The North Dundas Arts Council (NDAC) welcomes a busy year ahead, thanks to an enthusiastic response from local Artists attending its monthly meetings this past summer. Plans include the continuation of Winchester Open Mic Café and the ‘Art in the Branches’ program, introducing a short film festival for youth with industry judges and cash prizes, holding a Christmas benefit concert, and supporting a movement to establish a new arts centre complex in Winchester.
Starting September 10, Winchester Open Mic Café returns to the Old Town Hall every Sunday afternoon from 2 pm to 5 pm. Coordinator Ann Brady says that guests appreciate the warm welcome, the great live music, and the sixties ambience of the room. “We are proud to offer our guests a safe and relaxed, alcohol‑free environment where everyone is welcome,” she adds.
The ‘Art in the Branches’ program at the Winchester Library extends its exciting summer‑long exhibit of art by North Dundas District High School Art Students into September, with a very special exhibit of works by Indigenous Art Students in honour of Orange Shirt Day. “Kathi Poirier has been wonderful not only in how she nurtures her art students, but in helping NDAC coordinate this important exhibit,” Ann Brady says. “She really takes to heart that every child matters, and we do too.”
Finally, NDAC wishes to thank the Winchester Legion Hall for hosting its monthly meetings there. “Our next meeting is on Monday, September 10 at 7 pm, and we welcome all local Artists and supporters of the Arts to attend. We are forming a new board of directors and want to ensure that we remain relevant and useful to local Artists as an organization,” Ann says. For more information, people can contact NDAC on its Facebook page at “North Dundas Arts Council” or by email at northdundasartscouncil@yahoo.ca.
