Welcome
Patrons of the Arts
Opportunity, support, & celebration of our local visual, written and performing artists
About
Patrons of the Arts (POTA) is a group of individuals WHO share a powerful commitment to their community of Campbell River, BC, and the visual and performing artists WHO reside there.
Most people believe the act of being a patron involves large sums of money and contributing only to an organization, museum or individual. Yes, that is certainly one way, but that is not our way.
POTA members know it is actually possible for all to support art, and the artists. It does not have to be difficult, time consuming, or expensive, and the results can be powerful with long lasting effects.
POTA members are committed to showing up for the artists in their community, cheering their efforts, and spreading the word. By becoming a member you, too, will help build opportunities to support the arts in the community allowing those around us to continue adding beauty, truth telling and meaning in our lives.
Events
2024 EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
ALYSSA PENNER’S ART SHOW RECEPTION
Alyssa Penner is an up-and-coming artist. She is excited to have a show in the Tidemark Art Gallery in January/February 2024 sponsored by POTA. Alyssa will be welcoming the public with a reception.
2023 EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
WEAVING THE LAYERS
POTA supported this community art project by providing funding for the project lead, art therapist Jessica Clarke.
MARY KRETLOW LAUNCHED HER FIRST BOOK
Mary Kretlow launched her first book Reading to Our Children. She shares practical knowledge as the reader embraces the little bit of magic that happens when reading to children. POTA supported this project by contributing funds for editing.
AND THAT’S A WRAP!
POTA supported new vinyl wraps that brightened up Pier Street and featured works by D. Ross Fisher, Wendy Telosky, and Perrin Sparks.
AWAKENEERS ALBUM RELEASE CONCERT AT THE COTTAGE
Beneath a canopy of twinkling apple trees, the Awakeneers gave a magical summer garden party at Sybil Andrews Cottage to celebrate the release of their self-titled debut album, funded in part by POTA.
41st ANNUAL MEMBERS’ SHOW – PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
The 41st Annual Members’ Show was presented by the Campbell River Art Gallery and the Campbell River Arts Council, featuring over 55 works created by artists who are members of both organisations. People’s Choice Awards were supported with cash prizes from POTA. First prize went to Daryl Lynne Wood and Anna Cox for Catching a Ride, pictured below. Congratulations to all winners!
CROW’S NEST ARTIST COLLECTIVE YOUNG AT ART EXHIBITION
POTA provided cash prizes for six talented youngsters whose winning submissions were selected in the Young at Art exhibition, presented by The Crow’s Nest Artist Collective. POTA director Heather Hughson participated on the jury panel.
RIVERCITY PLAYERS SPRING PRODUCTIONS
Rivercity Players had a full year of theatre productions – including hosting the Zone Festival, which welcomed theatre companies from across the province. What a year! POTA was pleased to support RCP’s spring productions as a Gold Sponsor.
SPRING BREAK THEATRE CAMP AT THE TIDEMARK
Spring break just got more fun as the Tidemark Theatre presents its annual Theatre Camp. POTA wishes the 25 attending students a wonderful time and we are glad to be part of their artistic development through our financial support of the event.
TYEE PLAZA MURALS GREET FERRY TRAVELLERS
POTA supported four artists selected for the Downtown BIA’s latest mural project. When you arrive in Campbell River from Quadra Island, you are now greeted by four beautiful images (L-R):
Maureen Maryka – Mountainside Cascade
Judith Tait – Quadra Summer
Diane Yusko-Fielding – Super Blue Moon Rising
Ryan Dawson – Seaplane at the Spit
2022 EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
INSPIRATIONAL FILM OF SKYDIVING WOMEN BY EIKO JONES
Eiko Jones’ current project is an inspirational short film that follows the real life progression of three young women (including his daughter) as they face their fears and other life issues while learning to skydive. POTA contributed to production costs.
PINECREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Making further musical inroads, POTA was delighted to assist Pinecrest Elementary School’s Music Department with funds to purchase a new xylophone. While implementing the Orff Approach in music education, the instrument will serve almost 300 students each year.
AWAKENEERS RECORDING PROJECT AND CONCERT
For the first time ever, POTA assisted local musicians with a recording grant. The folk-roots band Awakeneers are heading into the studio and will share their new project with a live audience in a free concert in 2023. Visit their website and sign up for Awakenews for updates.
