CASA opens its doors

trevor.kenney — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:08:05 +0000

The City of Lethbridge, Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge are excited to announce the Grand Opening of CASA, a truly functional 42,000 square foot arts centre with a striking building design.

CASA is the realization of a 20-year dream, shared by many in the Lethbridge arts community, to expand or replace the Bowman Arts Centre and provide a home for the arts in one central location.

"I am very pleased to participate in today's celebration, which will usher in new opportunities for Lethbridge and southern Alberta's artistic community," says Jim Hillyer, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

"Worthwhile projects such as this create jobs and encourage economic growth, while also providing Canadians with valuable cultural spaces."

Funding for the $20.69 million project includes $6 million from the Building Canada Fund – Communities Component (with $3 million provided by both the Federal Government and Alberta Transportation under BCF-CC), $14.4 million from the provincial Municipal Sustainability Initiative (administered by Alberta Municipal Affairs) and $200,000 from the City of Lethbridge.

"We're pleased to support local priorities and build communities through the Municipal Sustainability Initiative," says Greg Weadick, Associate Minister of Alberta Municipal Affairs and MLA for Lethbridge-West.

"Facilities like CASA bring together families and neighbours while they enrich lives, entertain and create more vibrant economies."

CASA will allow for students of all ages to learn and explore many different mediums of art, drama, music, dance, yoga and more. It will become home to many local groups and events.

After the 11 a.m. Grand Opening, and for the remainder of the week, special events will be taking place in the evenings, with a Party On the Plaza from noon until 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. This community festival is free and will include many local musicians and entertainers, from the Lethbridge Community Taiko Association to the U of L Conservatory of Music.

Other events during the week include dance, theatre, film, the inaugural CASA art exhibit opening and the music of Oscar Lopez.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music has numerous events planned that showcase both the new facility and their diverse programs.

U of L Conservatory information, including program registration and upcoming events listings, can be found at this website.

"Our local arts community has been waiting for this day for a long time. For decades to come, this new arts facility will be a significant cultural and economic asset for downtown Lethbridge and for the entire community," says Mayor Rajko Dodic.

Along with the Allied Arts Council, who will be overseeing the facility, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is also a major partner with its Music Conservatory moving to this facility.

"We are extremely proud of U of L Music Conservatory Director Peggy Mezei and her team, and their achievements as they move in to CASA's bright and beautiful space," says Dr. Mike Mahon, the U of L's President and Vice-Chancellor. "Our commitment to the community takes on many forms, and being such an integral part of the CASA group is something we are very pleased to be a part of. This new facility will be of great benefit to our present and future Conservatory students, and also to the many members of the arts and culture community who use the facility to express their own creativity."

The Rotary Clubs of Lethbridge have also provided support to the project which has led to the naming of the Rotary Plaza, the location of the festivities on Saturday, May 18.

CASA will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 pm. on Sundays. Classes and workshops, including the opportunity to try "sampler" classes for a nominal fee, will begin the week of May 20.

Information on Grand Opening Week events as well as information on classes, workshops, facility rentals and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Music Conservatory can be found at the CASA website.

Hitting all the right notes

trevor.kenney — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:48:11 +0000

Music in the Making campaign already halfway towards $500,000 goal

Lottie Austin and Dr. George Evelyn are all warmed up and ready to put on a show. As Co-Chairs for Music in the Making, a campaign for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Music Conservatory, the couple is showing thanks for the opportunities they've had by encouraging others to support something they love – music.

"Music is my core and my soul," says Austin, as her hands effortlessly move across the polished keys, filling her living room with a melody she's making up as she goes. If you listen closely, you'll probably hear Evelyn singing along.

Once a performance musician, Austin is no longer playing for a large crowd of expectant ticket holders. Instead, more often than not, she's playing in her own living room for Evelyn, who taught in the U of L music department for 26 years before retiring in 2009.

"Music has been a part of my life since my mother signed me up for violin lessons when I was five," says Evelyn, who grew up and completed his training in the United States before immigrating to Canada in 1973. "Although it wasn't with a violin under my chin, I've had a rewarding career and from that first lesson on it seemed natural that music was something I was going to do forever."

Lottie Austin and Dr. George Evelyn are encouraged by the support shown for the Music Conservatory.

For these two, music is more than notes on a page – it's laid a foundation on which they've built their lives.

"My business activities have led me away from music, but I constantly find application for the skills I learned as a musician," says Austin, who currently works in the finance industry. "Music taught me to analyze, to set goals, to compartmentalize, to work towards success and those same tenets can be directly applied to a career in business. I know the majority of people who take lessons will not go on to be professional musicians but they will always carry music with them. It is a core component that no matter where you are or what your circumstances are, you will always have music with you."

Having benefitted themselves, this couple is working hard to make sure more people have access to quality music education. Plans for the new Community Arts Centre in downtown Lethbridge include space for the U of L Conservatory, allowing for expansion and growth and helping to build confidence in a new generation of musicians.

"Music in the Making will help provide the support necessary for the Conservatory to continue delivering quality programs and ensure students have access to the equipment and tools necessary to be successful," explains Evelyn, who's excited about the opportunities presented by the new downtown location. "This is an important step as we continue to grow music in our community."

As construction of the Community Arts Centre gets underway, Austin and Evelyn are excited that the Music in the Making campaign has already reached $250,000 of its $500,000 goal.

---

For more information on the Music in the Making campaign or to contribute, please e-mail advancement@uleth.ca or call 1-866-552-2582.

UNews - ��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Music Conservatory

CASA opens its doors

Related Topics

Hitting all the right notes

Related Topics

UNews - ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Music Conservatory