Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery Annual Report

2011

“Seeing many of the pieces from the MAG collection again was like visiting with dear old friends. Thank you! “~Visitor

VISION ~ The MAG inspires passion for history and art in our

Message from the Chair of the Board of DirectorsMessage from the Executive DirectorExhibit HighlightsCollections HighlightsPublic ProgramsSchool ProgramsEvents & OpeningsBoard of DirectorsSpotlight on VolunteersStaffLooking ForwardMaking HistoryJoin UsFunders

Annual Report 2011

Front Page: Farming Out Our Future, Photo by Albert DobsonOpposite and current page: From Our Collection, Photos by Albert Dobson

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Table of Contents

community

I am delighted to report to our Membership that we have completed another exciting year at the MAG. Our exhibitions have attracted a large and varied audience who appreciated the diverse exhibits we provided. We also thank Red Deer College for partnering with us to exhibit the thought provoking and beautiful work of the students in the RDC Visual Arts Program.

The most significant event was the grant from the City of Red Deer for One Million Dollars to support our permanent 2013 exhibit which will be a showcase for the 100th Anniversary of the City of Red Deer. Our sincere thanks to our civic leaders for recognizing and supporting the heritage and culture of our magnificent collection of artifacts that will be a significant part of our 2013 exhibit. We also launched our own Fund Raising Campaign Goals and Logo to assist us in raising the additional five hundred thousand dollars needed to ensure we have the highest calibre exhibit for this historical celebration.

OUR MISSION ~ To represent the history, culture and art of

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Message from the Chair of the Board of Directors

“Our sincere thanks to our civic

leaders for recognizing and

supporting the heritage and

culture of our magnificent

collection of artifacts that will

be a significant part of our

2013 exhibit. “

Implementation of our Governance Model continues to guide our decision making and operational activities and has proven to provide strong direction, appropriate tools and clear delineation of roles and responsibilities. Our new Strategic Planning document based on this Governance Model was applauded and accepted by City Council.

I sincerely want to thank our members for their ongoing support and advice this past year. My thanks also to our dedicated staff who work hard to meet the challenges we give them and of course my personal thanks to the incredible members of your Board of Directors whose personal efforts make all of this happen.

SincerelyJean Graham, Chair

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2011 has been a remarkable year for the MAG! We learned new approaches and stretched our capacity for innovative exhibits. With the MAG’s new mandate of presenting more exhibitions about our community’s history, we have worked more intensely with our collections than ever before.

Thanks to our visionary Board of Directors, the MAG implemented a Policy Governance Board. All of the Board members were very diligent and committed to the new structure, and their participation on the various committees has helped to build an effective base of policies upon which to build our future.

We are very grateful to the City of Red Deer for providing our annual operating grant, and this year, for awarding us One Million Dollars for the creation of a new permanent exhibit about the history of Red Deer.

Central Alberta for our community and the rest of the world.

Message from the Executive Director

Annual Report 2011

A team of staff from the Museum and the Red Deer & District Archives has developed the content for the new exhibition. The firm of Reich + Petch Design International was hired to design the exhibition. The project will open to the public in March of 2013, to coincide with celebrations of the City’s centennial.

I would like to extend my thanks to all of the Board Members who so generously contributed their time and skills, and to the many volunteers who helped us with numerous events throughout the year. The staff all worked tirelessly to realize a very ambitious program of exhibitions and events, as well as the planning for the new exhibit. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, the MAG’s future looks very exciting indeed.

