ArtsBridge Fall 2009

A publication of the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge (AAC)

advancing the arts in Lethbridge

music, dance, theatre, literar y and visual arts

colliding on the same stage.

COMING SOO

an evening with the arts

Saturday January 16 • 2010 8pm • Yates Memorial Centre

For more information visit www.ar tslethbridge.org

Publisher Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge 318 . 7 Street South Lethbridge, AB T1J 2G2 T: 403.320.0555 F: 403.320.2450 info@artslethbridge.org www.artslethbridge.org

Administration Suzanne Lint Executive Director Jana MacKenzie Office Services & Finance Lindsay Meli Communications Programming Claire Hatton Education & Facility Services Darcy Logan Gallery Services

Board of Directors PRESIDENT Barb Cunningham

ArtsBridge Issue 5

October 2009

VICE PRESIDENT Ron Brown TREASURER Mike Thiel SECRETARY Elizabeth Songer DIRECTORS Christopher Babits Carolla Christie Shirley DeBow Rick Gillis Tyler Gschaid Les Ostrowski Ian Randell David Renter Kim Siever Gloria Torrance For additional copies contact the AAC office.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

director’s

message

The past should not stifle, but be a springboard for each step – and lately the past has provided quite a bounce.

In previous issues of ArtsBridge, the Allied Arts Council has spent a significant amount of time reflecting on where arts and culture in our community was founded. Last year we celebrated the AAC’s 50th anniversary; it gave us a chance to get reacquainted, or in some instances discover our roots; this is important to any development. Taking pride in the sturdy groundwork that has guided us to where we stand today will aid us in our progress.

After dedicating a great deal of time and energy to the In the Shadow of the Bridge Festival, commemorating the centennial of the High Level Bridge – I am proud. Witnessing the arts community and the community at large rally together around this milestone moment truly was impressive. It brought a clear, and perhaps somewhat basic, metaphor to the forefront. Our bridge represents a passage from the past to the present, and seeing it in a new light made this that much more profound. This image provoked me to wonder; where do we go from here? What’s next?

It is reassuring to know that I am not the only one motivated by this propulsion. There is rumbling about how to accommodate our community as it develops. The articles providing information on the plans for a new Community Arts Centre (page 13), and the new Performing Arts Centre (page 6) provide a glimpse of this.

New arts facilities, some underway, others in careful rumination, will be built upon our sturdy groundwork. At whatever stage these undertakings stand, it is clear they will reconstruct the DNA of our city’s makeup. They will be works of art in their own right, they will embody the power of change, and they will house the creativity and forward motion that is art.

This issue of ArtsBridge is really about growth. Lethbridge is set to embark on a journey that will widen its landscape to be inclusive and provide some much needed elbow room for existing and emerging artists, arts organizations, and even arts enthusiasts.

The AAC has consciously selected the tagline Advancing the Arts in Lethbridge.

We thank our community for joining us in doing just that.

Forward motion is inevitable – but how we guide this motion is critical.

Our surroundings play their part in this, often echoing or even dictating how the future will unfold. This becomes evident as we evolve. Some evidence is visible to the naked eye, like knocking out the middle of an old familiar building to make room for new improvements (Southern Albert Art Gallery’s renovation, page 10). Some maybe more subtle, like the re-branding of the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra (Hitting the High Note on page 16).

Suzanne Lint Executive Director

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1

In the

Shadow of the

Bridge

The Allied Arts Council acknowledges the support of the following partners for making the 100th anniversary

celebration of the High Level Bridge – In the Shadow of the

Bridge Festival on September 5, 2009 in Indian Battle Park a tremendous 2

success.

ARTSBRIDGE

Funding Partners:

Community Partners:

Canadian Heritage Government of Alberta The City of Lethbridge ATB Financial Canadian PaciďŹ c

AWC Communications Canada Safeway dB Pro Audio Data Control & Management Solutions Family Centre Flaman Rentals & Sales Fort Whoop Up Lethbridge Lodge & Conference Centre U of L Faculty of Fine Arts Urban Spirits Rotary Club Volvo Rentals

City of Lethbridge: Carol Thibert: Community Services Ray Waddle: Special Events Nick Armstrong: Infrastructure Services Teri Johnston: Lethbridge Transit

City of Lethbridge Regional Police Service City of Lethbridge Fire Department

Performers

Artisans

Ammena Dance Company Leon Barr Blackfoot Ambassadors Bridge City Barbershop Chorus Buskers Association Desperate Jester Theatre Dave McCann Amy Dodic & Drama Nutz Fire Spinners Green Fools Hippodrome Holiday in Reality featuring David Renter Hungarian Trio LCI Jazz Band O’Reely Playgoers of Lethbridge Joshua Reuben Fritz & Bridgette Yarwood Leah Sadler Soup of Flies

Bloomin’ Inn Chinook Country Tourist Association Carolla Christie Ed Crowe Amrita Deshpande & Preeti Maheshwari Diversions Jewellery Amy Dodic Lloyd Flaig Chuck Graves Lorie Gray Peter & Olive Green Elaine Harrison & Lela Martens Kootenai Brown Pioneers Village Rhonda Kupsch Lethbridge Philatelic Society Lethbridge Society of Stained Glass Artisans Bill McDonald Mad Fish Glass Beads Karina Mak Franklin Saavedra Studio Celeste Textile Surface Design Guild Rena Woss Donna Zimmerman

Strolling Performers Richard Amery, Sarah Christensen, Robyn Jabusch, MaryLou Layton, Kayleigh Nielson, Terri Nielson, Mike Sanger, Kathy Zaborsky

Volunteers

Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society Country Kitchen Catering Crazy Cakes Express Coffee & Tea Song Thuan Vietnamese Restaurant Two Guys & a Pizza Place West Winds Kettle Corn

