Artsco’s Heritage
The Kelowna Arts Council’s first meeting was held at 8pm on March 31st, 1952, in the old Kelowna Library, chaired by Mrs. Muriel Ffoulkes. In the years that followed, the directors and members of the Kelowna Arts Council, later the Kelowna and District Arts Council (KADAC) and then the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan (Artsco), would work to build, uplift, and support the arts in the Central Okanagan.
Scroll to learn more about how Artsco has changed over the last almost 75 years.
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The 1950s
The Kelowna Arts Council’s first official meeting was on March 31st, 1952
They held monthly meetings through the decade discussing local and global art-related issues, and how they could contribute to society. Talks of establishing an art centre, a dedicated CBC radio station, and more support for municipal, provincial, and federal funding for artists filled meetings, alongside film screenings and musical performances.
Interest in the arts council spanned around 7 years, before suffering a lapse of engagement around 1958. The council did not return until 1966.
Some things the Kelowna Arts Council did from 1952 - 1958:
Sponsored musicians to come to the Okanagan
Advocated for a CBC booster for the OK region
Supported the community as a whole, including maintaining the beautification of the lake
Invested time and interest into learning more about the arts in each meeting
Supported films and film festivals
Hosted art exhibitions, supported art exhibitions
Upon request from city council, created the Queen's Coronation programme
Collected clothes for the Korean Relief
Meetings often featured screenings of films and talks from guests and exhibited art works
Helped with the Rotary Club's first fall agricultural show, hosted an Arts & Handicraft section.
Liaised with Vancouver Community Arts Council
Put up a bulletin board in the entryway to the Library (thanks to Muriel Ffoulkes) featuring "up-to-date and eye-catching" information pertaining to the arts
Gained publicity also thought the Kelowna Courier and Kelowna Capital News
Supported the creation of a Faculty of Music at UBC
Lobbied for the creation of a Canada Council of Art
Oversaw creation of the Civic Music Festival
Discussed "unsightly billboards" along the highways, and how to tame them
Lobbied for a new Kelowna Auditorium
BC Arts Resource Conference featured the Kelowna Arts Council as an example, requested info on how the council is run
Represented at provincial and national arts conferences
Board members
-
President: Mrs. Muriel Ffoulkes
Mrs. Michael Hall
Mrs. R. T. Graham
Mrs. Adelaide Willett
Adl. R. F. L Keller
Mrs. Guy DeHart
Mrs. H. V. Acland
Mrs. T. F. McWilliams
Miss Dorothy Jacobson
Miss Pat MacKenzie
Miss Enid Meston
Miss Lynn Crossley
Mr. Rufus Williams
Miss Oli Daum
Mr. E. H. Oswell
Mrs. Tilley
Miss Duke
Mrs. Kerr
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President: Wilma S. Dohler
G. C. Andrew
Katherine Paimer
Edward Winslow
M. Sweeny
G. H. Reed
Jean Carroll
Mary Roaf
Colin Barraclough
Enid Reed
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President: Janet E. V. Graham
Katherine Palmer
John Nixzon
Edward Winslow
Jean Carroll
Mary Roaf
Colin Barraclough
Enid Reed
-
President: Janet E. V Graham
Katherine Palmer
John Nixzon
Edward Winslow
Jean Carroll
Mary Roaf
Colin Barraclough
Enid Reed
-
President: Mrs. Janet E. V Graham
Mrs. R. T Graham
Mrs. Inez Mutch Acland
Miss Lynn Crossley
Mrs. Arbuckle
Mrs. Allison
Mrs. McKeown
Mrs. Mary Irwin
Laurene Smith
-
President: Mrs. J. E. A. Arbuckle
Mrs. Muriel Ffoulkes
Mrs. Mary Irwin
Miss Crossley
Mrs. Janet E. V. Graham
Mrs. McKeown
-
President: Muriel Ffoulkes
Mrs. Mary Irwin
Mr. Oswell
Miss Duke
Wilma Dohler
Mary Pratten
Janet E. V Graham
C. M Marshall
1952 - Minutes of the Kelowna Art Council's first ever board meeting (pg1)
1952 - Minutes of the Kelowna Art Council's first ever board meeting (pg2)
1952 - Minutes of the Kelowna Arts Council's first Annual General Meeting (pg1)
1952 - Minutes of the Kelowna Arts Council's first Annual General Meeting (pg2)
1952 - Minutes of the Kelowna Arts Council's first Annual General Meeting (pg3)
1952 - Minutes of the Kelowna Arts Council's first Annual General Meeting (pg4)
1952 - Minutes of an Extraordinary meeting (pg1)
1952 - Minutes of an Extraordinary meeting (pg2)
1952 - The Kelowna Art Council's first appointed officers list.
