sookearts

The Art of Cross-Training Volunteers

sherry@sdrobb.com (Sherry Robb) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:17:23 GMT

Running an arts organization is like putting on a show—every role matters, and everyone needs to be ready to step in when needed. But what happens when a key volunteer suddenly can’t make it? If no one else knows how to do their job, things can go sideways fast.

Take a friend of mine who volunteered at a charity thrift store for years. She was the go-to person for sorting donations, managing inventory, and helping customers. Then, out of nowhere, she had a health crisis and had to take a long break. The store was thrown into chaos—donations piled up, the inventory was a mess, and everyone was scrambling to figure things out. If others had been trained to cover for her, it would have saved a lot of stress and confusion.

That’s why cross-training is so important. If only one person knows how to do a job, their absence can throw everything off balance. At the Sooke Arts Council, making sure multiple people know how to handle key tasks means the show will always go on—literally and figuratively.

�� Why Cross-Training is a Game Changer

�� It Builds a Stronger Team: When volunteers understand different parts of the organization, they gain more appreciation for each other’s work. This creates a sense of teamwork and shared purpose.

�� It Helps You Adapt: The arts world is always changing, and being flexible is key. A well-trained team can jump in and fill gaps when needed, keeping the Sooke Arts Council running smoothly no matter what.

✨ It Makes Volunteering More Engaging: Learning new skills keeps things interesting. When volunteers get to switch things up, they stay excited and committed for the long run.

⚙️ It Keeps Things Running Smoothly: Events, exhibitions, and programs rely on volunteers, but life happens—people get sick, go on vacation, or have emergencies. If more than one person knows each role, things won’t come to a grinding halt when someone is away.

�� Easy Ways to Start Cross-Training

�� Figure Out Who Knows What: Take stock of what skills are needed for each role and what talents your volunteers already have. This helps identify training opportunities and hidden strengths.
�� Job Shadowing: Pair volunteers with others in different roles so they can watch, learn, and eventually take on new tasks. A gallery assistant, for example, could shadow an event coordinator to see how opening nights are organized.
�� Switch Things Up: Rotate volunteers through different roles now and then. This keeps things fresh and ensures multiple people can step in when needed.
�� Give Shoutouts to Multi-Talented Volunteers: Recognizing those who take on multiple roles encourages others to do the same. A simple thank-you in a newsletter, social media post, or a small token of appreciation can go a long way.
�� Write It Down: Having step-by-step guides for key tasks makes training easier and helps volunteers feel more confident when stepping into a new role. A simple checklist for setting up an exhibit or managing memberships can be a lifesaver.

�� The Bigger Picture

Cross-training doesn’t just benefit the Sooke Arts Council—it strengthens the whole arts community. It keeps things running smoothly, helps volunteers feel valued and engaged, and ultimately makes events and programs better for everyone.

A flexible, well-trained team is one of the biggest assets an arts organization can have. By making cross-training a regular practice, the Sooke Arts Council can keep building a strong, adaptable, and creative community—ready to take on whatever comes next.

Sooke Rotary Auction Fundraiser Appeal for Donations

sherry@sdrobb.com (Sherry Robb) — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 20:06:17 GMT

October 1, 2024

Rotary Club of Sooke

Dear Donor,

Here we are again for another Rotary Club of Sooke online auction at www.32auctions.com/vrad2024.

Mark your calendar for the weekend of November 29 – December 1, 2024, when items and services like

yours will “be on the block”. We are so grateful for your support in the past, we are humbly asking for your

support again this year.

This is our Club’s major fundraiser. All our funds raised are returned to programs Rotary supports, as well

as, requests from within our community. Locally we have several little libraries, we distributed books to

local schools and included a reading space at Sooke Family Day. This year we built a gazebo at the

Diamond Jubilee Seniors Housing and purchased a large refrigerator for Meals on Wheels. We continue

to support our local students with scholarships to further their education. We also made another

significant donation to the new Gathering Place.

Without your support our Rotary Club would not be able to continue giving back, not only to our

community, but to international projects as well.

You’ll find the Rotary Wheel at projects throughout our community, such as the Rotary Pier, the Ayre

Manor and Diamond Jubilee Seniors Housing Gazebos, the Rotary Skate Park and a teaching garden at

John Muir Elementary School.

We have been invited back by the Sooke Lions to participate in Sookarama – Business Fair, held in April

2025, where we will hold a silent auction. This means that your donation may be held for this event

instead of the online auction.

Our online VRAD-2024 auction reaches thousands of people, in Sooke, greater Victoria and beyond -

fantastic exposure for your business! Rotary Club of Sooke is grateful for your support, without it we

would not be able to give back to our community or internationally.

