44 Most artists go to Vancouver to exhibit their work. Nothing happens on the North Shore, at least not at the serious levei. However, there are _ alot of emerging and commercial artists who do manage to get by. 99 Art succeeds in hard times LIVING ‘WITH a global recession hasn’t been easy on Canadian arts organizations, but what surprises many outsiders and even some who work in the field is the determination of many groups to carry on despite the lack of support — even if it means working for free. “Sure, artists are suffering — who isn’t?” said Brenda Berck, cultural development officer for the North Shore Arts Commis- sion, when asked how focal artists have fared. Most North Shore arts groups are small, volunteer-based and, according to Berck, know how to make 2 little go a long way. Arts critic and former Alpha Gallery owner Ron Falcioni made a little go a long way for two years but was recently forced to close his West Vancouver gallery when the money ran out. “Most artists go to Vancouver to exhibit their work,’’ says Fal- cioni. ‘Nothing happens on the LYONS) 5) =; Behind every ship that moves through our port is a sophisticated network that makes each voyage possible. Tug and barge companies, rail, truck and bus lines, terminal operators, longshore workers and freight forwarders - working in unison to keep goods moving to and from the port. By Evelyn Jacob News Reporter North Shore, at least not at the - serious level. However, there are a lot of emerging and commercial artists who do manage to get by.”’ Berck says she is surprised to find so much artistic activity con- sidering the hard times. Much of that activity has taken place at the Ferry Building Gallery, which operates out of the converted ferry terminal at the foot of 14th Street in West Van- couver, Run by a small staff under the The Port of Vancouver is proud to be a port of this modern, efficient and cost effective transportation system - keeping Canadian trade competitive throughout the world. "Canada's Front Door On The Pacific” A message from the Vancouver Port Corporation ’ degrees auspices of West Vancouver Parks and Recreation, the seaside gallery’s weekly shows attract regular viewers despite cramped quarters. The recently-opened Silk Purse, also run by parks and recreation and the West Vancouver Com- munity Arts Council, offers art workshops, and free public lec- tures on everything from heritage issues to Shakespeare and film history, as well as art exhibits. Plans are under way to house West Vancouver's first museum in the Gertrude Lawson heritage house. In a few months, residents will be able to learn about their own local history. One of the most talked-about venues on the North Shore is Presentation House Photography Gallery. This is a gallery that has been lauded for its consistently in- telligent and engaging exhibitions. Berck says she was impressed with a recent panel discussion, or- ganized by the gallery, in which members of the community voiced their concerns s about domestic vio- lence. The event \ was held in conjunc- tion with a show that featured graphic examples cf violence against women by New “York photographer, Donna Ferrato. What’s important about this kind of exhibit, says Berck, is that - it gets people thinking about how art reflects daily life. That brings her to another success story: the public art project recently unveiled at the North Vancouver City waterfront. The two sculptures are the first step in an evolving ‘“‘discovery walk’? planned for the historic Lower Lonsdale area. ~ While the project has received mixed reviews .from the . public, . Berck says the important thing to remember about public art is that it gets people thinking about art as being part of their daily lives. - ‘Its success,” She says, ‘‘does not lie in whether it wins popu- larity contests.”’ An issue that has long been a thorn in the side of artists is the lack of available performance and rehearsal ‘space on the North Shore. After years of operating out of church basements, schools and over-town theatres, Deep Cove arts groups finally have a place to call home after the new Deep Cove cultural centre opened in the spring. But many make do in cramped rooms or are forced to leave the North Shore. As Berck says, when the temperature soars to 100 inside a worid-class Presentation gallery such as t ‘‘a serious House, it indicates deficiency.” / Some of those artists are look- ing to a facilities study, currently under way, to help identify ways of making constructive changes. Others, ‘like Falcioni, feel the money (for the study) could -be better spent. “‘Ninety-five thousand dollars to determine what should happen to a gallery could keep lots of arts organizations alive,”” he says. In the meantime, the arts com- - mission has been working hard to -:-address many of the concerns of “Jocal artists, says Berck, whether it be assisting them with’ grant ap- plications or promotion. Says Berck: “‘I don’t think people wake up in the morning _ and say, “Thank God for the arts commission,’ but I think they feel we are making difference.” Falcioni disagrees. “T’ve looked at the situation really ciosely both as an artist and a former gallery director, and I’m largely dissatisfied. I don’t think the artists are benefiting. The arts commission is just another bu- reaucracy.’”’ at aliens si Bs oh