1953 - President's Report (pg1)
1953 - President's Report (pg2)
1953 - Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation programme which the Kelowna Art Council helped create (pg1)
1953 - Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation programme which the Kelowna Art Council helped create (pg2)
1953 - Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation programme which the Kelowna Art Council helped create (pg3)
1953 - Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation programme which the Kelowna Art Council helped create (pg4)
1953 - Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation programme which the Kelowna Art Council helped create (pg5)
1953 - Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation programme which the Kelowna Art Council helped create (pg6)
1953 - Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation programme which the Kelowna Art Council helped create (pg7)
1953 - Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation programme which the Kelowna Art Council helped create (pg8)
1953 - Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation programme which the Kelowna Art Council helped create (pg9)
1953 - Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation programme which the Kelowna Art Council helped create (pg10)
1953 - Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation programme which the Kelowna Art Council helped create (pg11)
1953 - Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation programme which the Kelowna Art Council helped create (pg12)
1954 - Presidents report (pg1)
1954 - Presidents report (pg2)
1955 - Presidents report (pg1)
1955 - Presidents report (pg2)
1955 - Presidents report (pg3)
1955 - Presidents report (pg4)
1956 - General Meeting minutes, where Mrs. Mary Irwin brought up the matter of "increasing appearance of billboards adjacent to highways acting as eyesores and creating a menace to driving.", a topic which is still debated today! (pg1)
1956 - General Meeting minutes, where Mrs. Mary Irwin brought up the matter of "increasing appearance of billboards adjacent to highways acting as eyesores and creating a menace to driving.", a topic which is still debated today! (pg2)
1956 - Presidents report (pg1)
1956 - Presidents report (pg2)
1956 - Presidents report (pg3)
1957 - Presidents report (pg1)
1957 - Presidents report (pg2)
1958 - BC Arts Resource conference (pg1)
1958 - BC Arts Resource conference (pg2)
1958 - BC Arts Resource conference (pg3)
1958 - BC Arts Resource conference (pg4)
1958 - Article written about the heavily discussed CBC booster station for Kelowna, a frequently discussed topic in the Council's meetings. The Kelowna Arts Council wrote many letters to the CBC in support of this project.
1958 - General Meeting minutes, where in the last paragraphs the Council decides their next meeting would take place in the home of Mrs. Dohlerin where she "might give us a talk on Music Appreciation, using her piano for illustration.". The board meetings often included a display or showing of art as well as meeting discussions. (pg1)
1958 - General Meeting minutes, where in the last paragraphs the Council decides their next meeting would take place in the home of Mrs. Dohlerin where she "might give us a talk on Music Appreciation, using her piano for illustration.". The board meetings often included a display or showing of art as well as meeting discussions. (pg2)
1958 - General Meeting minutes, where in the last paragraphs the Council decides their next meeting would take place in the home of Mrs. Dohlerin where she "might give us a talk on Music Appreciation, using her piano for illustration.". The board meetings often included a display or showing of art as well as meeting discussions. (pg3)
1958 - General Meeting minutes, where in the last paragraphs the Council decides their next meeting would take place in the home of Mrs. Dohlerin where she "might give us a talk on Music Appreciation, using her piano for illustration.". The board meetings often included a display or showing of art as well as meeting discussions. (pg4)
1958 - Kelowna Film festival programme (pg1)
1958 - Kelowna Film festival programme (pg2)
1958 - Kelowna Film festival programme (pg3)
1958 - Kelowna Film festival programme (pg4)
1958 - Kelowna Film festival programme (pg5)
1958 - Kelowna Film festival programme (pg6)
1958 - Presidents report (pg1)
1958 - Presidents report (pg2)
1959 - BC Arts Resource conference programme (pg1)
1959 - BC Arts Resource conference programme (pg2)
1959 - BC Arts Resource conference programme (pg3)
1959 - BC Arts Resource conference programme (pg4)
1959 - Notes on Arts Councils (pg1)
1959 - Notes on Arts Councils (pg2)
The 1960s
After 1958, due to lack of interest, the council officially disbanded in 1963. In 1966, with the help of the Kelowna Women’s society, the Arts Council reincorporated. They began working toward becoming an officially incorporated society, producing a constitution, bylaws, and governing regulations for the board. The Kelowna and District Arts Council (KADAC) was incorporated in April, 1968.
Some things the Kelowna Arts Council did from 1966 - 1969:
Officially incorporated in 1968 with the help of the Kelowna chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women society
Ran membership questionnaire to decide how to move forward in 1966
Officially produced and distributed the KADAC constitution.
Helped run the Paddock summer school for art, later to become the Okanagan Summer School for the Arts in Penticton (which shut down in 2019)
Attended the Centennial Conference of Arts
Lobbied for the creation of Okanagan College
Liaised frequently and passionately with CBC about getting another Booster or a dedicated station in the Okanagan. With no luck.
