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Planning begins for spring Arts Week; artists wanted hile the annual Halton Hills Arts Week's activities and celebrations may seem a long way off, preparations are already under way for the event, which will run April 27 to May 7. "The committee decided to change the format a bit," said committee chair CarolAnn Michaelson, "Instead of the studio art tour, we're holding a huge show and promotion in the Gellert Community Centre." Michaelson said the committee feels the show will better promote the arts in the area. Although the studio tour was fairly well attended by visitors, a collection at the Gellert Centre will bring all the arts and crafts people together and allow the visitors to see them in one location. At the Gellert Centre, there will be numerous artists and crafts to be seen, and visitors will be able to talk with the artist at the show. "We are also holding the John Sommer Juried Art Show again," added Michaelson, "And we are looking for entries in that show, which is presented at the Gallery of the Cultural Centre." Michaelson said anyone wishing to submit an entry to the juried art show can acquire an application form on-line at www.haltonhillsartsweeks.ca or by e-mailing her at camichaelson@cogeco.ca. Events throughout the week will include the return of tours at Artcast to see how bronze is cast, as well as various events at studios and venues around town, like the Hobby Horse (quilts), The Williams Mill and numerous other events still in the early planning stage. The Children's Art Show will also return to the mall, giving local kids a place to present their work to the public. At the beginning and end of the event, both Georgetown Little Theatre and Georgetown Globe Productions will be performing at John Elliott Theatre, and the Bach Chorale will also perform during the week-long exhibit. Michaelson also stressed the need for some more sponsors. She would like to see both corporate and individual sponsors get on the band wagon. "This is a special event to celebrate the arts in Halton Hills," said Michaelson, "And there is a very high percentage of artists actually residing in Halton Hills. By promoting this event, we bring more recognition to the Town, as well as visitors who spend money here and give the Town a higher profile." Anyone wishing more info can contact Michaelson at her e-mail (camichaelson@cogeco.ca) or the Halton Hills Arts Week website at www.haltonhillsartsweeks.ca "We have much artistic work and talent to showcase here (in Halton Hills)," said Michaelson, "And when we promote the arts, we promote the Town as well." -By Ted Brown, staff writer