For a split second, the scene is stage worthy.

Helen Schwarz radiates as she accepts a gift from Angela Lemire. With the grace and piety, she is quick to deliver praise to everyone but herself for the success of Arts Jasper, the community’s purveyors of culture. Applause fills the conference room, in honour of a lifetime of service to the arts.

After 37 years, Schwarz is stepping down from the organization, ready to hand the reigns over to a younger generation.

“There’s nothing like the performing arts,” Schwarz said.

The arts have always been a part of Schwarz’s life. A lover of music and dance, she spent her youth as an usher at concerts in symphonies in Rochester, New York. She decided to come west to study ballet in Banff, pursuing a lifelong dream, once in the Rockies, she met her husband, the famous mountain guide Hans Schwarz. The mountain man and ballerina then moved to Jasper in 1959 to raise a family.

Fourteen years later, Schwarz sprung into action upon discovering her children had no opportunity to study music at Jasper Jr./Sr. High School.

So in 1973, along with like-minded individuals such as Avis Heckley and Mildred Flanagan, the seeds of Arts Jasper were planted, and the community’s art scene changed dramatically.

“We really had no music in the schools at the time,” Schwarz said.

Once the organization was formed, Schwarz (who played baritone and later flute in the town marching band) became responsible for bringing many acts to town as well as supporting music at the high school. The first acts included three concerts from Jasper residents and three concerts by the cosmopolitan jazz group out of Edmonton.

“I just loved all the shows. There were a few duds, but I won’t tell you about those. We had some wonderful, wonderful productions and that’s what we’re all about,” Schwarz said.

The organization secured a loan in 1977 to establish a music program at the high school. 

Lemire, who joined the organization in 1987, said the first thing she noticed about Schwarz was her work ethic.

“She worked tirelessly, and often said that those of us who worked full time did not have the time, or those with babies were too busy,” Lemire said.

Schwarz still recalls the groups victories and mistakes, such as the time Arts Jasper booked the Edmonton Symphony for $3,000 – not nearly enough money to pay the 40 member group. But the event had Schwarz off her feet – literally.

“It was an elegant thing. I had my leg up because I clotted my leg. I was a mess but I enjoyed it,” Schwarz said.

She also brought the Alberta ballet to Jasper, showing an undying appreciation for dance.

After countless concerts and fundraisers and several changes to the organization, Schwarz says she’s leaving at the right time. 

“I am relieved. It was a lot of work over the past few years,” Schwarz said. “But it’s such an honour to get this recognition. To make sure the organization carried on was a big effort.”

New people are bringing new ideas. Arts Jasper will bring in a hip hop show next year, as well as Japanese drummers. Schwarz wishes the organization well, but says in the end, she’s relieved.

She’s done her part for Jasper.