Every autumn, those local artists’ efforts are showcased at the Last Mountain Lake Cultural Centre, community show and sale. It’s a 6-week exhibition, which residents and artists greatly anticipate. But the event didn’t happen in the fall of 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions, much to the disappointment of many.
She says the effort has encouraged more artists to exhibit, with this final show of the year, “The response from our local artists this year was great! We had 17 artists participate. The work included quilts, paintings, glasswork, metal sculpture, photography, pottery, doll clothes and other sewn items, rock art, and drawings.”
Teetaert says five of the 12 artists were new to the show and sale this year, and for the first time, both gallery spaces were filled. She believes that now, more than ever, creativity may be the driving force towards surviving, otherwise bad or negative news, regarding the pandemic,
“Residents of the South Shore communities really are proud to have so many local artists here – not just visual artists and craftspeople, but musicians and other creatives as well. Of course, I am slightly biased, but I feel that the Arts are absolutely vital to a community’s livelihood! I think that this has become extra apparent during this pandemic: many people turned to creative endeavours - either their own, or other peoples’ – to pass time, to be entertained, or to find or create meaning amongst the uncertainty.”
As the show and sale come to a close, Teetaert calls the final exhibit of 2020 a success, with many embracing the concept of - Buy Local. She says many of the pieces sold, even before the show officially began at the beginning of December.
Although, any inquiries about how to find local artists can be made at LMLCC at any time. It is the mandate of this Arts organization. Vision statement: The Last Mountain Lake Cultural Centre contributes to the quality of life in its community by being a hub of artistic activity. As for Teetaert, she congratulates all on a job well-done.
By Carol Rose GoldenEagle