DIDSBURY - Didsbury's council has officially thanked and commended the members of the Mountain View Arts Society (MVAS) for their efforts in “promoting and encouraging artistic opportunities and events for the enrichment of the general public” over the years.
MVAS members recently announced that they are dissolving the society after 13 years in the community.
During the Jan. 14 town council meeting, council received a letter from society interim president Doug Giesbrecht announcing the dissolution.
Founded 13 years ago, the society has spearheaded the Mountain View Arts Festival, A Brush with Art show and sale, and 10 years of Days of Yore. It has also hosted many other events, helping to promote arts, dancers, musicians, writers, photographers, songwriters, actors, photojournalists and artisans.
“Suffice it to say that MVAS never fully recovered from the social impacts that began long before the pandemic, and that continue to this day,” Giesbrecht said in the letter.
“It is with a sense of sadness that we must let you know the MVAS board of directors and their membership are moving forward on the dissolution of the Arts Society.”
Council carried a motion thanking the society for its many past efforts.
In a letter being sent to the society on behalf of council, mayor Rhonda Hunter said society members played a key role in the community.
“Their signature events have invited thousands of residents and visitors to our beautiful community,” she said. “The annual arts festivals that has brought not only an array of displays and activities into our town in September of each year, but dancers, musicians, story tellers, Indigenous culture, and so much more. The MVAS also brought beautiful murals into our community.”
The annual Days of Yore event brought participants from across the region and beyond to re-enact historic events, including military milestones.
“Days of Yore introduced us to bygone eras and their cultural traditions, battle experiences, lifestyles and activities as well as artisans that specialized in creating heritage and traditional crafts,” she said.
“The record attendances at these events were truly amazing and are applauded.”
She called the dissolution of the society “a difficult day for our community and region.”
“As the Arts Society expressed their being grateful for all they could do and have done for the community, we to want to express how grateful we are to have experienced all that you have done, and the value, dedication, commitment, and creativity and adventure of the Mountain View Arts Society.
“We are truly saddened to hear of your dissolution as a society.”
