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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, January 17, 2014 | 4 Oakville arts community mentor turns a page by Abigail Cukier Special to the Beaver The Oakville Arts Council (OAC) has experienced a renaissance in the past few years and members recently bid farewell to the woman who led that revival. It was in December 2006 that Megan Whittington stepped into the role of executive director of the arts council. That was about a year after the council's board of directors voted to cease operations due to reduced funding and uncertainty about programming and the volunteer board members resigned, along with its paid executive director. However, there was a dramatic turnaround when, at the annual general meeting, 80 per cent of members voted against closing the council, and it was back to business. The not-for-profit, charitable, umbrella organization works to grow the community's engagement in the arts and champion artistic development. With approximately 40 per cent of its funding coming from the Town of Oakville and support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the OAC serves 200 members, including artists, arts and festival organizations, not-forprofit artistic groups, commercial arts organizations and associated industries. Whittington worked solo for six months to My favourite thing was when artists would come to show their work. I loved seeing their styles and talent and hearing about their creative process. I want to thank the artists who persevere. It has been a pleasure to be a part of it. I loved every minute. former Oakville Arts Council executive director Megan Whittington Megan Whittington set a new strategic direction and honed the pillars of the organization, which include advocacy, communications and sustainability. Along with other groups, she was also involved in the creation of a cultural plan for Oakville. "It was like coming out of the ashes," said Whittington, who had previously worked for the Mississauga Arts Council and in arts ad- ministration at the Canadian Opera Company and Toronto Symphony Orchestra. After a successful seven years, the married mother of three resigned her position with the council last fall and headed off to fulfil her own dream through teaching elementary school for the Halton District School Board. To realize that dream of teaching, Whittington had worked full time and travelled to Canisius College for its Saturday program in order to earn her degree. "Megan worked tirelessly. She was dedicated and passionate. She was involved with all facets. I am not sure how she did it all," said Bill Smith, president of the board of directors. "She is also very easy to work with. All artists need someone like Megan, who they can talk to without being afraid. She was a like a mentor. "I guess teaching is in her blood. It makes sense, but we are sad to see her go." Ray Chisholm, a former manager with the Town of Oakville and an executive director of CommUnity Arts Space, has taken over as interim executive director of the Oakville Arts Council. "Ray knows the members and understands how the Town works, so it's a great fit," Smith said. Whittington, who is also a singer-songwriter, says she will miss the "small, but amazing" council team. As for milestones during her tenure, Whittington is proud of the Stars Among Us Awards, which is in its fifth year and the successful amalgamation of the council with CommUnity Arts Space in 2011. The blended organization supported the Town in the development of Queen Elizabeth Park Community Centre on Bridge Road to meet space and artistic needs of local arts and cultural groups. "My favourite thing was when artists would come to show their work. I loved seeing their styles and talent and hearing about their creative process," Whittington said. "I want to thank the artists who persevere. 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