I would like to applaud David Hesketh’s excellent letter, “Unleash the power of the arts.” I especially endorse his idea for combining the museum and art gallery in one building, “a destination” and a “full day’s entertainment..
I am reminded of my visit a couple of years ago to The Rooms in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Opened in 2005, this building evokes Newfoundland’s colourful history and vital cultural life. It houses the art gallery, museum and provincial archives and has become since its opening not only a compelling tourist destination but also a real neighbourhood meeting place.
It is in a residential area of downtown St. John’s and its stunning architecture dominates the skyline, its colourful facade mirroring the iconic brightly painted houses nearby. It is also blessed with an excellent restaurant which in itself has become a destination for tourists and locals alike. Such a cultural facility in downtown Vernon could attract similar attention and patronage.
The citizens of Vernon have an opportunity in next spring’s referendum to participate in creating another jewel of a facility for our community, as they did in approving the Performing Arts Centre which is the envy of much larger cities. Let’s see a better voter turnout than the pitiful 19 per cent for the sports complex.
Donna Phillips
Vernon
