Jessica Smith

Rob Potts has always been fascinated by what makes computers tick, and started “snooping around” in the inner recesses of computers in his early teens.  “I started on my parents’ computers, playing games, and then I kept diving in deeper than most computers users do. As a group of friends, we all did the same things and helped build each others computer systems.”

Now more than a decade later, he still enjoys delving into system units and that led to the April 1 launch of Any Key Atikokan, a computer repair, maintenance and systems-building service. Given it’s typically more fun than work for him, Potts just ponders: “Why didn’t I think of this before?”

His specialty is designing custom-built rigs tailored to client needs, which allows the customer to get the specs they want, without all the mark-up and high pressure sales that can occur when purchasing through electronics outlets or online, said Potts.

He orders and assembles part by part: system unit, hard drive, mother board, processor, case, etc. “This in turn cuts the cost for the end user because the customer doesn’t get all the mark-up and they get to deal with me rather than the merchant,” he said.

Potts, a veteran gamer, also knows about how to build the type of rigs hard core gamers require at less than the retail cost. Check out pictures and reviews of some of his high-powered gaming units (which can accommodate the “dozens of new games that are coming out every year”) to smaller ‘gamers on a budget’ units on his Facebook page: ‘AnyKeyAtikokan PC Repair’.

“I understand the mainstream user going to [an outlet] and going by the words the staff tells them, because the staff is paid to sell the product. I on the other hand, want to provide the best service to my consumers. I want my customer to be satisfied and if that means I have to go to someone else to get something done, I will. I want to provide the best product,” said Potts.

Of course, he also does a lot of repair and maintenance calls; the most common being for failed hard drives and data restoration.

Potts was born and raised in Atikokan, graduating high school in 2007. In Vancouver he trained as an electrician, and is now apprenticing with GI Electric. Any Key complements both his training and his natural interest in computers.

Potts will meet with potential customers to consult, and for computer repairs and maintenance he will either work on them either in his home or at the customers’ home.

As for the business name, it was thought up by Potts’ girlfriend and inspired by one particular episode of the long-running animated sitcom, The Simpsons, where the bumbling character Homer encounters the common computer instruction flashed across his screen: Press any key to continue. ‘Where’s the ‘any key’?’ Homer panics.

“I’m trying to be the ‘any key’,”explains Potts.

For more info, contact Potts at 598-0988, rob@anykeyatikokan.ca, check out his Facebook page and website www.anykeyatikokan.ca which should be up and running soon.

M. McKinnon

The issues have changed, but the work is every bit as important, and that was reflected at the annual meeting of the Atikokan Economic Development Corp. April 24.

“We are poised on the precipice of good… quite a change,” said board chair Dave Elder. “We have persisted, made sure Atikokan would not be forgotten.”

With an economic revival now at hand, the focus has shifted to being ready with the housing, services and business supports an enlarged local work force will need. “When it does happen, it will happen fast. It will be hair pulling time.”

He called the cooperation between the AEDC and the Town in striving for that the strongest ever.

“Now, more than ever, there is a unifying movement pushing Atikokan forward, not just into the immediate future, but planning for its long-term prosperity.”

Kathryn Duchnicky, the Community Futures agent for the AEDC, brought greetings from FedNor director-general Aime Dimatteo, and congratulated the agency on its work over the past year. She noted it had supported three new business start-ups, created 11 new jobs, helped maintain 30 more, and worked with over 240 businesses and organizations over the year.

The annual report noted a wide range of efforts the AEDC has been involved in to be ready for growth: housing, labour market and industrial lands studies under the provincial investment-readiness initiative, the work of committees on mining and mineral development, the Atikokan Thermal Generating Station, seniors’ housing and Path of the Voyageur, and an unprecedented level of cooperation between the Town and the AEDC.

And, of course, the agency continued to operate the Atikokan Employment Centre and the Community Investment Fund, manage the Local Initiatives Program and the self-employment benefit program, and partner with the Atikokan Chamber of Commerce.

Finally, the AEDC has a broader service area, and continues to strengthen its relationships with the communities of Upsala, Lac La Croix, Lac Des Milles Lacs and Seine River.

