Mission
The Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation is a private foundation created in 1987 to promote the creation of, knowledge of, participation in, appreciation for, and accessibility to New Brunswick’s visual arts and fine crafts.
Although Sheila passed away in September 2004, the work of her foundation continues to this day and new initiatives are being planned.
Director’s Message
Fred Ross and SHMF executive director, Kathryn McCarroll, celebrate the completion of the mural in the Robert Percival Studio of Saint John Arts Centre.
In preparing a summation of the accomplishments of the Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation in 2010, I was inspired by two separate public comments made by two of our board members. At the 20th anniversary celebration of the Strathbutler Award, Louise Imbeault spoke of the principle of wise stewardship of the legacy of Sheila Mackay. At a press conference launching “Culture Days”, a national awareness movement for the value of the arts in our lives, Freeman Patterson spoke of the spiritual impact of the arts. By naming over twenty New Brunswick artists from diverse arts disciplines, he personalized the concept of arts enriching life by providing beauty, provocation, innovation and reflection. To summarize the work done in 2010, I feel that the Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation has been directed by those two guiding principles.
The fiscal and organizational structure of the Foundation has been closely examined in 2010. Louie Surette, in accepting the role of treasurer of the organization examined the records of the foundation and initiated a review of the budgeting process. With the final settlement of the will of Sheila Mackay, long term planning on administrative spending and charitable activity was done to ensure the wise stewardship of this provincial resource. Supported by the Board of Directors, this work is ongoing in 2011.
Meeting 5 times as a full board (Jan.25, June 5, July 20, Sept. 28 and Oct 6) the directors of SHMF monitored the administration of existing programs and also worked on a vision for the future of the organization. With the retirement of long time board members Hal Killam and Reid Parker, the Board of Directors has worked on succession issues. As Louise Imbeault noted in her address at the 2010 Gala, Sheila Hugh Mackay has left a valuable legacy.
It is with great respect that I record my admiration for the thoughtful work driving the overseeing of Ms. Mackay’s generosity. By way of an overview of the work done in 2010, I submit the following summary of 2010 achievements
- 20th Strathbutler Award to multi-media artist, Linda Dornan
- Nel Oudemans Award to weaver Bronwyn Gallagher
- Strathbutler Gala and opening of 3 month exhibit of Strathbutler winners’ work
- Publishing of “Regard” with essay by Peter Laroque
- Completion of NBM Permanent Collection of Strathbutler Winner works 1991-2009 in partnership with Canada Council
- Faming of 11 works for the permanent collection at NBM
- Continuing development of SHMF website and NB arts community involvement
- Fred Ross Scholarship (Year !) given to Maggie Higgins to study at Mt Allison
- Fred Ross Scholarship (Year 2) to Daniel Roh to continue studies at NASCAD and to Brandon Hunter to continue studies at NBCC
- MFA Scholarship to Greg Klassen to study at Emily Carr Institute in Vancouver
- Strathbutler Artist Think Tank Nov 22
- Strathbutler Symposium: NB Visual Arts in Focus; November 29-30
- Arts Advocacy Award for Salon and Kate Wallace recognised for her role in its development
- Development of a special project funding program based on input from the Strathbutler Think Tank, the Board of Director’s strategic planning sessions and Strathbutler Symposium
However, in the spirit of Freeman Patterson’s recent remarks on Culture Days, the most significant work of the foundation is done one artist at a time and it has been our pleasure to be associated with a myriad of individual artists, arts administrators, journalists and educators in a wide spectrum of arts activities. It is our pledge to work collaboratively to promote the visual arts in New Brunswick.