Fort Qu’appelle’s new Centre for the Arts

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This weeks SaskScapes podcast was recorded in Fort Qu’appelle’s Old Central School. This grand piece of architecture was slated for demolition in 2011. You’ll hear my guest Doreen Evans share the story of when she cornered Jim Harding, the mayor of Fort San, in a local coffee shop and said “Jim, you’ve got to help save the school”. You’ll also hear my other guest, Jack Lowe share stories of being a student in the school.

The great news is that the school was saved, and is now home to the Fort Qu’appelle Centre for the Arts. I had a chance to tour the building and the work they are doing is remarkable. The dedicated committee is making every attempt to maintain the original interior fixtures where possible.

There are big plans for this centre, which will house dance studios, rehearsal, performance and gallery spaces as well as visual arts workshops. There is a call for emerging and established artists and craftspeople to come and show their work on either a short-term or long-term basis.

The team is so committed to bringing this vision to life, that a few dedicated souls are donating their time and skills to do some of the renovations themselves.

This is a true community effort, all in the name of creative arts.

In the next SaskScapes podcast you’ll have an opportunity to hear my conversation with mayor Jim Harding who shares with me how this dream began, and the plans for the future. I’m always so excited when I learn that Saskatchewan has a new arts centre for all to enjoy.

SaskScapes – with guests Doreen Evans & Jack Lowe

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Doreen Evans & Jack Lowe are two of Fort Qu’appelle’s more senior residents who recount some of the more colourful stories you won’t necessarily read in the history books. Recorded inside the old Central School, now home to the newly restored Qu’appelle Valley Centre for the Arts.

Gravelbourg Museum – Louis Stringer

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Louis Stringer is one of the foremost authorities on the history of Gravelbourg. He opens the doors of the town museum and takes me on a journey from prehistoric times to the present. There is no mistaking Louis passion for this area.

My Rockglen hosts

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My hosts, Jan Johnston and Neil Jones join me after a fantastic home cooked breakfast and share their stories of how they came to Rockglen and their passion for presenting live music and exhibiting original art. Swift Current painter/musician Ken Christopher joins us, and Brenda Feuerstein is back!

Rockglen house party jam session

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Rockglen residents Jan Johnston and painter/musician Neil Jones open their home to me and invite over a dozen of their local musician friends for evening house party jam session. Share in the stories of some warm hearted folks and some great live music too!

Brenda Feuerstein

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Brenda Feuerstein is a writer, yoga practitioner, and practicing Buddhist who shares a personal journey of travel, love of Saskatchewan, artistic inspiration and loss. Brenda traveled from Eastend to join me in Rockglen.

Dr. Dick Oakes

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Dr. Dick Oakes grew up in Rockglen and has since returned to a very different town than when he left. But Rockglen’s history can be relived within the walls of the small train station museum and on the open trails of the Effie Mattson Nature Walk.

Rob Froese & Gabriela Garcia-Luna

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Potter Rob Froese and photographer Gabriela Garcia-Luna have created an impressive body of work influenced by Japanese, Mexican and North American cultures. This is a heartfelt conversation about their need to be creative.

Gus Froese

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Painter Gus Froese, one Saskatchewan most loved artists, takes us down a nostalgic path as he recalls some of the highlights of a career spanning decades, with an impressive portfolio that includes a painting hung in Buckingham palace.

The Willowbunch museum

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In the small town of Willowbunch stands an historical museum. Once a residential school operated by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, this iconic building is a testament to a dedicated board of volunteers who care deeply about preserving the history of this town.