COMOX TOWN COUNCIL PRESENTATION

December 13th, 2006

SHEILA POLLOCK – PRESIDENT, PEARL ELLIS GALLERY

Since I last appeared before you in May many things have transpired at the gallery.  Time doesn’t allow for me to cover all that has been done beyond just a brief highlight.  Many, many volunteer hours have gone into raising the profile of the Pearl Ellis, such as: taking advantage of free advertising, increasing our paid promotion with rack cards, block ads, memberships in the Chamber of Commerce and Comox Valley Tourism, taking part in the Nautical Days Parade, and switching our schedule to tie our photography show in with the Comox Business In Action’s Photo Fest.

I’m delighted to report that the attendance for the year has increased over 100% from last year.  We have now recorded over 4000 visitors and are adding more as we are in the middle of our fundraiser show and sale by silent auction.

This show consists of 54 pieces of artwork donated by 48 local artists.  Both newspapers are sponsoring by providing free advertising during this event which runs from Dec. 3^rd to 22^nd.  In addition to the public being able to see the show and place bids at the gallery they are able to view the auction online.  If we manage to sell all the work we could possible raise $5000.00.  The money will be used for operating expenses in 2007.  It is our hope that the fundraiser will generate enough to allow the Pearl Ellis to make a noticeable impact in our community by directing funds into art education.   Of course it remains to be seen just how much we will be able to do as it is dependent upon the success of our fundraiser.

Hopefully, Mr. Crossley this should answer your question regarding why we are having a fundraiser.  I hope that the next time you have a question regarding the gallery that you will feel free to direct it to us rather than to the Chamber of Commerce.

I think it is important at this time to remind council that we have not approached you to request funds to operate.  Our only request has been that you continue to provide the space we have enjoyed since 1977. We have to create our funds through, fundraisers, commissions from sales, memberships and donations.  We do not at this time receive any grants.  This doesn’t mean we won’t be making requests in the future but we continue to strive to be self-sustaining. 

Our AGM was held November 23^rd in the Lions Den.  We had an excellent turnout.  Our new board of Directors for 2007 consists of eight people. 

Re-elected are, myself, Donna Cannon, Doris Zdebiak, Vicki Lapp, Bob Pollock and new Directors Tom Devereux, Kay Bukta and last but not least Charles Allen.

Our membership continues to grow and currently stands around 225.  This membership does not consist only of active artists.  Many members are people who simply feel the gallery is an asset to the community and wish to provide support.

This year has been a challenging one for myself and the rest of the membership.  We waited anxiously to hear the decision regarding the new library and were pleased to hear the announcement last month.  It is comforting to know council has no immediate plans in the near foreseeable future to change the status quo of the tenants at 1729 Comox Avenue.  In fact, many of the visitors to the gallery are asking if we are going to move upstairs.

In closing I extend to all of you a very Merry Christmas and a productive New Year.  I do have one Christmas wish from the Pearl Ellis Gallery.  It is that council considers changing the lease agreement with the gallery from a monthly one, back to a longer-term arrangement similar to the ones enjoyed from 1977 to 2001.

On behalf of the Pearl Ellis Gallery I want to convey our gratitude to the town of Comox for making the space available for the operation of the gallery.  I came before you this afternoon to provide you with an update of the activities of the gallery.  We feel it is important to maintain a line of communication with council because without your support we can’t exist.

Now I’d like to answer any questions that you may have about the gallery.

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