On Sunday, October 18, music, stories and celebration were the order of the day at the annual general meeting of the Bowen Island Arts Council (BIAC). The seats were filled at the Gallery at Artisan Square which has been open for 15 years. Shari Ulrich treated those gathered to two songs, everyone cheered as Paul Hooson was recognized for his devotion to arts and community and awarded a lifetime membership, and islanders learned about the healthy relationship between the Whistler Arts Council and its local government, thanks to an interesting and informative address by Whistler mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden. Cake was served and four lucky winners of the 2012 art raffle were chosen. Eric Sherlock won the carving by Shane Tweten. Alison Morse won the diptych painted by Sharon Norman, Gillian Eades-Tellford won the painting by Jilly Watson, and Marilyn McKinnes Anderson won the painting by Janet Esseiva.
President of BIAC, Carol Cram, conducted a short business meeting during which members and the public learned about the solid performance of the nonprofit arts organization over the past year. Cram thanked volunteers, members, donors and supporters, including the Bowen Island Municipality, who are critical in ensuring that BIAC thrives. Executive director Jacqueline Massey reported that socially, economically and from health and wellness standpoint, BIAC's services and programs had a positive impact on Bowen. The arts council reported revenues of $220,000, an increase of 29 per cent over the previous year. Massey noted that all of the money raised was invested directly back into the local economy, with the largest proportion going to artists, performers, creative entrepreneurs and other local businesses. Cram announced that in addition to the ongoing programs like the operation of the gallery, the classical concert series, arts and cultural programming, there will be special events coming up in 2013 as BIAC turns 25.
The entire board of directors from the last year decided to stand for reelection, while three newcomers also agreed to be advocates for arts and culture on Bowen. The new members elected are Andrea Vervey, James Tuer and past founder of the arts council (and a lifetime membership recipient himself) Hans Behm. Directors who will continue to volunteer their leadership on behalf of BIAC include Carol Cram, as president, Ian Davidson, treasurer, and directors Andrea Little, Maureen Sawasy, Mariana Holbrook, Jewal Maxwell, Marc Baur and Corinne Metcalfe.
