June 20, 2003 A history of leadership in arts and crafts

Art and crafts are an important part of our heritage, and many people find great satisfaction in creative endeavours. The rest of us get to share their work. It is quite possible to work on one's own, but mutual support, evaluation, exhibition and encouragement are often a big help. Today I want to profile one such group that has been in the forefront for half a century and is still going strong. The Burk's Falls Art and Crafts Club has been providing leadership on the Hwy 11 corridor as far north as North Bay since 1950.

Lady painting the dog is Fern Van der Wijst, past president of the club. (All photos taken and provided by Marg Cunningham, the club's Public Relations Officer).

The object of this profile is to tell about their history, their current work, where you can see their work, and how you can get involved if you are so inclined.  Their regular hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day throughout the summer. This summer's show features a variety of work by the club called "Impressions of the Almaguin Highlands." They light-heartedly recognize the Group of Seven and their burgeoning membership by calling themselves the "Group of Seven(ty)." This is not only an opportunity to see and support their work, but also an opportunity to purchase an original piece of art to enrich your home or business.

In a nice initiative by the club, they have also arranged for year-round exhibition of their work in businesses along highway 11. Look for them while on business or drop in if nearby. I saw some dazzling watercolours while having lunch at Caswell's in Sundridge recently. The following are some of the current locations where you can see their work: Burk's Falls and District Health Centre, Burk's Falls Public Library, Caswell Hotel Resort (Sundridge), Burk's Falls Children's Aid Society, Dempster-Allair Funeral Home, Doctor Starr's Dental office, Heritage House Tearoom (Burk's Falls), Kawartha Credit Union (South River), South River-Machar Medical Centre, South River Public Library, Royal Bank (Sundridge), the Wooden Roo (Burk's Falls), Zamaria's Family Restaurant (Burk's Falls), the Mental Health Office of Sundridge, Algonquin Child and Family Services (Sundridge), and the Windsor Hotel (Powassan).

It should also be mentioned that the club has displayed its work for years at numerous community events. They have been and will continue to be a part of the Burk's Falls Fall Fair. They have been a part of the town's anniversary celebrations. This spring, they were involved in the Powassan Maple Syrup Festival, where they provided paintings for a draw. They were also at the Blossoms and Blueberries Festival in South River in May.

Group shot of some of the Wednesday art group taken recently.

The club meets every Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Burk's Falls Legion. Critiques are held at 2:00 p.m. All media and crafts are welcome, and interests are shared on books, products, techniques, ideas, etc. Still-lifes and some life drawing are available on occasion. Various workshops are held on topics of interest and eight have been held in the last year and a half, half in art and half in crafts. Well-known North Bay painter Arlie Hoffman recently completed a series of workshops. The club hosted school tours of the Gallery on June 19th & 20th for M. A. Wittick School students, grades 4 & 5, as well as Land of Lakes students from grades 7 & 8. They provided activities in each of their six rooms for student involvement, in order to enhance an appreciation of art & to recognize local talent.

Membership in the club is twenty dollars a year. For information contact Marg Cunningham in South River at (705) 386-2279, or simply bring your gear and drop in.

When the Northern Ontario Art Association (NOAA) was formed and began its travelling juried exhibitions, the Burk's Falls club had several of its artists included. Several have been involved often enough to have received their letter.

Taking photos for the Northern Ontario Art Association website.

The NOAA is in the process of setting up a website which will be up and running in November 2003. Each club has the opportunity for the members to present a biography and a maximum of four pictures on this site. The Burks Falls Club recently had some of its members and their paintings photographed for inclusion.

Some people travel a considerable distance to participate in the Wednesday sessions, and a small group meets in Powassan on Monday afternoons in the Enever Room in the Powassan Library.

A look at the club's past history provides an impressive list of well-known painters and instructors. Artists Liz Trolove and Doreeen Wood have had gallery shops in the past that helped promote local work. Liz, the club's Archivist, has provided an excellent summary of the club's history, showing the remarkable contribution the club has made over the years. Congratulations to all concerned for a job well done.