Arts Umbrella Legacy Brochure

25

A Tribute to Carol Henriquez

February 1, 2004 February 1, 2004

L A U N C H I N G A L E G A C Y – A R T S U M B R E L L A 2 5 Y E A R S

We are Arts Umbrella. This is our story.

Arts Umbrella

Canada’s Visual &

Schwartz, Arts Umbrella cofounders, commit to bringing

19

innovative arts education to Vancouver, together with Carolyn Kramer, Lois Woolf, and Sheila Smeaton. Forty-five students enroll in the pilot

80 19

79

Carol Henriquez and Gloria

Arts Umbrella offers 31 classes in the visual and performing arts, using borrowed space in the False Creek Co-op and False Creek Community Centre. The organization’s total expenses for the year were $13,689.

84

85

19

19

project. A dream is born.

The Arts Umbrella Theatre Troupe is launched. Phase II of the new building’s renovation is complete. At the invitation of Vancouver Mayor Mike Harcourt, Arts Umbrella children’s artwork is sent to international exhibit

Arts Umbrella offers 79 classes to 3,173 students. Program expands to include Summer School of Dance and first free inreach workshops. Arts Umbrella is again bursting at the seams, and an addition to the building is planned.

in Yokohama, Japan.

19

94

addition. Alcan begins Stage Coach free theatre outreach.

First year-end annual visual arts exhibit at Buschlen Mowatt Gallery. TELUS begins their sponsorship of our

90 19

Construction begins on new

Arts Umbrella reaches 17,099 students, offering 140 classes.

The new building addition opens on May 26, 1990. First Donor Dinner is held to thank our generous supporters. This year marks the first annual Holt Renfrew Fashion Gala, a

theatre and performance

major new fundraiser for the

programs.

organization.

Arts Umbrella reaches 18,000 students, offering 168 classes on Granville Island in addition to Project Harmony workshops and performances. Splash gala art auction raises $168,051 in net proceeds. Staff now

95 19

19

89

10th Anniversary Year.

Arts Umbrella holds its first Annual Film Festival.

Once again, we run out of space and launch a building campaign for another addition to the Granville Island facility.

includes 49 instructors and 12 administration.

anniversary by beginning construction on a new 7,000 square-foot addition, wired for the electronic age. HSBC Bank Canada begins their sponsorship of the “Save Our Planet” Inreach workshops, reaching

00 20

19

99

We celebrate our 20th

With the completion of a new computer lab, Arts Umbrella launches a comprehensive Media Arts Program. This year’s Vancouver International Fringe Festival includes a performance of Under Milk

4,000 children each year. Carol

Wood by the Arts Umbrella

Henriquez is honoured with our

Senior Theatre Troupe.

country’s highest distinction

Arts Umbrella introduces

for lifetime achievement – the

official website,

Order of Canada.

www.artsumbrella.com

From top to bottom: Carol and Richard Henriquez with Gloria Schwartz. Carol and Arts Umbrella dance students at Expo ‘86 with Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Alcan Van Go Free Outreach Program begins. Carol at opening of 1990 building addition with Michelle Beckerman, Mayor Gordon Campbell, and Doug Mowat. Arts Umbrella opens new addition in 2000. Prime Minister Jean Chretien with Carol and Richard at 1999 Order of Canada ceremonies.

Performing Arts Institute for Young People

artists including Jack Shadbolt and Bill Reid.

The Arts Umbrella Youth Dance Company is formed, and performs for Prince Charles and Princess Diana, during Expo ‘86. Splash and Annual Campaign raises $86,148.

82 87

with Granville Island for permanent space. The organization launches fundraising strategy for building renovations.

Total expenses for the year were $44,786.

Alcan begins their sponsorship of the Van Go Outreach Program, delivering 90 free workshops a year to inner city school children. The Arts Umbrella Dance Company tours 15 Lower Mainland schools and begins the Sunday

83 19

support of 44 contributing

19

an art raffle, drawing the

Arts Umbrella negotiates

88 19

19

86

first fundraising effort with

19

19

81

Board of Directors holds its

On September 15, we move into our own building on Granville Island. First Splash gala art auction held, auctioning off painted umbrellas by renowned artists, including Gordon Smith, raising $48,000 in net proceeds.

First Summer Camp and Gifted Teen Program are launched.

Arts Umbrella begins its Annual Campaign, raising $29,246 in its first year from corporations, individuals and foundations.

