DAC Artsletter June 2014

artsletter
June
2014
“to support the arts in Dufferin County and provide our members with cultural and social activities”
Intergenerational Writing Program
Bridging the Gap
DAC is excited and proud to announce that
it has been successful in receiving a $25,000
Federal New Horizons for Seniors Grant for
Intergenerational Bridging the Gap - Stories
and Language Arts Programs.
The intergenerational project goal is to
engage and bring together senior members
of the Dufferin Arts Council and local
seniors with five different Grade 7 classes in
order for the seniors and youth to share
personal stories and experiences of the past
and the present with each other. The
program is facilitated by Nora Zylstra-Savage
with the assistance of Ken Toppping and
Donna Henderson.
David Tilson, MP (centre) presents the Intergenerational Writing Program grant to DAC
representatives.
The seniors will help the students in understanding their personal and the historic past, while their teacher is
responsible to assist with the language arts process of article writing; question formulation, interviewing, notes,
composition, and editing. The students will produce memory albums for all the senior partners.
The program impacts the youth's attitudes towards the process of aging, stereotypes, and understanding the past.
It also promotes feelings of life-satisfaction, community contribution and self-worth for the seniors. It is also hoped
that the students will utilize this process with their own grandparents and family. Relationship building,
knowledge sharing, language arts, and world history are the focus of this intergenerational program.
As described below, the first class has begun and we are hoping that many of you will take this opportunity to be
part of these engaging and fun classes. It’s an amazing experience to interact and get to know the young people
of today. Their vitality for life and knowing that you’ve helped them understand the past in a personal way will
leave you feeling good.
Please volunteer, as we’d love to have you be a part of the program. The students
need you to make it a great success!
(Continued on page 2)
Volunteers Needed
(Continued from page 1)
Program Update: Twenty-Four Volunteers Needed
The program is off to a flying start at Glenbrook School in Shelburne with seven seniors and Christine Kennedy’s
enthusiastic grade seven students. As this artsletter is printed we will be close to the final publishing of the life
stories of our very interesting seniors. Janet and Dick Byford, John McDermid, Beryle Orme, Al Widbur, Dorothy
Hilliard and Pete Patterson are to be commended for their
participation in this program. Nora Zylstra-Savage is an
enthusiastic facilitator who makes this program work
seamlessly as she plans the work with our very supportive
teacher Christine and her enthusiastic, well mannered and
hard working students.
Dick Byford (left), who you all know loves to tell story, is
pictured in one of our introductory sessions. Beryle shares
some pictures of her life with Nora (below).
Nora, assisted by Donna Henderson and myself, need
your help! We plan to run three sessions in the fall, in
Orangeville, and we need 24 senior volunteers from DAC
and friends to participate. We want to have all players in place before June 30 so that programs can run and be
complete before we return to another of our Dufferin winters. Nora is focusing on the school connections while
Donna and I work with the senior volunteers. We assured the New Horizons grant department of Human
Resources and Skills Development Canada that there was enthusiasm among DAC members to do this with DAC
as the key source of volunteer seniors.
Donna and I look forward to hearing from you as you call
to get the particulars for volunteering for our fall sessions in
Orangeville. We await your calls.
Ken Topping 519-925-2819
Donna Henderson 519-942-0917
2
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Luncheons at The Globe: What You Missed
Dianne Lister – A Body of Work (February), presently working as CEO and President of the Royal Ontario Museum. I
settled in to hear Dianne’s story. She had a few of her works of photography on display. After her introduction
outlining some of her past accomplishments I began to worry that I had been a slug, and I was not alone. Finally, I
needed to start keeping notes and eventually had Harvey supply me with a copy of her presentation.
Dianne examined her Body of Work in chunks of twenty years. “My reflection is based on two themes: 1) granite and
limestone; 2) daycares and mega quarries.” If you missed this opportunity to hear one of Canada’s Most Influential
Women, too bad. She said, “Rather than noble principles, need necessitated community action.” It was in reference
to starting a daycare centre which is still going strong twenty years later. However, some may know her major
involvement with the fight against the mega quarry.
“In January 1993, I took a collection of photos to [the Dufferin County] Museum. I didn’t know about curators and
juried shows. A young man was clearing the snow. It was Wayne Townsend.” It was to be her first of many exhibits
and juried shows.
We need to thank Dianne for her many expressions of gratitude; one of which she expressed to us. Her gratitude to
the Dufferin Arts Council for allowing her the opportunity to address the group.
Two words leap to mind when thinking about Dianne’s presentation, class and grace.
Jim Coyle (March), presently a journalist at the Toronto Star
“…power of stories to transport you out of the here and now.” And so Jim did transport us after our amazing lunch at
The Globe. Thanks David and staff.
Jim had the rewards of curiosity and was involved with the industry when “ink was king”. “Getting paid to ask
questions and tell stories,” probably as close to heaven in this life as Jim thought he would get. (As one of Irish blood,
heaven is always there.) We need to remember it was a time of strong public institutions (he told us), schools,
libraries, etc. “The teaching of humility – asking for and accepting help changed him. Knees melt. Heart leaps.”
