March 31, 2015
In the short few months since its inception, the Langley Arts Commission has raised $1,380 for the City of Langley through its Outdoor Sculpture Project. Funded by Langley’s One Percent for the Arts program in support of the Second Street project, two pedestals were installed near the plaza on Second Street crossing to feature sculptures selected for an annual exhibition.
Within two weeks of installment, Sue Taves’ sculpture titled “Waves” was sold, with 20% of the sale designated back to the City. Taves replaced the sold piece with a basalt sculpture of a similar waves theme. The other pedestal features the work of Lloyd Whannell with a piece titled “Sun Catcher.”
The LAC hopes to create additional locations for public art displays in the future.
Formed in August, 2014, The Langley Arts Commission was tasked with advising the Mayor and City Council on matters regarding the City’s public Arts Program and implementation of the City’s One Percent for the Arts policy for capital projects. The newly-formed Arts Commission quickly expanded its purpose and vision to serve our community, recognizing that the Arts has a role in creating place, driving economics, providing opportunity and building legacy. The LAC welcomes input, ideas and suggestion from the public.
Langley Mayor Fred McCarthy and Director of Community Planning Michael Davolio, middle, hold a sign showing the amount of money the city made from its first art sale. Langley Arts Commission members Michele LaRue, left, and Callahan McVay, right,
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MISSION STATEMENT – The mission of the Langley Arts Commission is to provide guidance for policy, procedure and promotion of the arts and culture to the City of Langley. The LAC seeks to cultivate, curate and support the arts in all its forms, providing the foundation for art to sustain Langley.
VISION STATEMENTS – The Langley Arts Commission serves the community by creating place, driving economics, providing opportunity and building legacy. We will achieve this by building networks and development programs with individual artists as well as organizations in the diverse fields of literature, film, music, performance arts, visual art, multimedia and crafts, and by offering support in education, opportunities, events, networking, and publicity to enhance Langley as an art epicenter.
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Creating Place
The Arts enrich our community and contribute to a desirable quality of life, creating a successful, dynamic, attractive place to live, work and visit.
Driving Economics
The Arts create jobs and produce tax revenue, stimulate business activity, and attract tourism as well as families and individuals interested in living in an arts-rich community.
Providing Opportunity
The Arts engage citizens and provide opportunity. The Arts Commission strives to
- Showcase local and regional artists and artistic talent
- Expand public awareness of arts-related opportunities and accessibility
- Offer a forum for involvement in the arts through public discussion and discourse
Building Legacy
The Arts preserve the unique culture and heritage of the community, and reflect who we are and what is important to our society. Arts and Culture are essential to education and life-long learning by fostering imagination, innovation and critical thinking skills.
Featured photo: Langley Mayor Fred McCarthy and Director of Community Planning Michael Davolio, and Langley Arts Commission member Michele LaRue receive the commission check from artist Sue Taves in front of Langley City Hall (photo credit Colin Campbell)