GUELPH – On Nov. 22, the Guelph Arts Council (GAC) will celebrate its 50th year with a gala event at its new home in the Old Quebec Street Shoppes.
The celebration will feature live performances, participatory arts activities, and a chance to engage with fellow artists, arts organizations and GAC staff and board.
This event will mark the official opening of the new Sally Wismer Gallery, honouring GAC’s longtime, former executive director, who volunteered with GAC before being hired as its bookkeeper in 1988, and eventually retired from the executive director position in 2010.
She remains an active volunteer, helping with the organization’s annual audit and serving as an invaluable legacy knowledge keeper, as well as counsel and friend to GAC’s acting executive director Preetam Sengupta, officials say.
“I have loved my time working side-by-side with Sally since I joined the organization in 2019.” said Sengupta in a press release. “It’s not often in our sector that people get excited about financial statements and audits, but for me, it means time I get to spend with Sally, and that has grown into one of my most cherished friendships. Naming our new space in her honour was a no-brainer for the board.”
The night’s program will be highlighted by a musical performance by Arshia Shah, and will also feature dance, spoken word and video screenings.
Fundraising activities at the event will include an in-person 50/50 raffle and donations are accepted through the event RSVP.
To RSVP, visit guelpharts.ca/gacgac.
Contact Preetam Sengupta at administration@guelpharts.ca for more information. Doors for the Nov. 22 event will open at 7pm, with programming to begin by 7:30pm.