Sincerely,Lorna Johnson, Executive Director

“2011 has been a remarkable

year for the MAG! We learned

new approaches and stretched

our capacity for innovative

exhibits. “

“ Liked the beavers, stone sculptures, and interactive displays”,

Exhibit Highlights

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Top Secret: Mission ToyOctober 22, 2010 - January 9, 2011

MAGnificent ToysOctober 29, 2010 - January 9, 2011

Northern Neighbours: Inuit Art & Culture January 7 - May 29

Selections from the MAG First Nations Art Collection: A Profound LegacyJanuary 22 – March 6

The Narrative QuestJanuary 29 – April 3

VARIATIONS: Red Deer College Student Show March 16 – April 10

The Farm Show: Seeding May 1 to July 3The Farm Show: Growing July 16 to Sept 25The Farm Show: Harvest Oct 15 to Dec 18

Farming Out Our FutureApril 30 – October 23

From Our CollectionsApril 30 to October 23

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Alberta Wide 2011: Annual Art show from the ACACAJune 19 – August 7

For Home and Country: 100 Years of Community ServiceJuly 9 to September 4

UFA: 102 years of Enriching Rural Life July 30 to October 9

James Bower and the United Farmers of AlbertaJuly 30 to October 9

Fire!August 13 to October 10

For You the War is Over October 22 to January 15

Prisoner of War: Stories from Red Deer & DistrictOctober 22 to January 15

Central Alberta Rocks!

November 26 to January 1

~Chloe, Elliot, Daddy

“ My daughter is a 2nd year arts student @RDC and her ceramic creations are on display. That’s why I came tonight but I will be back for no other reason than this place is cool!”

~ Serg

Annual Report 2011

Opposite Page, from left to right: Entrance to Farm Show: Seeding; From Our Collections; “The Land Between the Cities” (crop), by Sherri Chaba and Lyndal Osborne in Farm Show: Growing; From Our Collections, (photos Albert Dobson).

This Page, from left to right: “Jen”, “Susan”, “Erin”, by Dawn Saunders Dahl in Farm Show: Growing; Exhibit VARIATIONS: Red Deer College Student Show (photo Brian Olstad); Prisoner of War: Stories from Red Deer & District; “Untitled”, by Arbour Lake Sghool, in Farm Show: Growing (photos by Albert Dobson unless noted)

Collections Highlights

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COMMUNITY

For forty years the Museum has worked with members of our community to tell its stories and to document its history. Working with groups and individuals who have lived and experienced the many changes in our community enables the Museum to record and present first-hand stories of events and life in Red Deer. It allows important and relevant artifacts to be collected.

In 2011 the Museum was lucky enough to partner with several members of local rock bands from the 1960s and 1970s to collect objects, stories and music. This project also included three live performances. It continues with regular monthly meetings with a group of five lifelong Red Deerians interested in documenting their youth and lives in Red Deer.

Red Deer & District Museum Society Photos, this page, from left to right: Gaetz-Ave Dance Band Poster, 2011.4.14; Easystreet Record, 2011.6.1an-2; Model of an Umiak 2011.8.2af; Opposite page: Parka, 2011.7.14a

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THE FUTURE

The Museum will continue to work with our community to ensure that history is preserved. We want our community to see more of our collections: In 2013 we will open our new history exhibition.

In a few years, we will open our new collections storage facility which will enable public access to the entire collection.

COLLECTING

A large and significant gift from Michener Centre added tremendously to the Museum’s collection. Work will continue to gather stories and objects from the organization that was, for a time, the largest employer in the City of Red Deer. The Michener Centre Fire Department participated in the “Fire” exhibit telling their story of the fire that almost destroyed the Administration Building.

Several pieces representing life in the north were added to the collection enhancing the Museum’s ability to present a more complete image of Inuit culture and adding meaning to the Museum’s Inuit Art collection.