At the Employment Centre “the upswing in the economy has been very obvious in the number of job postings we are seeing and the nature of these jobs. We are seeing more professionals coming to our community.” It continues to provide a broad range of job preparation assistance and training to those needing it (including direct supports to over 20), is now playing a central role in the Atikokan inter-agency committee, and staged another career and job fair.

The investment fund made over 20 loans during the year, totaling $769,584, increasing its portfolio of investments in local and regional businesses to just over $4 million. With allowances for doubtful loans, the portfolio is estimated to stand at $2.43 million. (The fund is for higher risk loans; loans are secured with business and personal assets.) During the year, $513,253 in repayments were made. The investment fund was also topped up with a $500,000 contribution from the federal government (through FedNor, which funds Community Futures organizations like the AEDC).

Five people worked under the self-employment incentive program, three in the service sector and two in retail.

The Local Initiatives Program made 15 grants to a total of $72,840 to: ANFC (building study), AHS-Ahousaht exchange, Town (housing study and GIS mapping program), Sportsmen’s Conservation Club (walkway at Little Falls), SnoHo Club (sign at Town entrance), Chamber of Commerce (Canoeing Capital merchandising program; canoe-shaped bike racks), Bass Classic (equipment, promotion of ANFC events), Towm map, Heart of the Continent conference (Atikokan-Quetico participation), Beaten Path Nordic Trails (promotional signage at Kemuel), Mt. Fairweather (lift operator booth), and Upsala Rec. Board (children’s ski hill).

The agency remains on sound financial footing, and reviewed and accepted the financial statements. VBK Chartered Accountants were renewed, as was attorney Keith Jobbitt. Dennis Brown, Wayne McAndrew, Ken Sawchuk and Dave Bjorkman were all returned to the board by acclamation for another three-year term. Other board members are chair Elder, Vic Prokopchuk, Shannon Riding (of Upsala; she sits in an at large position on the board), Mary Makarenko, Tami Stinson, Jim Turner, Bob Botham and Dave Homer. Councillors Marlene Davidson and Jerry Duhamel sit as Council reps; positions for Upsala and First Nations reps remain vacant.

Sunday Wilde’s megaphone is not a prop, but an instrument. She brought it to provide the siren in That man drives me mad PHOTO COURTESY MFM

M. McKinnon

Although she didn’t walk away with the big prize, Sunday Wilde did just fine at the Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards April 28 in Sudbury.

“It was awesome. I felt like I was a winner for sure,” said Wilde (a.k.a Ange Sponchia), who was nominated for album of the year by a solo artists for What man? Oh THAT man!!!

Wilde became something of a crowd favourite when she performed at the awards gala, and got a boost from show host Les Stroud (Survivorman), who commented on her wilderness bona fides and added he’d wished he’d known she was a blues artist. (“I’d have got out my [mouth] harp and played with her.”)

“They had a big screen and when they read out the nominations, they put my picture up there… and people were screaming! It really made me feel like the audience wanted me to win,” said Wilde. “I think part of it was just that I presented something different. Most of the musicians were alt rock, or folkie…”

It also helped that she was able to joke with the audience. She has developed a good deal of performance polish over the past couple of years, and is able to bring a big personality onto the stage – a personality that matches the power of her music.

Stroud was one of two celebrities in Sudbury for the gala; Jason Priestly (Beverly Hills, 90210 and Call Me Fitz) was also turning heads.

For the gala, she played That man drives me mad, with a six-piece band backing her up, which was a real treat for her – normally she performs with a bassist, at most. She also got to play a night earlier at an MFM showcase event at the Townehouse Tavern in Sudbury. That went well once some technical issues were sorted out.

“There were tons of people there, and I got lots of good feedback,” she said. “Hearing positive things from strangers… people who don’t know me and care about me… I really appreciated that.”

MFM had a full conference for performers for several days leading up to the awards gala, and Wilde participated fully in that, and made a lot of worthwhile contacts. A Toronto filmmaker expressed interest in using her music for a movie she is making, Wilde made some contacts with the Sudbury jazz festival (not quite a booking – yet), and she spoke with a number of bands about the music business (her other hat: In the Wilds Production and Promotion) and landed a radio campaign with at least one.

She also spoke later with Stroud “about some things he’s working on”. (Survivorman returns this summer with the first of a series of four specials.)

