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Lakeshore Advance, 2012-07-18, Page 14Dreamers with a vision Lynda Hillman-Rapley Lakeshore Advance The doers and the dreamers met at the Lambton Heritage Museum in three open house style meetings last week to dis- cuss an arts council for this area. This is the brainchild of Lambton Shores councilor John Russell. ���D'.ny artists in the field of paint, !i1usic, quilting, educa- tion, attended the meetings, one artist to all three. One quality they all possessed was passion. While Russell could not attend two of the sleeting due to a fam- ily commitment, other coun- cilors took up the slack and offi- ciated for him. At Saturday's meeting need was discussed. Many of the local artists, be it art, music, drama, quilts or education want to work together as one unit with an arts council at the helm. Dave Maguire informed this gathering that the Sarnia Lambton Arts Council is ready to fold and would gladly transfer it to Lamb - ton Shores. This group established their mantra as Naturally the best place to thrive. 'This is their vision with four driving principles being respect, integrity, caring and vision. "We want to hear Ideas and decade if this idea has merit," explained Doug Honesteel who was filling in for Russell on Satur- day. With an arts council it makes it easier to get government grants and that could be an asset to all the area arts and culture. The group feels there is not enough promotion or slaps of the area to define specific areas. Bonesteel said as a municipal council, they are on board. The geographic could encompass a much broader area than Just Lambton Shores. "We need to embrace everyone;' Bonesteel said. Artist Hill Nieuwland said there Is a need for a strong body so they can get funding. "No one person has the dollars to do something," he explained. Bon- esteel said in Ontario arts and culture budgets get cut first. A Port Franks artist said no one is here to compete, but there is more than Grand Bend when it conies to the local art world. Bonesteel said this is something that should be reviewed so eve- ryone Is recognized and this is what an art council would provide. Deputy mayor Elizabeth Davis Dagg told the forum how awesome the 1loInenlade Jami concert was in at the Amphithea- tre in Forest and that The Prom- ise is another outdoor event that brings many people to the area. She suggested this group look into publications that could pro- vide all the local events in one booklet. She explained to one of the artists that this council is very hands on and they were there to help. Music teacher and musician Pedro Quintana said they are not just artists- they are dreamers with a vision. "We came here to the meeting because we know something is possible. We want it to be possible." Quintana talked about a school of music and establishing a relationship with children in arts in culture in music, lie has attempted to do with and finds it difficult without support. "We should be able to create ways to mike this work," he said. "Art is everywhere," said Nieu- wland adding this new group could reach out. Next steps include inquiring about the arts council in Lamb - ton. The community will be informed as to when he next meeting will be. Wednesda , Jul 27, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance 9 Lynda Hllnlan-Napiay Lakeshore Advance Not so shabby DJ Mike entertained the crowds at the Not So Pro weekend at Grand Bend's main beach. OW* Sins+„ Ile NNW PVC. IUNL't.AK RDAN 1'URNITL'RE • the Ultimo.- "� FkRanl NEW • Utak • NkArr • 1'Ia1:11amNuun • Malian • lloniSwr•A • %tremor e. ,1luminum .144% MrlLNIe In o wide ninety of colour, GRAND BEND 519-238-2110 11%. ;4 4 1 1. i ndl•♦ 11,1144 the O..41,' 1,1.11,11 • RM,.n.l.,y to 1 n.l.ly 91,. • Satultlay 10 1,1 1 • a w.v 4.101'.1•11:11 1'.1 M* ALSO IMAMIMMC run 11[tLAe. 1NPLA0011110 CIO NOM. PUNOTURII MON Lynda HNIlnan-ttapley Lakeshore Advance Three open house meetings at the Lambton Heritage Museum brought local arts and culture to the forefront. The meetings are the brainchild of Lambton Shores councilor John Russell. Shown here are members of council and many of the local artists representing art, music, education and drama. Canadian Cancer Society Societe canadienne du cancer LET'S MAKE CANCER HISTORY For Information about cancer, services or to make a donation 1•888•939.3333 • Www.canca1'.ca 404 Erle St., Stratford 519-273-0976 1-800-479-2419