Encouraged the creation of the BC arts council
Facilitated many musical performances by both local and visiting musicians
Board members
-
President: Father Godderis
Uldis Arajs
R. C. Dillabough
Eric Sherlock
Charles Patrick
Zeljko Kujundzic
George Stevenson
Mrs. Sprinkling
W. Cleaver
T. C. McLaughlin
Peter Foulkes
Mrs. Foulkes
-
President: Father Godderis
Uldis Arajs
R. C. Dillabough
Eric Sherlock
W. J. O'Donnell
George Stevenson
Bruce Smith
Zeljko Kujundzic
Peter Lofts
Charles Patrick
G. McKinley
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President: Uldis Arajs
George Stevenson
Joan Needham
Sister Michael Christina
Charles Patrick
Father Francis Godderis
Peter Lofts
Delia Gerlinger
Wilma Dohler
Janet Graham
E. Sherlock
T.C.G. McLaughlin
D. Middleton
C. E. Munsiow
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President: George Stevenson
Peter Lofts
Cynthia Lambracht
Ruth Robinson
Sister Michael Christina
Charles Patrick
Uldis Arajs
J. Bennett
Anne Briggs
A. Drake
F. Godderis
R. T. Graham
Mary Irwin
G. McKinley
T. McLaughlin
H. Schoenfeld
E. Sherlock
E. Zurrer
1966 - Minutes of the first general board meeting after the Council reformed (pg1)
1966 - Minutes of the first general board meeting after the Council reformed (pg2)
1966 - Roll of attendants to the first meeting
1966 - Bulletin of Kelowna's Cultural Events (pg1)
1966 - Bulletin of Kelowna's Cultural Events (pg2)
1966 - Bulletin of Kelowna's Cultural Events (pg3)
1966 - KADAC media release (pg1)
1966 - KADAC media release (pg2)
1966 - After reforming, the Council ran a survey from old and new members to gather consensus on how the new Arts Council should function (pg1)
1966 - After reforming, the Council ran a survey from old and new members to gather consensus on how the new Arts Council should function (pg2)
1966 - After reforming, the Council ran a survey from old and new members to gather consensus on how the new Arts Council should function (pg3)
1966 - After reforming, the Council ran a survey from old and new members to gather consensus on how the new Arts Council should function (pg4)
1966 - After reforming, the Council ran a survey from old and new members to gather consensus on how the new Arts Council should function (pg5)
1966 - After reforming, the Council ran a survey from old and new members to gather consensus on how the new Arts Council should function (pg6)
1966 - After reforming, the Council ran a survey from old and new members to gather consensus on how the new Arts Council should function (pg7)
1966 - After reforming, the Council ran a survey from old and new members to gather consensus on how the new Arts Council should function (pg8)
1966 - After reforming, the Council ran a survey from old and new members to gather consensus on how the new Arts Council should function (pg9)
1966 - After reforming, the Council ran a survey from old and new members to gather consensus on how the new Arts Council should function (pg10)
1966 - After reforming, the Council ran a survey from old and new members to gather consensus on how the new Arts Council should function (pg11)
1966 - After reforming, the Council ran a survey from old and new members to gather consensus on how the new Arts Council should function (pg12)
1966 - After reforming, the Council ran a survey from old and new members to gather consensus on how the new Arts Council should function (pg13)
1966 - After reforming, the Council ran a survey from old and new members to gather consensus on how the new Arts Council should function (pg14)
1966 - After reforming, the Council ran a survey from old and new members to gather consensus on how the new Arts Council should function (pg15)
1967 - Open House of the Arts event flyer
1968 - Correspondence with Mr. Leagh from the newly formed Delta Arts Council (pg1)
1968 - Correspondence with Mr. Leagh from the newly formed Delta Arts Council (pg2)
1968 - Correspondence with Mr. Leagh from the newly formed Delta Arts Council (pg3)
1968 - Presidents report (pg1)
1968 - Presidents report (pg2)
1968 - Presidents report (pg3)
1968 - Presidents report (pg4)
1968 - Presidents report (pg5)
1968 - Presidents report (pg6)
1968 - Presidents report (pg7)
1968 - Presidents report (pg8)
1968 - Presidents report (pg9)
1968 - Presidents report (pg10)
1968 - Presidents report (pg11)
1968 - Presidents report (pg12)
1968 - Presidents report (pg13)
1968 - Presidents report (pg14)
1968 - Presidents report (pg15)
1968 - Theatre's call for help
1969 - Background of KADAC (pg1)
1969 - Background of KADAC (pg2)
1969 - Background of KADAC (pg3)
1960 - Pamphlet for the Paddock Summer School of Fine Arts, supported by the Kelowna Arts Council and surrounding arts councils. (pg1)
1960 - Pamphlet for the Paddock Summer School of Fine Arts, supported by the Kelowna Arts Council and surrounding arts councils. (pg2)
1960 - Pamphlet for the Paddock Summer School of Fine Arts, supported by the Kelowna Arts Council and surrounding arts councils. (pg3)
1960 - Pamphlet for the Paddock Summer School of Fine Arts, supported by the Kelowna Arts Council and surrounding arts councils. (pg4)
1960 - Pamphlet for the Paddock Summer School of Fine Arts, supported by the Kelowna Arts Council and surrounding arts councils. (pg5)
1968 - Okanagan Summer School of the Arts pamphlet A (pg1)
1968 - Okanagan Summer School of the Arts pamphlet A (pg2)
1968 - Okanagan Summer School of the Arts pamphlet A (pg3)
1968 - Okanagan Summer School of the Arts pamphlet A (pg4)
1968 - Okanagan Summer School of the Arts pamphlet B (pg1)
1968 - Okanagan Summer School of the Arts pamphlet B (pg2)
1968 - Okanagan Summer School of the Arts pamphlet B (pg3)
1968 - Okanagan Summer School of the Arts pamphlet B (pg4)
1968 - Okanagan Summer School of the Arts pamphlet B (pg5)
1968 - Okanagan Summer School of the Arts pamphlet B (pg6)
1968 - Okanagan Summer School of the Arts pamphlet B (pg7)
The 1970s
The 70s saw KADAC fervently engaging with the arts, shifting from being a supporting body, to leading the arts community by creating opportunities for artists in the Okanagan where none previously existed. They launched the Honour in the Arts, scholarships, art fairs, and grew in size and support in all directions.