“The power of language and stories had come full circle when his dad read his book.”
Jim has been in the business for 35 years. One of the many changes he observed is that we “educate our kids out of
our social circle”. Maybe that is one of the reasons we were fortunate to have Jim tell us some of his story. Jim
reminds us about family and acceptance – both of ourselves and others. How we too can appreciate a life well lived
and our surrounding conditions.
Time went by too quickly. (Some of us needed to leave for Monday Night at the Movies – sorry.) Our appreciation is
extended to Jim for being himself and sharing himself with us.
Lynda Bechard
3
Book Early For Globe Luncheons
Lunch at The Globe
(on Highway 89 in the Village of Rosemont)
As we come to the end of a difficult winter - and spring - I want to thank all those who have kept these luncheons
going - the enthusiastic members and their friends who come to meet and hear the incredible talents that live “in the
hills”.
This June will be our 200th luncheon! The first speaker was Kai Liis Mcinnis in June 1993. Kai Liis will return in the
fall of 2014. Like DAC, her art has grown and changed.
I am enclosing two short paragraphs from the Dufferin Youth Festival organizers. If you missed the Primrose School
choir, you missed seeing the impact of a school principal who believes in the power of art and music on young
children. Cheers to the great skill of Jennifer Robinson, the music teacher, who molded 40 youngsters into a proud,
happy performance group.
Mary Runciman, Wendy Carter, Sharon Larsen
"Thank you so very much for performing for us at the DAC luncheon today. Your presence and music was inspiring.
Your choir was wonderful! The harmonies and rhythms were so challenging in your pieces. Well done!!! Your choir
members were attentive during the power point presentations and were so quiet when leaving with their snacks.
Please thank them. We are looking forward to hearing them sing again at the DYFA. "
Jennifer Robertson and Students
"Thank you so much for the kind words. You are very complimentary, but it is really WE who should be thanking
YOU. Our students “had a ball” and fairly floated out of the hall with the praise and positive feedback they received
from the audience and those of you leading the afternoon. Thank you so much for including us in your celebration
and for welcoming our budding singers to share their growing skills. I have included our accompanist, Jean
Thompson, on this email as she is such a wise and encouraging leader in our group. She really holds us all together.
Being new to the area, we are both looking forward to experiencing our first Dufferin Youth Festival of the Arts.
Thanks again for inviting us and for making the afternoon so pleasant for us and for the students. We were thrilled to
be involved!"
Now for the immediate future.
June 2: Pat Burns and Jim Lorriman
These two artists will once again tempt/tease/thrill us with their great talents and will talk about their upcoming
projects.
Pat is heading up the Stitches across Time exhibition and juried show opening at the Dufferin County Museum on
September 12.
Jim will reveal the plans for his History in the Making show, also opening at the Museum on September 12.
(Continued on page 5)
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The Philanderer: August 12
(Continued from page 4)
Fall, 2014
Dan St. Pierre and Jocelyn Burke will be your new hosts at the Monday luncheons. The fall line up is almost
complete. More details will follow in August.
September 8, 2014
TBA
October 6, 2014
George Bricker, War Re-enactor
George is preparing to fight the Battle of New Orleans (1814) in December, 2014 - the last major battle of the War of
1812-14! George is in Aggie Dean's knitting group where he makes parts of his costumes.
November 3, 2014
Pete Paterson, Photographer.
We see Pete's work everywhere, but especially in displays of local artists' work and in In the Hills. Pete is involved in
many community activities - a go-to man' of Dufferin.
Cheers, Dick
Upcoming Excursion
SHAW
Don't miss a day out in lovely Niagara-on-the-Lake, billed as the prettiest town in Canada, and a chance to catch one
of Shaw's hilarious comedies at the Festival Theatre there.
PRODUCTION:
DATE:
DEPARTS:
LUNCH:
RETURN:
COST:
The Philanderer
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
9:00 am from Superburger (Primrose)
9:15 am from Orangeville Home Hardware (Zehr's Plaza)
on your own - lots of great choices in town
approximately 7:30 pm
$115.00 (bus and theatre ticket)
TO BOOK, please email DEANNA MIRCHEFF at [email protected] or call her at 519-941-7677 and
send your cheque, made payable to the Dufferin Arts Council, to Deanna at 794206 3rd Line EHS, Mono L9W 5X8.
Deanna Mircheff
5
Renew Your DAC Membership Today!
It’s Time For Membership Renewals at DAC
The new year at DAC is about to begin!!! The DAC year runs July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.
Please find enclosed your yellow membership renewal form which we appreciate you filling out completely and
sending to our new mailing address with your membership cheque.
Fees are unchanged:
SINGLE $25 FAMILY $35
Mail to:
Dufferin Arts Council
150 First Street, R.P.O. Box 21052, Orangeville, ON L9W 4S7
On the same form there is the option to donate to any or all of the Dufferin Arts Council's wonderful programs, for
which you will receive a tax receipt. These programs include: Community Projects Support (Artists in the Schools,
local arts grants), Endowment Fund (financial grants to students in Dufferin pursuing post secondary education in
any of the arts), or the Reed T. Cooper Bursary (granted to enhancing mid career professional artists in the area). You
can find out more about these programs at www.dufferinartscouncil.com.
