After their first meeting, a passionate group of arts supporters are enthusiastic about the possibility of a Huntsville School of the Arts.
The school initiative came out of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee, and the working group consists of advisory committee members, artists, Cultural Tourism Committee members, and the executive of the Huntsville Art Society.
“We are still in the research stage,” said Karen Cassian, a member of the advisory committee. “We wanted to invite some artists to an initial meeting to see what interest there is.”
Cassian said that the group is leaning toward a model similar to the Huntsville Festival of the Arts board in that the school would be directed by private citizens. They would, however, look to the Town of Huntsville, the District of Muskoka, and groups like Muskoka Futures for assistance where it’s available. “We’ll use whatever resources we can find.”
Steve Campbell and Noreen Mitchell own The Other Side gallery (facing River Mill Park behind the current 3 Gals and a Quilt Shop) and have offered the space for use by the school. It has been used as gallery space in the past by the Huntsville Art Society and independent artists.
“We have been forever supporters of the arts,” said Campbell. “We really enjoyed having creativity in (the gallery) and we still want to keep it as a space for art. It’s a blank slate that can be configured as appropriate. It seems like it could be a good fit.”
Campbell acknowledged that the idea of an art school in Huntsville has been around for some time. “There’s a thriving arts community here and I think people have been mulling this idea over around town for some time. I think it could go over well.”
In addition to providing classes for art enthusiasts, Campbell sees the school as a way to raise the profile of art in the area. “We already have high calibre artists here and this would provide opportunity for other high calibre artists to come in from other areas that local artists would be interested in seeing or hearing. Also, the high school has a terrific arts program and this could be an extension of fostering that. The existence of an art school would be great for the whole town. We don’t know yet where it will go – it will be shaped by the people involved and who want to help.”
Anyone interested in joining the working group can contact Karen Cassian at [email protected].
This is an idea that is past due. Here is a great opportunity to attract many aspiring artist to come visit and paint the Muskoka scene. It would also improve our standing in the greater art community. With the natural beauty plein air workshops could also be offered. As they might say at Signal North Gallery “All Aboard “
Fantastic news!!! This is a logical extension of the fact that Huntsville is a “designated arts destination”. Perhaps, it may prove to be the initial step in having our own community college branch in Town; offering a first year art instruction program, and building from there.