KLAC December Newsletter
A Message from your Arts Council Chair
Greetings everyone!
As we head into December, it's time to do some review of the past year and to thank each and everyone of you for the effort you have made which all adds up to a busy and creative time in the Kawartha Lakes.
We had a successful spring with the Country Living Show at the Fenelon Falls arena back in April with about nine artists sharing space for the two-day event. Thanks to you for making the effort to turn four hockey dressing rooms into small display centers.
Our Annual meeting was again held on zoom and we had a great turnout with our Charter Chairperson David Morrison as our guest speaker.
The big change in late May was moving our 2-day event Made in Kawartha Lakes Show and Sale to Bobcaygeon's Kawartha Settlers Village. With the help of Maureen and Wendy who manage the Village, we welcomed and managed over 50 artist's booths on their wonderful vintage site. The sun shone and the two days were home to over 800 visitors which was very encouraging, 'Location, location, location.' there were so many great comments. We are going back next year!
By June we had been able to hire two staff on our current Ontario Trillium Grant, and we welcomed Tim Crouch, and Chantelle Rolland who have been working hard on our website updates, marketing assistance, and a big boost to our online selling platform that we're all familiar with.
In late August, and after some time, the Board of Directors all met in person. It was time for a summer retreat. Meeting and lunch were held at Amy Terrill's beautiful property and home where we reviewed, relaxed, and made pages of notes about a dozen important updates, changes, and goals to set for the next 12 months. We also said ' Thank you' to Susan Taylor who after 7 years retired from our board, and who stays on as a member of our Community Partners Committee and assists the board as needed.
The energy and direction during and after our day outside really were positive and we welcomed our new Board Member James Lukow.
Our thanks go out to Assistant Administrator Jacqueline Proud who works very hard on all that we send her and her excellent coordination efforts It's great to have you on board and now in your second year.
Thanks to our dedicated Board Members for your efforts, and to all our Membership of the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council.
Finally, our Winter Maker's Market Show and Sale held on Nov. 29th at Celebrations Hall in Lindsay, was an excellent evening with 12 artists, and over 120 guests. All of our guests enjoyed the weeknight shopping, learning more about our online shopping platform, and visiting and engaging with each other.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAVE A WONDERFUL AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!!
Fondly,
Ray Marshall
KLAC Chair
Winter Maker’s Market
The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council (KLAC), the local Community Arts Council for the City of Kawartha Lakes, was delighted to in-person announce their revitalized online Marketplace, just in time for your holiday shopping season and a chance to shop local. The Marketplace offers one-of-a-kind items, all available for purchase online. It represents another initiative from KLAC in continuing to support the careers and livelihood of local arts and culture creators.
To celebrate this announcement, KLAC hosted a Winter Maker’s Market on Tuesday November 29, 2022 from 6 to 8 pm at Celebrations Lindsay (35 Lindsay Street North, Lindsay, Ontario). This was a wonderful opportunity for the general public to learn about our revitalized online Marketplace, meet and greet with artists, and shop a selection of products from our local Marketplace vendors.
The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council (KLAC) received funding in 2022 to reduce barriers for participation in the online Marketplace, resulting in a stronger community voice for local creators. Some of the upgrades to the Marketplace include:
A renewed push for items to be posted on the site, providing more opportunities for residents to shop local.
Three (3) free online shelves as part of Artist membership at the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council.
Opening up the Marketplace to vendors who are not members of the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council, thereby serving a greater share of citizens in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
A mission to develop offerings on the Marketplace beyond the visual arts, to include all forms of arts and culture, including performing arts (theatre, dance, concerts), and more.
To shop the current offerings on the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council Marketplace, please click here.
For anyone interested in being a Vendor on the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council Marketplace, please click here.
Watch for our event newsletter next week.
If you have any suggestions or questions for your arts council please send an email to: kawarthalakesartscouncil@gmail.com