Some things the Kelowna and District Arts Council (KADAC) did from 1970 - 1979:
In the early '70's, KADAC sponsored cultural entertainment including a children's painting program in the park, an arts radio show, an arts recognition night, and a native dancing event. It also supported youth drama and choral festivals
In 1974, KADAC gave $150 towards a fine arts scholarship that grew. Until very recently it was maintained at $6,000.
As a new member of the Okanagan Mainline Regional Arts Council, KADAC helped circulate a valley wide petition to establish a CBC station in Kelowna and to create the "Okanagan Image" collection.
While building the scholarship and the Honour in the Arts programs, KADAC contributed to the efforts of the Kelowna Committee of the Okanagan Symphony, the Festival Society, Youth Drama Festival, Festival Concerts, Kelowna Musical Society, and BC Drama Festival.
The first "Big Craft Fair" at Orchard Park Mall was initiated and hosted by KADAC in 1971.
In 1978, when the Arts Co-ordinator's job was eliminated at the Parkinson Recreation Centre, KADAC lobbied City Council to create a Recreation Master Plan.
In 1979, KADAC purchased the nine-foot Yamaha concert grand piano for the Kelowna Community Theatre from the funds it raised by hosting numerous cultural entertainment events.
Began overseeing the placement of art in civic buildings
KADAC facilitated the Youth Drama Festival
Board members
-
President: Mrs. T. E, Robinson
Peter Lofts
George Barnes
Anthony Hagger
Robert Turik
W. J. O'Donnell
Uldis Arajs
John Bennett
F. G. DeHart
Rev. Father Godderis
Mary Irwin
Lorne Lambrecht
Garfield McKinley
T.C. McLaughiin
Charles Patrick
Nigei Pooley
Henryk Schoenfeld
-
President: Uldis Arajs
Bob Turik
Neil Cassidy
Harvey MacMillan
Roy Oliver
Stephanie Barnes
Bryson Boyle
Dave Bremner
Anne Briggs
Pat Graham
Mary Irwin
Bob Kingsmill
Peter Lofts
Garfield McKinley
Walter O'Donnell
Lois Bremner
-
President: Bob Turik
Roy Gunn
Mrs. Barnes
Harvey MacMillan
Mrs. MacMillan
Mrs. Bowering
D. Bremner
N. Cassidy
J. Cooper
Len Compton
N. Derriksen
J. Grindlay
M. Irwin
Il. McIntosh
J. Kjundzic
J. Rodger
W. Warburten
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President: Bob Turik
Lois Bremner
Virginia Warburton
Shirley Staley
Joan Rodger
Marge McFadden
Charlotte Donaldson
Stephanie Barnes
Jay Brigham
Bill Bennett
Neil Cassidy
Len Compton
Noll Derrickson
Jean Jordan
Ann MacMillan
Mari McIntosh
Allen Mykytiw
Rosemary Rising
R. Gunn
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President: Lois Bremner
Linda Morris
Jay Brigham
Phyllis Roberts
Charlotte Donaldson
Dorean Pain
Ann MacMillan
Bill Bennett
Neil Cassidy
Cyril Hume
Jean Jordan
Mary McCulloch
Mari McIntosh
Caroline Middler
Marg O'Donnell
Rosemary Rising
Barbara Wood
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President: Linda Morris
Peter Munns
Lois Bremner
Doreen Bain
Gwynneth Celll
Earnest Collins
Roaline Harder
Bette Speares
Bill Bennett
Char Donaldson
Torah Fujibayahi
Cyril Hume
John Lotochinski
Mary McCulloch
Mari Mcintosh
Sylvia Pierron
Rosemary Rising
Barbara Wood
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President: Linda Morris
Gwynneth Celli
Lois Bremner
Doreen Bain
Shirley King
Ernest Collins
John Mutter
Alan Duckworth
Janice Halliwell
Robin Jarman
Mary Koltermann
Mary McCulloch
Mari McIntosh
Ruth McRae
Peggy Moon
Sylvia Fierron
Jo Reed
Rosemary Rising
Janet Woinoski
Barbara Wood
-
President: Joan Rodger
Shirley Doak
Ernest Collins
Linda Tait
Shirley King
Gwynneth Celli
Barb Jansen
Sheila Pearson
Doreen Bain
Mary Koltermann
Arline Kikolaj
Jo Reed
Dorothy Pelley
Burt Reynolds
Rosemary Rising
Lyla Shaddoch
Janet Woinoski
-
President: Bryden Winsby
Lois Bremner
Linda Tait
Kay Smith
Ernie Collins
Ross Richardson
Jennifer Hindle
Jan Denney
Janet Woinoski
Mari McIntosh
Rosemary Rising
Jo Reed
Cathy Spence
Bev Akerland
Robin Jarman
Maggie Hopkinson
Barry Patterson
Phyllis Layfield
Karen Arkinstall
Dorothy Pelly
Don Harding
Nick Frost
Karen Waugh
Linda Morris
Laurie McFarland
Doreen Bain
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President: Bryden Winsby
Bert Reynolds
Linda Tait
Veda Clarke
Rose Hoffman
Kathy Spence
Jo Reed
Janet Woinoski
Kay Smith
Ernie Collins
Jennifer Hindle
Mari McIntosh
Oscar Reeves
Margaret Rett
Cathy Spence
Jan Denney
Burt Reynolds
-
President: Bryden Winsby
Jennifer Hindle
Wayne Bridges
Doreen Bain
Alex Robertson
Kathy Spence
Charlotte Barber
Cynthia Ellis
Veda Clark
Tom Dendy
Mari Mcintosh
Day Powley
Jo Reed
Kay Smith
Helen Wilfert
Barb Wood
Leona Setka
1970 - Letter written to all KADAC directors and "concerned peoples" to submit thoughts on the possibility of more arts education in the Central Okanagan.
