And so it begins.

After a very successful workshop that was attended by numerous artists of varying backgrounds, Fort Frances and area has formed its own arts collective! As you can imagine, this is very exciting for all involved. The idea was put forward by the Ontario Crafts Council and has since been the subject of much discussion by the local arts community. But it was a presentation by Irene McCuaig and Laurie Dufresne, representatives of the Lake of the Woods Art Collective (LOWAC), that clinched the deal. Instead of individuals attempting to promote their craft on their own with varying levels of success, a collective of artists of all disciplines sculptors, painters, writers, dancers, actors, singers...well you get the idea come together in any number of ways to explore and promote the arts. One example could be a theatrical evening where the entire production script, music, choreography, set has been created in its entirety by local people. And for the community of Kenora and area, the result has been simply astounding. They have increased their profile and raised many thousands of dollars for member artists and charity! And the community itself is loving it. A win-win situation that our local collective would like to emulate. Since our inaugural meeting, we have had two additional meetings where we have brainstormed on a number of topics: Official name and slogan of our collective Logo Events: what should we start with? and when? Administrative duties (yes, those tedious details relating to the business side of things that unfortunately must be addressed!)

November 2011
The official name and slogan of our collective Lets Imagine Rainy River Arts Collective was chosen during the October 26th meeting. Artists were asked to submit ideas for a logo. Cait Morrison, a local graphic artist, has submitted several (attached). Each person is asked to select the three they like best, in order of preference. You can vote by emailing sgeorge@fort-frances.com or voting online on our Facebook page. Deadline: our next meeting, Mon Dec 5. Please note: When voting, consider that a logo will be used in a variety of ways blown up to appear on a Tshirt or billboard, reduced to fit on coffee cups or pens, and centred, right and left aligned, depending on need. Try to visualize the way the logo will work in all categories, in both colour and black and white. Upcoming events: Snow sculptures to be located in the central area of town. A proposal will be presented to Town Council for approval on the project. Theme will be the Arts. Potential date is third week of January. Hats spring exhibition at the Fine Line Art Gallery. Will include music, writings, poetry related to hats. This will be a fund-raiser for the Collective. Pulling for Peace Museum looking to do a reenactment of the War of 1812 (200th anniversary) and will need writers, actors, artists, musicians. Event set for July 2. Administration: Peggy Revell from the Times has put together our Facebook page. Please send information to peggy. revell@gmail.com if you have something to share. Facebook address: http://www.facebook.com/rainyriverartscollective Blog Address: http://rainyriverartscollective.wordpress.com/

Lets Imagine, Rainy River Arts Collective

Representing artists of all disciplines in the Rainy River Valley & area. Contact Lindsay at 807 274-8782 www.lindsayjoyhamilton.com

Art & Artists: Whats Happening... Ongoing: Thurs, Nov 24th from 4 until 9 p.m: Christmas Open House at the Fine Line Art Gallery. Items on display and for sale until Christmas. Until Dec 31st: Artwork by Kari Anne Anderson at the Library Until January 14th: This Place Where We Live paintings & poetry by local artists Wayne Yerxa & Connie Cuthbertson at the Museum. Every Saturday until Christmas: showcasing the artistry of Jocelyn Matheson at the Christmas Store, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Of special interest: rice jewelry a must-see item! Coming Soon: Dec 2 & 3: The Ecstasy of Rita Joe presented by Muskie Theatre at 7 p.m. at the Townshend Theatre. Dec 4th: Mistletoe Madness from 10 until 5 at the Legion. Interested vendors can register at the Chamber office with Anthony Mason. Fee to reserve a table is $30. Sat Dec 10th: Merry Muskie Christmas Artisans show at the Fort Frances High School cafeteria featuring crafters, baking and more!

Jason Bert Yerxa by Wayne Yerxa

Thurs, Dec 15th: Merrymaking at the Metis Hall, a Christmas sing-along and dance. Doors open at 5:30, supper at 6:00. Everyone welcome.
Three Sisters by Connie Cuthbertson

Odds & Sods The Rainy River Arts Collective has been given space for a column in the Fort Frances Times. Lindsay has volunteered to write the first column but you are invited to take a turn. It need not be an article per se, but anything related to art perhaps a poem. The column is titled Lets Imagine, so watch for it. I will attempt to get another newsletter out early in January. Submissions can be emailed to sgeorge@fort-frances.com. Deadline is Friday, January 6th, 2012. If submitting photos of artwork, remember to keep resolution (file size) as small as possible. Next meeting of our Rainy River Arts Collective is Monday, December 5th at 7 p.m. at the Fine Line Art Gallery.

In future, well include a job-board for those needing volunteers to help with a project, so keep that in mind. If you want to collaborate on a project with artists working in another discipline, this is your space to solicit help. Weve made a great start to our collective. Lets keep it going! Sherry

Well known local artist, Eric Keast, sends the following message: Sorry that I have missed the first meetings, will be at next one. Working on new canvas "Twilight & Totem Pole Painting Puzzle - Nov. 2011" and putting papier mach on #SturgeonMama sculpture form.