Annual Report

 

Of

 

 

Whistle Stop Gallery Society

 

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Whistle Stop Gallery Society has been involved in a number of different projects this past year and continues to expand its mandate as an arts and cultural organization and as a key player in the Regional District arts and culture corridor.

 

With the establishment of the Regional District of Fraser Fort George Five Year Cultural Plan, the Gallery is funded for five years at a rate of 25, 28, 28, 32 and 32 thousand per annum starting in 2006 and ending in 2010. Our part of the contract stipulates senior management participation in the Cultural Services Advisory Committee, annual reports, submission of a five year operating plan with a more detailed annual plan, audited financial statements  and a commitment to establish a 1/3 local Gov’t, 1/3 Provincial/Federal, 1/3 Society funding contribution rate.

 

To date management has attended four Cultural Services Advisory Committee (CSAC) meetings and is on the marketing subcommittee – charged with coming up with a marketing strategy for cultural services in the area. The 2006/7 annual plan has been submitted and the annual report will be completed as soon as we receive the template from RDFFG.

 

 

Sales have remained steady throughout the year and we have come close to last years record sales. Our summer was less profitable than 2005, decreased tourism throughout the province took its toll on many retailers - our off season and Christmas sales were up however.  Our expenses are down and we show a small surplus for 2006.

 

We made a successful grant application to Arts Now! Legacies 2010 for the painting of a series of wall murals depicting local historical scenes on various public and business buildings throughout town. On the strength of that success we were able to get a commitment from the Village of a further $2500. This brings our total budget to $12,000 for the project and further applications for money may allow us to expand the project. Stefi McLean is heading the mural team and we should see at least three murals completed by August 1^st.

 

We received $2000 from the CDP special project fund for the creation of two photo murals that depict the history of the station - to be placed on the two plywood end boards that enclose the loading dock. We have given this project to RVAC to complete.

 

The Art Walk proved to be a success with tourists and local people alike. There have been some glitches with display procedures that we will have to work out this coming summer.

 

Margaret Griffiths has been organizing crafting classes in the Library Annex for young people interested in some hands on learning. The classes are very well done and will continue through 2007.

 

The Whistle Stop Gallery participated with the Library, Chamber of Commerce and Village Council in the July 1^st Celebrations – the celebrations were a big hit and the result of another successful partnership with the Library and CDP. Many thanks to Margaret Griffiths and Sue Demaine.

 

The Gallery held a well attended Station Celebration to honor the dedicated volunteers who have helped make this place the success that is has been. Certificates of appreciation were given out and an illegal potluck was enjoyed by all.

 

We received funds from Service Canada for one summer student. Cory Lamming was hired as Gallery Supervisor for the second year. Supplemental staffing for September through December came out of the RDFFG funds.

 

The gallery floors were refinished in February and the gallery display units were rearranged to create a new look. Our membership has increased to 70 members (from 34 in 2005) and there are many new items for shoppers to choose from.

 

The Whistle Stop website has been updated and will continue to be added to. If any artists have pictures, promotional material, etc. Please bring them in and we will put them on the site.

 

 

We look forward to 2007 – the following is our 2007 strategic plan for review.