Annual Report 2011

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Public Programs

2230 viewers attended 15 Independent Film screenings at Reel Movie Mondays

MAGsparksAn accessible, inclusive visual art program with an expressive art focus

MAGnificent Saturdays Drop in art-making for families. Innovative program, led by artists, that connects our exhibits with an art making activity

Reel Movie MondaysThe MAG partners with RDC Motion Picture Arts on Reel Movie Mondays to screen 15 independent, international or Canadian films a year at Galaxy Cinema theatre -- most of which you wouldn’t otherwise see in Red Deer

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“It was awesome, amazing, fantastic, sweet! So looking forward to next time! “ ~Ezra

3031 participants of all ages got messy & creative with MAGnificent Saturdays and MAGsparks

WHAT WE OFFER

As part of our public programs we host special evening events, often with a theme. Art exhibition openings throughout the year give you an opportunity to see a range of art work and meet the artists. We feature guest speakers with topics that complement our exhibitions or a current event, anniversary or issue. In doing this we strive to provoke thought, deepen understanding and raise more questions.

Annual Report 2011

Opposite Page, left to right: MAGnificent, Saturdays; RDC Student Group; MAGnificent Saturdays; MAGnificent Saturdays; Farm Show: Growing Panel;

This Page: Growing Panel; MAGnificent Sat-urdays; MAGsparks participants; MAGsparks Chair creation

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School Programs

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

The Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery provides multi-sensory, unique learning experiences for all kinds of learners.

MAG school programs complement and integrate the Alberta curriculum with hands-on, minds-on, activities that bring cultural history and art to life, provoke discussion, and explore the context of this place, this moment, and our shared future -- on the planet.

A variety of programs to choose from, each relating to exhibit themes presented throughout the year.

1523 students & 393 adults66 Programs :

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CENTRAL ALBERTA HERITAGE SCHOOLS FAIR

Heritage Schools Fair events actively involve students and community organizations, like museums, libraries and archives, with businesses in a celebration of Canadian History and traditions.

Using any medium, students in Grades 4 – 9 are encouraged to share their projects with the general public. It is this sharing that becomes the focal point for life-long learning.

We appreciate the support of the Central Alberta Historical Society and Parkland Mall for this project.

6 Schools, 107 Students,74 Projects ~2011 Central Alberta Heritage Schools Fair

Annual Report 2011

Opposite Page, left to right: Heritage Schools Fair participant; School tour for MAGnificent Toys; School Tour for Northern Neighbours: Inuit Art & Culture; Heritage Schools Fair celebrations at Parkland Mall; School Tour for Top Secret: Mission Toy.

This Page: Miniature exhibit design by school group with Day @ the MAG; School tour Storytelling; Day @ the MAG

Events & Openings

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EVENTS

Family DayFebruary 21

Harvest FestivalOctober 16

Live Music, Silent FilmNovember 2

Heirlooms: Lynda AdamsJuly 17, August 5 & 6

Central Alberta Rocks!November 30, December 2 & 3

“This museum is great” ~ Breagh

“I liked the igloo” ~ Shae

Annual Report 2011

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EXHIBIT OPENING RECEPTIONS

VARIATIONS: RDC Student ShowMarch 17

Farm Show: SeedingMay 1

Alberta Wide 2011June 19

Farm Show: GrowingJuly 17

Farm Show: HarvestOctober 14

For You The War Is OverNovember 6

Attendance at Events~2322

Opposite Page, left: Farm Show: Growing, Opening; Family Day visitor in Milk Jug Igloo; Enjoying fresh bannock at Family Day; Live Music, Silent Film! attendee; Harvest Festival attendee; Farm Show: Growing Opening Reception; Harvest Festival .

This Page: Lynda Adams performance Heirlooms, Central Alberta Rocks!, Live Music, Silent Film! attendees, Farm Show: Growing Reception

Jean GrahamPresident

Jan Sirrs 1st Vice President

Marguerite Watson2nd Vice PresidentPresident, Waskasoo Museum Foundation

Ron CrossleyDirector

Florence MassieDirector

Paritosh GhoshDirector

Tara VeerCity Council Representative

Jeremy MoorePresident, Sunnybrook Farm

Individuals with a passion for heritage serve on the Red Deer & District Museum Society’s Board of Directors.

