owner of the Seaway Valley Music Academy and discovered that there’s something magical that happens when creativity meets community.
Music has the power to move us. Visual art has the power to make us see. But when the two come together — when musicians and visual artists collaborate with intention — something even more beautiful unfolds – we definitely shine brighter together.
Here is my five question Interview with Kate.
1. Please share with us more about yourself and the project.
We are the Seaway Valley Music Academy! In the fall of 2024 we began this adventure to offer music students an opportunity to learn music in an educational environment. Arts education and appreciation is also very important to us, so we decided that our Academy is where music students would also be exposed to other arts.
2. Why you think the collaboration between music and visual art is important?
Art is essential to us as humans. We express ourselves in many ways and it is wonderful for our students to see that musicians can appreciate and support other arts too. In this world where arts and artists can be taken for granted, we strive to be an example of how artists of all kinds can support other art of all kinds.
3. What are the future dreams for this project to grow?
Our hope is that one day the local art community will embrace us as a small art gallery. We want them to see this as a wonderful opportunity for twelve local artists per year to have a free exhibit in Cornwall. Artists can exhibit their work in an artist-friendly establishment where they get to help engage young people in art appreciation. And, they can invite the public to view their exhibit during the Academy’s open hours. They can do all this without having to pay a hanging fee or commission on any sales. We are still working to spread the word of our “Featured Artist Program,” but maybe one day we will have many artists submitting their names because they’ve heard how great it is!
4. What are the Academy’s main goals?
Our main goal is to continue to ensure high quality music lessons are available for all ages and abilities in Cornwall and SD&G. We plan to keep increasing the kinds of group lessons offered as well as continuing to expand on the various instruments our students learn to play.
5. How can artists reach the academy to get a chance to be part of this amazing collaboration?
Artists can email [email protected] to learn more about our “Featured Artist Program” or to request a month for an exhibit!
Thank you, Yafa for the opportunity to share about ourselves and our Artist Program!
Yaffa Goawily | Art Specialist
Art Advisor – community development through Art
Yafa Arts & Crafts www.yaffa.ca
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