Cindy Doire’s Sticks and Mud won the album of the year by a solo artist; it was the Timmins vocalist’s second MFM title – she won in 2010 for Chapleau de Pluie.

But the MFM awards were a breakthrough for Wilde, and for Northwestern Ontario. She was the first nominee in the album of the year from the Northwest; and she an Thunder Bay’s Jean Paul De Roover (vocal performance of the year) were the first from NWO to get a music nomination.

Sunday Wilde, at work now on her fourth CD, will play Thunder Bay in May (The Apollo on the 25^th and Ruby Moon on the 26^th) and June (The Apollo on the 29^th), in Winnipeg July 21 (Carrie Frechette will open for her at Pop Pop Soda’s) and is booked for the Searchmont Music Festival in Sault Ste. Marie on Labour Day weekend. Catch up with her at www.sundaywilde.com.

Sally Ostrom

Sally Ostrom, 92, passed away at the Atikokan General Hospital Extended Care Wing on April 28, 2012.

She is survived by daughter Connie (Dick) Carlson, grandsons Eric (Ingrid) Carlson and Rick (Nikki) Carlson and four great-granddaughters. Great-granddaughter Terra was very special to her. She is also survived by her sisters Mary Owen, Wassy Trudeau and Emma Brasseur, a brother-in-law, four sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Rudy (December 1981), as well as sisters Olga and Anne, a sister-in-law and nine brothers-in-law.

Cremation has taken place and no service was held, per her wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Extended Care Wing at the Atikokan General Hospital, if so desired.

Monday, May 14

Zoning amendment meeting, 4:30 pm, Council chambers

Council meets, 5 pm

Hort. Society workshop, Decorating Your Whimsical Bird House, with Val Fraser. 597-1552

ANFC talking circle, 6:30 pm, 597-597-1213, ext. 4

Tuesday, May 15

Pre-school story time, Sun Dog, 10:15 am

Lutheran food bank open to community 2-4 pm (front door)

Community Counselling’s Keep It Simple Skills Group, 4:30-6:30pm, (807) 978-2724)

Tween Tuesday, ages 8 & up, 6:30 pm, Library

Wednesday, May 16

Blood pressure clinic, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, Little Darlings

Community Living Month BBQ, Community Living Atikokan, 5:30 pm

Music & movement for pre-schoolers, 9:45 am, North Star

Toddler Time, 10:15 am, Sun Dog

Young Women’s forum, Shelter of Hope, 6 pm (Marlys, 621-7076)

Thursday, May 17

Al Anon, 7 pm, Community Fellowship, 597-8128/4467

Beginners’ sewing classes, 7pm, ANFC, 597-1213, ext. 4)

Saturday, May 19

Steve Emms show Watercolours of the North West opens, 1-3 pm, Pictograph Gallery

Free community supper, 4-6 pm, Atikokan Community Fellowship, (410 Front St.) 597-6469

Sunday, May 20

Jam Session, 2 pm, Pioneer Centre

Monday, May 21

Victoria Day

May 22 – Council meets in committee-of-the-whole, 5 pm

Wish Upon a Butterfly, 6:30 pm, Library (register 597-4406)

May 26 – Vintage Iron Auto ‘Show & Shine,’ Main St.

Atikokan Figure Skating Club, 9 am-noon, arena. (597-2838)

May 26-27 – Clean-up weekend. Tipping fees waived at landfill (10 am – 6 pm Sat., 1 – 6 pm Sun) for rubbish, yard clean-up, metal and scrap metal, refrigerators, tires.

May 28 - Council meets, 5 pm

June 1&2 – Relay for Life, North Star, 7pm-7am

June1 – Full Gospel Assembly concert by ‘That Place’, 7pm (free admission)

June 2 – Full Gospel Assembly healing seminar, 2-4 pm & 7pm

June 3- Full Gospel Assembly healing seminar wrap up, 11 am

June 5 – Environment Canada CanWarn weather training, 7 pm, Fire Hall (register with the Town at 597-1234, ext. 233)

June 6 – Pioneer Centre meets, 2 pm

June 15 – Strawberry Social, 2 pm, Pioneer Centre

June 17 – Riverview BBQ & TMBLWEED concert

June 20 – Community Living Atikokan annual meeting

Blood pressure clinic 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

June 21 – RR District Women’s Shelter of Hope, La Place Rendezvous, Fort Frances, 597-2868

June 29 – Pioneer Centre BBQ, 5 pm

The Fishing Network wants to know…

Jessica Smith

Remember the enthusiasm of Hockeyville voters? The countless volunteers who work tirelessly to promote Atikokan? Or that same spirit of hometown pride that prompts many locals to post scenic pictures on websites like the Weather Network?

