Over 20 members of YAC attended the Annual General Meeting on March 1st at St- Lawrence College. For those who might not know, “Your” refers to artists in all art forms and art enthusiasts in Cornwall, the counties and Akwesasne. It’s a non-for- profit group that has received financing in 2012 from The Trillium Foundation and this year from the city of Cornwall.

YAC’s mission is to work with strategic partnerships, to connect resources and create opportunities for continuous improvement and mutual financial sustainability within the arts and culture sector. Its Vision is to be a “hub”, to nurture and support an inclusive environment where creativity has a “voice”. The meeting was open to members of whom many are also members of Focus Art. During the assembly Betty Healy, president, described some of the services YAC offers its members:

• Help in grant writing
• Offer publicity on their website for individual or group activities
• Assist in the sale of art objects on line
• Help artists find spaces to exhibit or express their art
• Be a voice for all art forms and facilitate communication.

During the assembly, members were very well informed but had no role to play as yet. Though YAC has been mainly visible in helping the visual arts by offering art space, leading in Apples and Arts Studio Tour and by organizing areas for exhibitions at Aultsville Theatre, the Grind and elsewhere, this should be interpreted as a helping hand. In reality, as their webpage suggests, YAC is a voice for ALL art forms and is reaching out persistently.

Betty also explained the progress of YAC through its by-laws and its application of the Carver model of governance. It appears much care is given in building a solid foundation for the Arts Council as they meet the needs of different art groups.

In the picture (l-r) Betty Healy (president) Tracy Davies (newly elected director to the Board) and Richard Salem (part-time facilitator at YAC)

Visit YAC’s webpage and see how it can be of help to you. www.Yourartscouncil.ca

“Ensure the creative process is always challenging and enjoyable; always balance a risk of failure with the potential for success in order to keep efforts honest and engaging.” DEMO / WORKSHOP by Kathleen Morin at members’ monthly meeting March 3 rd.

Drawing skills need not be an impediment to creating a beautiful piece of art. Today, modern instruments help produce at a professional level, all while allowing us to refine our skills in drawing, coloring or painting. Such was the case when Kathleen Morin, a very creative and successful artist, shared a technique leading to a finished portrait.

Learning to draw is important in the understanding of the complexities of the human face, but a little cheat sheet builds confidence, encourages practice and gives wonderful results. From the taking of an “artsy” photo, bringing it to canvas and adding color, participants were able to create a portrait. Note: For centuries, artists have developed tools to achieve the desired results in their art, save time or repeat original works. The extent at which artists can be resourceful is illustrated in the film: Tim’s Vermeer (2014). Last year members viewed this film during a meeting; I find it is well worth the viewing.