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Board of Directors

In the last couple of years the MAG has been transformed into a world class showplace for art and culture, and next year, during Red Deer’s Centennial in 2013, we’ll see the launch of an innovative and compelling new series of perma-nent history and heritage galleries. The MAG is forging a prominent place as Red Deer’s cultural centre, and I’m proud to be associated with this great progress.

~S. Bannerman, Secretary

I have enjoyed my two terms on the Red Deer and District Museum Board. As a relative newcomer to the community, I have learned a great deal about Red Deer’s history and cultural scene. I am very pleased to have been part of the planning for the renovations of the building and the design of the new permanent exhibit. Great things are happening and I wish the new board the best of luck.

~J. Sirrs, 1st Vice President

Back Row, left: Jeremy Moore, Torben Andersen, Ron Crossley, Jean Graham, Tara Veer, Marguerite Watson. Front Row, left: Jan Sirrs, Sheila Bannerman, Paritosh Ghosh, Florence Massie. Missing: Outgoing Members: Elizabeth Fargey, Beverly Gataint, Angela Carlyle. Photo credit- Karli Kendall, April 14, 2012

Torben Andersen Treasurer

Angela Carlyle Past President

Sheila BannermanSecretary

2011 Outgoing DirectorsBeverly Gataint Elizabeth Fargey

Annual Report 2011

Spotlight on Volunteers

33 Volunteers contributed 478 hours of their time to special events, exhibit openings, Board meetings, drop in programs and photography.

Thank you for all of your help!

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Left to Right: Canada World Youth, Family Day; MAG Staff; Cassandra Weisbrod, Assisting participants on Family Day; Sheila Wright, Creating artwork at the MAG Volunteer Ice Cream Social, Amber Solberg, Enjoying dessert at the MAG Volunteer Ice Cream Social.

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Staff

ADMINISTRATIONAdministrative Assistant

Sharon L’Hirondelle

Executive AssistantKarli Kendall

Coordinator of MarketingSky Stevens

Visitor ServicesSarah Brodie

Rosie TownsendKimi Jann

Kate MacleanCarrie Somerville

Elizabeth Hammell

COLLECTIONS & EXHIBITSCollections Coordinator

Valerie Miller

Curator of HistoryMichael Dawe

Coordinator of Exhibitions and Registration

Kim Verrier

PreparatorMelanie Berndt

Executive DirectorLorna Johnson

Assistant E.D. Fund Development & Marketing

Karin Richardson-MacKenzie

Annual Report 2011

PROGRAMSEducational Programs Coordinator

Rod Trentham

EducatorsGrant Woodcock

Carol Davies

MAGsparks CoordinatorJanet Cole

ARTISTSDawn Candy

Carlene LaRueKatie Bruinsma

Erin Poelzer

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MAINTENANCEI.T. & Building Maintenance

Richard Cloutier

CustodianDianne L’Herault

Candy Ross

Left: Sarah Brodie in the Milk Jug Igloo; Rod Trentham at Harvest Festival; MAG Staff on Family Day; Rod Trentham, Lorna Johnson and Rosie Townsend at Live Music, Silent Film! event; Karin Richardson-MacKenzie and Melanie Berndt at the MAG Volunteer Ice Cream Social; Kim Verrier and Karli Kendall at Harvest Festival.

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Looking Forward

• Launch a major permanent exhibit featuring the history of Red Deer and its people• Encourage general interest in the historical record based on materials and artefacts available in the museum and archives• Encourage all segments of the public to engage with community history and heritage• Engage the community in dialogue, discussion, and learning through exhibitions and related programs

GOAL 2: Ensure financial sustainability

GOAL 3: Enhance the visibility and reputation of the MAG locally, provincially and nationally

GOAL 4: Enhanced Stewardship of our collections

GOAL 1: Position the MAG as Red Deer’s primary historical learning resource

• Implement a fund development plan

• Build an engaging and user friendly website• Re‐brand the MAG to reflect re‐orientation towards history and people’s stories• Increase public profile of MAG staff as experts in respective fields• Increase number and types of enquiries and requests from public and other institutions• Increase research requests and requests for artefacts by other institutions

• Establish a direction for the collection• Limit accessions for 2012 to artefacts related to the planned History of Red Deer exhibit• Ongoing documentation of artefacts• Storage

Highlights of the Strategic Plan for 2012

CHALLENGES

Funding:

• The History of Red Deer exhibit

will be costly as it will be the

foundation for developing

complementary exhibits and

programs over a number of years.