MCs Mark Campbell Jeff Carlson Jeremy Mason Ross Raymond

Festival photos by Jennifer Raymond

Food Vendors

Liz Allen, Alexis Bialobzyski, Andrea Billington, Morgan Butler, Carolla Christie, Terry Daniel, Deb Duncan, Dorothy Durksen, Marlene Ermter, Roy Ermter, Connie Evdokimoff, Wally Evdokimoff, Susan Eymann, Jackie Fiorino, Ethel Gammon, Nancy Graham, Aaron Hagan, Claire Hatton, Betty Huck,Lynne Hutchen, Robyn Jonassen, John Lawton, Pat Lawton, Jeff MacDonald, Matthew Martinell, Sheila Matson, Colleen McNary, Sheila Nykwist, Kathy O’Rourke, Amanda Oliver, Bev Perry, Joyce Peters, Rachel Pharo, Doris Pierson, Rose Primachuk, David Renter, Peggy Rodzinyak, Tracy Rollack, Paula Saunders, Maggie Schenk, Diana Shields, Ron Shields, Cheryl Skaien, Chris Spearman, Amanda Stewart, Debbie Sushelnitski, Anne Todd, Gloria Torrance, Anine Vonkeman, Jean Walton, Tom Walton, Moira Watson, Sue Wilkie

Congratulations to Del Allen, his staff at D.A. Electric and the CPR for a successful bridge lighting.

ARTSBRIDGE

3

A new spin on

downtown history

by Anine Vonkeman, Marketing/Communications Officer - Galt Museum & Archives

Photos by Jaime Vedres

Lethbridge-based photographer Jaime Vedres has worked throughout Canada with bands like City and Colour, Alexisonfire, Moneen and Bedouin Soundclash; as assistant photographer on shoots for Peter Mansbridge, Little Mosque on the Prairie, Billy Talent, Our Lady Peace in Los Angeles; and has shot weddings in Hawaii, Las Vegas, Alberta and B.C. Vedres has also assisted the Galt Museum & Archives with the annual Taste of Downtown fundraiser. This popular event, organized by the Galt for the Historic Lethbridge Festival, places emphasis on downtown restaurants located in historic buildings. Vedres, who volunteered to capture many of the buildings with a wide-angle lens for use in event literature, renders the buildings with a dreamy realism.

“I love the chance to capture and document any piece of historic Lethbridge,” says Vedres. “For such a young city it’s important to document any history we DO have left, before it’s gone.”

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ARTSBRIDGE

Stories of historic buildings have also been captured in books, such as local historian Irma Dogterom’s Where Was It? (published by the Lethbridge Historical Society), and in programs like the Downtown Lethbridge Treasure Hunt for Grade 2 students and Downtown Walking Tours organized by the Galt. These stories have also been recorded for the soon to be released Historic Downtown Lethbridge Audio Tour.

Spearheaded by the Galt, partners for the pilot project include the Allied Arts Council, City of Lethbridge Economic Development and Heart of Our City offices, as well as Downtown Lethbridge and VoicePrint – a non-profit audio newsstand which broadcasts stories from Canadian newspapers and magazines to Canadians (particularly those who cannot independently access printed materials).

The audio tour will focus on the Historic Downtown Business Core,

“I love the chance to capture and document any piece of historic Lethbridge,” says Vedres.

“For such a young city it’s important to document any history we DO have left, before it’s gone.” and include descriptions of murals, monuments, sculptures, ghost signs, people, street names, buildings, and blocks such as The Whitney Block, at 411 – 3 Avenue South.

Built in 1906-07 by William Whitney, a former member of the NWMP, the Whitney Block has had a varied life. By 1920, the building housed the Alberta Apartments; it was the Coaldale Hotel from 1925-40, the Coaldale Rooms and Alberta Government Liquor Store from 1940-48, and the Lincoln Hotel from 1948 into the 1960s. Local legend has it that the Lincoln Hotel became a “hotbed of prostitution” following the official closure of the city’s red light district. Other occupants have included a second-hand store, furniture and upholstery shop, O’Riley’s Restaurant & Bar, with Squeaky’s and Ina’s European Cuisine the most current businesses.

The Whitney Block is adjacent to the Union Bank Building at 222 - 5 Street South, the third Union Bank building in Lethbridge. It was the first chartered bank to open in what would become the Province of Alberta. Sir Alexander Galt – whose company helped finance the construction of much of southern Alberta industry – was a director of the Union Bank of Canada, and influenced its opening in Lethbridge. In 1925 it was purchased by, and amalgamated with, the Royal Bank of Canada. The building was extensively renovated and stayed in use until the 1950s when a new building was constructed on 4th Avenue South, where Esquires Coffee House is now located. Today, the Union Bank Building houses Express Coffee & Tea, with apartments on the upper floors.

A block away, the Higinbotham Company at 122 - 5 Street South was named for one of Lethbridge’s pioneer pharmacists and first postmaster, John D. Higinbotham, who built it in 1904. It was most recently renovated beginning in 1999; Lethbridge Chiropractic is now located on the main floor. As Lethbridge grew, the need for a larger post office became obvious. The contract for Lethbridge Post Office construction at 704 – 4 Avenue South was awarded to Navin Brothers Limited in 1912. Its clock works were custom ordered from W.F. Evans and Sons in England and placed in the six-storey tower in 1916.

Tinted glass for the clock face was sourced in Belgium. In 1986, the Lethbridge Post Office was officially named the “John D. Higinbotham Building.”

Look for the Historic Downtown Lethbridge Audio Tour to be available this fall in podcast form at www.galtmuseum.com and as audio wands available at the Galt Museum & Archives. Vedres, who specializes in commercial and fashion photography, is a University

of Lethbridge graduate [BFA New Media] where he won the Roloff Beny Scholarship award for photography. See more of his work at www.JaimeVedres.com.

