Offering up an entire day of sights and sounds, the “Centennial Celebration of the Arts” attracted a steady flow of people to the Townshend Theatre on Saturday.
“It showed we have a pretty vibrant arts community,” said Pam Hawley, chairperson of the centennial committee. “We had a good response from everyone who attended.”
“Considering the beautiful weather, it went pretty well,” echoed centennial co-ordinator Marla Simpson.
Starting at 10 a.m., the cafeteria at Fort Frances High School was filled with displays by groups such as the Borderland Arts Alliance, Pairs ’n Squares, the Fort Frances Horticultural Society, and the Fine Line Art Gallery, as well as a handful of other artists with crafts to sell.
“It was quite a day,” said Jean Richards of the Fine Line co-op. “There were people there who have never been in the gallery before. It was good exposure.”
In fact, the Fine Line display made such an impression on some that a few decided to support the gallery. Jean and Lin Boileau made a financial donation while Jan Kasma gave the gallery a stand to display prints.
There also was a hat contest, which unfortunately drew only two entries, said Hawley.
“We seemed to have a bit of interest beforehand. But when it came to people actually making the hats, I guess they were too busy,” she added. “Oh well, it was just an idea we threw out there.”
A half-dozen or so other hats were on display, but were not up for bids nor in the running for any of the contest categories, which was to include the biggest, smallest, most colourful, most historic, most dramatic, and the one best suited to the centennial theme.
Both entrants received prizes from the Fine Line Art Gallery.
Another part of the celebration that didn’t exactly go as planned Saturday was the long, continuous painting “Celebrating Community” that was unveiled for all to see.
The work, which was divided into 10 three-foot segments (each of which was completed in sequence by one or more artists in two-week intervals over the past few months), was supposed to cut up and sold off, with the proceeds going back to the local arts community.
“We couldn’t bear to cut up,” said Hawley, who also contributed to the painting.
“People have really responded to it,” she added. “Because of the continuity aspect of the painting, no one knew what to expect.”
Hawley noted the painting instead will now hang in the museum so the public will get to see it in its entirety.
Artists who worked on this project included Hawley, Richards, Linda Lovisa, Barb Stevens, Terril Pentney, Fran Madigan, Connie Cuthbertson, Donna Cannon, Nancy Gibb, and Vi Plumridge.
“The response was great,” said Richards. “There was a lot of interest in our roll-up. Pam’s already talking about another group project.”
The town’s 100th birthday also was well-promoted Saturday, said Simpson, with sign-up sheets for district tours slated Friday, June 27 and the home, garden, and studio tours coming up Sunday, June 29.
Centennial memorabilia also was for sale.
New brochures entitled “A Fort Frances Tour—Discover the History” were available, as well. These outline a brief history of sites such as the Lookout Tower, the “Hallett,” and Pither’s Point Park.
These free pamphlets are available at the museum.
“It was good for getting information out there for ‘Homecoming Week,’” said Simpson.
Also Saturday at 2 p.m., the “The Hat Ladies” fashion show was held in the Townshend Theatre. The Burlington, Ont. pair had local volunteers model hats and costumes from the Victorian era to the present.
People also could bring along their vintage fashion collectibles for dating and authentication.
And the event finale was the annual spring concert of the Borderland Community Orchestra, conducted by Katherine Williams.
They performed a selection of songs popularized in the past 100 years, ranging from “The Tritsch Tratsch Polka” by Johannn Strauss to Henry Mancini’s “Moon River.”
The evening also included poetry readings by Ruth Caldwell and Cheri Stanley, who were participants in the centennial poetry contest held last month. Stanley also was the evening’s emcee.
Caldwell was named winner while Stanley earned the People’s Choice award at that event.
There also was an appearance by a mysterious figure dressed up as well-known local poet Kate Ruttan, who entertained those on hand with her poetry from the early part of the 20th century.
Also during the concert, local artist Donna Cannon presented Willie Anderson, winner of the “Mr. Wild ’n Wooly” category in the centennial beard-growing contest, with a portrait.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
