WE ARE ART
PATRONS OF THE ARTS IN CAMPBELL RIVER KEALY DONALDSON
POTA, Patrons of the Arts in Campbell River,
There really is something for everyone ranging from silk
was created to support visual and performing artists.
scarves to tea towels, aprons and other wonderful house-
“This is the goal. Leveraging partnerships with Words on
wares. Currently featured are two potters, Ellen Stats and
the Water Writing Festival and other organizations has
Anna Cox. The famous banner bags made a big splash
proved very helpful to all. POTA is an umbrella of Camp-
when they were introduced to the boutique: created
bell River Arts Council which works well for our systems,”
from the Campbell River Arts Council leftover street art
says Penny Gosselin, POTA current President.
banners, 50 bags were sewed and prepared with half of the stock selling right away.
POTA has been in operation for a couple years now. One of their event highlights was the Wearable Art Show;
The Anchor Inn looks after the direct retail sales then
when they have a little idea or brainstorming session
POTA pays the artists’ commissions. POTA is planning
things just seem to blossom. The Wearable Art Fashion
to build more art events when Covid allows; expect to see
Show was a major fundraiser for the organization.
more and more happening at the Anchor Inn. The art boutique recently received upgrades to the shelving and
POTA has also partnered with the Downtown Campbell
lighting in the shop and it’s constantly getting refreshed!
River Business Improvement Association to use vacant
Gosselin and the rest of this group shares the love and
space for display and some retail-based creative events.
the fun of the Arts! There is some possibility of another
“We pay or gift the participating artists with gift
Wearable Art Show for this October —Covid pending—
cards from local businesses. Heather, the owner from
and in April 2022!
Quest Shoes in Campbell River, noted that it was well
Banner Bag ▼
received to be supporting the arts and seeing the return," Gosselin says. POTA’s Edge Gift Shop at the Anchor Inn is another partner, and they have launched a collective-style art boutique on site. Bev, General Manager at the Anchor Inn, has a vision to turn the hotel into an art destination. Everything in the art boutique is made by local artists with 27 consignors currently participating. 6 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 3 2
Connect with POTA @POTAcampbellriver • www.pota.ca Visit the Edge Art Boutique at the Anchor Inn, Campbell River W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