Sources: Belinda Crowson, Galt Museum & Archives; Irma Dogterom, Lethbridge Historical Society; Lethbridge Historical Walking Tour, 2000

ARTSBRIDGE

5

Lethbridge has an incredibly vibrant arts community with an array of excellent performing artists providing a varied cultural experience for our community’s residents. It has been identified that existing facilities are unable to meet current or future demands for the Performing Arts.

The future of

Arts

in Lethbridge

By: Les Ostrowski, Chair - Performing Arts Centre

Performing

The City of Lethbridge authorized the formation of an ad hoc steering committee to guide the development of a schematic design to meet the future needs for the Performing Arts in Lethbridge and has allocated funds to retain a consulting firm to undertake this work.

This ad hoc committee is composed of an Allied Arts Council representative, two City Council representatives and one alternate, two city administrators and one support staff, a University of Lethbridge representative, representatives from music, drama, dance and performance promotion. The key responsibilities and duties of this group are to: select a consultant, develop a common statement of purpose and vision for the future of facility requirements, develop a functional space program, review site considerations, develop a schematic design sufficient for capital costing and budget deliberations and the creation of a business plan for the proposed facility.

To date the committee has been able to do the following: A- finalize a mission statement for the Performing Arts Centre: “To be the cornerstone for culture and the performing arts in the region by providing a positive audience experience, technical and acoustic excellence, affordable support services, practical facilities for performers, producers, and promoters, all in an educationally supportive and economically sustainable manner.”

B- A request for proposals (RFP) for a Performing Arts Centre master plan was issued in early July.

After carefully reviewing all the proposals and interviewing the finalists, the committee recommended to City Council the firm of Ferrari Westwood Babits Architects as prime consultants along with their team of sub-consultants. There were 17 proposals received by a variety of well-qualified appropriate consultants.

C - The consulting firm of Ferrari Westwood Babits Architects has been hired by the City of Lethbridge to develop a feasibility study that evaluates the potential for a new arts centre in Lethbridge. In that regard, representatives of the sub-consulting team (WEBB MANAGEMENT SERVICES) will be in Lethbridge during October for facility tours and interviews with a range of key informants, including political and business leaders, artists and arts organizations, educators and other community members. The purpose of the interviews is to collect key information from organizations, individuals and community groups that will enable the consultants to identify facility needs on the part of audiences, artists, programs and organizations, and then make recommendations on how new arts facilities should meet those needs. The consultants also want to be aware of the general climate for arts in the area and the broader questions of where the region and Lethbridge as a whole are headed - and how new cultural facilities might support those community goals. The exact date, location, communications and format of the interviews is in the final planning phase.

As part of our work, we will be benchmarking and looking at best practices from other facilities. Specifically: to provide a common set of references for committee members, a basis for discussion, to study best practices/benchmarking relative to facilities design, management and costs (both capital and operating) and to facilitate the understanding of all members of the committee of the needs of the various performing arts relative to facility design based on successful and unsuccessful venues.

In the final analysis, Performing Arts Committee’s work is to present a “shovel-ready” proposal to the city for early 2010. We are confident that this objective is doable, and will provide the City with the necessary information to move forward.

6

ARTSBRIDGE

09 20

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ARTSBRIDGE

7

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By: Val Falconer, Author of Sunny’s Grand Adventure

We all recognize the word but just what does it really mean?

Well, according to my dictionary one of the explanations is evolution.

I think that is a pretty cool definition.

All the arts that we enjoy today and take for granted evolved over the millennia from lines scratched in the sand and cave drawings to computer generated graphics and animation.

My personal favourite, writing, evolved from simple line drawings in the sand and in caves to today’s amazing variety of interconnecting lines and squiggles that make up our written languages.

Hmm maybe we haven’t evolved quite so far after all.

All these squiggles would be meaningless unless they conveyed a message.

My message to you dear reader is both simple and complex.

We must encourage creativity and artistic passion.

So, how do we do this? Let’s start with the ‘easy’ first.

Hand your child (or yourself ) a pencil and a piece of paper. Turn them loose and watch the magic happen.

Some kids will draw and others will write anywhere from a few pictures or words to page after page of their passion. When they are finished ask them to tell you a story about what they have created.

The ‘complex’ part is growing and maintaining that passion. Adults must learn how to really listen to a child’s creative mind and find new ways of helping them express their wonderful gifts.

We must all work together to grow both our sources and resources to enable our budding artists to learn and to showcase their talents.

Our world and theirs would be a very sad, quiet and bland world without music, art, dance, writing, sculpting, weaving ... may the list go on forever.

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ARTSBRIDGE

tourguide

By Kim Siever, Local Communicator, Artist, Volunteer & Caregiver

I haven’t lived in Lethbridge long. Eleven years certainly doesn’t seem very long, especially considering the community got along with out me for over 100 years.

I do think it has been long enough for at least one thing, however; I have been able to see a great revitalization of the downtown. One of the most pleasing aspects of downtown Lethbridge to me is that building owners simply don’t raze their buildings when they want something new; they use what is there and make it better.

The police station on Scenic Drive was built just before we moved here, so one of the first renovations I experienced was the old police station at the corner of 5 Street and 5 Avenue. It now contains a restaurant and various other businesses.

One block north, we find the old Alec Arms hotel, which has now been renovated into affordable apartments. The main floor has retail space, and the colours used on the exterior make it one of the most striking locations downtown.

At the other end of this block— the corner of 3 Avenue and 5 Street—is the Club Cigar store.

This is one of my favourite renovations downtown. I love the new facades and the hanging signage over the various storefronts.