Arts Umbrella offers 115 classes to 9,451 students, and begins a new capital campaign for a 5,000 sq. foot addition to the building.

Coffee Concert Series on Granville Island.

History and Save Our Planet Programs are introduced.

Arts Umbrella adopts the name “Project Harmony” for its many free outreach programs, including Alcan’s

92

Project Harmony now delivers free programming to 13,000 inner city children each year.

93 19

Foundation is formed. Art

19

19

91

The Children’s Arts Umbrella

Arts Umbrella celebrates its 15th year with the introduction of the first Master Artist Series for students to study and mentor with established artists.

Van Go and Stage Coach. The first Arts Umbrella Sandcastle Competition is held.

people. With total expenses of $1,239,000, Arts Umbrella raises $581,877 through Annual Campaign, Splash and Holt Renfrew Fashion Gala, with the remainder coming

97

Arts Umbrella launches Spring Break Arts Camp.

Arts Umbrella’s Project Harmony expands with free ArtReach and ArtStart for inner city preschoolers.

98 19

programs to 23,000 young

19

19

96

Arts Umbrella delivers

Arts Umbrella Dance Company performs at the Art Gallery of Ontario as part of national tour. Arts Umbrella holds its first fundraising Golf Tournament.

from tuition fees.

partners with Montréal’s Le Jeune Ballet du Québec to present “Début Dance”, an evening of mixed repertoire at Vancouver’s Playhouse Theatre. Arts Umbrella hosts the first Volunteer

02

The Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach – An Arts Umbrella Project officially opened its doors this spring, offering free, high quality music instruction to youth who would not otherwise be able to access it. Launch of Boys Only Dance Scholarship

03 20

Umbrella Dance Company

20

20

01

For the first time, Arts

25th Anniversary Year! Arts Umbrella reaches 30,000 students and offers 260 classes, serving 23,500 young people through Project Harmony.

The organization employs 115 instructional and administrative staff. Carol Henriquez retires and is appointed Honorary Chair of

Recognition Night to honour

Program. Splash gala art auction celebrates 20th anniversary by

the legacy of its hardworking

honouring the many artists who

The Carol Henriquez Legacy Fund,

and committed volunteers.

have donated their artwork over

an endowment campaign in the

the years, and raises $230,000 in

name of this remarkable woman.

net proceeds.

The organization welcomes Lucille

the Board. The Board launches

Pacey as Arts Umbrella’s new Executive Director.

Photo by: Kyoko Fierro

It is a story about

dreams

“Arts Umbrella began with a dream ” … a dream to build a

brighter future for our children through

the power of the arts.

I

— Carol Henriquez

n 1979, Arts Umbrella opened its doors to 45 children. What is today Canada’s pre-eminent arts institute for young people started in borrowed space with just five artists who worked as instructors and who also served as the organization’s first

Board of Directors.

“We shared a passion for opening students’ spirits to the world of art.

I remember how our minds raced around the concept of a visual and performing arts centre for young people in our community. It was as if we could see it taking shape in our imaginations; children from every neighbourhood in the city coming together to learn to sketch, draw, paint, dance, act and sing. After meeting Carol, my life changed. She became my teacher, my sister, my laughing companion, my confidante, and more importantly, the most wonderful mirror to my soul.”

— Gloria Schwartz

Arts Umbrella began with a dream but it flourished through a vision. Unwavering in its focus, the organization grew steadily, adding new programs, instructors, facilities and materials every year. Under Carol’s leadership, charisma, stamina and passion, Arts Umbrella has thrived and continues to be fed by the energy of the more than 30,000 young people who engage each year in the magic of the Arts Umbrella experience.

“In 1979, Carol invited me to Gloria’s home for a meeting where they shared their idea for an art school for children with me and a handful of other women. As they explained their multi-disciplinary approach – the visual arts, dance and theatre – the concept of an umbrella seemed natural so I piped up with the name ‘Arts Umbrella’.”

— Trudy Pekarsky “One day, Carol and Gloria invited me over to Carol’s home to discuss the idea of starting a new arts school. I had been an art teacher for many years and the concept sounded wonderful. The adventure struck me as exciting but, more than anything, I loved being around the energy of Carol and Gloria.

Their philosophy of nurturing a child’s need for creativity resonated with me and I knew without a doubt that I wanted to come on board.”

