BEHIND THE SCENES of the Focus Art exhibition at Cornwall Square

If you have ever volunteered to put on a play, a concert or an art exhibition, you have a good idea of what goes on before the curtain goes up. To the eye of the observer it might seem a bit chaotic. This perception is usually false; as in all art presentations there is a procedure in place to help get the job done.

When hosting an art exhibition, as Focus Art has for the past 12 years, many lessons have been learned and the teams get better at it every time.

The installation of more than 90 pieces of art begins with strong leadership. Louise Mignault and Julia Lucio, vice-presidents of the Association, accepted the challenge with brio. The team clinched a partnership with Cornwall Square for space and with YAC (Your Arts Council) for the cost of required insurance. A partnership with several community sponsors permitted the leaders to finance publicity, equipment and the drawing of Pierre Giroux’s magnificent painting. Primarily, success depends on the collaboration of many volunteers equally avid to put on a great show.

Louise and Julia, through excellent communication skills, saw to publicity and the maintenance of the standards set by previous shows all the while adding their own signature. Was it always smooth? Is any event perfect? I hear that’s the fun of it all; excitement, humour and the creativity to solve problems. Just crazy fun!

The actors in such an endeavour are too many to name here. However one cannot ignore the hard work of Elaine Arkwright as treasurer, responsible for intake of the artwork, finances, information for labelling and the precious care of every art piece until all was hung. She organised an efficient team that made the process professional and good fun.

Many members of Focus Art take ownership of the project by sharing their art, hanging the works and volunteering to host each day that the show is open.

The public is also involved by casting a vote for their preferred art piece.

I peaked in at the exhibit before the Vernissage (opening) on April 8th. The show is like a breath of fresh air. Very well done. I strongly encourage you to take the time to explore local art at the Cornwall Square the weekend of April 8 and 16.

Just a thought. Isn’t this proof that Cornwall and SDG need a centre for the arts? I look around and there is so much talent to be discovered. We are all looking forward to the results of the Feasibility Study for a Center for the arts coming soon.