There was a mini uprising when a local entrepreneur wanted to open up a strip club in a vacant storefront just a block east of Club Cigar and next door to Dove Christian Supplies. The application was turned down, and in an effort to prevent such a thing from happening again, Dove purchased the space, completely renovated it, and expanded their operations to fill both locations. They even added a patio out front of both locations.

Next door, Catwalk owner Levi Cox completely renovated the three-storey location to house not only their upscale salon and spa, but two spacious loft apartments on the upper floors.

And just because good things come in threes, Catwalk’s neighbour Foster’s Jewellery moved into their new location from 5 Street when TD Canada Trust closed down their branch there. They completely renovated the new location, including an attractive clock above the front door.

Crossing the street from Foster’s takes us to Galt Gardens. If we walk to the corner at 1 Avenue and 5 Street, we find another renovated building where 360° Inspired Cuisine is now. The location was originaly renovated by the owners of Choices Café prior to being occupied by 360°.

Before moving into the 1 Avenue location, Choices existed as Well Done - The Caveman Cafe in the old firehall around the corner in Chinatown.

Since then, it’s been filled by other eating establishments, most recently La Belle Notte and Henotic.

One of the most exciting and ambitious renovations downtown is that of the old Paramount theatre on 4 Avenue. Developer Ken Harvey has turned the theatre into an interior mall and second floor luxury apartments. The mall feature original bricks and exposed metal trusses.

The lobby will have a display featuring the history of the building.

“they use what is there and make it better.”

As we can see, there is a lot happening to revitalize the downtown, and I have only scratched the surface. With the City’s Heart of the City plan for downtown, I look forward to see what the city holds.

To read more from Kim visit www.hotpepper.ca/

ARTSBRIDGE

9

History By: Christina Cuthbertson, Public Relations Manager and Volunteer Manager - Southern Alberta Art Gallery Photos by Jaime Vedres

in the making To the younger generations of Lethbridge the brick building located on Galt Gardens has always been the Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG).

Now known as a vibrant contemporary art

from that of the original building. The early

gallery, this place for many older observ-

50’s modernist addition to the east of the

ers stirs other memories – that of the first

original building more than doubled the

public library in Lethbridge. For over 50

square footage of the facility and would

years the Carnegie Library occupied the

later become the main gallery of the South-

brick building on the edge of the park. This

ern Alberta Art Gallery. Two full-height bay

structure continues to hold a special place

windows in the east side of the addition

in the minds and hearts of many Lethbridge

merge the interior and exterior spaces. The

citizens.

demands on the library eventually outgrew its home – and in the 70’s it moved out of

In 1911 the Carnegie Foundation awarded

the brick building on Galt Gardens.

a grant to the City of Lethbridge for the construction of a library. The grant was not

In the new vacancy, a group of arts-minded

without controversy, and came up against

citizens saw an opportunity. They success-

strong opposition from some members

fully lobbied the City of Lethbridge for the

of the community that were opposed, in

formation of an art gallery. Among the

“Bless George Watson for leaving those ce-

principle, to accepting the money from the

founding members of the Southern Al-

lestory windows in the upper gallery... I al-

foundation. At the turn of the century the

berta Art Gallery Association was architect

ways thought the Upper Gallery was magic

economy in Lethbridge prospered mainly

George Watson. He would later transform

for the artists’ work.”

on its coal mining industry. This contrasted

the library into an art gallery, creating a

starkly with the labor policies of Andrew

lasting legacy in Lethbridge and for artists

Between 1976 and 2008 the Southern Al-

Carnegie (U.S. Steel) that called for low

the world over. Former SAAG Curator Joan

berta Art Gallery developed into one of

wages and limited unionization.

Stebbins comments:

Canada’s most respected, cutting edge, and

These

leading contemporary art galleries. During

very different viewpoints made accepting the granting of this wealth problematic for

“[George Watson] was very sensitive to the

these three decades the SAAG’s structure

many Lethbridge citizens.

needs of artists. He tried to make the spaces

has seen only minor upgrades or renova-

clean in line, but with some character. As

tions. Demands on the infrastructure due

The City eventually accepted the funds,

it turned out, the needs of artists changed

to a growing staff, expansions in gallery

and the Carnegie Library opened on Janu-

when they started doing installations in the

programming, more challenging and de-

ary 23, 1922. Following the Second World

80’s; using the whole space instead of just

manding artist’s works, and major chal-

War, patronage of the library increased sub-

using the walls for paintings or the floor

lenges in integrating advances in technol-

stantially and an extension was added. The

for sculpture. This was not something that

ogy with artistic installations at the SAAG

architectural style of the addition differed

an architect could predict.” Stebbins adds

has, over the years, resulted in the space

ARTSBRIDGE

11

John Savill - Architect

...a bridge between artists and audiences, a container to access and experience ideas.

Features of the expansion and reconfiguration of the gallery will include: a new classroom and library with generous windows onto the park, a multi-media/video viewing gallery, and new configuration to the gift shop. The architects have created an innovative new structure between the original Carnegie Library and 50s addition

becoming cramped and outdated. Originally the gallery had one full time staff member and now operates with seven. Spaces originally designated for storage became offices, a classroom/studio and a library/meeting room.

“Add a wall here or there; assign a new function to an old space.

That’s how we got the Turcotte Room/Library. We lost a storage room for that. So you give up something to get something. You just have to figure out what’s more important,” says Joan Stebbins.

The present renovation and expansion project of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery is the first project to break ground in the Arts Re: Building Together campaign spearheaded by the Allied Arts Council and supported by the City of Lethbridge. The local architectural firms of Savill Group Architects and Ferrari Westwood Babits Architects teamed up to complete the design. They noted: “Our logic in partnering on this project was more a matter of community pride than a matter of need. Either firm is fully capable of delivering an excellent product to the SAAG, but by joining forces we intend to share our knowledge and experience to make a more enjoyable process while delivering a superior product.”

