There were just over a dozen people in attendance, many of whom were active in presenting information during the meeting. There is a sense that everyone knows everyone.

After the customary introductions and opening . . .

overtures, the five board members presented the Pontiac Artists’ Association Annual Report. The board has made a concerted effort toward bilingualism, and most of the presentations were in French (English speakers were invited to follow along by reading the English translations provided).

There were several exciting achievements for Art Pontiac this year. The creation and launch of an online store was cause for celebration. The Online Boutique will allow members of the Pontiac Artists Association to sell original artworks and prints online.

In addition to announcing the merchant platform, this was Art Pontiac’s fifth year offering an innovative Works on Paper Project. Last year, 28 artists participated, raising over $1,700.

Along with the progress made toward new projects, there were other changes that happened in response to outside factors. The Pontiac School of the Arts described COVID as “a nuisance” requiring a lot of accommodations and changes, and they faced several challenging issues.

However, the art school committee has been working to find the right combination of strategies to ensure classes run smoothly. They plan to extend innovative efforts that were already underway to deliver online course options, and they are choosing venues for in-person classes with awareness and consideration of participant safety.

The first half of the meeting closed with the announcement of a budget surplus for 2021, and plans for future management and expansion of programs. There was a break for intermission.

The meeting reconvened with each of the current board members stating in turn whether she intended to remain on the board. It was at that point four members of the board resigned: Geneviève Has, Michèle Gagnon, Nicole Lavigne, and Linda Girard. Only Claire Taillefer, the board president, remained.

Without an Executive Director, every board member is involved in making things happen. There is a lot going on at the Stone School Gallery: artists displaying their work in the gallery, participating in artist talks, giving classes, and selling their art. And behind the scenes, all of the infrastructure and support for these activities is performed by the board, with help from volunteers who participate on committees and at events.

So it is quite drastic to lose, in one fell swoop, 80% of the board of directors.

Following nominations for new board members and a brief conversation with each nominee to gauge interest, a new board was selected. The new board will be: Claire Taillefer, Philip Daniels, Francesca Fantacci, Cheryl Ann Beillard, and Caitlyn Brubacher.

With the successful appointment of all four open board positions, there was a sense of relief and renewed energy from those in attendance.

Following the meeting, former board member Michèle Gagnon commented for The Equity: “Although I’m stepping down from the board, I plan to remain involved as an artist and volunteer. I hope that people from the community with an interest in art and culture will join us in working towards revitalizing this important organization. We need volunteers at all levels to help support the ongoing development of the cultural landscape of the Pontiac.”

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