Please, will you support us again?

Yours in Rotary,

Nel Burger, President

Jeannette Wilford, Estella Arlott, Rotary Club of Sooke Auction Chairs

Sooke Artists Help Open Doors for Habitat for Humanity

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:39:56 GMT

From left to right: Jennifer Osmond, Sheila Thomas and Susan Percival

Habitat for Humanity is hosting a fundraiser called Open a Door to raise funds toward building homes for families on the South Island. Sheila Thomas, Jennifer Osmond and Susan Percival created these stunning doors for the project. There will be over 50 doors on display at Mayfair Mall from April 22-May 23rd and they will be auctioned online to the highest bidders. Congratulations to all the artists who have contributed their time and energy in support of local families.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity's Open a Door Online Charity Art Auction, click on the button below.

New Ongoing Seaparc Art Exhibit

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:43:45 GMT

SAC is Proud to Expand Opportunities for Regional Artists

Sooke Arts Council is thrilled to announce that we are expanding our community exhibits to include Seaparc's pool side viewing area. The first installation is forecasted for early May, 2024 so the deadline for submissions will be Friday, April 26,2024.

These frames will be 24x30 inches. There will be a total of 5 frames to start (hopeful expansion in the future) and the imagery will be changed out every three months. The finished image size will be adjusted to accommodate your name and contact information below (like the bus shelter prints).

Printing cost for this location will be $35 (plus tax). Artists will receive their hard copy after the installation is changed out.

As with the bus shelter, digital images can be sent to Susan Percival (susanpercival@shaw.ca) who will arrange for the printing and installation.

Sooke River Campground Artist Opportunities

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 18:28:48 GMT

Dear Fellow Artists,

Being the curious sort, I responded to a FB post about an Artist in Residence opportunity at the Sooke Campground. At

first, I did not understand how an Artist in Residence could work in a campground.

I had a great conversation yesterday with Stella, the campground keeper. Stella has a family background in the arts, has lived in a wide variety of places and brings an enthusiasm for promoting local artists with her.

As we stood in the reception shack, looking out through the pouring rain, Stella had many ideas of how to incorporate art,

both interior and exterior, as a way to promote and beautify the area. Murals, sculptures, wall art, workshops and

interactions with campers were all possibilities. Stella’s enthusiasm was contagious and the potential for including art seemed endless.

If any artists are interested in displaying small works in the reception shack the renovations that are underway are

intended to provide space for wall display. There is already a selection of laser cut steel silhouette images waiting to be

hung. Anyone interested in setting up to produce outdoor sculptures like chain saw carving, cement works, cedar bark

weaving or other outdoor friendly products could chat with her about the possibilities.

The ”in residence” concept is for those artists who would like to set up camp and share their expertise with other campers

on a casual basis in exchange for camping fees. I might just take my little camper down for a few days and set up for some

plein air painting. Painting rocks with the kids or sharing skills with adult campers would be a pleasant way to spend some

time this summer. (The last time I painted at the flats I got a commission, much to my surprise!)

Thank you to Stella for wanting to promote our local art scene in such a unique way. See you at the Flats!

~Susan Percival, SAC Secretary and Artist at Large

New Bus Shelter Installation

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 23:33:48 GMT

The Sooke Arts Council is pleased to be continuing the Bus Shelter Art Project which was originally hosted by EMCS. The project was initiated by Susan Percival, longtime employee of SD62, as a solution to the ongoing vandalism of the bus shelters. This project has resulted in 15 years of beautification, showcasing local talent and maintaining functional shelters.

The Bus Shelter Art Project has hosted art from many different sources within the Sooke Region during the years. EMCS art students, primary school students and local adult day programs have proudly displayed their work. This tradition will be carried forward but will also include art and word from a wide range of artists, writers and performers in the Sooke Region. This is in the spirit of support for the wide range of art genres that co-exist and are represented under the Sooke Arts Council umbrella.

Sooke Arts Council invites any and all interested artists, artist groups and arts based organizations to participate by contacting Susan at susanpercival@shaw.ca .

Building an Equitable Culture for the Future of Arts in Our Region

sherry@sdrobb.com (Sherry Robb) — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 23:25:00 GMT

"We imagine a vibrant arts and culture sector in which people can bring their whole selves to their work." ~Pathways

Things are changing quickly in our sector. The Sooke Arts Council is dedicated to equity and systems change by committing to learn, reflect and integrate equity and access more deeply into our work.