The lead architects John Savill and Dan Westwood have participated extensively in the activities of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery. John participates actively in Lethbridge’s art community. He is a regular collaborator with the SAAG and has on numerous occasions shared the facilities of the Trianon Gallery to bring events and exhibits to fruition. Dan has served as a board member, and past president of the Board of Directors of the SAAG. He continues his affiliation with the arts by serving as a member of the Board of Directors with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

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ARTSBRIDGE

with new finishes throughout the existing spaces. Other project highlights include: a renovated entrance and gathering space, new kitchen/server, and improved barrier-free access throughout the gallery. The Southern Alberta Art Gallery will return to its home on Galt Gardens in the summer of 2010 with a full slate of dynamic exhibitions and programs.

The Southern Alberta Art Gallery is committed to the learning and growth of its visitors and community; a bridge between artists and audiences, a container to access and experience ideas. * The Southern Alberta Art Gallery is operating out of a temporary location at 324 – 5 Street South*

Community Arts Centre A vessel for the development and exhibition of the arts, this project is currently in the planning phase.

An appropriate location will be determined sometime this fall.

Once the site has been secured the design stage will follow.

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RELATIONSHIPS DIAGRAM Lethbridge Community Arts Centre MARSHALL TITTEMORE ARCHITECTS

This diagram is not a floor plan, but a representation of the amount of space allocated to each specific area.

ARTSBRIDGE ARTSBRIDGE 13 1

W I T H

U S

C E L E B R AT E

W I T H

U S

CELEBRATE

WIT

New Things at New West Theatre By: Nicholas Hanson, Artistic Director - New West Theatre

C E L E B R ATE

WITH

U S

Earlier this summer, New West Theatre kicked off its twentieth season of fun, with two new music-comedy revue shows: Soundtrack and Celebration. Putting together theatre productions is such an all-consuming process that there’s rarely time to reflect on the past or contemplate the future.

C E L E B R AT E 14

ARTSBRIDGE

W I T H

U S

C E L E B R AT E

W I T H

U S

CEL

H

US

CELEBRATE

WITH

US

CELEBRATE

WITH

A milestone like a twentieth anniver-

Creating the most engaging theatre

All of us at New West Theatre are partic-

sary is a great way for all of us at New

possible has always been the raison

ularly excited about four new initiatives

West Theatre to remember the source

d’être of New West Theatre. Our re-

this season. Our subscription packages

of support that got us to today – Tim

cently enlarged Board of Directors is

reward our most loyal fans with incred-

Horton’s! Of course, aside from the end-

not content to rest on the laurels of our

ible savings and special experiences,

less double-doubles, New West Theatre

past successes, and we have crafted

like backstage tours of the theatre. As

is indebted to the passionate artists

a more extensive artistic mandate to

well, our new Earlybird price category

who have poured their energy into

guide us as we embark upon our next

aims to make a visit to the theatre more

each production, as well as the enthu-

twenty years.

accessible to everyone in our commu-

siastic audiences who have remained

nity. New West Theatre went digital in

loyal through two decades.

May, as we launched a new website

After a transitional leadership phase, New West Theatre has a permanent

New West Theatre aims to:

leadership team in place. Over the last season, Jeremy Mason joined as General Manager, and I (Nicholas Hanson) assumed the Artistic Director position; Jeremy and I had worked with New

U

that we hope can connect us with fans in dynamic ways. Lastly, in May of 2010, New West Theatre will be hosting a production from the world-renowned Old

Be a leader in the production of professional theatre in the Southern Alberta region

Trout Puppet Workshop; with masks,

Explore artistic collaborations with music, dance, and new media that emphasize the relevance of contemporary live performance

After all these years, theatre has never stopped being a party for us and for our audiences, and we look forward to many more years of good times.

music, and puppets, their production of The Toothy Fairy is a real hit for young and old audiences alike.

West Theatre on a dozen projects previously and were ecstatic to have the opportunity to collaborate with such vibrant theatre artists in such a passionate city. Rounding out our admin team is Financial Officer Twyla Fisher, who brings healthy doses of common sense and laughter to the office.

In May, New West Theatre was accepted as an affiliate member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT). The theatre world has changed significantly over the last twenty years, as the vast expanses of geography spanning the Pacific to the Atlantic have been shrunk by computer technologies. Joining PACT was an essential step in connecting New West Theatre to the community of professional theatres across Canada, and it’s already helping

Participate actively in the development of Canadian theatre projects Contribute to the dynamism of the Lethbridge community by offering vibrant cultural experiences for audiences, and by generating sustainable opportunities for artists

The theme for our anniversary season is CELEBRATE WITH US. After all these years, theatre has never stopped being a party for us and for our audiences, and we look forward to many more years of good times. Southern Alberta continues to produce amazing theatre artists, and we’re ecstatic that New West Theatre gets to be a place to showcase their talents.

us streamline our operations and share tales of our success across the nation.

EBRATE

WITH

See you at the theatre!

US

CELEBRATE

WITH

US

CELEBR

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As the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra enters its 49th season, the community of Southern Alberta will see some changes. We developed a fresh, new look.

Our re-brand is the direct result of a successful grant application from the Alberta Creative Development Initiative for the purpose of audience development through marketing and advertising. We wanted to develop an image that is professional, eye catching, elegant, and yet still approachable and reflects the professional nature of the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra.