We look forward to an exciting year ahead for our members of DAC as we enter our 21st year of connection with
our members and artists of Dufferin and beyond...your ongoing support is very important and appreciated!
If you have any questions or comments please contact:
Jayne Stanley, Membership, Dufferin Arts Council
e-mail: [email protected]
phone: 519-925-5361 or cell 519-943-5167
Members At Large
The DAC Board meets on the third Thursday of the month at the Shelburne Council Chamber in the Grace Tipling
Hall in Shelburne. All DAC members are welcome to attend Board meetings either as observers or as participants,
although voting is restricted to elected Board Members. Attending a Board meeting is a good way to learn more
about the Board and determine if you might be interested in joining the Board or becoming a member of the Exofficio Board. Several of our current Board Members started out as observers of Board meetings (we referred to
them as Board Members At Large) and subsequently joined the Board. If you are interested in attending a Board
meeting, e-mail me ([email protected]) or call me (519-941-1516) and I will send you an agenda and
any accompanying material in advance of that particular Board meeting.
Harvey Kolodny
Past President
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Blast at Island Lake: June 21
Island Lake Stage
Our Community in concert – Building a dream
On Saturday June 21 the music of local professionals is going to ring out across Island Lake. Gathered on the gentle
grassy shoreline surrounding the “swimming bay” will be hundreds of people seeing the possibilities . . . a floating
stage at the narrowing of the bay? Across the lake are the forests on the north shore.
On this particular date, the stage (rented) will be on the shoreline, power will be supplied by “quiet” concert
generators, and guests will be seated on their blankets, chairs or mats under a summer solstice evening sky. In
strategic locations around the lake, a sound company will be taking decibel readings . . . and at the end of it all, our
homework will be done. Bring a picnic dinner, or buy on site. It will be a wonderful concert.
Imagine the possibilities and share in the magic. We promise you an evening to remember! Please plan to join us.
BLAST
T.O.Y.S., Heather Katz, Ryan Grist & Band, Campfire Poets, Mark DuBois & Singers, Trouble & Strife, and more!
Saturday June 21, 2014
Island Lake Conservation Area, Buena Vista Road, north on Hurontario St.
Gates open at 6:30
$20 (includes HST and park entrance)
Tickets available at Theatre Orangeville Box Office: 519-942-3423 or online: www.orangevilletix.ca
Partners: Credit Valley Conservation Authority, Theatre Orangeville, Town of Mono, Town of Orangeville, Rotary
Club of Orangeville Highlands, Dufferin Arts Council, Orangeville Arts and Culture Committee, local artists, and
growing!
Marilyn Logan, Committee Chairperson
7
Arts Days Are Going Strong
Artists in the Schools
It’s the time of the school year for the “Arts Day.” Many schools in Dufferin have special days just for the arts.
Several artists are invited to conduct one to two hour workshops in their specialty for entire divisions (primary, junior,
intermediate) in our elementary schools. The children get to participate in up to four different art activities from
visual art, to drama to music to dance. So far I’ve heard from Laurelwoods, Mono Amaranth and Credit Meadows,
with more to come in May and June. I’ll report on those in the next newsletter.
And once again DAC is reaching beyond its borders to send one of our artists to Alton P.S. in Caledon.
Finally, we would like to thank the Dufferin Circle of Storytellers, now in its twentieth year of telling stories in the
community, which made a gift of $500.00 to Centre Dufferin District High School in Shelburne that gave an
opportunity to two groups of Grade 9 and 10 students from both the academic and applied levels to work with a
professional storyteller to experience and learn the art of storytelling. Thank you very much.
Until the next newsletter,
Steve Baker
Calling All Artists!
Would you like to be featured on one of the premier websites in our community?
In the Hills has accepted our Artist in the Spotlight blog as one of it's permanent features.
Please contact Arlene Taylor at [email protected] for details and prepare to be promoted!
(Have a look at the latest posting...www.inthehills.ca/blogs/artist-spotlight/)
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Renew Your DAC Membership Today!
DAC’s Databases
The Dufferin Arts Council has archived its documents with the Dufferin County Museum & Archives for many years.
This includes a ten year history of DAC, from its birth in 1992 to 2002, prepared by the late Jacques Brooksbank.
DAC is also in the process of completing and refining three active databases which are 'soft assets' to add to our
inventory of hard assets.
1. A History of Luncheon Speakers. Dick Byford is completing this database which by September of 2014 will
number 200 presenters. Dick is capturing the date and month of their presentation, and where possible, the topic of
their presentation.
2. A Record of Scholarship Winners. Leslie and Glenn Godfrey are carrying out the research associated with the
102 secondary school students from Dufferin County who have received Scholarships from DAC. They are capturing
names, dates, high school they attended, graduate program they entered and, where possible, what they are doing
now.