1971 - Notes from the Annual General Meeting
1971 - Minutes of a general board meeting
1975 - The first ever Honour in the Arts awards
1979 - Whats a KADAC? Operations and history report (pg1)
1979 - Whats a KADAC? Operations and history report (pg2)
The 1980s
During the 1980s, KADAC focussed almost exclusively on acquiring and maintaining an arts centre in Kelowna, which was the initial goal set out by the original council in 1952. By 1981 KADAC, with the help of the city, investors, developers, and a provincial grant, had purchased the church which is now the French Cultural Centre, for $155,000. KADAC sold the original Arts Centre by 1984 and invested their earnings into the Laurel. Thus began work toward restoring and upgrading the Laurel, until it reached official Municipal Heritage status decades later in 2003. It was registered as a National Heritage site in 2005.
Some things the Kelowna and District Arts Council (KADAC) did from 1980 - 1989:
Purchased church on the corner of Richter and Bernard in 1981
Listed its Arts Centre for $189,000
1984 purchased shares in the Laurel Building
KADAC gave the "Grapes of Wrath" $2500 and some funds were also gifted by the city, which enabled the group to travel to Vancouver for their big audition in 1984. This financial support launched the group's career.
Ran the Calona Art & Wine event/s
Ran a Week for the Arts, a week-long, city-wide art event.
Board members
-
President: Mike Wiggins
Stefan Cieslik
Bunne Hoffman
Jan Erasmos
Corinna Perry
Tom Mayne
Janine deLone-Nolin
Wayne Worthington
Sigrid-Ann Thors
Bill Green
Bente Nielson
Kay Matterson
Colin Miles
-
President: Jennifer Hindle
Wayne Bridges
Cynthia Ellis
Alex Robertson
Doreen Bain
Bryden Winsby
Kathy Spence
Charlotte Barber
Betty Curell
Day Powley
Bert Reynold
Leona Setka
Helen Wilfert
-
President: Don Keith
Carla Lundy
Wayne Bridges
Jennifer Hindle
Jean Suggit
Ileana Bunducci
Cynthia Ellis
Doreen Bain
Guy King
Richard Bates
Burt Reynolds
Ev Durnin
Eileen Robinson
Alex Robertson
Gwenneth Wilson
Shelley Arron
Linda Tait
-
President: Carla Lundy
Wayne Bridges
Bert Reynolds
Beryl Amaron
Steve Bentheim
Robin Luxmore
Carla Lundy
Shelley Arron
Ellen Rodenkirchen
Doreen Bain
Guy King
Doug & Barb Leadbetter
Helmut Foerg
Dennis Zahara
Erna Bishoff
Eileen Robinson
Ed Hill
Jean Suggitt
-
President: Carla Lundy
Helmut Foerg
Erna Bischoff
Doreen Bain
Bert Reynolds
Beryl Amaron
Guy King
Ella Rodenkirchen
Steve Bentheim
Dennis Zahara
Jennifer Hindle
Robin Luxmoore
Gwen Zilm
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President: Carla Lundy
Ella Rodenkirchen
Rick Hawley
Margaret Lanzinger
Eileen Robinson
Judy Watmough
Nancy Koopman
Kena Day
Erna Bischoff
Ralf Rohrlack
Beryl Amaron
Joanne Tait
Helmut Foerg
Doug Leadbetter
Steve Bentheim
Wendy Sparks
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President: Carla Lundy
Ella Rodenkirchen
Rick Hawley
Margaret Lanzinger
Ralf Rohriack
Erna Bischoff
Wendy Sparks
Kena Day
Judy Watmough
Lynn Bidwell
Judy Ongman
Dan Obradovic
Christian Nedelec
Doreen Bain
Geert Maas
Ray Turner
Dorothy Munslow
Russell Bowman
Marg Craig
John DuBeta
Charles Munslow
Tom Catrano
-
President: Ella Rodenkirchen
Steve Bentheim
Graham Welch
Myrna Lowes
-
President: Ella Rodenkirchen
Rick Hawley
Wendy Sparks
Gwen Zilm
Margaret Lanzinger
-
President: Rick Hawley
Diane Desjardins
Colleen Kelly
Peter Chataway
Margaret Lanzinger
Ella Rodenkirchen
-
President: Diane Desjardins
Carolyn Gregg
Shawn Ferguson
Jim Scott
Margaret Lanzinger
Ella Hapi
Brian Henderson
Rayne Helgeson
Trudy Hurst
Colleen Kelly
Greg Murphy
Brian Dodd
1981 - Article about KADAC moving into the Laurel
1983 - Article about KADAC's Week for the Arts
1983 - KADAC's year's plan of action
1987 - KADAC's Society Act certificate confirming change to KADAC
The 1990s
The 1990s saw KADAC move locations multiple times, leaving the Laurel and moving to the Grower’s Supply Building (now the Rotary Centre for the Arts), then to a temporary location on Sutherland, and finally by the 00s, back to the Laurel. The KADAC “Source” Newsletter was established, printing monthly for all to know what art events are happening in the Central and South Okanagan, and more.
