins at 7pm. Membership is $25.00.

PROPOSED Focus Art SCHEDULE FOR 2014-2915

Here are the dates to red circle on your calendar. Contents will be added in future issues.

There will be other activities and exhibitions added to the schedule in future issues such as a Batik workshop, partnerships with other studios, an exchange project with another association etc.

Read us here, watch for emails and find us on our website www.focusartonline.org

August                        1          All Day Planning Session with Board

September     3          Members and the public-Meet the Candidates / Sign up membership

October          1          Members-Workshop

October          4          All artists and Members-Juried Show (Drop-off   Oct.2-3,

Vernissage Oct. 8, Pick-up Oct. 31)

November      5          Members-Workshop

December      3          Members-Christmas Party

January           7          Members-Workshop

February        4          Members-Workshop

March             4          Members-Workshop

April                1          Members-Workshop

April                –           Members-Spring Exhibition theme to be determined

May                 6          Members-Annual General Assembly

June                3          Workshop

The Board of directors meets every third Tuesday of the month to plan and organize.

 Exhibitions

You still have time to visit OBO Studios’ exhibition “Small Wonders” at the TAG. Don’t miss this beautiful collection of art works by local artists, several of whom are members of Focus Art.

You can also see many works of Tracy-Lynn Davies at the Grind on Second St. next to the Library. The coffee shop is a great setting for the exhibition where patrons can appreciate the wonderful variety of Tracy’s work.

We recommend you reserve September 27 and 28 for the 23^rd Apples and Art Studio Tour. Focus Art is one of the proud sponsors of the tour and encourage our readers to visit the 18 sites. To plan your journey visit the website www.applesandart.ca or info@appleandart.ca or like us on Facebook/applesandartstudiotour. Pick up a brochure at the many Seaway Valley Tourism kiosque.

 Interesting Reading

Sometimes you need a little nudge. For years I have enjoyed reading the letters from Canadian painter Robert Genn. This year Robert died after a battle with cancer. His letters are still on line. His daughter Sara, who worked at his side for years, has taken on his lifelong commitment to help other artists. I encourage you to look him up and receive his newsletter free: The Painters Keys. He remains an inspiration.