3. Active Membership Data For the past two years, Jayne Stanley has worked with a software program developer to
create a comprehensive membership database that records current members’ names, addresses, up to three
telephone numbers, up to two e-mail addresses (plus a private one), membership status (single or family), and
donation status (Community Projects or Scholarship Endowment Fund or Reed T. Cooper Bursary), for each of our
over 400 members. The software program also generates welcome letters and mailing labels for new members,
thank you letters and mailing labels for donations to each of the above mentioned donation categories, tax receipts
for donations, and deposit slips for the Treasurer to keep track of membership and donation financials as well as tax
receipts. The database also produces the mailing labels for the quarterly artsletter and produces the Directory of
Members that is sent out to each member.
Harvey Kolodny
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Donations to DAC Are Always Welcome
Artists in the Schools - Personal Reflections
I have been part of DAC's Artists in the Schools program for a few years now. I
have enjoyed our annual networking lunch at The Globe, a great opportunity to
meet some new colleagues/neighbours and share ideas. As a thank you to DAC
for creating and supporting this program I thought I would share my three recent
school experiences.
In November I facilitated a dance workshop for the female students at the Pine
River Institute (PRI). I have a long-term relationship with PRI, as I facilitate a
mindfulness group there every Monday. The Artists in the School program gave
me the chance to engage with the girls in a really different way. I invited a few of
them to help me facilitate certain parts of our morning together. I led the body of
the workshop and one student helped with our warm up, another with our
stretches and the third led a few dance exercises. This was a sweet chance for
these students to shine. We had a blast! The workshop was hosted in a local
resident's art studio. We started with an opening circle and then we 'Ripped n'
Rocked' old t-shirts (See photo at right of two PRI staff sporting their newly
'designed' shirts). We warmed up, danced Nia (www.nianow.com), played with
some other dance exercises, stretched, had snacks, did some journaling and a
closing circle. This is how their teacher, Anne Thompson, described our session,
"Ayrlie led a mutli-modal dance workshop for a group of adolescent girls with
mental health issues that combined therapeutic elements, physical fitness, team
building, self-reflection and confidence building. The girls came away feeling
refreshed, confident, calm and connected. We are looking forward to having her
back!" The teens really played and allowed themselves to be silly, expressive and
open. There was a lot of playfulness and laughter. A very memorable day!
The Artists in the School program will sometimes make an exception and support a program in a school that is
outside of Dufferin County. New Lowell Public School was one of those exceptions. At the end of February I went in
to Ms. Doka's grade one class. What a well-behaved group! We started with an opening circle of introductions and
what they like about being an artist. We warmed up and got silly with some music and movement before I
introduced our main project, Worry Worms/Caring Caterpillars. We had a conversation about worrying and ways that
we can 'transform' our worries. We talked about how important it is to share our worries and concerns with someone
that cares and to not let them build up inside. We can transform our worries just like a worm transforms compost to
soil or a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. Using both recycled and new materials the children created their very
own 'stuffy' (See photo on next page). First, they took colourful pieces of fleece (a by-product from
www.hugsforlife.com) and stuffed them into old nylons/tights. Second, they tied colourful strips of fleece around the
body. Third, they chose eyes and 'feelers' and poof! In their hands they held a super cute, not so little, critter. To
close the workshop we sat in a circle and, beaming with pride, they each introduced their special friend. It was so
(Continued on page 11)
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www.dufferinartscouncil.blogspot.com
(Continued from page 10)
sweet! I almost always ask the teacher
for feedback. This is what Ms. Doka
emailed me recently, “Hi Ayrlie, Isabella
said her favourite part of your visit "was
the warm up because I liked it when we
moved differently." Kaiden "I liked the
part where we stuffed the worms." Faith
says "I enjoy my worry worm by hugging
it." Molly says "I think no one could be
sad on that day, could you please come
again?" I also thank you for your warmth
and enthusiasm. your creative energy
was contagious! The class still talks
about your visit and often talk about
their "worry worms". They even drew
pictures of their "worms" for you. Thanks
again, Margaret”
The last school I visited was Primrose Elementary for their annual Arts Day. Janet Helps organizes a fantastic day for
both the students and the visiting artists! A large group of us arrived in the morning ready to play, inspire, create and
learn! I was sharing a movement/dance workshop and was delighted that there were returning young dancers from
last year's Arts Day. We had a fun time moving and grooving, playing with different planes/levels, directions, and
speeds. After the lunch break the group, about 20+, and I created a piece to share with the school. Rather than
taking one student’s idea I decided to incorporate all the ideas that were shared….bring it on! With very little time
to practice the children adorned themselves with scarves. Dressed up as Snow White, faeries, princes, deer, a rabbit,
trees, dragons, … and other creatures, they walked on stage and created a really sweet and calm movement piece.
In a few minutes it was over, and they came to the front of the stage took a bow and shuffled off. (Due to privacy I
could not take photos of the little dancers.) I am grateful for these special opportunities to share my love of the arts
with our little local artists. My hope is that they continue to access their creativity to help build healthy, happy and
inclusive schools and that their unique creative self-expression never gets squashed but deepens to become a solid
'friend'.