Much of this work is being led through The Many Pathways pilot program - a year-long course where SAC leaders are being supported with individualized learning plans, peer networks and one-on-one guidance.

If you are interested in what we are learning, then we invite you to access some of our taught (and found) tools at your leisure. Check back often as this list will be updated frequently.

LEARNING RESOURCES

The Pathways Pilot Program

To learn about why this work is important: Vision - Pathways (manypathways.ca)

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access: Why Now in the Arts and Culture Sector?

Home on Native Land

A self-guided course about Indigenous justice in Canada. Fundamental knowledge for anyone who is committed to living in a fair country. Home - Home on Native Land

Personal Pronouns

What Are Personal Pronouns and Why Do They Matter? Pronouns.org Resources on Personal Pronouns

Beyond Conservation: Building Relationships for Collaboration – Part 1

A Toolkit for Respectful Collaboration with Indigenous Peoples

Beyond Conservation: Building Relationships for Collaboration – Part 2

A Toolkit for Respectful Collaboration with Indigenous Peoples

Team Transit Updates Shelters

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 17:05:04 GMT

SAC Bus Shelter Coordinator Susan Percival and Team Transit Volunteers Maurina Joaquin and Sheila Thomas.

Sooke Bus Shelters Get Upgrade and New Show

You might have noticed a new display of art in our Sooke Transit Shelters - but that's just half of the story. Sooke Arts Council has also replaced the plexiglass that protects the art, giving a completely fresh look to our bus shelters.

SAC members are encouraged to display their art on a rotating basis (presently every 3 months). Photos of art are printed in large format on vinyl, which is durable and reusable once the show is complete. Prints cost $35 each and artists get to keep the prints after each show.

For more information about how to display your art in our Transit Shelters, click on the link below.

Bus Shelter Art Project Continues to Flourish in Sooke

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 17:09:55 GMT

Susan Percival, Bus Shelter Art Project coordinator, shows this year’s artwork. The Sooke Arts Council will continue to curate and oversee the artistic showcases. (Contributed photo)

Where community and creativity converge

For more than 15 years, the Bus Shelter Art Project in downtown Sooke has been a beacon of creativity and resilience, bringing vibrancy to the heart of the city and warding off vandalism.

What began as a youth-driven initiative to address a perceived problem has blossomed into an extraordinary success story.

Managed by the student art department of Edward Milne Community School, the project recently bid farewell to its dedicated coordinator, Susan Percival. However, her legacy lives on as the torch has been passed to the Sooke Arts Council, who will continue to curate and oversee these artistic showcases.

Nestled within the core of Sooke, these bus shelters, owned by the District of Sooke, have become integral to the city’s aesthetics.

The art displayed on these shelters is not only visually appealing but also practical, thanks to high-quality vinyl prints that endure the elements, making them a functional and captivating addition to the cityscape.

These shelters feature reproductions of plein-air originals, available for purchase through auctions at the Sooke Arts Council Gallery, located at 2043 Church Rd. What’s more, the proceeds from these sales will go on to benefit the Sooke Gathering Place.

The Bus Shelter Art Project has a commitment to keeping things fresh, with a new art installment planned for the coming year. This ensures that residents and visitors can continually be inspired by the ever-changing canvas of Sooke.

In the spirit of community involvement, the Sooke Arts Council extends an invitation to other art groups to participate and promote their events and offerings through promotional posters on the bus shelters. Music, performance, literary, youth, and cultural arts are all welcome to contribute to transforming Sooke’s bus shelters into a hub for information about the city’s arts community.

The Sooke Arts Council’s approach to fundraising is like a breath of fresh air.

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 17:33:36 GMT

Sooke Arts Council member Kimberly Zutz at Whiffin Spit

The Sooke Arts Council’s approach to fundraising is like a breath of fresh air.

Proceeds from this year’s Plein Air blind auction will go toward the Sooke Gathering Place, a project that aims to add a multi-use, multi-generational building for those 55 and older in Sooke.

This year’s Plein Air Art event involved about 15 local artists who created works at Whiffin Spit in September for the Plein Air blind auction, which runs until Nov. 12.

People interested in making a purchase can view the paintings at the Sooke Art Council’s gallery , or on Sooke Arts Council’s Facebook page.

The auction coincides with the Sooke Arts Council’s Wild and Wonderful Art Show, which also runs until Nov. 12.

“We hope to build on the success of last year’s Plein Air auction fundraiser, which raised $1,595 for the Sooke Gathering Place,” said Sooke Arts Council interim president Sherry Robb. “We’re also inviting the community to get involved in this great project by participating in this and other fundraisers.”

