Bad art can lead to good things.
When local artist Cheryl Sartor was taking part in the Orillia Public Library’s Bad Art Night, she found the supplies were “somewhat limited.” She figured she and other artists who work out of Art and Home Studio could pitch in and donate some supplies.
Initially, the plan was to provide supplies for Bad Art Night alone, but the plan has changed. She pitched the idea to the Peter Street Arts District and the Orillia Fine Arts Association, which is putting a call out to artists. Art and Home Studio will now serve as a depot, of sorts, where people can drop off supplies to be donated to the library for use in any of its arts programming.
“We all have stuff lying around,” Sartor said, “and we’re not just asking artists. Anyone can donate.”
Anyone who makes a donation will receive a ballot for a chance to win one of Sartor’s handmade journals, which sell for $95 each.
She plans to hold a drop-off reception three times over the next year, when people can stop in at the studio at 17 Peter St. S., donate supplies and enjoy wine and snacks. The first one is happening Sept. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. However, donations can be delivered any time during the studio’s business hours.
“I hope it really takes off,” Sartor said. “It just bothers me that stuff like art and libraries and books are being pushed aside (by government) these days.”
While the library has a budget for its arts programming, it is excited about the opportunity to receive more supplies and to build on its relationship with local artists.
“It’s a great idea,” said Amy Lambertsen, the library’s information services technician. “This is as much about getting supplies as it is to have a partnership with the arts community.”
It’s a win-win, she said, as the partnership allows the library and the arts community to promote one another.
“It’s really exciting that another creative community within the community is pursuing a relationship with us,” Lambertsen said.
The library already makes an effort to upcycle, and this partnership allows it to build on that.
“Now we can come at it with some terrific materials that were also likely upcycled,” Lambertsen said.
Following is a “wish list” of items to be donated:
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Watercolour paper
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Good paint brushes
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Printmaking supplies (rollers and plates)
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Acrylic paints
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Matte board
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Gently used canvases
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Glues of all kinds
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Leftover acrylic paints
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Paint brushes
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Stamps and inks
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Wool
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Thread
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Ribbon
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Rope
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Jewelry
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Beads
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Cording
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Tissue paper
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Patterned paper
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Old cards
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Glitter
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Popsicle sticks
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Pipe cleaners
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Toilet tissue/paper towel rolls
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Wallpaper