In gratitude,
Ayrlie MacEachern
www.ayrlie.ca
11
Congratulations ...
Dufferin Storytellers Celebrate 20 Years
The Dufferin Circle of Storytellers filled the sanctuary of lovely Corbetton Church, at Dufferin County Museum, with
stories and story lovers on April 25th. The Circle celebrated 20 years of yarns and tales, old and new, comical and
touching. The Circle was founded in 1994 by retired teacher Nancy
Woods starting with 3 “tellers of tales.” Now, there are 17 members,
ranging from 11 to 81 years of age, who try to meet once a month to
tell each other stories, accept invitations to story-tell, and perform at
seniors' residences and schools.
Now living in the hills of Mulmur, Nancy Woods’ attraction to tales
was inspired by students, in the last 15 years of teaching in Toronto,
“who were fascinated by the new technologies for saving data,
but seemed disinterested in holding anything in their own memories.
They also didn't know how to listen.” She came upon an article by a
well-known Canadian storyteller, Dan Yashinsky, who wrote,
"Listeners are an endangered species. Let us rediscover the value of
the spoken word, the value of memory, the value of gathering together to hear." Nancy applied for a grant and began a highly successful program in her school, launching a life long love of storytelling.
In this tradition, the Dufferin Arts Council recently received a gift of $500 from the Circle of Storytellers, giving Centre
Dufferin District High School students in Grade 9 and 10 an opportunity to work with a professional storyteller to
experience and learn the art of storytelling.
The evening in Corbetton Church was a diverse collection of stories, some original and some adapted, by nine different tellers of tales. Accomplished harpist Lianne Gorelle created an authentic atmosphere with the gentle strums of
her instrument. Zoee Maxwell began the evening appropriately with “A Creation Story” based on the Ojibway legend
of how the Earth was made. Carol Cholvat followed with “Sweet Sixteen,” her original story of young love. The audience laughed along with the spoken image of a father misconstruing his daughter’s date to the hockey game as a
lonely young man he would, as a kindly gesture, accompany to the game himself.
As a retired librarian from Toronto Public Libraries, who now works at three local libraries, Jennifer Johnson has an
obvious passion for the written word. She told a fantastical “coming of age” story, “The Green Cloak,” filled with dark
forests, mischievous Fairy folk, and a carefree, flute playing boy, who, as the Irish would say, “had a bit of the glamour about him.” Wearing a green cloak, and holding the story staff, Johnson spun a tale of a midsummer’s eve when
the boy was rescued from the fairy world by his sister, caught tightly in her green cloak, but “the carefree boy who
played the flute was gone, replaced by a man who did a man’s duties.”
Dick Byford, a member of the Dufferin Arts Council, made a surprise story offering with fond memories of Jack
(Continued on page 13)
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Dufferin Storytellers 20 Years Young
(Continued from page 12)
Downing, a cherished member of the community who had loved storytelling. Dick retold the hilarious account of
Jack’s country dog Omar who accompanied him to a meeting in the city to discover “more wild animals than in the
country,” including a fox stole, worn by a lovely lady in the glass elevator at the Eaton Centre.
At only 11 years of age, Chandra is the youngest member of the Circle. She wrote her own folk tale in the style of first
nations, The Chipmunk and The Canoe, about a journey through the four seasons. Complete with a chipmunk and a
canoe, Chandra was an inspiration to other youth, and an encouraging sign that the ancient art of story telling would
continue for years to come.
The second half of the evening included two Owl tales, one an adaptation of “The Owl and the Bens,” by W.O
Mitchell, and Michael Agueci’s “Owl Eruption” about his encounter with snowy owls on the back roads of cold and
windy Melancthon.
Grade 9 student Kyra Seymour, another inspirational young teller, adapted a tale by Max Lucado, “Because I Love
You.” The story spoke of the wise Shaddai who builds a stone wall around the village to protect the children, but allows a curious village boy, Paladin, to make his own decisions and learn a lesson of love when he passes through a
hole in the wall to the other side.
Marian Gallaugher ended the evening with an original story about her relationship with Mr. Jeff, a unique influence
in her life, who had come to Canada as a home child, a system of migration that often placed poor or orphaned children in brutal and pitiful conditions. Nancy Woods said the Circle of Story Tellers was happy with the evening,
but frustrated by sound equipment problems and feels they must turn their attention to finding a better system. If you
are interested in assisting the group or joining as a listener or storyteller you can contact Nancy Woods at 705-4662111.
Marni Walsh
Reprinted with permission from the Shelburne Free Press.
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Donations to DAC Are Always Welcome
Donating to the Dufferin Arts Council
The Dufferin Arts Council has a number of programs that you can support through your generous donation. Please
direct your donation to one or more of the following:
1. Community Programs
Our Artists in the Schools program offers teachers in Dufferin County’s 23 schools the opportunity to enrich their
arts curriculum by inviting local artists into the classroom to work with students in arts-related activities such as visual
arts, music, dance, and drama.
Through the Artist Support program, DAC assists local artists in enhancing their skills and careers through
professional development and networking opportunities, and the organization of arts events. Recent examples
include organizing opportunities for artists to have their work professionally photographed and the mounting of the
Fresh Art, Fresh Air and Free Parking art show.
