MPP Michael Mantha Announces $40,000 OTF Grant in White River

Written by admin on 23 August 2012

Noella Godin (mold cataloging), MP Carol Hughes, Terry Delaney President White River District Historical Society, Mayor Angelo Bazonni (back), Project Manager Deb Duplassie and MP Mike Mantha. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com

Work by White River's youngest artists, preschoolers who recently participated in a class. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

WHITE RIVER, ON – Saturday, August 18th interested residents gathered at at 200 B Elgin Street for the grand opening of the Northern Visions Art Studio a project which has been in development for more than 2 years. Dignitaries including Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha, Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes, Mayor Angelo Bazzoni, Northern Visions Art Studio Project Manager Deb Duplassie and others who have been integral in the establishment of the studio, gathered to cut the ribbon at the studio and to witness MPP Michael Mantha’s official announcement of a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

The ceremony, held at 10am, kicked off another day of special events and festivities for the 2012 Winnie’s Home Town Festival. Prior to the ribbon cutting their were well wishes and congratulations from the aforementioned dignitaries including MPP Michael Mantha who formally congratulated the group on receiving the $40,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to help with the costs of operating the studio.

“The White River Historical Society has been instrumental in the promotion and preservation of arts and culture in their community. I am pleased to see the Ontario Trillium Foundation has granted them with $40,000 to establish an arts centre which will benefit residents and visitors alike,” said Michael Mantha MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin.

. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com”]

The Northern Visions Art Studio is ideally located on Elgin Street (just off Hwy 17) adjacent to the White River Museum. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

Program Manager Deb Duplassie explained the funds from the year-long grant would help with the salary for a Program Manager, with costs involved for the Studio’s rent and utility expenses, as well as to buy two new pottery wheels, art supplies and a computer.

“Receiving this grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will help to provide a unique opportunity for White River and surrounding communities to enjoy a variety of artistic experiences,” said Terry Delaney, President of the White River District Historical Society.

Following the ribbon cutting the dignitaries received a tour of the studio and were presented with thank you gifts by Duplassie; an “I Love Canada” cup exemplary of some of the branded novelty items they hope to make and sell to promote White River as well as an official “Winnie’s Home Town Festival” badge.

ABOUT

The White District Historical Society was incorporated in 1988 opening the Heritage Museum in 2000 which houses a variety of artifacts from the community as well as numerous Winnie-the-Pooh collections. The opening of Northern Visions Art Studio is a Social History Project the group decided to take on when an entire ceramics studio of equipment was donated to the Township of White River, watch the interview below with Deb Duplassie for the full story.

A leading grant-maker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF build healthy and vibrant communities. For more information, please visit the website at: www.otf.ca

LEARN MORE

: Noella Godin (mold cataloging), MP Carol Hughes, Terry Delaney President White River District Historical Society, Mayor Angelo Bazonni (back), Project Manager Deb Duplassie and MPP Mike Mantha. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com

: IT’S OFFICIAL! Noella Godin (mold cataloging), MP Carol Hughes, Terry Delaney President White River District Historical Society, Mayor Angelo Bazonni (back), Project Manager Deb Duplassie and MP Mike Mantha. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com

: President White River District Historical Society Terry Delaney explains to those in attendance what the funding means for the studio and the community of White River [with Project Manager Deb Duplassie (left) and MPP Mike Mantha (right)]. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com

: This weaving loom was a generous donation by a community member before her passing; the studio is eager to find someone able to teach them how to use it (yes, they realize it is currently installed upside down). Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

: Work by White River’s youngest artists, preschoolers who recently participated in a class. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

: More of the ceramics work on display at the Northern Visions Art Studio. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

: Some of Duplassie’s beautiful artwork on display at the studio. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

: The Northern Visions Art Studio is ideally located on Elgin Street (just off Hwy 17) adjacent to the White River Museum. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com