With new collaborations, programs and plans Taylor Sandell, Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre’s newest executive director and curator, is envisioning growth alongside the community.
In this role, Sandell hopes to build on the momentum created by previous director Meghan Porath, including the launch of RVAC’s new print studio. The latest resource adds to the long list of what the centre offers local and visiting artists of all skill levels.
Seeking to strengthen current partnerships and build new ones, RVAC has also recently welcomed the Revelstoke Idea Factory. With many local artists accessing the 3D printer, laser cutter and other tools in the Idea Factory, combining space and resources just makes sense to Sandell.
“Banding together to share energy and resources and ideas is a fantastic way to improve the community overall,” Sandell said.
An interest in community collaboration is part of the drive to relaunch free Artists Social nights come fall. The monthly networking events host local artists to connect, plan projects and chat about what gaps there are in the community.
“We’re wanting to foster connection as we grow,” Sandall said.
Growth is on Sandall’s mind as RVAC continues to make use of every inch of space available in the former RCMP office it calls home.
“The dream one day is definitely to build a whole other floor. I’m just going to keep hoping that that’s a possibility until I know for sure it’s not.”
But with more resources and space comes the need for more staff. While other galleries often operate with teams of four, RVAC currently employs one full-time staff member and one part-time staff member.
While exploring grant and funding opportunities to support another staff role, Sandell is also looking at tapping into RVAC’s volunteer pool.
In the meantime, they’re focused on utilizing every bit of space RVAC currently has. From the four galleries to the Jailhouse Studios to the outside spaces, Sandell knows RVAC is doing a lot with what’s available. All while artist space is in high demand.
“Having any kind of real estate in Revelstoke is amazing. Now we’re putting in a lot of energy into making those spaces a bit more usable,” Sandell said.
That work includes Sandell and a host of volunteers working to clear out the studio spaces of years of supplies and half completed projects that slowly accumulate in an artist-focused space. One found item of note, wax crayons from a 1970s McDonald’s happy meal.
“Artists really like to collect things, and it’s a whole building full of artists,” Sandell said.
Starting some renovations is the next step in increasing the art centre’s role as a community space and artist hub.
“A big thing that I hear from a lot of people is just the sense of connection that they get from this space,” Sandell said, explaining newer Revelstoke residents often comment how weekly art drop-in classes, pottery studio time and other events at the gallery have helped them integrate into the community.
“One of the things that we’ve really got working for us already is we have such an engaged community,” Sandell said. “We just want to run with that momentum and solidify us as a community space.”
Everything Sandell is planning as executive director is focused on stability and sustainability. A key factor in that is the continued support from the City of Revelstoke, which owns the building.
“I think having a space like this anywhere is incredibly lucky. There are so many towns that don’t have anything like this,” Sandell said, adding that the space has fostered local art businesses such as Monashee Pottery and Kat Cadegan Jewellery.
“It really serves as an incubator for a lot of people.”
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