Our re-brand comes on the heels of our move to Southminster United Church in the fall of 2007. After 43 years of calling the Yates Memorial Centre home, the Symphony outgrew the facility. With a capacity of 488 seats, the Symphony was selling out concerts on a regular basis. The move to Southminster United Church allows the Symphony to expand their audience by nearly 250 patrons, even though we expected the Symphony will outgrow the capacity of Southminster United Church in 5-7 years time. The Symphony has also benefited from the superior acoustical setting at Southminster United Church and experiences continued professional growth in our performances because of the improved acoustics.

It is with this type of growing support from the community of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta that we look forward to working with the Performing Arts Steering Committee. Also, along with the preparations for our 50th anniversary season in 2010-2011, we are very excited to watch the future unfold for the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra.

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By: Dawn Leite, General Manager - Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra

Symphony orchestras can, at times, appear to be elite and selective in the types of music performed and the types of audiences they attract. The Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra, however, always has something to offer to people of all ages and demographics. Most recently, the success of our Annual Kids Choir Concert demonstrated how well our organization has grown and become a part of the Southern Albertan community. Southminster United Church was filled to the point of “standing room only” with over 800 patrons. How wonderful it was to see both the excited community school children who were there performing with the orchestra, and the proud families who were there supporting the kids and the annual event despite the lack of seating.

Hitting a high note

The Symphony participated in a lengthy process for most of the 2007-2008 season to select a marketing firm to work with, and then to develop a new image. We are happy to announce that KICK Creative, Inc is working with the Symphony on this project. We wanted to develop a larger audience by encouraging greater interest in various age groups to attend our events, which meant we needed to inform the community of Southern Alberta about the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra.

Lethbridge Musical Theatre (LMT)

A Short Retrospective

By: Gail Holland, has worked on LMT productions across 30 years

On occasions when such a summary as this is composed, it is helpful to look in two directions, both backward and forward, and to ask questions. Tracing the beginning times of LMT from 1963 and its early development, the what, the why and who seem to be a logical starting point. In prior decades in Lethbridge, various musical forms had been produced in the city, but not with regularity or consistency by a particular group or over a prolonged period. Perhaps it was timing, local circumstances, the talents present that could be focused and applied. A number of factors were to come onto the scene, to be woven intricately together. These served initially to create the founding and foundation of Lethbridge Musical Theatre – a group that has endured for 46 years.

When he moved to Lethbridge in 1960 bringing his professional background here to teach orchestral music to secondary school students, Albert Rodnunsky both noted the need for and envisioned the formation of a local symphony orchestra. Auditions took place, and in due course, a seventy member full orchestra was formed. The Lethbridge Symphony was, in time, to become one of our local institutions. Among their many concert presentations, Southern Showcase had some direct bearing on the concept of forming an associate group that was to become Lethbridge Musical Theatre. Rodnunsky was to serve as vocal and Musical Director for several years.

LMT was to become autonomous in 1968.

Following her move to the city in 1960, Muriel Jolliffe, was soon to take over the Canadian School of Ballet, later Jolliffe Academy. She displayed the uniqueness in teaching, choreography, ballet examiner and adjudicator that has been described as outstanding. She was also, in this early era, to choreograph many musicals for LMT, together with summer musicals and Christmas pantomimes. Dick Mells, now taking up residence

tion, to note the massive numbers of people that have been involved with LMT productions over the years. So much talent has come from our city.

As a community theatre group, auditions were held, casting confirmed, rehearsals for weeks and months took place prior to opening of a 12 day run of a show. Throughout the years, there has been opportunity for many to learn, develop and display a variety of talents and skills. Some talents have continued on from there, to perform in semi-professional and professional productions. Many such names can be found both in the programs themselves and the exhaustive lists are recorded in George Mann’s book Theatre Lethbridge. Among those names, and contributions that have loomed large, are Ed Bayly, Cathy Evins, Joan Waterfield and Bob Brunelle, to cite a few that are considered so exemof past plary.

here in Lethbridge was soon to make contact with these two people. He was to bring his directing and producing experience in the genre of musical theatre here. In working with the City, Gordon Moir displayed an affinity for Broadway musicals.

Thus, he encouraged Mells and Memories others to organize a musical theatre group. The group productions was formed and Dick Mells Memories of past producinclude those that have directed the first sixteen include those that been tense, humerous, fun tions shows for LMT. The nechave been tense, humoressary pieces were now dramatic or poignant, or ous, fun, dramatic or poiin place – talent, energy, gnant, or just plain magical. just plain magical. and motivation. The first Old Man River, sung from the three productions were perdock beside a sternwheeler in formed at the Capitol Theatre, Showboat, a newly created moand in 1967, South Pacific opened torized set revolve – from Fagin’s on stage at the newly completed Yates den to London’s backstreets in Oliver, the Centre. humorous capers of Barnaby and Cornelius during Hello Dolly, the haunting tones of Some EnOne has only to look through the 46 programs chanted Evening from South Pacific, the smoke created, one for each producpots that really smoked during Brigadoon, or the King’s waltz across the stage with Anna in the King and I. Those of us who have performed in, worked on, or brought to life-thus giving both form and substance to a musical, have treasures of such memories in what we have created.

Now, and in the year’s ahead, Lethbridge Musical Theatre will continue to provide an entertainment form and enjoyment for audiences.

Currently, and in people’s lives, there are many choices – in the arts, recreations or sports scenes.

As well, there are choices made for people’s time, energy, and monetary resources. These seem to be competing for attention, more so today, in comparison with that which existed in the early 1960’s. Time commitments exist for needed on stage and production personnel, in busy personal, academic, career and professional lives. Yet, the enduring traditions of LMT continue!

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In Memoriam: Carl Granzow By: Christopher Babits, Architect - Ferrari Westwood Babits Architects

Christopher Babits & Carl Granzow at the unveiling of the AAC 50th Anniversary Legacy Sculpture

I met Carl outside the realm of academia and galleries.