WEARABLE ART SHOW – SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES (UPDATE: NOW CLOSED)
Align your business with the glamour and allure of the season’s hottest event! Lucrative sponsorship packages are available with investments of $500 – $5,000. Learn more about the Wearable Art Show and its possibilities here.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
June 21 was National Indigenous Peoples Day – the first large celebration in Spirit Square since the pandemic. Coordinated by Laichwiltach Family Life Society, this family-friendly event had much community support. POTA contributed specifically to paying the local Indigenous musicians who performed on Spirit Square stage. The afternoon’s lineup included Garret T. Willie (solo, young blues guitarist), Larry Hansen Band (four-piece blues band), Greg Wells’ Bentwood Boys (pictured below, four-piece rock band), Wilcox Family (three-piece, multi-generational country-folk band), and Ron Peacey (Elvis impersonator).
WEARABLE ART SHOW – ARTIST CALL (UPDATE: ARTIST CALL IS NOW CLOSED)
It may be spring right now, but our dazzling Wearable Art Show is back this October 15 at the Tidemark Theatre… In addition to being a fabulous performance and showcase of new and recycled wearable art, the Wearable Art Show is a gala fundraiser for Patrons of the Arts. There will be a lively post show reception and a photo booth for selfies with the artists and models.
This year’s artists have be selected to create something stunning, beautiful, thought provoking, and upcycled. Prizes of $500 each will be awarded for REMARKABLE UPCYCLING (creative refashioning of materials destined to be tossed out, made into a piece of wearable art), ORIGINALITY and PERFORMANCE. To get an an idea of this vibrant and fantastic event, have a look at the Campbell River Mirror’s coverage of the 2019 show here, featuring Marissa Tiel’s photos.
MUSICA INTIMA PERFORMS AT RIVERCITY STAGE
Finally! After a few pandemic-related starts and stops, one of Vancouver’s finest professional choral ensembles performed live at Rivercity Stage to a sold-out house in March 2022. With funding from POTA, Highway 19 Productions presented the concert; an emotional time for the singers and audience after such a long time without live music. The next morning, the singers held a choral workshop with Zephyr, a newly formed group of young women who are mostly Campbell River Children’s Choir alumnae.
POTA TURNS THREE!
Patrons of the Arts launched in February 2019. As we celebrate our third anniversary, we thank our generous members and dedicated board members for their commitment and hands-on work year round.
THE EDGE ISLAND INSPIRED ART TURNS ONE!
We began with the works of 23 artists filling our shelves at THE EDGE in February 2021. We now feature 43 artists. It is delightful to work with every one of them. They fit well with our saying, “We love to do fun things with fun people”! In addition to the shop in the lobby of the Anchor Inn, we also have our gallery in the hotel’s restaurant. So far we have displayed paintings and photographs by Mona Craig, Tasse Geldart, Roger Gosselin, Shelley Humble, Eiko Jones, Jill Paris Rody, Alyssa Penner, and Kim Wolton. Sales over the past year have put over $13,000 into the hands of our artists. We have also raised $4,000 for POTA to distribute to the community, providing opportunities and celebrating our visual and performing artists. For the latest updates on The Edge, visit here.
NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE BURSARY
Making a difference to an aspiring artist, POTA has provided a $1,000 bursary to another Fine Arts student. Martha warmed our hearts with “I am so thankful and grateful for receiving this award. This is my chance for art therapy… As a mother of four… I can show my children… to never give up on your dreams.”
40th ANNUAL MEMBERS’ SHOW
The Campbell River Arts Council and the Art Gallery are thrilled to have presented local and north island artists’ works for FOUR DECADES of Members’ Shows! This year’s exhibit began amid snowstorms of January and runs through February 26. POTA is providing three cash prizes to artists who receive People’s Choice Awards. Be sure to visit the Campbell River Art Gallery and cast your vote!
RIVERCITY PLAYERS KAYAK
The theatre world has been challenged over the past few years with the global pandemic. Rivercity Players is showcasing performances once again and inviting audiences to attend. This is wonderful news and provides us with the opportunity to celebrate and support them. POTA is delighted to provide Rivercity Players with $1,000 to bring the play Kayak onto the Rivercity stage in February and March.
HIGHWAY 19 CONCERTS
Lucas Schuller has kept us apprised of what’s happening with his concert productions – and they’re ready to return to the fabulous Rivercity stage. In January 2019, POTA committed $1,000 to assist in presenting Vancouver’s music intima vocal ensemble in concert. Postponed due to the pandemic, the concert is now going ahead on March 4.
POTA’S WEARABLE ART FASHION SHOW
We are determined to bring this back! This magical extravaganza of exquisite wearable art is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, 2022. POTA’s first Wearable Art Fashion Show was an absolute hit and we’ve been impatiently waiting to do it again. Have a look at the Campbell River Mirror’s coverage of it here and you’ll see what we mean!
