A new arts space planned for South Surrey will receive extra enhancement, thanks to a contribution from the South Surrey and White Rock Arts Society.
Members of the society, including president Sandra Wagstaff, were on hand at Monday's Surrey council meeting to present Mayor Dianne Watts and the rest of council with a $250,000 cheque toward the project, currently in the design phase, which will be part of an expansion of the South Surrey Recreation Centre planned for 2013.
The society will also be putting its best foot forward this weekend – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday – at Elgin Hall, in a show and sale of the wide variety of work created by members.
Also attending the council presentation was SSWRAS member Sheila Symington, one of the founders of the White Rock Summer School of the Arts, in recognition of the major contribution made by the school to the society's gift.
Other members also "raised funds over the years, including bake sales, raffles and casino nights," according to Wagstaff.
A July agreement with the city ensuring SSWRAS participation in the new arts space marks a tangible step toward achieving a long-term ambition, Wagstaff said.
"For the last 25 years, SSWRAS has been seeking a 'home' where we can meet and offer classes and provide opportunities for visual artists to display their work," she said.
The contribution will also help support other arts organizations with a stake in developing the arts space, including Semiahmoo Arts, Arts Umbrella and the Semiahmoo Potters. All of the groups are currently working with city staff and Taylor-Kurtz Architects and Interiors to design a space that will will meet their needs.