The Council continued to host art exhibition events such as the Artscape, support theatre and music, and lobby for arts policies both municipally and provincially.
Some things the Kelowna and District Arts Council (KADAC) did from 1990 - 1999:
In the early 1990's KADAC started "On Stage at Noon", which was initiated with a challenge grant. This program was started with a summer student Erin Macklem. Advertised as "Lunchtime Entertainment" at Kerry park, several restaurants benefitted as they started to prepare picnic lunches for the public to enjoy while listening to music in the park. Eventually this was taken over by Community Pride which is now rolled into Parks Alive. Tourists from all over the region enjoyed this waterfront entertainment, which was a program initiated by KADAC.
In 1992 KADAC celebrated its 25th Anniversary
The Source Newsletter was introduced
Fine arts grant established
Contributed $3,000 to install kitchen in the Laurel Building
Paid the Chamber of Commerce $5,000 to renovate space for the Arts Development Officer
Began Ushering and concession activities in the theatre and arena
Purchased a trophy for the BC Interior Jazz Festival
Lobbied to have arts mandated in Municipal Act
Lobbied to have arts included in Kelowna's official community plan
Lobbied to have arts included ar part of a high school graduation diploma
Moved to the Grower's Building (RCA)
Introduced Artscape
Founded the Okanagan Sculpture Symposium
The Juried Art Show hosted by KADAC in 1994 launched the careers of Lee Claremont (Westbank), Mayumi Hatano (Kelowna), and Yoko Uemoto (Kelowna) to professional status. Their works were selected from our region to go to the BC Festival of the Arts in Campbell River.
Executive Director/s:
Doreen Bain, 1993
Victoria Moulder, 1995
Carol Doyle, 1996
Bob Huff, 1997
Elke Lange, 1998 - 2000
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President: Diane Desjardins
Rick Hawley
Margaret Lanzinger
Colleen Kelly
Jim Scott
Shawn Ferguson
Trudy Hurst
Greg Murphy
Carolyn Gregg
Ella Hapi
Diane Desjardins
Vicki Ellis
Jean Mussellam
Ken Ross
Yoko Uemoto
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President: Diane Desjardins
Carolyn Gregg
Ella Hapi
Shawn Ferguson
Trudy Hurst
Rick Hawley
Vicki Ellis
Colleen Kelly
Margaret Lanzinger
Jean Mussellam
Greg Murphy
Ken Ross
Yoko Uemoto
Doreen Bain
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President: Carolyn Gregg
Vicki Ellis
Yoko Uemoteo
Trudy Hurst
Diane Desjardins
Carole Donnelly
Shawn Ferguson
Todd Ferguson
Ella Hapi
Rick Hawley
Colleen Kelly
Margaret Lanzinger
Jean Mussellam
Marlys Thurston
Judy Watmough
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President: Rick Hawley
Carolyn Gregg
Yoko Uemoto
Diane Desjardins
Colleen Kelly
Carolle Donnelly
Colleen Kelly
Vicki Ellis
Todd Ferguson
Shawn Ferguson
Judy Watmough
Elia Hapi
Trudy Hurst
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President: Carolyn Gregg
Vicki Ellis
Yoko Uemoto
Shawn Ferguson
Rick Hawley
Carole Donnelly
Todd Ferguson
Ella Hapi
Diane Desjardins
Carl Mayer
Lynn Tribe
Mary Berger
Heather Wilson
Margaret Lanzinger
Briar Craig
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President: Carolyn Gregg
Greg Magirescu
Briar Craig
Yoko Uemoto
Haleen Frankiin
Rick Hawley
Nancy Branch
Wayne Bridges
Kebrina Caldwell
Heather Hughes
Heather Leslie
Rudy Loeser
Valerie Loken
Mikki MacRaild
Wendy Mcintyre
Ruth Moir
David Sharp
Heather Wilson
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President: Carolyn Gregg
Heather Hughes
Wayne Bridges
Kebrina Caldwell
Yoko Uemoto
Haleen Frankllin
Rick Hawley
Sharon Large
Henk do Roos
David Sharp
Liz Burns
Heather Leslie
Heather Wilson
Sandy Dore
Jim Elwood
Irvine Low
Shawn Myers
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President: Kebrina Caldwell
Yoko Uemoto
Phyilis Cartier
Carolyn Gregg
Wayne Bridges
Brian Chamberlain
Henk de Roos
Alice Hargreaves
Annie Kanda
Irvine Low
Heather Leslie
Louise Miles
Lyn Parsons
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President: Brian Chamberlain
Phyllis Cartier
Carolyn Gregg
Alice Hargreaves
Lyn Parsons
Bob Huff
Wayne Bridges
Heather Leslie
Annie Kanda
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President: Mr. Gordon Macklem
Chris Hart
Alice Hargreaves
Wayne Bridges
Judy Allen
Bill Bennett
Emmy Bouma
Jock Hildebrand
Laura Kaufman
Vera Spika
Holly Nowakowski
Dianne Hayley
Betty Steg
Louise de Grandmaison
Joy Uemoto
John Powell
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President: Mr. John Powell
Lori Wilson
Gordon Macklem
Jock Hildebrand
Phyllis Cartier
Laura Kaufman
Vera Spika
Bob Belton
Debra Charles
Gary Taylor
Judy Allen
Gayle Liman
David Anderson
Henk de Roos
William Bennett
Bill McCracken
Brian Elves