The AEDC’s Garry McKinnon is encouraging all those who love the town to direct that enthusiasm to making Atikokan the next Ultimate Fishing Town. The contest is put on by the World Fishing Network and showing support is pretty straightforward: voting with a couple of clicks of a mouse. It’s the votes that will determine which town in Canada is crowned the ‘Ultimate Fishing Town’ and the honour comes with a cool $25,000, and a WFN television feature on the 2012 Ultimate Fishing Town.

People can vote online (wwww.worldfishingnetwork.com) four times per day (with an initial free vote for posting the link to Facebook), between certain time periods. Atikokan is way behind at this point – with just over 100 votes last week, compared with the leading towns (both in Ontario) like Hastings (on the Trent River) and Temagami with over 4,700  and over 4,500 votes respectively. There is still plenty of time for Atikokan fishing fans to kick into gear and cast their ballots, however: Voting runs until the end of the month.

The WFN contest is seeking towns full of secret fishing spots, are a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and whose residents are more passionate about fishing than neighbouring towns. McKinnon got wind of the contest just prior to the nomination deadline, and filed the required brief description of the town and reasons why it is the ultimate fishing town.

“The Atikokan area boasts outstanding Bass, Walleye, Lake Trout, and Northern Pike fishing on hundreds of accessible lakes right on our doorstep,” noted McKinnon in his summary now on the town’s wall on the WFN site. “The Atikokan Bass Classic hosts over one hundred boats each year with 10 fish bags of over 40 pounds. The Atikokan Sportsmen’s Conservation Club hatch and release millions of walleye fry each year to ensure a continued fabulous fishery. After work, you can hook onto the boat and be on a lake in 15 minutes and home with your limit for dinner.”

Anyone can vote for Atikokan (you don’t have to live here) and McKinnon hopes others will also help build enthusiasm and promotion of the town, by sharing photos and videos of fishing related events and comments. Posting the WFN link to Facebook and Twitter will also earn an extra vote and help rally friends and family, and is something the contest organizers and McKinnon are encouraging. “It’s the people that engage in the activity that determine the outcome,” he said.

WFN is posting daily questions on each town wall, to elicit fan answers that will help demonstrate what makes it the Ultimate Fishing Town.

Last year the small northeastern Ontario town of Chapleau took the honour in Canada (one town is also selected in the US) after earning the most votes. Organizers there credit the use of social media in galvanizing voting. In 2010, Port Alberni, BC took the prize with nearly 630,000 votes.

It may be a long shot for Atikokan, simply because not many have voted yet, but that can change, if fans of the town choose to. Several other nominated northwestern Ontario communities are also slow off the starting blocks. As of last week, votes for: Fort Frances (93), Kenora (39), Sioux Narrows (65), Dryden (18), Kenora (39), Terrace Bay (29), Thunder Bay (9) and Red Lake with a mere vote. Nestor Falls has 688.

And, there is a second prize of $5,000 community donation to be used for fishing-related causes in the winning town and third, $2,500 community donation to be used for fishing-related causes in the winning town.

And, winning aside, “any chance for a little promotion for the town is a good thing,” said McKinnon.

Brian Scott McDonald-Monaghan

It is with heavy hearts that we express the untimely, tragic death of our Brian, resulting from a motorcycle accident in Atikokan, Ontario on April 28, 2012, just before his 32^nd birthday (May 20).

Brian lived for his loving fiancée Katie Lyons and his adoring little boys Landyn and Lucas.

He was the cherished son of Dorothy & Mike Sasseville, Dennis & Dee Monaghan, Daryll & Angela McDonald and Anita & Dave Lyons, beloved brother to Lindsay Monaghan and James McCloskey, Missy McDonald and Steve Fox, Tom McDonald and Maya, Tanya Laliberte and Wayne, Teresa Lindsay and Tim, Mike Sasseville Jr., Donny, Dustin & Donna and Jeff (Sarah) Lyons, and loving grandson of Arthur Curran (waiting for Brian with open arms is his grandma Edith (2010). He was cherished uncle to his adoring nieces and nephews. He will be especially missed by his uncles Cook Monaghan and Brice Monaghan, his aunt Doneida Trousdale (Mark), cousins, aunts, uncles and by all who knew and loved him.