The Sooke Arts Gallery at 2042 Church Rd. is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Defining the 5 Stages of a Career Artist

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 17:33:36 GMT

Here's a little education for our followers who are unsure of what stage they are at in their Artistic Careers...

Amateur Artist
A creative person who makes art in their spare time, purely for personal enjoyment rather than a professional pursuit. While they may have occasionally shown or sold a few small price-point items, they are doing it simply for pleasure. Art-related career ambitions aren’t a priority.

Other similar names: hobbyist, Sunday artist, dabbler, art as an avocation

Emerging Artist or Early-Career Artist
A person who is in the early stages of a professional art-related career. They are developing their artistic “voice” and are in the process of establishing a foothold in the professional arena. It’s commonly accepted that unless someone has had a lot of early national success, an emerging artist likely has been practicing for less than 10 years, regardless of age or education.

This artist is in the initial phases of building significant recognition. They are actively working to grow and sustain an exhibition record, gallery representation, honors or awards, reviews by art critics, grants, or publications, etc. While this term can be a little left up to interpretation, it also allows a combination of flexibility and direction.

Other similar terms: early-career artist, up-and-coming artist, unknown artist, budding artist, new artist, artist on-the-rise

Mid-Career Artist
A professional artist who has developed a consistent body of work and has gained regional and national recognition over a span of time. They have a past, present, and ongoing identity as a professional in their field(s). Note, how long someone has been making work does not necessarily equal their placement.

Because this category is measured by a combination of accomplishments and time, there’s no set age or years of experience that propels an artist into a mid-career status. The focus is truly on professional consistency regarding the extent, quality, and breadth of professional achievements. They have an ongoing record that includes a considerable amount of solo and group exhibitions, gallery representation, honors/awards, residencies and fellowships, reviews by art critics, grants, or publications, etc.
Public presentation of artwork likely includes museums or high-placement exhibitions that are outside of commercial gallery venues. This means that their artwork has been presented and acquired by patrons, collectors, institutions, and/or museums. Additionally, they have a national and international focus, rather than local.

Other similar names: full-time artist, professional artist

Established Artist
A professional artist who has an extensive body of work and has consistently garnered national and international acclaim, often for many years. This artist, living or dead, is at an advanced stage of career achievements, has contributed significantly to the field of the arts, and has a sustained reputation that can support this.

This artist has been consistently presented in established museums and represented by important galleries. An Established Artist has a higher level of global achievement than a mid-career artist, often spread over even more time. Their work has been acquired by patrons, collectors, institutions, and retains a value that reflects this success.
Other names: Late-career artist, advanced artist, master

Blue-Chip Artists
An advanced type of Established Artist, this is a person who holds the highest level in the art career topography. Their work is presented in the most prestigious museums and establishments in the world. A blue-chip artist has work that reliably commands significant prices when sold at established galleries and auction houses like Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Phillips. Additionally, their artistic contributions to the world are of cultural value and intrinsically appreciated by many.

Source: Daric Gill Studios

sookearts

The Art of Cross-Training Volunteers

�� Why Cross-Training is a Game Changer

�� Easy Ways to Start Cross-Training

�� The Bigger Picture

Sooke Rotary Auction Fundraiser Appeal for Donations

Sooke Artists Help Open Doors for Habitat for Humanity

From left to right: Jennifer Osmond, Sheila Thomas and Susan Percival

New Ongoing Seaparc Art Exhibit

SAC is Proud to Expand Opportunities for Regional Artists

Sooke River Campground Artist Opportunities

New Bus Shelter Installation

Building an Equitable Culture for the Future of Arts in Our Region

"We imagine a vibrant arts and culture sector in which people can bring their whole selves to their work." ~Pathways

﻿

Things are changing quickly in our sector. The Sooke Arts Council is dedicated to equity and systems change by committing to learn, reflect and integrate equity and access more deeply into our work.

Much of this work is being led through The Many Pathways pilot program - a year-long course where SAC leaders are being supported with individualized learning plans, peer networks and one-on-one guidance.

If you are interested in what we are learning, then we invite you to access some of our taught (and found) tools at your leisure. Check back often as this list will be updated frequently.

LEARNING RESOURCES

The Pathways Pilot Program

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access: Why Now in the Arts and Culture Sector?

Beyond Conservation: Building Relationships for Collaboration – Part 1

Team Transit Updates Shelters

Bus Shelter Art Project Continues to Flourish in Sooke

The Sooke Arts Council’s approach to fundraising is like a breath of fresh air.

Defining the 5 Stages of a Career Artist