Through the DAC Grants program, DAC provides support to local arts organizations, student festivals, and special
arts-related events.
2. Reed T. Cooper Bursary in Visual Arts
The Reed T. Cooper Bursary in Visual Arts has been established to assist mid-career visual artists in significantly
advancing or renewing their work.
3. Endowment Fund
The DAC endowment fund provides scholarships and bursaries to local secondary school graduates who have chosen
to enroll in post secondary studies in the arts.
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Support Theatre Orangeville
At Theatre Orangeville
Queen Milli of Galt (May 8 to 25)
In 1972, shortly after the death of the Duke of Windsor, a
retired school teacher in small town Ontario commissions a
headstone naming herself as his wife. Did the man who gave
up his throne for the woman he loved, forsake an earlier love?
Audiences will be transported back to 1919 in this witty and
warmly romantic story. Directed by David Nairn. Starring:
Heidi Lynch, Jefferson Mappin, Mag Ruffman, Adrian
Shepherd and Lauren Toffan. Tickets can be purchased by
calling the Theatre Orangeville Box Office at 519-942-3423 or
1-800-424-1295.
Join Theatre Orangeville after the May 16 and 17 evening
performances of Queen Milli of Galt for presentations by
Dufferin County Museum Curator Wayne Townsend. Wayne
will be speaking on “Royal Connections” in Dufferin County.
There will be a brief intermission after each performance for
those wishing to exit the theatre prior to the
presentation.
Do you have something to say about the arts?
Submissions for the Art Beat page are welcome. Write an article on music, dance, theatre, fine art, crafts,
literature...or send your poems or short stories... Please limit your piece to 800 words (less if you are including
illustrations) and send it to Jane Cooper ([email protected]) or Caroline Mach (forestmanager@
dufferinmuseum.com) at least two weeks before the next artsletter deadline of August 1, 2014.
15
Art Beat by Jane Cooper
W.J. Hughes “Corn Flower”:
Celebrating 100 Years of
Collecting!
Almost anyone over the age of 35 who lives in Canada is
at least familiar with glassware decorated with a design
commonly called “Corn Flower.” For almost 75 years,
glass stemware and serving pieces with this pattern were
in almost every cupboard and cabinet in the country.
“Corn Flower” is not a style but a licensed pattern,
owned by W.J. Hughes “Corn Flower”, that is cut into
glass blanks.
The founder of the business, Jack Hughes, was born in
Amaranth Township, Dufferin County, but at 16 he left
for Toronto to make his fortune. While employed by the
Roden Brothers, Jack learned the trade of cutting lead
crystal. He was a natural. In 1914, he took a risk and set
up his own cutting machine in his basement and
designed two patterns, one geometric and the second
floral. The floral pattern proved not only more popular,
but easier to cut, as it required less manpower. He cut
whatever blanks he could purchase and packed them up
and took them out on the road. Through his hard work
and friendly way of selling to the retailers, the pattern
became popular as a gift item, particularly for brides and
as anniversary gifts.
a consequence many elegant coloured glass blanks were
introduced, some in large quantities, but again, what was
available to Hughes. Those from noted U.S.
manufacturers such as Beaumont, Cambridge, Central,
Duncan Miller, Heisey, Jeanette, Lancaster, Paden City,
Tiffin, and Westmoreland were cut with W. J. Hughes
“Corn Flower.” Coloured pieces command good prices
in today’s antique market, and many of the serious
collectors actively seek these pieces out. Perhaps this is
because they are typically showy: the floral cutting is
large and covers much of the blank’s available surface.
Blanks from 1914-1925 are found on clear glass. The cut
flowers are big and bold, and the leafing lavish;
sometimes even two different bud cuts were additionally
used. Most known blanks are stemware. On plates and
tableware, the bottoms could include extra cutting in
sunburst patterns. Fancy nicking was added to tops and
edges and sometimes even small cuts were made on
handles to improve the grip for the user. These early
pieces have large areas of cutting, and are the ones most
sought after by today’s collectors. The blanks were
purchased in small quantities from many suppliers,
producing a huge variety of items that can be found in
shops and antique markets today.
By 1923, the business had grown enough to begin to
hire and train cutters. This included Hughes’s twin
brother, other relatives, and boys from back home in
Dufferin County. In 1932 the company started using foil
labels on each piece of glass that they cut, as certification
against the many unauthorized copies that were being
manufactured in response to “Corn Flower’s” popularity.
There were glass shortages during the Second World
War, but afterward the business boomed, taking
advantage of the post-war growth of a more affluent
middle class. Hughes and his son-in-law, Pete Kayser,
designed and built a factory to keep up with the growth
in demand for the “Corn Flower” pattern. It was Pete
Kayser who continued to operate and manage the
business after Jack passed away in 1951.