Brian was an avid hunter, fisherman, and a dedicated firefighter with Atikokan Fire Rescue. He was a man devoted to his family and his work; his love of life for the outdoors will forever live in the hearts of his two beautiful boys.

Brian’s funeral service was held in Windsor, May 6. An Atikokan memorial service will be held Friday, May 11 at the Royal Canadian Legion at 1 pm.

In memory of Brian, donations may be made in care of Katie Lyons, so she may invest in their children’s future (an account has been set up at the Atikokan RBC).

On-line condolences and cherished memories may be shared with Brian’s family at www.windsorchapel.com.

Call 1-877-374-4533 to book an appointment for a free hearing test at the health unit; testing day Wednesday, May 16.

Monday, May 7

Council meets in committee-of-the-whole, 5 pm

ANFC talking circle, 6:30 pm, 597-597-1213, ext. 4

Tuesday, May 8

Pre-school story time, Sun Dog, 10:15 am

Lutheran food bank open to community 2-4 pm (front door)

Community Counselling’s Keep It Simple Skills Group, 4:30-6:30 pm, (807) 978-2724

Tween Tuesday, ages 8 & up, 6:30 pm, Library

Wednesday, May 9

Pictograph Gallery silent auction (runs until Saturday)

Music & movement for pre-schoolers, 9:45 am, North Star

Toddler Time, 10:15 am, Sun Dog

Young Women’s forum, Shelter of Hope, 6 pm (Marlys, 621-7076)

Thursday, May 10

Scott Woods concert, Riverview UC, 7 pm

Al Anon, 7 pm, Community Fellowship, 597-8128/4467

Beginners’ sewing classes, 7pm, ANFC, 597-1213, ext. 4)

Friday, May 11

Giant White Elephant sale, 12:30 pm

Mother’s Day Tea, 2 pm, Pioneer Centre

Legion patio opening BBQ, 5:30 pm

Lucy in the Sky Walk for MS meeting, 6:30pm, AEDC training room

Saturday, May 12

Legion yard sale CANCELLED

Pictograph Gallery, 25^th year celebration

Come & Go tea for Elmer & Sylvia Brandrick’s 40^th anniversary

Sunday, May 13

Jam Session, 2 pm, Pioneer Centre

Monday, May 14

Zoning amendment meeting, 4:30 pm, Council chambers

Council meets, 5 pm

Hort. Society workshop, Decorating Your Whimsical Bird House, with Val Fraser. 597-1552

May 15 – Tween Tuesday, ages 8 & up, 6:30 pm, Library

May 16 - Blood pressure clinic, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, Little Darlings

Community Living Month BBQ, Community Living Atikokan, 5:30 pm

May 19 – Steve Emms show Watercolours of the North West opens, 1-3 pm, Pictograph Free community supper, 4-6 pm, Atikokan Community Fellowship, (410 Front St.) 597-6469

May 21 – Victoria Day

May 22 – Council meets in committee-of-the-whole, 5 pm

May 26 – Vintage Iron Auto ‘Show & Shine,’ Main St.

May 28 - Council meets, 5 pm

June 1&2 – Relay for Life, North Star, 7pm-7am

June1 – Full Gospel Assembly concert by ‘That Place’, 7pm (free admission)

June 2 – Full Gospel Assembly healing seminar, 2-4 pm & 7pm

June 3- Full Gospel Assembly healing seminar wrap up, 11 am

June 5 – Environment Canada CanWarn weather training, 7 pm, Fire Hall (register with the Town at 597-1234, ext. 233)

June 6 – Pioneer Centre meets, 2 pm

June 15 – Strawberry Social, 2 pm, Pioneer Centre

June 17 – Riverview BBQ & TMBLWEED concert

June 20 – Community Living Atikokan annual meeting

Blood pressure clinic 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

June 21 – RR District Women’s Shelter of Hope, La Place Rendezvous, Fort Frances, 597-2868

June 29 – Pioneer Centre BBQ, 5 pm

M. McKinnon

Atikokan’s People for Playgrounds group has chosen a play structure it would like to see established at Centennial Park.