At the University of Lethbridge, Carl Granzow was well established as an outstanding educator, and his accomplishments as a Lethbridge-based artist are widely recognized. A few years ago, when a donor memorial sculpture competition in Calgary was announced, my partners Dan and Art suggested that we might team up with Carl. We won the competition, and throughout the project I had the privileged opportunity to get to know Carl as a friend.

“Carl was always insightful, sensitive and full of interest.”

In our design meetings and on our car trips up to Calgary, our conversations would often drift from art to community to family. Carl was always insightful, sensitive and full of interest. He had an amazing way of making you feel like your greatest potential was always just around the corner. It seemed to me that the way Carl shared of his life experiences provided insight into the world and instilled confidence in those around him.

As a collaborative artist, Carl’s valuable engineering knowledge enabled him to envision an idea and know how to construct it effectively and affordably. He was always passionate about creative ideas, regardless with whom it originated. With a child-like unbridled enthusiasm, his spirit filled our project in Calgary with excitement. Carl had keen insight into the multiple readings of our sculpture and he held an unyielding belief that others would understand the ideas embodied in our efforts. A year later, when the completed project was removed for the building of a parking structure, Carl was true to form, and simply spun the bad to extract valuable meaning from such an unfortunate turn of events.

In fall 2008 the Allied Arts Council was planning a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the organization, and I suggested we might install a legacy piece in the form of a commemorative plaque. The idea soon morphed to a sculpture - pure in form, interactive, and respectful of the original-founding members. I knew the sculpture needed Carl’s involvement, and when I talked with him about it, he straightaway began discussing ideas without ever considering himself. Carl was never concerned with compensation or recognition. Eagerly engaged, he grasped the significance of the sculpture as a tribute to community spirit and the power of coming together for a common goal. His idea of a dynamic sphere that rotates on axis is a reflection of his spirit of giving back to the community. As the AAC sculpture spins, we can glimpse Carl’s generosity of spirit returning again and again. Set in motion it’s a spirit that has energized our community, moving through all of us.

As the AAC sculpture spins, we can glimpse Carl’s generosity of spirit returning again and again.

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Congratulations to this year’s AACE winners:

Thank You

Val & Flora Matteotti

University of Lethbridge

Sterling Mutuals Inc.

And to Frances Schultz, winner of the 2009 Joan Waterfield Memorial Award

GOLD

SILVER THE 2009 JOAN WATERFIELD MEMORIAL AWARD SPONSORED BY BRONZE

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support

The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge (AAC) is a registered not-for-profit organi-

the arts

zation operating on behalf of its membership and the public-at-large.

AAC membership

The ACC of Lethbridge provides leadership in advancing the arts in Lethbridge

CONTACT THE AAC OFFICE FOR A LIST OF BENEFITS & FURTHER INFORMATION

and conducts its business and related activities with two primary goals: (1) to provide the arts community with broad access to new audiences and

NEW MEMBER

RENEWAL

(2) to provide new audiences with on-going, uninterrupted access to the arts.

Name

The organization is supported by its members, corporate and private donations

Business (if applicable)

and annual fundraising activities. Support is gratefully received from:

Address City Province Postal Code Telephone Facsimile

New Members: Jan 19/09 – Sept 21/09

Email Website

Allied Organization

$75*

Artist

$25*

Associate

$75*

Friend to the AAC

$15

Family Friend to the AAC

$25

I would like to make a donation of $ TAX RECEIPTS WILL BE ISSUED FOR DONATIONS

CREDIT CARD INFORMATION Visa

Mastercard

Total Donation and/or Membership amount

Card# Expiry Date Signature CHEQUES ARE PAYABLE TO THE ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

I am interested in becoming an AAC volunteer *Inclusion in 2010/2011 AAC Arts Directory

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Individual Members:

Allied Members:

Richard Amery Lenore Beyer Alexis Bialobzyski Donna Lynn Bier Jeffrey Bingley Kate Connolly Luba Corazza Loralee Edwards Stacey Florence Terri Fortunaso Maureen Furtado Ethel Gammon Stacey Groendahl Anneli Haataja Waller Shauna Hayward Meeno Mangal Jeremy Mason Joe & Leslie Meli Bill McDonald Mary-Anne McTrowe Jesse Brandon Northey Bonnie Patton Deb Rakos David Renter Jessica Robinson Lisa Spinelli Henry Sullivan Jaime Vedres Christine Wiebach Alane Witt-Lajeunesse Elizabeth Wozencroft

AFA Travelling Exhibition Program Bridge City Chorus Desert Wind Belly Dancers

Associate Members: Brush Strokes Fine Art School Dance Images Henotic Restaurant Mueller Photography & Art Gallery Lethbridge Toyota

Lifetime Members: Doris Balcovske Van Christou Karen Kay Clare Malmberg

of events calendar of U of L Faculty of Fine Arts. . . . . . . . . art + people = x continues Runs until Jan 03 Helen Christou Gallery Reception: Nov 06 4pm

U of L Faculty of Fine Arts. . . . . . . . .

U of L Jazz Ensemble Dec 02 University Theatre 8pm

Positive Space Nov 05 – 07 David Spinks Theatre 8pm

Classical Percussion Dec 04 University Theatre 8pm

Fall Into Christmas Fine Art & Handcraft Sale . . . . . . . . .

Nov 07 & 08 North Pavilion, Exhibition Park 10am – 6pm

To Mark on Surface Nov 06 – Jan 08 Main Gallery Reception: Nov 06 4pm

Amahl and the Night Visitors Dec 05 & 06 University Recital Hall Dec 05 1pm, 3pm & 7pm Dec 06 2pm

Galt Museum & Archives. . . . . . . . . .

