Presented at the Annual General Meeting on March 23, 2011
Report on 2010

2010 was a year of tremendous progress for Gallery Stratford during which it was able to extend the impact and accessibility of its visual art initiatives. Through the quality and relevance of its programs and services, and creative collaborations, the Gallery was able to welcome over 10,000 people to explore and enjoy art.

The Gallery worked to increase its profile in the national and regional context by showcasing and promoting excellence in visual art, with an emphasis on contemporary practice relevant to geographic location and unique community history. Exhibition programming included a balance of media and ideas.  There was continued investment in local art, evident in the presentation of works by 35 Perth and Huron county artists during the year.  Partnerships with the Ontario Society of Artists (Canada’s oldest artist society) and the University of Toronto were forged to take on large-scale projects with national and international artists.  The year ended with the memorable site specific installations by Perth County artist Ernest Daetwyler.  The motion-sensored audio sphere, bubble swing and large scale sculptures mesmerized audiences of all ages, and was recognized by the Canada Council for the Arts.  The year also saw the launch of an online publishing program, in which every exhibition was complemented by an essay to extend the reach of the unique content created by the Gallery to a world wide audience. 

Gallery Stratford took pride in making art accessible to all age groups and skill levels to encourage exploration and creativity.  In 2010, participants in the education programs included learners from ages 1 to 101. Regional artists were integral to the education department by teaching classes, and by providing tours and lectures. The unique New Horizons initiative which brought together seniors with elementary school children to create public murals reinforced the impact of shared connections through art.  Tim Hortons joined the Gallery as a sponsor for the first time to support the Community Art Studio, a space accessible to everyone for over 2400 hours a year. Of significant importance to the Gallery is the development for new audiences and youth who wish to pursue visual art careers.  In addition to high school scholarships and bursaries, school attendance doubled through partnerships with the Avon Maitland and Huron-Perth Catholic District School Boards to establish the next generation of gallery goers. 

With the support of the City of Stratford, the facilities and surrounding property continued to be upgraded to create an optimal environment to enjoy art.  Following significant renovations in Gallery 3 and the expansion of the collection facility in 2009, the floors in Gallery 1 and 2 as well as the foyer were renovated to augment the presentation of art in all media, and to increase efficiency in long term upkeep of the space.  The new path connecting the Gallery to the park lands was extended to make the walk to the Gallery accessible and safe. Special thanks to Trustees Paul Nickel and Mark Thibeault, and the City of Stratford staff David St. Louis, Jim Bryson and Quin Malott for their work towards these initiatives which enhanced the visitor experience.

Securing resources for programs and services and creating long term financial sustainability for the organization continued to be a priority. The good will of the community to support the viability of its public gallery was evident when 360 donors, over 60 volunteers and Board Trustees made the 2010 I Love My Gallery Auction a success.  These efforts were furthered by the 238 members, the City of Stratford, the Ontario Arts Council, Media Sponsor CJCS 1240/107.7 Mix FM; and corporate sponsors RBC Dominion Security, Skinner Dunphy & Bantle, Scotiabank and Trust, and Insurance Central Limited.  In 2010, the Board of Trustees also voted to devote a portion of the Helen Sinclair Bequest received in the previous year to enhance six upcoming contemporary art exhibitions.  This is a fitting way to acknowledge Ms. Sinclair, who spent many hours as a volunteer to support Gallery programs and services.

Each year the success of the Gallery is reliant upon the efforts of Trustees. President Nancy Davidson is to be commended for her hard work and for taking on numerous tasks big and small.  Treasurer Bob Tamblyn provided sound financial advice. The Auction, community building, strategic planning, and  facility projects were made possible as the result of Trustees Martine Becu, Heather Carruthers, Geoff Cheney, Allan Davey, Lisa Grogan, Ray Harsant, Lucinda Jones, Glen Miller, Kathy Minor, Paul Nickel, Karen Schulman Dupuis, Kevin Smith, Mark Thibeault, Barbara Vallis and Carrie Wreford.  Added to the achievements this past year were the creation of new marketing materials created by Carrie, and increase of the Gallery’s profile in social media managed by Karen.  Thanks also go to Art Green, Ken Nutt, Scott McKowen, Terry Manzo, Dr. Robert Martin, and Tony Urquhart who gave important feedback on the Programming and Acquisitions Committee.

The Gallery staff deserves much of the credit for the progress made in 2010.  In addition to her administrative, Auction, bookkeeping and gift shop tasks, Christine Lee contributed her efforts to support all departments.  The year saw the departure of Education Officer Erin Haid due to relocation.  Her efforts to build connections between artists and visitors and the focus on the fundamentals of art made a significant impact on the growth of youth and school program attendance.  Her work to increase participation will be continued by Peg Dunnem, who has already made a difference with her energy and enthusiasm to engage new audiences.  Visitor Services Assistant Julie Seid welcomed thousands of visitors and broadened the reach of Gallery communication projects.  She and Chris Korroch also had the important job of installing the exhibitions throughout the year.

Gallery Stratford has the important role of communicating the unique stories of Perth Huron and Canadian artists to the community and our visiting audience.  This was made possible in 2010 through the hard work of Gallery volunteers, members, sponsors, Board of Trustees and staff.  Thank you to the supporters of the Gallery for your efforts, and for recognizing the importance of a vibrant public gallery in the community. 

Zhe Gu
Executive Director