It won’t come cheap; the price tag is $55,000, said group leader Crystal Gallinger. The Town has set aside about $10,000 for playground equipment (based on first budget drafts for 2012); the rest will have to come from grants and fund-raising.

A little over two months ago, a group of six Atikokan mothers took up the challenge to help raise that money. People for Playgrounds now has close to 100 members at its Facebook site, and has started grant applications and fund-raising events.

“We have donation jars at a number of businesses around town, and will be holding a bake sale in the mall on May 26,” said Gallinger. (Baked donations can be dropped off at the NWHU office on May 25, before 3 pm.)

Direct donations to the cause can be made at the Town office; they are eligible for a charitable donation tax receipt.

Over the past couple of years, the Town has removed most of the playground equipment at places like Centennial and Dunbar Heights for safety reasons. Much of it was thirty years or more old. Currently, there are fairly new playgrounds at North Star and St. Patrick’s School (both fund-raise on a regular basis to add to them) and in Lone Pine.

After considering a couple locations the group decided its first effort would be focused on Centennial Park (across from the arena and ball diamond). It’s a central location, and an underserviced area.

Anyone interested in joining the group, or just helping out, can contact Gallinger through the FaceBook page or directly at 597-4638.

Jessica Smith

Creativity needs an outlet, and 25 years ago, four Atikokan artists launched the Pictograph Gallery after becoming discouraged about the town’s lack of an artistic venue. Painters Sally Burns, Peggy Michels, Elsa Kosola and Lise Sorensen were taking Lakehead University fine art classes here, and at course end put on an exhibit at the Library. Still, neither that facility nor the Museum was set up to provide the kind of place artists needed to show and sell their work, and celebrate artistic expression. Atikokan artists needed their own gallery.

It was exciting to think about the possibilities of bringing in both local and regional artist to put on exhibits. Still, where would they get the funds or the space? “Bob Michels [then head of the AEDC]  said ‘Talk to Fran Speer [who owns the Voyageur Mall], and he also said ‘Get a board together,’” recalls Burns.

They did both in short order: Speer lent them the downstairs space free of charge, (“That’s what has always enabled us to do this.”) and they incorporated shortly thereafter with a handful of artists. Jo-Anne Lachapelle-Beyak, who had researched the increasingly popular model of artist-run galleries, became chair.

The fledgling group managed to secure a job development grant to conduct renovations, and Lise Sorensen adorned the window with their new branding: the Pictograph logo. The name was something “we thought and thought about, and [chose] because a pictograph is a personal mark, and that’s what art is about – your personal mark and self expression,” said Burns. “When I’ve seen the pictographs [ancient Aboriginal paintings on rocks found in Quetico Park], I always thought about the person who did it.”

The grand opening was held March 11, 1988, and quickly the group “put our heads together because we had to think about who would be able to put on shows.”

The four artists each exhibited their own work, but because the women were busy with jobs and families, the gallery was typically only open a day or two per week. Soon however, the fertile artistic community here began to result in more and more local artists popping up with their own work. For many, it was a spring board to nurture those talents.

“It was a format where they could aspire to have a show and enabled them to be more visible and more productive,” added Burns, who stepped away from an active role with the gallery within a few years due to work commitments. “It has kept going so well, and I’m happy every time I go there [to see it flourishing].”

And indeed it is. Unlike many community organizations struggling with volunteer burnout and dwindling membership, the gallery continues to be enthusiastically supported by a board of six artists (chair Lori McCluskey, Christine Spilchuk, Vivian Gilmour, Andrea Allison, Mary Dyck and Janice Matichuk), a paid membership of about 75 and a pool of some 30 volunteers willing to lend a hand to help set up for the eight or more yearly exhibits, workshops, and to keep the gallery and gift shop open five to six afternoons per week.

Finding artists willing to show their work is no longer a challenge, with artists from across the region and the province putting on exhibitions here. In fact, the gallery is now booking into 2014.

The town alone is “a hotbed of creativity”. Artists “often approach us regarding exhibits and we’re always amazed by how creative people here are,” said McCluskey, adding jokingly, “Maybe it’s something to do with long, cold winters. I think everyone is an artist in their own way, though, they just have to discover and nurture it.”

