Quinte Arts Council helps artists promote talent

By Nick Liard

Local artist Daniel Vaughan knows if he makes it big he will pay tribute to the Quinte Arts Council, which helped him showcase his work as well as many other local talents work.

The council is a non-profit organization that attempts to raise awareness within the community through programs and services that engage artists.

 “They are not obligated to pick me out and show my work, so when they do that, it’s a privilege,” said Vaughan.

Vaughan grew up in Belleville, then moved to Toronto, and is now back home in Prince Edward County. He is a multi-talented artist. He is a photographer, who got his first photo, of the Mississauga train derailment, published in 1979. He is also a budding musician who has composed over 200 pieces, and for his day job he is a graphic designer. On top of that he finds time to give photography workshops for the beginner photographer to the seasoned veteran.

“We are going to offer those workshops here on Muscote Bay where our home is right on the lake,” said Daniel’s wife Barbara Vaughan. “And then we are going to tie that in with the creative education centre set up in Bloomfield.”

He recently grabbed the attention of the Quinte Arts Council while showcasing his work at Loyalist College.

He and his brother David have their picture exhibit currently on display at the council’s head office on Bridge Street in downtown Belleville.

Vaughan is one of over 390 solo artists involved with the council, and that number is growing. That number also doesn’t include the various theatre groups and bands involved as well.

Executive Director Carol Feeney took charge of a program called Art in the Community when she came to the council eight years ago.

“We have been showcasing local artists since 1967, but this program is fairly new,” said Feeney.

Some of the featured galleries include the Gallery ArtPlus and Gift Shop, Gallery 121, The Belleville Art Association and the John M. Parrott Art Gallery.

The art featured has no restrictions, ranging from photographs to native arts.

“Absolutely not, we have no restrictions,” said Feeney. “We are actually looking forward to more opportunities to work with digital art and multimedia.”

Feeney started Art in the Community to help artists young and old come forward.

“There are a lot of emerging artists, some who have been around, and some who are new and want to let people know that they are doing work,” said Feeney. “The best way to do that is with the arts council or other organizations around the area. It also gives artists an opportunity to network with other artists.”

The office downtown is not even close to it in terms how far they have expanded in a blooming art community.

One of those events was supposed to take place January 12, but due to the bad weather it was cancelled. The Vaughan brother’s photos were to take centre stage and Daniel was also supposed to perform his new CD called Twelve Guitars, Nine Months, and a Pair of Boots.

He also had some advice for young artists.

“Don’t be better, be different.”