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Arts society selects new board by acclamation at AGM

COVID curve ball requires inventive means for shows
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Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society President Bev Knight and member Bob Johns are looking forward to bringing another season of arts to the community in 2021, the society’s 20th anniversary year. (Photo illustration by Craig Spence)

The Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society announced a new board following its 2021 annual general meeting held on Zoom Feb 24.

Approved by acclamation were: Bev Knight, president; Peggy Grigor, past president; Chrissy Kemppi, treasurer; Kathryn Huse, secretary; and Christel Smith, membership chair.

Directors include: Kathy Wachs, Tom Farnsworth, Craig Spence, Craig Harris, Connie Crocker and Val Bob.

In her report to the board, Knight said the COVID pandemic made 2020 a year of immense challenge. “It was difficult for entertainers, artists, businesses and entertainment venues to keep going and to promote the arts,” she said.

Despite the challenges, the shows went on as often as possible, while adhering to social distancing protocols and provincial COVID directives.

Knight cited the Rainforest Arts gallery, the Music in the Park series and numerous other examples of finding ways to raise community spirits, and support artists even through the most difficult of times.

You can read her report in the Important Documents section of the AGM-21 page at CVCAS.ca.

“Although 2020 was a difficult year for all people in the arts, it also proved how versatile and inventive we can become when we are thrown a curve ball,” Knight said. “Although our plans were changed monthly, weekly and sometimes daily we found ways to keep the arts in the forefront of peoples lives.”

That spirit of finding ways to bring people together through the arts will continue in 2021-22, she predicted. “The CVCAS continues to research, learn and move ahead with being a vibrant arts society in the Chemainus Valley.”

craig-spence@shaw.ca.