“Public art can be huge or small. It can tower fifty feet high or call attention to the paving beneath your feet. It may be cast, carved, built, assembled, or painted.”
—Association for Public Art
As a member of Creston town council, I understand more and more how creative thinking is key to successful governance. Ours is a small community, and through innovation we can make the most of our assets. Creative ideas can be applied to town planning, including issues of potholes, snow removal, parks and community plans extending 30 years into the future.
Planning creatively for the future builds on work already done. In 2008, in response to the popularity of the 100-mile diet, a brochure titled “Real Food, Close to Home” promoted Creston’s community-supported grain project. This community supported project put a focus on agriculture in our valley, and initiatives to grow and distribute locally grown food. Today our rapidly expanding Creston Valley Farmers’ Market supports food growers and artisans, becoming an important “go to” community asset.
Creston is notable for a high ratio of highly visible creative thinkers. Our artists give local colour to business and restaurant walls, and murals add interest to our streets. Art and craft shows are held throughout the year.
The literary arts are well represented, with a number of locally written books on display in bookstores and the Creston Valley Public Library.
The performing arts have a central venue in the Prince Charles Theatre. As well, the community and church halls host concerts and coffee houses, showcasing seasoned performers and incubating emerging talent. Worthy of note here would be the drama festival to be held later this spring by the Footlighters Theatre Society.
Creating and maintaining a strong arts and cultural community is a worthwhile goal. It is possible that investment in arts and culture is a contribution to the economy as well as providing ambience to where we live and work.
Coun. Joanna Wilson is in her fourth term on Creston’s town council, having served since 2005, following three years as a School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) trustee.
