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Local artists work on idea there's strength in numbers by MICHELE GOUETT Artists and craftsmen in North Simcoe are going to unite. On Sunday afternoon, 40 local artists are ' craftsmen were on hand at the Inn at Bay Moorings for a meeting with Community Futures representatives (fromerly LEAD) to explore the possibility of the different sectors coming together to form an association. According to Community Futures Com- missioner Kamran Khozan, the meeting was called in response to a number of inquiries the local project commissioner received from the various artists across North Simcoe. At the meeting, Khozan told the artists, as far as the government was concerned, the individual artist did not qualify for the monies available under the program to help create full-time employment, increase productivity of local businesses and increase profitability of the area . Khozan said by incorporating he could deal with the artists as a group more effectively and efficiently. Not only could the group possibly tap into the $75-million budgeted by the federal government in the February budget available for the Arts in Canada, but as an organization Khozan said it would give them lobbying power that doesn't presently exist. After a lengthy discussion between the artists present, which evolved around the possibility of creating a school of arts in the area and the organization of a festival such as the Parry Sound Festival of Sound or the Buckhorn Art Festival, Community Futures Board . of Directors Chairman Robbert Hartog, told the group, although their imput was appreciated, in order for such events to take place the many interested people had to come together to get something of that calibre off the ground. "We must organize so we can jointly do something, jointly we are stronger then in- dividually," said. Hartog. After considerable discussion, a six member steering committee was struck to look into the forming of a non-profit organization of the artists. According to Khozan, the mandate of the steering committee is to arrange a mass public meeting for all the local artists and not just a handful like the Sunday meeting. Once the date has been.set up the committee will set out to inform all the artists of the meeting which will be held at the Bud Watson Gallery in Midland. The steering committee will also be responsible for coming up with a format that the organization will take. Khozan said to try to set up such an organization at the first meeting of the public would be too difficult. In order for the group to incorporate, the Community Futures project has agreed to cover 50 percent of the legal costs with the artists picking up the other half of the estimated $1,000. The steering committee of Jennifer Johnson, Paul Benedet, Steve Cousineau, Paul Kirkup, Randy Borwn and Carol Becker are to meet with Khozan again this morning to set up a meeting and the format for the organization. Carnival support appreciated Dear Editor: The Victoria Harbour Parks and Recreation Board would like to thank you for your support in helping us with our Mini Bonhomme Carnival. As you know the Carnival was a great success, due to your expert help. Thank you again. Yours truly, Dennis Esterbrooks, Victoria Harbour Parks and Recreation Board midtsnd iow canta MIDLAND GEORGIA HOME BAKERY e Chocolate Easter eggs e Easter cupcakes e Easter chicks e Baska bread e Hot cross buns 253 King St. 526-6509 TOWN CENTRE Giftware Stationery Novelty & joke items and many, many more! One day only- Wed., March 26 Everything must go Parker' 229 King St., Midland 526-3021 Ss Variety Lt tremendous colour selection in the most -__ in-demand styles, plus the built-in benefits of DuPont Antron Nylon with soil, stain and os static resistance to ensure years of worry free, easy-care performance. It all adds up to value. Special value with the Factory authorized savings that we're passing on to you. on beautiful Come in today. Don't miss this Burlington ees epaortinity to Slav Carpets luxurious Burlington Carpet at with all the special value low prices. features you're Featiring looking for... urlington Carpet EA SALE ENDS MARCH 31ST aN (SAVE $635. @ MYSTIC MOMENTS = eet 4°% sq. yd. ee, SAVE °835.. iS CROWN ELEGANCE on BE a -- SAVE °7°°, 4 MYSTIC GRANDEUR e NOW $2 r' Nee r { SAVE $855. GRAND DESTINY $ 2 39 a NOW sq. yd. J SG SAVE *812. QUEST II Fe baw aa FLOOR EDWARDS Fashions 293 King St., Midland MasterCard- FOR FREE HOME ESTIMATE 5 2 6- 2 2 yf 1 SAVE *835°.. SUMMERSET 4& oe NOW $2 sq. yd. a PHONE TODAY Tuesday, March 25, 1986, Page 11