Rave reviews for Arts Factory proposal
Administrator | Mar 21, 2011 | Comments 3
By Ross Lees
Rob Leek and Sue Keller, co-chairs of the County Arts Factory, caught the attention of Prince Edward County council when they made an interesting proposal for the Don Baxter building in Bloomfield.
The proposal, which includes the purchasing of the Baxter building and refurbishing it to make it a creative and display area for County art, was conceptual but intriguing to council on several levels.
Leek told council the Baxter building was one of the original remaining Baxter Canning Co. buildings in Bloomfield, noting it was just another heritage building the municipality could not afford to lose.
Leek, in showing council plans for the Baxter building and outlining its goals, said they hoped to make the Arts Factory “a must visit destination to capture the spirit of the arts in Prince Edward County.”
There are three main goals for the Arts Factory: To create a space to support the full spectrum of creative art space, including to introduce and display the art of young people in the County; a well-designed space for community events; and to demonstrate that older buildings can be conserved.
But what really intrigued council was the fact Leek indicated they would not be back later asking for grants.
Councillor Kevin Gale asked Leek point blank, “According to what I see and understand of this proposal, there is no cost to the County? You won’t be back year after year to ask for grants?
Leek’s simple reply of, “That’s right,” drew a response from one councillor noting, “It sounds like a novel blue print.”
The report was received and will be presented to council at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Filed Under: Local News
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Sue, i’ve often thought that prints of old county canning labels would be a good fundraiser. Maybe framed versions of baxter labels would be a good fundraiser for this project?
The wonderful bind for the Baxter Building was passed by council. We are excited, proud and ready to raise the roof. The community support for our project was incredible and we thank everyone. Sue
Sounds like a great idea and to preserve something of Don Baxter is really terrific
I like the part that they will not be back year after year asking for grants.
A great many artists in the County who do wonderful work