Endako artist Clare Singleton recently pitched the idea of establishing an art gallery in Burns Lake to village council.
The proposed gallery, which would be run by a curator, would display the work of local artists.
“It would allow for education and a sense of morality, and an increase in professionals in the field of art,” she explained. “Also, it can bring the First Nations’ art community into the mix.”
Singleton, who holds a bachelor of fine arts degree, has travelled from coast to coast over the last 30 years documenting life in small towns. She said that what’s missing along the Hwy. 16 corridor is a “professional arts approach.”
“There’s hundreds of volunteers, hard-working people, we know lots of them in our region; but what happens when all we offer is volunteers, that’s what we get; you don’t get professionalism,” said Singleton.
“A public gallery is a professional environment that is curated,” she continued. “It’s an opportunity that brings artists to step higher, it takes them out of the mundane into the professional. It brings an edge to the artists’ existence, and it’s the society’s recognition that artists are not just here to volunteer and donate.”
“There’s a tendency of people to ask, ‘What do you really do?’ And I’m an artist, I was born an artist; and our country still needs artists,” she added.
Her presentation was well received by mayor and council, with two councillors saying that her passion and enthusiasm were “infectious.”
“As a photographer, I feel that that would be a tremendous addition [to Burns Lake], and I think that as we move toward transitioning the economy, arts can be a significant contributor, so I would like to have more discussions with you about this,” said councillor Michael Riis-Christianson.
He added that this type of excitement is exactly what a new committee responsible for diversifying the local economy will need.
Burns Lake Mayor Chris Beach said the Lakes District has a vibrant arts community that needs to be promoted “to a much greater extent.”
Singleton said the proposed gallery would be different from the Lakes Artisan Centre and Process 4 circle arts Gallery since it would not have the profit component.
“Public galleries focus on art exhibits and education,” she explained.
Process 4 circle arts Gallery is currently searching for a new location since its current building is changing ownership. The business will close its doors at its current location at the end of the month.
Burns Lake also has an initiative called ‘Art around town,’ in which the work of local artists is displayed in local businesses. Although this initiative has significantly downsized over the years, local residents can still see items displayed in some locations such as the Burns Lake Public Library and the Lakeview Mall.
In addition, an art exhibition called ‘My Canada,’ which showcased the work of local artists, was held in the Heritage Room in July and August as part of Canada’s 150th birthday.