Redwater Art Society celebrates 40 years

By Brandie Majeau

The Redwater Art Society (RAS) launched a two-day celebration on November 24, marking the
achievement of the forty-year anniversary of the art club. In honor of this occasion, the Redwater Art
Society hosted an art show and sale. This marked the first time the club has ever held such a significant
art show, and the reception was overwhelmingly positive. The variety of artistic compositions, designs,
and mediums was breathtaking, and the high attendance indicated the appreciation for RAS and its
accomplishments. For forty years, the Redwater Art Society has been an integral part of the town of
Redwater, dedicating countless hours to the teaching and appreciation of art in all its forms. They have
encouraged both members and non-members to engage in their artistic abilities, regardless of their level
of expertise. The society has revealed amazing talents hidden deep within individuals and encouraged
newcomers to the world of art to dip their toes and discover new ways to express feelings, emotions,
and release.

Mayor David McRae attended the opening ceremony on Friday evening, eliciting an emotional reaction
from the artists as he expanded upon the role the club has played in the community over the past forty
years. He expressed amazement at the challenges they have faced and the achievements that followed,
also conveying awe at the level of talent the Redwater Art Society holds as a collective. “I am impressed
by the ability shown by someone who can create a revelation from a simple plain piece of paper and a
pastel or a clump of paper mâché and shoe polish. Your skills and talent go beyond the requirement of
practice. Your eye is capable of seeing something developing, something growing, something coming to
life.” Mayor McRae related all this and more as the show commenced. With decorum and honor, the
Redwater Art Society was invited to an upcoming council meeting where they will be presented with a
cheque for over $4400. The cheque is a contribution of 50% of the proceeds from the annual charity golf
tournament. Mayor McRae’s request is that the money be used to continually invest in the community
with more programs and education for artists seeking guidance and assistance.

The Friday and Saturday show enjoyed cake and coffee, door prizes (paintings donated by club artists),
art prints, and hand-painted Christmas cards for sale. Attendees had the opportunity to appreciate and
admire fifty-three different works on display, available for purchase. The sales are designed to support
and encourage artists through their transactions, with a small percentage of the commission going to
the club and the remaining amount going to the artist. The art show and sale also featured pieces that
could be purchased for a donation to the Redwater Art Society, with the artist taking nothing for
themselves. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as they discussed the upcoming year. Currently,
there are forty members, and they passionately discussed ways to encourage growth, including the
current planning of a master schedule for the upcoming year, which includes the opportunity for more
evening classes.

The success of the show was evident by all the blank spaces on the walls by Saturday evening, as
creations were purchased and moved to new homes in appreciation. Only a handful of pieces of cake
remained as the last of the names were pulled for door prizes. With the end of the 40th-anniversary
celebration, excitement was prevalent, anticipating what the next decades would bring.