Coloured glass became popular during the 1920s, and as
(Continued on page 17)
16
Art Beat by Jane Cooper
(Continued from page 16)
W.J. Hughes made a wise business move when the
company gained the exclusive right in Canada to
purchase Imperial Glass Company’s popular Candlewick
design, effectively stopping competitors from buying the
blanks and producing illegal counterfeits. The Candlewick
line became the most popular and highest value of sale
items ever cut with W.J. Hughes “Corn Flower.”
For today’s collector, a matched punch bowl set with
cups and ladle seems to be the most sought-after piece.
in the collection records of the blanks in the permanent
collection. The DCMA also holds a study collection of
“fakes” and “copies” with their original labels. These help
the staff and collectors recognize the different cutting
styles and blanks used by those trying to duplicate “Corn
Flower” illegally.
To mark the 100th anniversary of W.J. Hughes “Corn
Flower”, the DCMA has many events planned, as well as
a special exhibit. The exhibit includes nearly the entirety
of the museum’s collection of “Corn Flower”, including
original archival materials and photographs. Information
At the factory, cutters were allowed to bring in pieces of about sources of blanks and the development of the cuts
is provided on labels to introduce visitors to the many
glass from home to cut in the familiar “Corn Flower”
design. This practice produced items that turn up today in areas of “Corn Flower” collecting.
collections, but which were never regular
If you have “Corn Flower” in your cupboard, this is the
production pieces. This can make collecting “Corn
year to celebrate! If you don’t, this is the year to get out
Flower” confusing, but also more challenging and
there to shops, markets, shows, and garage sales and start
exciting, as unique pieces really do exist.
collecting! Everyone should check their cupboards this
year to see if they are already owners of W.J. Hughes
In 1953 the company produced a trade catalogue
“Corn Flower.” Collectors, bring your collection out and
featuring all the products available. Production grew to
use it. Raise a “Corn Flower” wine glass and toast a truly
include aluminum trays, cookware, and numerous lines
of glass to cover every taste and design trend. The bridal Canadian company as it celebrates the 100th year of its
founding.
market was a prime focus of their advertising. As
entertaining at home gained popularity, many cocktail
The “Corn Flower” Festival is a two day event this year,
and smoking lines were added. Stemware, however,
June 7 and 8. For a full listing of “Corn Flower” events,
continued to be the most popular item.
please go to our website for more information:
www.dufferinmuseum.com.
The Dufferin County Museum & Archives (DCMA)
proudly displays the largest public collection of W.J.
Nanci Malek
Hughes “Corn Flower” in the world. This collection
features nearly 500 pieces cut on coloured glass, ranging
from pink to yellow, to the rarer blues and a single red
blank. In June of each year, hundreds of “Corn Flower”
collectors from across Canada attend a festival at the
Museum celebrating this unique piece of Canadian
history.
Each glass blank in the DCMA’s collection has been
authenticated and identified by Pete Kayser. Where
possible, he includes information about who the cutter
was, quantities in which the blank was produced, and
other trivia. These facts, and hundreds more, are stored
17
Coming Events
learning sessions with Museum staff, guest speakers, a
consignment sale of authenticated W. J. Hughes “Corn
Flower” glassware, a special fundraising dinner, auction of
coloured pieces, and the rare chance to hear the personal
June 2 - 29
stories of the owners of the business. Lunch and light
Interpretations
refreshments available on site in the Museum tearoom.
The Orangeville Art Group is excited to present its annual We invite everyone to explore our new “Corn Flower”
juried art show. We invite you to enjoy this visual art
exhibit - this display will provide information on the
extravaganza commencing in conjunction with the Blues intricacies of “Corn Flower” glass, from the cutting styles
and Jazz Festival on Saturday, June 6. Artwork includes
to the glass blanks. Become a “Corn Flower” expert!
original paintings and three dimensional pieces such as
Festival Admission: $10 per day/$15 for both days. For
pottery and jewellery. This year’s show is at two locations more information contact the Museum at
on Broadway:
[email protected] or 877-941-7787.
 upstairs at the newly renovated library at 1 Mill
Street and;
June 18
 the enlarged space of Maggiollys Art at 158
King Lear Excursion
Broadway.
Shakespeare's King Lear, with Colm Feore in the starring
Opening reception: June 7, 7 pm, Orangeville Public
role, and directed by Antoni Cimolino (Stratford's Artistic
Library. For more information:
Director).
DEPARTURE: 9:15 am from Superburger (Primrose);
www.orangevilleartgroup.com and on Facebook and
Twitter.
9:30 am from Orangeville Home Hardware parking lot
RETURN: approx. 7:00 pm; lunch on your own
June 6 - 8
COST: $105.00 (bus and theatre ticket). Please contact
Relax the Senses
Deanna Mircheff at: [email protected] or
An art show featuring local art groups at the Blues and
call 519-941‐7677.