2021 EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
THE EDGE ISLAND INSPIRED ART
As you enter the Anchor Inn lobby you are introduced to THE EDGE. Overlooking the ocean, it’s a captivating boutique that offers an exquisite selection of island inspired art. THE EDGE began when former POTA Director Charlotte Deptford initiated a partnership for POTA with Bev Herperger, General Manager of the Anchor Inn. Charlotte had her Ultimate Gift Boutique in the lobby and, as she was retiring, she envisioned POTA providing opportunities and supporting artists and artisans with a new shop. Voilà! A dream came true in February. The Anchor Inn provides us with the space and assists with sales transactions. All of our attention is on our artists – 23 to start!
WORDS ON THE WATER YOUTH POETRY
When Words on the Water was cancelled this year, Angel Murphy tried something new. She organised a poetry contest for youth from grades 9-12. It was wonderfully successful and they were delighted to have received such a large number of entrants. POTA provided prizes for the talented winners.
NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE BURSARY
Always thrilled to make a difference, POTA has provided a $1,000 bursary to a North Island College Fine Arts student for a second year. The grateful recipient responded with, “I was unsure if a [fine arts education] was ever going to happen… Your generosity has helped a young adult realize [that I] can follow my dreams… Miracles do happen if we put ourselves out there.”
39th ANNUAL MEMBERS’ SHOW
The much-loved Members’ Show was presented by the Campbell River Arts Council and the Art Gallery. Acknowledging local and north island artists, it was presented online as a virtual gallery, and at the Campbell River Art Gallery. It was a spirit-lifting celebration of artistic talent. POTA provided prizes for People’s Choice Awards.
ART+EARTH FESTIVAL POP UP PAINTERS
Once again, we were part of the ART+EARTH Festival, which is running for several months this year. In July we sponsored a Pop Up Painters event downtown. Eleven painters brought their paintbrushes and easels and set up outside of businesses. It was a fun opportunity for shoppers to meet them and ask questions about their art. POTA provided two prizes for painters.
THE EDGE SHOP & RESTAURANT GALLERY
THE EDGE Island Inspired Art shop continued to be a success into the summer months, paying over $3,000 from sales to our artists. We expanded by adding an art gallery to the Anchor Inn’s waterfront restaurant. Our first installation featured works for sale by Mona Craig, Tasse Geldart, Eiko Jones and Jill Paris Rody. We installed a roadside sign promoting THE EDGE. Thank you to Dan Samson and Erika Haley of RE/MAX Check Realty for providing the signpost. Heather Hughson created the dazzling sign with Pavel Barta’s logo design.
GRANDMOTHERS TO GRANDMOTHERS SILENT ART AUCTION
This wonderful group raised money for the Stephen Lewis Foundation through a silent art auction. One of their members – Tasse Geldart – generously donated a painting. Tasse’s art captures the beauty of nature that is just outside of our door; this painting was of a scene from Elk Falls Provincial Park.
STUART CLARK’S HIDE AND SEEK MURAL
Downtown Campbell River BIA has brought art to the streets with a series of murals by local artists. POTA sponsored Stuart Clark’s Hide and Seek photo. Look for it on the wall near RBC.
2020 EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
TIDEMARK THEATRE SPRING AND SUMMER DRAMA CAMPS FOR YOUTH
POTA sponsored mentors for both camps. This was an exciting opportunity for youth to delve into the world of performance and all that makes it happen – lighting, sound, action!
NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE BURSARY
A $1000 bursary was awarded to a Fine Arts student who demonstrated an all-out work ethic and a passion for the arts.
DOWNTOWN WEARABLE ART WINDOW DISPLAY – JULY-AUGUST
The Wearable Art Show took on a new look as designers from the fall 2019 fashion show, Amy Louise (Mother), Tami Bennett (Beyond the Blue), Mona Craig (Lucky Dress), and Charlotte Deptford (Queen of Hearts), provided their pieces for display in the former Needles and Arts Centre window. The display was amazing and brought a smile to passersby. This was truly a partnership event! A quick drop into Mercedes Lane Too and La Tee Da and our request for mannequins was fulfilled. Kris at Impressions Custom Framing and Arts Supplies provided us with lighting and the Tidemark Theatre provided spotlights.
WEARABLE ART SHOW HEADING OUT IN OUR HATS – AUGUST
Reality – the fall 2020 Wearable Art Show was not going to happen. So, what shall we do instead? How about a wearable art summertime event? Voilà! We sent out a challenge to design and create hats. Adult and child artists took up our challenge. We had an amazing array of hats that downtown shops displayed in their windows. Everyone who participated received gift certificates from shops in the Downtown BIA. Laughter and a sense of connection with our community happened in spades. POTA was the talk of the town!
POP UP PAINTERS – AUGUST
One beautiful August day we adorned our downtown streets with pop up artists. It was a wonderful success. Shoppers stopped by to have a look and chat with the artists. There were gift certificates for the painters, shoppers for the shops. Watch for events like this in the future.