Board members
1994 - Presidents report addendum
1994 - Kelowna's Fringe Festival newspaper poster
1994 - The Okanagan Mainline Regional Arts Council (OMRAC)'s fall newsletter (pg1)
1994 - The Okanagan Mainline Regional Arts Council (OMRAC)'s fall newsletter (pg2)
1994 - The Okanagan Mainline Regional Arts Council (OMRAC)'s fall newsletter (pg3)
1994 - The Okanagan Mainline Regional Arts Council (OMRAC)'s fall newsletter (pg4)
1995 - Okanagan Summer School of the Arts newspaper poster
1995 - The "new" Laurel building pamphlet (pg1)
1995 - The "new" Laurel building pamphlet (pg2)
1995 - The "new" Laurel building pamphlet (pg3)
1995 - The "new" Laurel building pamphlet (pg4)
1995 - The "new" Laurel building pamphlet (pg5)
1995 - The "new" Laurel building pamphlet (pg6)
The 2000s
In the 2000s, KADAC saw a rise in community enthusiasm and support for the arts, and an increase in paying members, specifically groups from all over the Okanagan. KADAC would sponsor their art shows/events, and promote their groups generally in the newsletter. Now back in the Laurel, KADAC also rented out use of their photocopier and internet computer to paying members. Most significantly, the community saw the opening of the Rotary Centre for the Arts, another arts centre in Kelowna which KADAC helped create. KADAC changed its name to the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan (Artsco) in 2006 to better reflect the regional district it serves.
Some things the Kelowna and District Arts Council (KADAC) did from 2000 - 2009:
Moved back into the Laurel in 2002
Launched the Central Okanagan Open Studio Tour program in 2006
Changed name from Kelowna and District Arts Council to the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan in 2006
Sponsored multiple iterations of Diva’s live music concerts, including a CD production of a live recording
Sponsored a sculpture exhibition at Gellatly farm park in Westbank, also sparked conversation surrounding a permanent sculpture park.
Sponsored the Okanagan Film festival
Supported the Federation of Canadian Artists juried shows
Sponsored the Kelowna Watercolour Guild’s annual shows
Sponsored the Kelowna Palette Club’s annual shows
Sponsored the grand opening of the Rotary Centre For The Arts on Nov 2nd
Continued running the Civic Awards’ Honour In The Arts
Facilitated multiple iterations of an ABC (arts, biology, culture) experience with kids, spearheaded by Karen Close
Sponsored exhibition: Rare Spirits, a personal tribute to vintage elders exhibition at the Kelowna Art Gallery in collaboration with the National Gerontology Nursing Association.
Ran the first Okanagan music bash in conjunction with the honour in the arts awards.
Ran a Mozart Christmas music event
Coordinated Fire on the Mountain, a fire relief benefit concert
Hosted exhibition: Artists Among Us: Voices from the edge - an exhibition in collaboration with CMHA featuring artists living with mental illness
Funded the Alternator’s Visiting Artist in Residency program
Sponsored the Touch the Flame book, a retrospective on the fires of 2003
Sponsored the Okanagan film festival
Helped with the Regatta music concert.
Executive Director/s:
D. Pauline Lightfoot, 2000 - 2005
Elke Lange, 2005 - 2015
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President: Jock Hildebrand
Debra Charles
Adeja Chrisara
George Tinling
Bill McCracken
Laura Kaufman
Sharon Weber
Anne Wallace Horak
Vera Spika
John Powell
Phyllis Cartier
Natalie Bomberg
Patrick Kimmitt
Henk de Roos
Bill Bennett
Judy Allen
David Anderson
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President: Vera Spika
Alaine Ball
Sean-Michael Williams
Jody Wilkinson
Kebrina Caldwell
Carolyn Gregg
Ekhard Feitag
Tia Maria Hoeller
Anne Wallace Horak
Ute Freitag
Laura Kaufman
Faye Dane
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President: Vera Spika
Colleen McCullough
Kyndree Almond
Carolyn Gregg
Kebrina Caldwell
Tia-Maria Hoeller
Allaine Ball
Deborah Proskow
Gayle Maddocks
Roger Perritt
George Schell
Faye Dane
Ann Wallace-Horack
Susan Kolebaba
Anne Sutfin
Carol Bridges
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President: George Schell
Susan Kolebaba
Kyndree Almond
Rowan Shaw
Roger Perritt
Harley Auty
Carole Bridges
Vera Spika
Jerry Martin
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President: George Schell
Karen Close
Harley Auty
Rose Sexsmith
Vera Spika
Michael Dorsel
Kerry Lomax
Jock Hildebrand
Carol Bridges
President: Nona Kucher
Tom Soames
Corrine Shoranick
Kerry Lomax
George Schell
Helve Raun Ranniste
Angela Bonten
Teena Clipson
Jollean McFarlen
President: Karen Close
Michael Dorsel
Corrine Kinash
Carol Bridges
Vera Spika
Jock Hildebrand
Kerry Lomax
Karen Close
Rose Sexsmith
President: Carol Bridges
Michael Dorsel
