Christine Whelan, FEO, October 10, 2024, VOL. 6 ISSUE 3
The Fort Erie Arts Council (FEAC) is delighted and thankful for the attendance and support they experienced on September 21, for the 18th annual Red Ribbon Art Show and Sale at the Fort Erie Leisureplex.
The FEAC focuses on community so it’s no surprise that the original meaning of Red Ribbon is “a gift to the community”. This year’s name for this gift to the community was “Fall Into Art”.
Donna MacLeod, President of the Arts Council, talked about the participants. “The show was filled with a variety of members. Some new artists have never participated, which is always great to see. Students from GFESS participated in filling two boards with their artwork.
“Normally, we just do mostly boards. This year, we had four tables of art as well with different types of work. We had sculptures, ornaments, and jewellery.”
She said this year was the best year for the artists’ sales since the year before the pandemic.
As far as attendance, Donna commented, “There were just over 150, not including the artists, their guests and volunteers, who attended the show.” Adding, “It was the best attendance since the pandemic. There was a nice variety of guests. Some people brought their kids.”
When asked what contributed to the higher attendance, Donna replied, “We changed the date to September from November,” which pulled the event away from the oncoming holiday season. “The time was changed from 7:00-11:00 pm to 6:00-10:00 pm.” She said this was based on feedback they received from artists and patrons. “This year, people were there right to the end enjoying the music.”
Jim Faragalli, a local musician, played all evening, donating some of his time. “He wrote a song for Red Ribbon. You can find it on YouTube.”
When asked about something new and different about the event this year, Donna shared, “We had a beautiful installation of a Fall tree. Grant Speight, husband of Denise, a member of FEAC, got us a prop for the entranceway and it was amazing.”
Red Ribbon Provides For the Year
The Fort Erie Arts Council did well in raising money for their programs, according to MacLeod. This annual event is the main funding source for the year, allowing the programs to run and the doors to stay open so that there’s a place to run the classes.
The community and businesses are supported through providing silent auctions and the Taste of Fort Erie, consisting of $1000 restaurant gift cards.
The event also funds materials to run events such as Art Battle and provides money to help participate in community events such as the upcoming Fall Festival. “We can also decorate the room beside Trailside’s during Christmas on the Ridge, as we have done for many years.”
Programs
The Hub and Gallery in Ridgeway is where classes and workshops are available to adults and kids in the community all year round.
Donna commented that the Art Camp went great this summer. “We had extended our hours. We were able to do this because of our increase in volunteers. We went from Friday and Saturday to Thursday through to Sunday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.” Fall hours will be shortened.
Upcoming Event
On October 12, Art Battle Fort Erie will be at the Sanctuary Centre for the Arts in Ridgeway, across the street from the FEAC Hub and Gallery. Witness a competition of skilled artists as they create breathtaking masterpieces in just 20 minutes per round. For more information, check out the Fort Erie Arts Council Facebook page.
“Tickets are available online and will be available at the door.”
The Art Market is coming in December, providing opportunities for creative gift shopping for the holidays.
When asked if the Arts Council needs volunteers, Donna replied, “We could always use more.”
The Fort Erie Council is a not-for-profit charitable organization, formed in 2005 by a small group of local artists and community members. It welcomes all artists and creative minds in the Greater Fort Erie area. The Hub and Gallery is located at 246 Ridge Road N, Ridgeway. There is something for everyone.
The Fort Erie Arts Council is thankful for all community support especially our volunteers and sponsors who believe in our vision to encourage diverse artistic expression
To take classes and workshops, donate, or become a member, go to the FEAC website: forterieartscouncil.com
To stay informed of all FEAC programs and events, connect with their Facebook page.