YOUNG AT ART – NOVEMBER
Nadia Reiger’s Crow’s Nest Gallery hosted this event. Creative young artists participated and POTA provided $450 in prize money that was awarded in the form of gift certificates.
2019 EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
CAMPBELL RIVER GARDEN TOUR – JULY
What a wonderful weekend! It was a record with 291 tickets sold. The gardens were beautiful, the visitors appreciative, and the 25+ artists and musicians amazing. This was a collaborative event with POTA partnering with the CR Garden Club and the City of CR as hosts.
RIVER CITY ARTS FESTIVAL – JULY
An Art Zentangle experience with Barb Round and Penny Gosselin was sponsored by POTA and CR Arts Council.
Zentangle creates amazing art by drawing patterns called tangles, a method designed by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. All you have to be able to do is to make elemental strokes, and a world of patterns begins to unfold as you are guided through a relaxing (thus the zen), fun, and easy method. It’s magical!
ART + EARTH FESTIVAL CELEBRATION: AN EVENING SOIRÉE – SEPTEMBER
POTA hosted an enjoyable evening soirée at the Campbell River Museum on behalf of the Festival. POTA featured the unveiling of original art work from four local artists: Eiko Jones, photography; Jill Paris Rody, painting; Ellen Statz, pottery; Alex Witcombe, Drifted Creations. There were also readings from local writers and music. Guests met the artists, celebrating their art in a relaxed social setting.
ART + EARTH FESTIVAL ART SHOW: ULTIMATE GIFT BOUTIQUE – SEPTEMBER
Charlotte Deptford’s Ultimate Gift Boutique showcased Campbell River artists’ works that reflected an art and earth theme.
WEARABLE ART FASHION SHOW – A FUN AND FUNKY EVENT – OCTOBER
This fabulous evening featured choreographed presentations by visual and performing artists on stage in the Tidemark Theatre. Designers and models dazzled the audience.
For photos and more information go to the Wearable Art Fashion Show Page.
Committee Members
PATRONS OF THE ARTS Committee Members
Penny Gosselin
Chair / Secretary
Penny abounds in creative energy and sees our community as the art place to be. Her background includes leadership roles as an educator and Director on the Tidemark Theatre Society and the CR Arts Council Boards. Penny is a designer of unique jewelry. She views POTA as a dream come true as it opens doors to local artists and enhances our community.
Shelley Humble
Vice-Chair
Shelley is a diverse and seasoned professional. She works side by side with stakeholders building vision into reality. Shelley’s upbeat energy and style, along with her expertise in business, are amazing attributes that greatly benefit our local artists and community through POTA.
Suzanne Clemens
Director
Suzanne has always delighted in organizing, teaching, and promoting the arts. Through education and extensive travel she has acquired insight into many forms of art. POTA truly benefits from Suzanne’s depth of knowledge in respect to event planning and art appreciation. Her gift is an artistic flair that magically transforms any setting. You are treated to the “wow factor” with her design and functionality that are always on full display. Through POTA, Suzanne is delighted to turn her energy to supporting our local visual and performing artists.
Heather Gordon Murphy
Director
All who know Heather look with wonder at her energy, enthusiasm, and generosity. Her infectious upbeat approach motivates those around her to excel. Heather has over 35 years of experience as a dance and movement artist, artistic director, and costume designer. She is also an internationally renowned choreographer. Her extensive community and international involvement (art, tourism, volunteer groups, non-profit boards and more) and performing arts background bring expertise, experience, and vision to POTA. POTA’s “let’s do it” approach to engaging and supporting performing and visual artists in our community fits Heather to a tee.
Bev Sievwright
Director
After 25 years of working with a communications company in Alberta, Bev decided to dust off her sewing machine and do something else with her time. She became busy selling her handmade creations at markets around Spruce Grove, but then she and her husband packed up and moved to Vancouver Island. Now well into her second decade of embracing island living, she juggles many volunteer opportunities in Campbell River alongside her passion for sewing. In addition to working on custom projects, she sews and sells linens at markets – notably, a series of adorable children’s smocks in cheerful prints that capture island scenes, holidays and animals. Ensconced in the local arts and culture community, she is now part of Patrons of the Arts.
Membership
The Patrons of the Arts (POTA) membership is $120 per year which includes membership in the Campbell River Arts Council. If you are already an Arts Council member, your membership will be extended for a year.
You will be eligible to participate in various events exclusively for POTA, as well as having first choice for tickets at premier events like the Wearable Art Fashion Show.
You will receive a membership card, window sticker and tax receipt for $100.
Patrons of the Arts - Campbell River Arts Council 