Two Rivers Gallery Surviving Tough Times

In response to the difficult times Two Rivers Gallery is facing, the organization has had to cut its operating budget by $74,000. Staff and Trustees have had to make many difficult decisions over the last eight weeks and as a result the Gallery will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays until the Victoria Day long weekend. The Gallery will remain open for art classes, preschool programs and tours seven days a week, however, some programs and staff hours have been lost and other programs are in jeopardy. Managing Director Peter Thompson states, “we have had to evaluate everything that we do very carefully and give priority to the services and programs that are of greatest value to the community”.

For the time being, Two Rivers Gallery is pleased to be able to continue to offer the popular Family Sunday program from 1-4pm each week during which anywhere from 40-120 individuals visit the Gallery to create works of art projects alongside their family members. The make Art make Sense program which is still in its infancy has been saved from the cutting block for the meantime. This innovative program, which includes a “Self-Guided Experience” brochure for all visitors and an open studio with stimulating and enjoyable art making projects, helps visitors of all ages connect with the exhibitions. The Gallery sees these programs as a way to engage the people of Prince George and the region in encouraging their creative thinking skills.

The Art Heals program where Gallery staff creatively engage children and youth in the Paediatric and Adolescent Psychiatric Units at PGRH and the Nechako Treatment Program is in jeopardy and requires more funding to continue throughout this year and in upcoming years. Plans to expand Art Heals into the larger community have been put on hold while the organization concentrates on maintaining current levels of service. Programming cuts include artists’ talks offered to UNBC and CNC art students and the very popular “After Party” events which have been radically restructured. The “After Party” is a recent addition to the Gallery’s line-up which saw 150-250 people attending each event in 2009.

“It is a shame that we have had to curtail some of these new initiatives aimed at broadening our engagement with our community,” says Thompson. However, he stresses that the Gallery is working hard to secure long term sustainable funding. 2010 marks the 10th anniversary of Two Rivers Gallery and the staff and Trustees will strive to continue to provide the top-notch programs, exhibitions and creative activity for the Regional District of Fraser Fort-George and beyond. They are running a membership drive until mid-February and encourage everyone in Prince George to buy a membership, take advantage of the wonderful programs and exhibitions, and show their support for the Gallery.