• Sources have cut funding for

exhibitions and programs by as

much as 30% (AFA Public

Galleries Grant)

• Following the lead of other

museums in responding to public

demand, developing evaluative

systems and public input

processes

• Crowded collections storage

means limited access to some

types of artefacts

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Red Deer has a unique history of settlement in Western Canada. The ingenuity, leadership and community spirit that contributed to the City’s rich history is still evident today.

As Alberta’s third-largest city, Red Deer needs a permanent history exhibition that will be a focal point for community members and tourists alike. We envision a regional showpiece that will ensure Red Deer’s diverse heritage is shared with future generations. Visitors of all ages will explore and discover the stories of the people who have contributed to the development of this city.

The Place Between: Stories from the Heart of the Parkland, a major permanent exhibition will open in 2013 in time to celebrate the Centennial of incorporation of the City of Red Deer.

Lorna Johnson,Executive Director

HISTORY IS MADE WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER

Artifact: “Rosalind of Old Basing” medal awarded in 1914 - “Superior Yield with Calf”

Artifact: Northern Plains/Metis quilled, white tanned coat. Mid-ninetheenth Century

P391: [Production of Gypsy at the Alberta Ladies College, 1913]. Members of the troupe: Annie Ralfe, unknown, Mrs Samuels, Nancy Patterson, unknown, Vera East, unknown. Photo: George Fleming.

With the Red Deer history exhibit in full-scale development and our frequent art exhibitions of national and local significance, the MAG is really stepping forward in its service to our community. It’s an exciting time to serve on the MAG Board.

~ T. Andersen, Board Treasurer

Annual Report 2011

Like us on Facebook: RedDeerMuseumandArtGallery

Follow us on

@RedDeerMuseum

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Join Us

Membership:518 Members

Become a Member Today and help us Make History!

WE’RE CONNECTED

We are a Cultural Access Pass location

Did You Know

The MAG had 15349 visitors in 2011, plus 10358 attendees at offsite events and programs

www.reddeer.ca

Funders

The MAG gratefully acknowledges the support of our funders.

Event Sponsors

Reel Movie Mondays Partner

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Black

CMYK

Pantone

Harvest Festival 2011Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Red Deer

Central Alberta Rocks!

WASKASOO MUSEUM FOUNDATION

The Waskasoo Museum Foundation was established in 1980, and its directors are appointed by the Board of the Red Deer & District Museum Society. The purpose of the Foundation is to accept and administer financial gifts or bequests related to the activities of the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery. The Foundation uses its funds to support the activities of the Museum. It also administers the Kathleen Swallow Bequest and uses the income from these funds to purchase works of art by First Nations artists for the Museum’s collection. In 2011, the Waskasoo Museum Foundation decided to pool its funds from a number of years in order to purchase more significant works of art in the future.

Grants from The City of Red DeerGrantsAdmissions and programsBingo and casinoOtherDonationsAdmin RecoveryMembershipsAmortization of deferred capital contributionsInvestment Income

*REVENUES$ 902,098$ 151,481$ 35,087$ 33,700$ 12,342$ 4,492$ 4,003$ 3,660$ 1,189$ 929

$1,148,981

Annual Report 2011

*Revenues: from the 2011 Audited Financial Statements

Did You Know

Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery4525 47A Ave.,Red Deer, AB T4N 6Z6

T: 403-309-8405E: museum@reddeer.caW: www.reddeermuseum.com