August Updates
New Website Launched – Join the Artists Gallery!
Get information about T&AAC, local arts news/organizations, resources, and more at www.tweedartscouncil.ca . A special shout-out to Shirley Ivison, who managed our website for many years – thank you! We are particularly excited about the ‘Artist Gallery’ that showcases talented artists / artisans of all genres in the Tweed area. Please help us build the Gallery: profile your work, tell the audience about you and your creative expertise, and connect with others. Use the form on this site to submit your information – it is all free! Please note that we only accept applications from artists that reside in the area from Marmora to Tamworth, north of Belleville to south of Bancroft. The site also features an event calendar – so let us know about your arts-related events.
Art in the Park/Fish Fry – July 30
This year’s Art in the Park was a great success, with over 30 artists/artisans participating in the 40th anniversary of this event. Those in attendance enjoyed a variety of arts and crafts, a children’s art area, and live music by Mark Lesage and Lynn Marriot/ Billy Piton. The Fish Fry was a sold-out success, with proceeds being donated to Tweed & Company Theatre to assist with the restoration of the Marble Arts Centre following the recent tornado. The $466 collected in donations and $538 profit from the Fish Fry – just over $1,000 – will go some way toward the cause. We appreciate the support of artists/artisans, musicians, and all of the volunteers that make this event happen. We are already looking forward to next year – mark your calendars for Saturday August 5th 2023!
Tornado Damages the MAC
On July 24, a tornado touched down in Actinolite, causing damage to the beautiful Marble Arts Centre. August events are cancelled while Tweed & Company Theatre works with the insurance company to complete the necessary repairs as quickly as possible. There has been significant damage to many homes, businesses and the landscape in the area, and our thoughts are with everyone struggling with picking up the pieces and find a way forward after this devastation.
The ownership of the MAC was transferred from the Arts Council to Tweed & Company earlier this year, and we have a special interest in bringing this cultural hub back into action. If you are interested in supporting MAC restoration efforts and covering the cost of the deductible and non-claimable expenses, donations are very gratefully accepted! Charitable receipts issued for donations $25 or more.
- Cheques can be mailed to Tweed & Company Theatre, Box 853, Tweed ON K0K 3J0; Add note: ‘MAC Restoration’
- Donations can be made on-line via CanadaHelps.org: search for Tweed & Company Theatre, and be sure to apply your donation to the ‘The Marble Arts Centre’ fund.
Built between 1864 and 1866, the MAC began its story as the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Bridgewater, Elzevir Township (now Actinolite in the Municipality of Tweed). A fire in 1889 destroyed much of the community, and only the four walls of the building were left standing – but the church was restored. In 1925, it became Actinolite United Church. The last service was held in 2005 on its 141st anniversary, and the decision was made to sell. The Arts Council purchased the building in 2008 with the first performance held in May 2010 to raise money for a new sound system; it officially opened as the Marble Arts Centre on June 11, 2011. May the MAC overcome this current challenge to once again return as a community hub!
Daniel Champagne October 6
This show is already more than 85% sold, two months out! The young Australian virtuoso recently described as ‘the finest guitar player of this generation’ brings his Canadian tour to Tweed for an intimate evening at the Marble Arts Centre (or perhaps an alternate venue). Tickets are $27.50: https://marble-arts-centre.square.site/daniel-champagne
MAC 10+1 Anniversary Celebration
The 10th anniversary of the official opening of the Marble Arts Centre was in June 2021 – well, things weren’t happening back then, so we are having a belated celebration in partnership with Tweed & Co. Mark your calendars for October 15 & 16, 2022! Fingers crossed that the MAC will be re-opened by then – we have a special treat in the works for Saturday, and on Sunday the Alberta Young Memorial Jamboree will return to the MAC – always a great time. Some other activities are being planned – more news to come!
TAAC’s New Direction / AGM
We announced our new Strategic Plan in February, and are moving into our next chapter. With the recent transfer of the MAC to Tweed & Company Theatre, there is an opportunity for the T&AAC to refocus and grow. Our vision: Enriching the cultural life of the community through the arts. We will:
- Foster connections with and between artists and the community
- Produce, promote, and support arts experiences
- Collaborate to raise awareness of the arts
- Encourage participation of all in the arts
To sustain and grow, we need to continue to engage new volunteers and build capacity to produce, promote, and support the arts. We will be reaching out to the community to recruit those who would like to get involved, in any capacity, large or small – on the Board or a sub-committee, or to contribute any special skills you may have. In the meantime, please email us (contactus@tweedartscouncil.ca), take a look at the Strategic Plan on our new website, but please let us know your ideas or how you may wish to be involved. Our Annual General Meeting is planned for a date in October, 2022.
Tweed & Co. Theatre Update
Our friends at Tweed & Company Theatre launched their 2022 season with youth theatre camps, several comedy, musical and theatrical events on their calendar for both the MAC and the Village Playhouse in Bancroft. Plans at the MAC are on hold pending repairs, but there is still lots happening up to the end of the year at the Village Playhouse – including the hit musical Mamma Mia! In August – check it out at tweedandcompany.com. They appreciate the community’s support during this difficult time.
