The Castlegar Sculpturewalk Society annual general meeting held Wednesday, April 3 at the Columbia Avenue office was all about past success, community growth and momentum.
The annual Sculpturewalk exhibit, featuring original outdoor sculptures from local and international artists who compete for thousands of dollars in prize money, has grown considerably since its founding in 2010, when Pat Field and Castlegar Communities in Bloom volunteers were inspired by the success of a similar event in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The sculptures are on loan to the city for the year and are available to lease or purchase. Votes are tallied for the People's Choice Award and that winning sculpture is purchased by the city as part of its permanent display.
Newly elected president, Kirk Duff chaired the AGM and delegated most of the evenings proceedings to executive director Joy Barrett, who has been in her role about 15 months.
Barrett said the 2012 Sculpturewalk had enormous support from dozens of corporate sponsors, community volunteers and artists, many of whom are on board for 2013.
"We are looking to have 30 sculptures again this year," she said. "We could have more but want to maintain the quality of the event."
Twenty Canadian and 10 international artists will showcase their work this year and Barrett said she is looking to access grants to help in the production of video clips showing the artists creating the sculptures, which would be used for future marketing of the event.
Barrett is also pursuing a number of partnerships with other communities and organizations such as the International Selkirk Loop, to develop a regional cultural tourism plan.
She announced the City of Nelson will purchase one sculpture and lease five others that will be installed on Baker Street. The society is also trying to get pieces installed in Kaslo, Rossland and Trail. Three of the pieces selected by the Cultural Development Committee in Nelson are from local artists.
Cara Lee Malange, continuing education coordinator at Selkirk College's Castlegar campus, joined the board of the society this year and gave a presentation on a project she and others successfully ran in East Richmond regarding arts-based community development.
Malange said she sees the same momentum building up with Castlegar's Sculpturewalk.
Near the end of the meeting, Duff said the creative economy is growing in Castlegar and Sculpturewalk is beginning to "sell itself."
For more information, visit the Castlegar Sculpturewalk website at www.sculpturewalkcastlegar.com