Dinosaurs & Company Runs until Sun Jan 31, 2010 Related Exhibit: Dinosaur Finds!

Dale Ketcheson & Friends Nov 07 University Recital Hall 8pm

Adopt-an-Artifact Fundraiser Nov 02 – 30

The Monotheatrum Nov 17 – 21 U of L Atrium

NOVEMBER

november

Christmas Sale Bowman Arts Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nov 27 10am – 8pm Nov 28 10am – 4pm Nov 30 – Dec 04 10am – 8pm Dec 05 10am – 4pm

The Curator Presents... New Fossils, New Ideas Nov 04 7pm Alex Johnston Lecture Nov 05 7:30pm Café Galt: Dinosaurs Mega Extinction Nov 18 Exhibit opens at 6pm Program at 7pm From the Archives to the Classroom: History as a Profession and a Discipline Nov 24 7:15pm

Festen Nov 24 – 28 University Theatre 8pm Wind & Song Nov 27 Southminster United Church 8pm Season of Joy Nov 28 Southminster United Church 8pm DECEMBER december 2010

Behind-the-Scenes Collections Tour: Christmas Treasures Nov 29 1:30pm & 3pm

Galt Museum & Archives. . . . . . . . . .

Café Galt: Dinosaurs Alberta Dinosaurs with Wendy Sloboda Dec 09 Exhibit opens at 6pm Program at 7pm

Lethbridge Folk Club . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tanglefoot Nov 27 The Wolf’s Den 8pm

New Years Eve Family Dinosaur Gala Dec 31 6:30pm

Lethbridge Musical Theatre. . . . . . .

Mark Twain’s “Big River” Nov 06 -21 Yates Memorial Centre Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra. .

Chamber Series II Nov 20 Southminster United Church 8pm Master Series I Nov 23 Southminster United Church 8pm

Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra. .

Master Series II Dec 19 Southminster United Church 7:30pm New West Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Christmas Melodies Dec 01 – 05 College Drive Community Church It’s Munsch Time Dec 26 – Jan 09 Sterndale Bennett Theatre Carnival Dec 26 – Jan 09 Yates Theatre

Vox Musica Choral Society . . . . . . . .

‘Sing-along-Messiah’ Dec 13 St Augustine’s Church 7:30pm JANUARY 2010 2010 january Allied Arts Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ArtStage Act II Jan 16 Yates Memorial Centre 8pm Empress Theatre, Fort Macleod . . .

Rita Chiarelli Jan 22 & 23 8pm

Tono Jan 24 University Theatre 8pm

Schumann & Chopin: Hearts Alive at 200 Jan 30 University Recital Hall 8pm

february 2010

FEBRUARY 2010

Empress Theatre, Fort Macleod . . .

Alex Cuba Feb 05 & 06 8pm Galt Museum & Archives. . . . . . . . . .

2010 Exhibit Treasures & Curiosities Feb 13 – May Lethbridge Folk Club Lester Quitzau Feb 06 The Wolf’s Den 8pm Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra. .

Master Series III Feb 08 Southminster United Church 8pm Love Notes – A Valentine’s Ball Feb 13

Galt Museum & Archives. . . . . . . . . .

Café Galt: Dinosaurs The Lost World Behind the Scenes & On the Screen Jan 20 Exhibit opens at 6pm Program at 7pm

U of L Faculty of Fine Arts. . . . . . . . .

How Do I Love Thee?

Feb 05 Lethbridge Public Library Theatre 7:30pm

Robbie Burns Day Jan 23 7pm

Hair Feb 09 – 13 University Theatre 8pm Feb 12 7pm & midnight

Lethbridge Folk Club . . . . . . . . . . . . .

High Water Jug Band Jan 09 The Wolf’s Den 8pm Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra. .

Chamber Series III Jan 29 Southminster United Church 8pm Oldman River Potter’s Guild . . . . . .

Stock Reduction Sale Bowman Arts Centre Jan 28 & 29 10am – 8pm Jan 30 10am – 4pm U of L Faculty of Fine Arts. . . . . . . . .

Snap, Crackle, Pop Jan 15 – Feb 26 Main Gallery and Helen Christou Gallery Reception: Jan 15 4pm

Dialogue of the Carmelites Feb 26 & 27 University Theatre 8pm

march 2010

MARCH

Empress Theatre, Fort Macleod . . .

Pavlo, Rick Emmett, Oscar Lopez Mar 01 & 02 8pm Lethbridge Folk Club . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Katherine Wheatley & Wendell Ferguson Mar 06 The Wolf’s Den 8pm New West Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Attic, The Pearl & Three Fine Girls Mar 04 – 13 Sterndale Bennett Theatre

Contact information for each Event/Organization: Allied Arts Council........................................................... 403.320.0555

Lethbridge Musical Theatre ........................................ 403.329.SEAT (7328)

Bowman Arts Centre ..................................................... 403.327.2813

Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra .............................. 403.329.SEAT (7328)

Empress Theatre Fort Macleod .................................. 403.553.4404

New West Theatre .......................................................... 403.329.SEAT (7328)

Fall into Christmas Fine Art & Handcraft Sale ....... www.fallintochristmas.ca

University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts ........ 403.329.2227

Galt Museum & Archives .............................................. 403.320.GALT (4258)

Vox Musica Choral Society ........................................... 403.329.2227

Lethbridge Folk Club ..................................................... 403.381.4449

on the cover: The Southern Alberta Art Gallery in the initial phase of transformation. The SAAG renovation and expansion project is featured on page 10.

This photo was taken by local photographer Jaime Vedres. To learn more about Vedres read New Spin on Downtown History on page 4.

Jaime Vedres Photography

JamieVedres.com

jaime.vedres@uleth.ca

403-715-0669