Corrine Shoranick
Jock Hildebrand
Kerry Lomax
Karen Close
Rose Sexsmith
Harley Auty
Vera Spika
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President: Nona Kucher
Tom Soames
Christina Farreira
Pam Renzi
Glenna Turnbull
Deborah Howanyk
Jollean McFarlen
Kerry Lomax
Kirk Farrell
Tim Watson
Teena Clipson
Helve Raun Ranniste
Angela Bonten
Corrine Shoranick
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President: Nona Kucher
David LaHay
Dr. Sharon McCoubrey
Laura Macdonald
Corrine Zawaduk
Helve Raun Raniste
Angela Bonten
Phyllis Cartier
Tim Watson
Deborah Howanyk
Christina Ferreira
Sharon Hughes-Geekie
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President: Nona Kucher
Corrine Zawaduk
Tim Watson
Julia Trops
Sharon Hughes-Geekie
Laura Doncom
Helve Raun Ranniste
Dr. Lynn Sharon McCoubrey
Phyllis Cartier
Laura MacDonald
Peter Fearon
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President: Helve Raun Ranniste
Rosemarie Greedy
Beverly Rein
Julia Trops
Steven Dvorak
Stephanie Loo de Nevers
Laura Macdonald
Corrine Zawaduk
Dr. Sharon McCoubrey
Tim Watson
Linda Howika
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President: Dr. Sharon McCoubrey
Dorothee Birker
Angela Bonten
Jollean Mc Farlen
Laura Thurnheer
Stewart Turcotte
Stephanie Loo de Nevers
Linda Howika
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President: Dr. Sharon McCoubrey
Rosemarie Greedy
Beverly A. Rein
Tim Watson
Annette Beaudreau
Helve Raun Ranniste
Alex Fong
Stan Chung
Tina Schnellert
Jollean Mc Farlen
Board members
2005 - Certificate of membership for the Assembly of British Columbia Arts Councils
2005 - Lange returns to KADAC article
2005 - Lange returns to KADAC article
2006 - Certificate of name change to Artsco
2008 - AGM package (pg1)
2008 - AGM package (pg2)
2008 - AGM packet (pg3)
2008 - Daphne Odjig award article
2009 - Board meeting agenda
2009 - Board meeting minutes (pg1)
2009 - Board meeting minutes (pg2)
2009 - Board meeting minutes (pg3)
2009 - Board meeting minutes (pg3)
The 2010s
The 2010s saw Artsco slightly pivot, looking toward collaborations with UBCO and their emerging artists. Artsco moved back to their flagship space in the old Grower’s Supply building, now the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Artsco continued to be a resource and make space for artists in the community, however during this decade engagement with the council declined. Shifts in community and global social and political climates meant people’s need for such councils changed.
Some things the Kelowna and District Arts Council (KADAC) did from 2000 - 2009:
Reforms Youth Arts Council. Youth Arts Council offered Open Mic nights, opportunities to exhibit work, mentorship, and networking for youth. Runs until 2012.
Mad Hatter pop-up installation and sculpture exhibition begins. Runs until 2014.
60 Artists in 60 Spaces to Celebrate ARTSCO’s 60th Anniversary in 2013
ARTSCO moves (back) into the Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA)
Executive Director/s:
Elke Lange until 2015
Katie Brennan, 2016 - 2017
Dustyn Baulkham, 2018
Kirsteen McCulloch, 2019 - present
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President: Dr. Sharon McCoubrey
Janet Anderson
Beverly A. Rein
Tim Watson
Annette Beaudreau
Phyllis Cartier
Melanie Biccum
Nicole Ensing
Heather Leier
Hanss Lujan
Cheryl Miller
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President: Annette Beaudreau
Sharon McCoubrey
Tim Watson
Beverly Rein
Lars Widell
Phyllis Cartier
Cheryl Miller
Heather Leier
Hanss Lujan
Nicole Ensing
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President: Annette Beaudreau
Sharon McCoubrey
Tim Watson
Beverly Rein
Phyllis Cartier
Cheryl Miller
Nicole Ensing
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President: Cheryl Miller
Jennifer Lauriault:
Dr. Lynn Sharon McCoubrey
Jennifer Lauriault
Beverly Rein
Jordan Coble
Michael Guzzi
Jolene Mackie
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President: Cheryl Miller
Jennifer Lauriault
Jordan Coble
Michael Guzzi
Renata Ward
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President: Cheryl Miller
Jennifer Lauriault
Jordan Coble
Michael Guzzi
Victor Poirier
Gillianne Richards
Don Ferguson
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President: Don Ferguson
Debbie Robert
Gillianne Richards
Rawle James
Hannah Griffin
Sarah Sutherland
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President: Gillianne Richards
Max Walker
Hannah Griffin
Philip J. Ashman
Barbara Jagodics
Sarah Sutherland
Board members
2010 - March 24th meeting minutes (pg1)
2010 - March 24th meeting minutes (pg2)
2012 - Mad Hatter student exhibition
If you notice any mistakes or anything missing from this page, contact us at heythere@artsco.ca