June 11, 2011 was the last day for our very special Artisans Galleria.
Government cuts to grant funding, a sluggish economy and lack of interest from the general public gave the Board of Directors no choice but to close this unique service for the arts, artists and artisans.
We, the CACR, have operated the galleria, under different names and at different locations for many years. Offering a space for artists members to display and sell their work as well as a convenient location where we held our many events and exhibitions, all of which were free for the public to attend.
Now that era has ended and the only single location in Richmond of its kind is gone.
Through the very hard work of the Board of Directors, manager Michael Shirley, and sometimes with financial help from caring companies and individuals, we were able to present amazing exhibitions and events. Throughout this website you will find descriptions, photos and so on of some of the more memorable activities.
We have a lot of thanks to give to those who believed in what we were doing and who came forward giving us the funds and ability to complete the tasks. The list is long and if we have missed you, here in print, please know that you are still in our hearts and minds.
We wish to publicly thank the following people
Farrell Estates, Gary and Terry MacPhail Rick Duff, The River Rock Casino Resort Linda Shirley, The Arts Connection Mike Clarke, our webmaster, computer consultant and so much more Bruce Charlish, Manning Elliott, Chartered Accountants Kurt Aydin, Aydin and Co. Business Lawyers Lee Beaudry, Board secretary and all round good person City of Richmond, for their Grants and support Porte Realty, for their unexpected donation Donna Felgar, Crystal Clear Advertising Carolynne Palla, Steveston Kids BC Assembly of Arts Council, now Arts BC Michael Shirley, for not giving up David Liu, for stepping up to plate (no pun here) Greg Stump and Natures Expression The many members and friends who have donated goods and services over the years and finally to the public who supported both the artists and ourselves by making purchases and attending events
No one will be forgotten as we move forward in new directions still honouring our mandate to support the arts and artists where we live. This website will continue to keep you up to date on our new plans and activities so check back often to see what we are doing.
We hope that our many members choose to stay with us because they believe in our mandate and do not desert us because we no longer can offer them a place to sell their work. Our future plans include our members and others in the arts community. The venues will change but the reason for our existence will remain the same.
We hope that we will be able to continue to receive support from all of you who are reading this and those that have supported us in the past in many ways. We say again, thank you.
