After years of uncertainty, the struggle isn’t over for the Jasper Artists Guild (JAG), a volunteer art collective.
On July 1, JAG was finally able to move into its new premises on the main floor of the Jasper Library and Cultural Centre, but is now struggling to attract and retain members to keep its new space open.
Cheryl Potter, vice-chair of the non-profit organization, said JAG lost a lot of its volunteer members over the past few years because it had to move its public gallery from one temporary location to the next as it waited to move into the new building.
“Because JAG hasn’t had a home for awhile it’s been stressful on our members and a lot of them decided not to renew their annual membership,” said Potter. “If we don’t have volunteers then we can’t show the public what we can offer them. This is our busiest season so right now our biggest challenge is members and promoting ourselves.”
While the gallery has seen a lot of foot traffic during its first month, Potter said she hopes the new gallery will inspire people to join the organization.
To become a member each person must volunteer at least eight hours a month at the gallery. In return artists are given the opportunity to showcase and sell their work in the gallery.
For those who aren’t artists, but would still like to support the organization, JAG offers associate memberships. Associate members can also volunteer at the gallery.
Every month or two the gallery switches up its collection, promoting new local art. And while JAG is open to any local artist looking to promote their work, Potter said the collective would love to see more three-dimensional art.
“Right now almost everything we have are paintings and prints,” Potter said. “It would be great to see some mosaics, sculptures or fabric art.”
The new building which includes JAG, the library, Habitat for the Arts, l’Association Canadienne-Française de l’Alberta (ACFA) and municipal council meetings will host a soft opening Aug. 4. The grand opening event is scheduled for September 30 to coincide with Alberta Culture Days, which takes place from September 30 to October 2.
The gallery strives to be open during the same time as the library, which is open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
More information on how to become a JAG member can be found at the gallery at 500 Robson St. A full annual membership is $50 while an associate membership is $25.
Kayla Byrne
[email protected]