“We’re the opposite of burnout,” said McCluskey, who has been active in the gallery for 20 years. “It’s been rejuvenated lately. It’s an active, forward-thinking board.”

For McCluskey, a painter and sketcher, the new gallery was originally a way for “to get involved with the community. I was supply teaching at St. Patrick’s and had a house full of kids. It was a way of getting involved and supporting the arts.”

Now, exhibits typically run for six weeks, featuring a broad range of artistic expression: painting, photography, crafts, pottery, sculpting, wood and metal work, cross stitch, quilting, weaving and much more.

“We’re always on the lookout for something a little different or new. We sit down on a monthly basis and plan ahead,” she said, promising some new and returning artists guaranteed to create a buzz. Some have elicited strong emotion and even controversy – not surprising considering art is self expression. One recent show to have elicited strong reaction was that of Nestor Falls visual artist Bill McFarlane, who after 35 years as a graphic artist explored his own personal identity crisis with his vivid depictions of anguish and despair for his Metamorphosis exhibit.

“We had more comments on that one than any others [recently],” said McCluskey. A depiction of a green screaming face repelled some, while others “would say ‘I know how he feels,’” recalled McCluskey. “I can’t wait to see what he brings this time.” (He’s booked again in 2013.)

Thunder Bay artist Pam Cain’s E nat’e me show which depicted the interior workings of the human body, was also much discussed by viewers. Southern Ontario graphic artist Margo Splane is also slated to return to the gallery with her thought-provoking impressionistic renderings.

McCluskey recalls an exhibit of Atikokan artist Alana Marohnic’s work a few years back and one particular painting that triggered an unlikely reaction in one elderly man. An old world European style painting of a bride and groom with dark ominous clouds behind them, prompted World War II memories for a veteran German soldier who shared with McCluskey the memories the painting called to his mind. He recalled rescuing a military medic from drowning in a river, of witnessing bombs landing and helping people trapped in the destroyed buildings. “I listened to him for about an hour and a half,” she said. “That’s what art can do… I’ll never forget it. It was an incredible afternoon.”

A tradition for the gallery is an annual exhibit of artwork from all local schools. “Kids love to be creative; it’s another form of expression. To see that work on display only reinforces it.”

Visitation at the Gallery is strong.

“We get lots of positive feedback from the artists about how many people view their show,” with some even noting that Atikokan showings draw bigger crowds than ones held in Fort Frances.

“It’s a very artsy – crafty community and people like to come down and see what’s going on,” said McCluskey.

Anniversary events

By way of 25^th anniversary celebrations, there are a few special events in store, thanks to an Ontario Power Generation donation which “as a result we’re able to celebrate our 25^th in fine style,” said McCluskey.

Year-long celebrations will continue with a silent silver auction of arts, antiques and collectibles, May 9-12, a wine and cheese celebration for members, an anniversary tree with new monthly decorations (created by Andrea Allison) for the public to help decorate ( by Christmas, it should be an impressive sight), numerous workshops through the summer, and more special exhibits.

Keep an eye out for bird carvings by Dave Elder, Kristy Cameron’s Aboriginal art work and quilt displays.

The gallery received provincial funding a few years ago for major renovations, and annual federal grants have helped to hire summer students.

Through the Ontario Arts Council, the gallery recommends artists for grants to assist with exhibition, framing and shipping expenses.

For routine operational costs, the board relies on membership and fundraising. Memberships are $10 per year, $15 for two years and $100 for a lifetime membership, of which there are several.

Fundraisers include the Christmas Market, the gift store, artist-run workshops and some art sales, of which the gallery gets a commission.

A recent board idea to start an ongoing used book sale has proven “unbelievably popular.” “It’s getting bigger and now it’s spreading down the hall.” Even outside of gallery hours, people will peruse the books and leave their payment on the shelf.

The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 3 pm. For more info, check out their website, www.AtikokanPictographGallery.com, or phone 597-4344 or drop by during gallery hours.

The board credits the continued support of the community, artists, mall owner Speer, the mall merchants, and “an active, forward-thinking board” for a successful quarter century of nurturing and celebrating the creative community.

“It’s a thrill [to be involved] and a wonderful thing to do when you’re retired.”