A collective of creative philanthropists is putting on an art exhibit as a fundraiser to help the McDougall Church in downtown Edmonton.
It has been reported that $25-million is needed in the preservation effort for the historically and culturally relevant structure. In the last few years, the 106-year-old building has needed major repairs to its roof and brickwork, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and improved restroom facilities, along with numerous other items on the extensive list.
The 1,100-seat church is frequently used for concerts, hosting upwards of 100 such events on an annual basis. It also serves as the venue for other public events including many for non-profit groups. A group called the Friends of McDougall has rallied support to the church, and there are thousands of people who are clamouring to show their support too.
If it has to do with saving a church, it's always good to have a bishop on your side, such as Karen Bishop. She's the organizer of the event and has a vested interest in saving the historic building. The highly public painter is one of the co-owners of the Daffodil Gallery in Edmonton. Her name can frequently be found on the cultural calendar, most recently with her participation in last weekend's Whyte Avenue Art Walk.
The McDougall is her church and she says it's an important element to the city's cultural life. It's a very arts-focused place, she said.
She suggested that the real price tag for all of the repairs is closer to half of that $25 million, and if fundraisers can come up with $500,000 a year then there should not be a problem in preserving the church for many years to come.
"I think that the big thing was to get historical designation and the church has agreed. Everything is in process to get that. My understanding from talking to architects and even the city planner who did the actual report is that that money will do all of the essential repair," she said.
"The building is not going to fall down tomorrow," she joked, "or any time soon."
To that end, she has amassed a group of her friends to join in the fight. That's why the McDougall Art Show has some recognizable arts names to us folks out here in St. Albert.
Along with Bishop, the McDougall Art Show will feature the works of approximately a dozen artists including Rev. Christina Bellsmith, Saeed Hojjati, Diana Templeton, Lori Frank, Jason Blower, Dilys Kulchitsky, Deborah Hughes Garr, Bruce Allen and Jill Thomson.
The artists have created artworks that are inspired by the church and each will be donating 50 per cent of their sales to the cause. There will be a wide variety of art on display including oils and pottery, plus organizers are hoping to have a selection of McDougall Art Cards available for sale.
The show runs on July 24 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Norwood Gallery at the church. Artists will also be in attendance on Saturday and Sunday that weekend. The exhibit will continue until the end of August.
Other events are being planned to aid in the effort.
The McDougall United Church is located at 10025 101 St. in Edmonton.
More information can be found by visiting the group's Facebook page or its website at www.friendsofmcdougall.ca.
Artists get ‘Rooted' in natural park
There are many artists who love natural settings because they make such great landscape paintings. That's one of many reasons why the Devonian Botanic Garden is such a great venue for an art exhibit.
Karen Blanchet explained that the concept of portraying her relationship with nature was what really caught her attention.
"The idea about natural venues are a huge part of how I like to reveal my inner space. There is really no separation between my soul musings and what goes on around me," she began.
"The fullest and most beautiful examples of this flow, in and out, is experienced in the moments when breath is suspended as I gaze in awestruck wonder at what is usually an unusual glimpse of light among the leaves, rocks and branches. This is the essence of what I wish to communicate in my work. Everything is connected; everything is beautiful."
Rooted: Perspectives on the Natural World takes place tomorrow only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show will feature the works of 20 artists including Blanchet along with Madeleine Arnett, Oksana Atwood, Robert Barclay, Cathy Bible, Sharon Bzdel, Jeff Collins, Annique Comeau, Helene Giguere, Elfie Holts, Helmut Jantz, Justine Jenkins, Stephanie Medford, Charis Ng, Tessa Nunn, Elbagir Osman, Lucy Savill, Trish Sewell, David Shkolny, Paul Swanson, Adrian Thysse, Tarra Wedman, and Jeannette Wright.
The show will be situated in a lovely outdoor area of the park near the Grebe Pond, with a rain contingency location under shelter in the Pine Pavilion.
The Devonian Botanic Garden is located in Parkland County, five kilometres north of Devon on Highway 60.
Call 780-987-3054 or visit www.devonian.ualberta.ca for more details. Attendance at the exhibit is free along with a regular admission pass to the park.