Jazz Festival
Atrium, Ground Floor, Orangeville Town Hall, Entrance
June 18 - 22
from Second Street at Broadway
The 6th Annual Big Heart Dance Camp
Visit us to see the award-winning talent that we have in
Singles, couples and families, we welcome you all to join
this area. Find out about art groups, and venues
us! Workshops all day, every day, in Nia, Contact Improv,
displaying art throughout the Festival and during the
Modern, Sacred Circle, Healing Arts, Drumming,
month of June in various locations on Broadway and
Meditation, Yoga, and more. No prior training or fitness
further afield. Admission is free.
level required, just an open heart wanting to explore and
June 6: 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
celebrate through movement, music, nature, community
June 7: noon - 9:30 pm
and yummy food! We are a growing community of artists,
June 8: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
dancers, musicians, healers, helpers, and lovers. We
For more information: www.orangevilleartgroup.com.
come together to create a space full of ease, playfulness,
beauty, freedom, and full self-expression! Nurtured and
June 7 - 8, 10 am - 4 pm
infused by the spirited land of Unicamp, we strive for
16th Annual “Corn Flower” Festival
peace and joy by being together creatively and
“Corn Flower” enthusiasts, collectors, and their often
consciously. Come for five days or join us for the
bewildered partners and friends, come together to
weekend! To register, contact Ayrlie at 705-444-0550 or
celebrate the Dufferin County Museum’s 16th Annual
[email protected]. Find us on Facebook at
“Corn Flower” Festival. This year’s Festival includes
(Continued on page 19)
June 2
Globe Luncheon
For more details, see page 4.
18
Coming Events
(Continued from page 18)
Big Heart Dance Camp.
June 30 - July 4, July 7 - 11, July 21 - 25 (Teen Week
during this session for ages 12 - 15), August 5 - 8, August
11 - 15 (Intergenerational Week this session for ages 4 to
104)
Imaginarium~Adventures in Art
All sessions are held at Station on the Green in Creemore.
Imaginarium~Adventures in Art invites your children and
grandchildren to come play and explore their creative
self-expression with painting, drama, clay, music and so
much more!! Imaginarium summer art program will offer
five separate weeks of action packed excitement! Unless
specified, all sessions are for ages 4 to 12 years. Please
contact [email protected] or call 705466-6304 for more information. You can also find us on
Facebook at Imaginarium - Adventures in Art. Ask about
our subsidiary program.
August 12
The Philander Excursion
For more details, see page 5.
September 8
Globe Luncheon
For more details, see page 5.
September 12 - November 9
Stiches across Time
The Dufferin County Museum & Archives is pleased to
present a national juried exhibition of fibre art works
inspired by a new selection of six historical pieces from
the museum’s extensive collection of artifacts. For more
information: www.stitchesacrosstime.com.
October 6
Globe Luncheon
For more details, see page 5.
November 3
Globe Luncheon
For more details, see page 5.
19
www.dufferinartscouncil.com
Used Stamps
In 2013 Oxfam had its best fundraising year ever and sent a large donation to the Philippines Typhoon Relief Fund.
Since 1980, they have raised over $300,000 for their projects in the Third World - projects such as secondary
education for girls in Ethiopia, farm and rural development in Peru, Chili Namibia and Cuba, health and AIDS
awareness and support in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Peru and El Salvador, Chili and Bolivia, hurricane and
earthquake relief in Nicaragua and El Salvador, fisheries in Eritrea and Nicaragua. We received the stamp
collection of George Fells’ father, a civil servant who spent years in India which was a fantastic contribution to the
cause. If you care to prepare your stamps before delivering them to me, please leave about ¼” around each stamp.
Complete envelopes with special postmarks from other countries are also welcome. Stamps are sorted and
packaged by volunteers, sold by mail order or auction at stamp shows and fairs. All labour is volunteer! Thanks for
your continuing support.
Janet Byford
Board Members 2013-2014
Ex-Officio Board Members
President
Executive Committee (acting)
Vice-President/Artist Support
Ken Hall
519-925-4003
Secretary
Ken Topping
519-925-2819
Treasurer
Pina Di Leo
647-389-2568
Past President
Harvey Kolodny
519-941-1516
Artists in the Schools
Steve Baker
519-923-6579
artsletter/website Caroline Mach
705-435-1881
[email protected]
Endowment Fund/Reed T. Cooper Bursary
Gary Corlett
519-925-6406
Excursions
Deanna Mircheff
519-941-7677
Special Events
Valentina Deek
519-925-6925
416-503-8990
Luncheons/Speaker Series
Dick Byford
519-925-5251
Membership
Jayne Stanley
519-925-5361
[email protected]
Scholarships
Glenn Godfrey
519-941-9610
Endowment Fund/Reed T. Cooper Bursary
Anne Laurier
705-435-2624
E-mail Service
Linda McBurney
705-466-6442
[email protected]
Excursion Reservations
Pat Vipond
519-941-5655
Joyce Kolodny
519-941-1516
DACAS
vacant
Luncheons/Speaker Series Reservations
Aggie Dean
519-925-1554
Luncheons/Speaker Series Support
Lynda Bechard
519-942-2964
Dan St. Pierre
519-925-0493
Correspondence Service
Susan Parker
519-942-9744
Janet Byford
519-925-5251
Social Media
Arlene Taylor
905-838-4233
[email protected]
Community Outreach Co-Ordinatoar
vacant
Deadline for next issue: August 1, 2014.
Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40045346
20