Visual Arts Mississauga (VAM) has been in a much-required transitional phase this past year due to a modification in staff and board members. In December 2009, our Executive Director resigned and the Board appointed an Interim Executive Director until the job search was completed. VAM’s current Executive Director, Margo Hébert, started on May 10, 2010.

 

I’m pleased to say that while facing this changeover phase, VAM has hosted three major events: The Juried Photographic and New Media Exhibition, The Juried Show of Fine Arts and the Members’ Valentine’s Show & Sale.  In addition, VAM’s staff planned the new spring adult session, new programming for our summer camps and the start of our artists’ exhibition schedule.  

 

It has been an unpredictable and demanding chapter in VAM’s story and I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Board of Directors, to thank our staff, our past Interim Executive Director and our new Executive Director for all their hard work and unwavering dedication.

 

The Juried Photographic and New Media Exhibition took place in early December 2009. It was very successful and well attended. This show has been so well received that it is evident that it should have been started many years ago. The Board is committed to promoting all forms of visual arts and we welcome any suggestions to increase awareness. VAM has been offering photography courses and plans to increase and expand this medium to meet our members’ needs. This year’s Photographic and New Media Exhibition is already in the planning stages, so if there are any members interested in volunteering for this show please contact our office.

 

Our notable Juried Show of Fine Arts opened January 14 and ran until February 2010, which was the first year to run during this time slot. The partnership with the Art Gallery of Mississauga has been instrumental in making this a wonderful event. Congratulations to the winners and all those who were selected to show their works. We look forward to next year’s entries. In planning for next year’s show, we invite anyone interested in volunteering to contact the office.

 

It is unbelievable how time flies - VAM has been in our new home in Riverwood Park for 5 years and, in some ways, we are still trying to adapt to our new surroundings. Change is always inevitable – and sometimes hard to accept – but this year VAM will be facing more change.

 

For the past 3 years, the City has been preparing us for the proposed upgrades to the MacEwan Terrace Gardens. The gardens will be fantastic when complete and a great asset to everyone involved.   Plans include beautiful walkways, theme gardens, and places to mediate and enjoy nature…and even places to draw and paint. We know these new grounds will be an asset to our organization and its growth, however it comes with a price. The price is a little inconvenience to our members, students and staff in the short-term. 

 

As many of you have already witnessed, full construction started in May. Some hoarding is around the Barn and through the main walkway to VAM - members have to follow a designated route and the green space is considerably lessened. The City has assured us that they will make every effort to keep safety in mind.   The project is slated to be completed this Fall with additional plantings added Spring 2011.

 

We are excited to announce that the gardens will also incorporate an art element, which has been designed into the final plans of the gardens. The City has not yet finalized the specifics or details, but VAM will be involved.

 

Recently, the Board of Director’s held their 33^rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 20, 2010 and presented 4 new candidates for election to our Board, providing us with a full slate of directors who bring a multitude of ideas, knowledge, experience as well as a passion for VAM’s mission.

 

In the past, generating a large turnout at our Annual General Meetings had been a challenge. Our 2010 AGM had the highest attendance in years! It was evident that many attended to show their support for VAM and to vocalize concerns. Having this participation and interest in our organization is precisely what the Board welcomes and strives for! VAM’s strong membership, commitment and loyalty have made our organization successful for 33 years.

 

Lastly, the Board has planned a Meet and Greet Event on September 17, 2010 to allow members, our community and City officials to formally meet our new Executive Director, Margo Hébert. Invitations will be sent out in August. The Board encourages all to attend and enjoy some refreshments, and artwork, as well as getting to know the newest addition to the VAM team.

 

In conclusion, the Board also wishes to encourage members to contact us if you feel we can assist in some way or just let us know, how we are doing. Our e-mail is board@visualartsmississauga.com.

 

We look forward to an exciting year at VAM!

 

Thanks,

Fa Andrade

VAM Chairperson