Board & staff of the Bowen Island Arts Council (Back from left:  Carol Cram, Betty Dhont, David Hughes, Ginger Lee, Sarah Haxby, Jennifer Hall, Andrea Little, Ann Ramsay, Ian Davidson; Front row from left: Jacqueline Massey, Carol Fancy, Ross Cone, Mariana Holbrook; Missing: Gayle Ferguson)

The new board of the arts council for 2009-2010, elected at the Annual General Meeting in October, met for the first time last week. Returning directors include Carol Cram, president, David Hughes, vice-president, Ian Davidson, treasurer, Andrea Little, secretary, Betty Dhont, Carol Fancy, Ross Cone, Gayle Ferguson, Sarah Haxby, Mariana Holbrook and Jennifer Hall. New board member, Ginger Lee was given a warm welcome and all agreed that her creativity, graphic design skills and youthful energy will be an immense asset to the organization.

With regrets, the board accepted the resignation of Ann Ramsay, the Gallery Coordinator/Curator, who has expertly managed the operation of the gallery for the past 15 months. Ann’s curatorial genius, her great rapport with artists, members and the public, and her fundraising savvy will be sorely missed. Currently BIAC is seeking qualified candidates to apply for the position Ann is vacating. (See Call for Submissions.) Jacqueline Massey continues as Executive Director of the arts council.

Directors of the board reviewed the strategic plan and priorities for the coming year, which include the creation of an arts and culture survey. Once completed and widely circulated, the survey will be used to gauge the community’s interests and desires and assist as a tool for planning for the nonprofit organization now in its 20^th year. Other key objectives of the organization is the continued push towards realizing the collective dream of community hall and arts centre, the update of the Cultural Master Plan and the development of a cultural economic plan for Bowen.

The Artists:

Dick Carter is a professional sign writer, Dick drew and painted throughout his life. He was active in helping create the painting group at Collins Hall. He was the inspiration for many of the family to pursue drawing and painting. (1898 - 1997)

Katie Carter took up art after retiring to Bowen. She was instrumental in getting the art group going at Collins Hall. She enjoyed painting and developed a fine style. (1900 - 1996)

Ross Carter studied art at the Vancouver school of Art.  He drew and painted throughout his life. Well known on Bowen  for his painting. Ross was a librarian in the USA and Canada.  He ended his career as the Acting President of Vancouver Community College. He served on the first Bowen council and was active in promoting Bowen as a municipality. (1929 - 2008)

Jim Carter took up drawing and painting on his retirement in 2000. He is currently a member of the Fisherman's Cove Painting Group. Prior to his current interest in painting, Jim was involved in education and sport leadership. He is currently President of the West Vancouver Historical Society.

Stephanie Carteris a professional illustrator with offices on Granville Island. Whe studied at Emily Carr and Capilano College. Her web site, Image Zoo, involves artists from around the world who submit works for distribution. She was influenced by her grandpa, Dick Carter, who, at an early age, taught her some of the basics of drawing.

John Carter began painting about seven years ago and focused on creative works without the influence of instruction. He believes instruction can interfere with the creative process. He has been a photographer for 20 years and continues to expand his range of work.

Ian Carter began painting three years ago and is evolving a style of his own. He has joined the other Carter painters for sessions of group painting. His work reflects a creative and fresh approach to the canvas.