— Carolyn Kramer

Photo by: Kyoko Fierro

It is a story about

community

“Many, many individuals have shared ” in this dream and

made it happen.

— Carol Henriquez

A

n organization like Arts Umbrella is not built by one person. It is built by

a community. It is built by artists, parents, volunteers, staff, instructors, teachers, donors, corporations, foundations, government and the most

precious ingredient of all, the children, our reason for being.

At the beginning, prominent local artists were seduced by the sparkle in Carol and Gloria’s eyes as they spoke about and shared their vision with the artistic community.

Among these, were Jack Shadbolt, Bill Reid and Gordon Smith. From the time it was only an idea on paper, they “got it”.

Jack Shadbolt donated his art annually to each and every Arts Umbrella “Splash” art auction. Support from an artist of his stature gave the organization not only monetary support but the courage and encouragement to move forward. On one occasion when Jack visited Arts Umbrella, he saw preschool children’s artwork inspired by his butterflies and remarked, “I work my whole life to be as bold and fresh as they are naturally”.

“Jack remained so loyal to Arts Umbrella over the years because its cause is so deserving and so related to the motivations of all serious artists. From my perspective, I believe it is vital to expose children to arts activities at an early age because it gives them an opportunity to make that bond between mind and body, which is so vital to human health. Not all of the children that attend Arts Umbrella will go on to become professional artists but they will benefit from their experience in deep ways nonetheless.”

— Doris Shadbolt Bill Reid was passionate about giving children the opportunity to fulfill their creative potential and expand their minds through the arts. He inspired thousands of aspiring young artists with his vision and talent. He spoke of “the elegant line, the subtle curve, the sure precise brush stroke that gives us that sudden aching sense of identity with the distant cousin who first lovingly made it”. Bill was a giant in the world of art and Arts Umbrella benefitted enormously from his support.

Gordon Smith’s career as an artist has been paralleled by his career as an educator and supporter of up and coming artists and art educators. We are extremely grateful for Gordon’s long time support, both as a strong believer in the philosophy of Arts Umbrella and as an artist contributing annually to our art auction, Splash.

Gordon set the standard for other artists to give us their best work. From the very beginning, he showered us with his amazing talents and led the way for many younger artists to do the same.

“I first heard about Arts Umbrella years ago when I was asked to paint an umbrella for one of their first fundraisers. I quickly learned how passionate everyone at Arts Umbrella was and what tremendous support they were already building in the community. The art community, in particular, embraced Arts Umbrella as we all recognized what a unique and important concept was taking shape. It’s been 25 years since its inception and Arts Umbrella continues to impress and delight me with its creative approach to arts education.”

— Gordon Smith Another generous supporter of Arts Umbrella in the beginning was Arthur Fouks, an outstanding lawyer and community philanthropist. In 1982, Arthur came to the organization’s rescue to help raise the funds to renovate the original building. He shared Arts Umbrella’s passion for nurturing children’s dreams and played a vital role in our rapid growth.

T

he business community, in particular, has been so generous and has understood that an education in the arts provides young

people with the tools for success – in all career choices – whether

it is in business or in the arts. Arts Umbrella’s young students will be tomorrow’s adults, not only our artists but also our leaders in all walks of life.

Arts Umbrella’s fundraising efforts began 25 years ago, when the Board held an art raffle to raise the extra funds needed to move into a new building on Granville Island. They received major support from 44 Vancouver artists for their first “Gala Art Raffle”, including Jack Shadbolt and Bill Reid, and held an exhibit at Robson Square. The raffle was a resounding success, thus securing the future of Splash,

Photo by: David Cooper

Arts Umbrella’s annual art auction. Since then, Arts Umbrella has continually endeavoured to keep tuition fees low and remove economic barriers to participation through the organization’s development efforts. Over the years, Arts Umbrella has earned a reputation in the community for focusing on the “fun” in “fundraising” and creating dynamic fundraising campaigns and spectacular special events that have become inextricably linked to our organization.

Over the past 25 years, Arts Umbrella has hosted 21 Splash Auctions, 21 Annual Campaigns, 14 Holt Renfrew Fashion Galas, 8 California Wine Vintners Tastings, 6 Golf Tournaments, 5 Arts Umbrella Sandcastle Competitions, and 3 Capital Campaigns. Each of these important initiatives was led by committed volunteers and their valuable network of colleagues and friends, and supported by the business community and the private sector.

As an educational organization dedicated to ensuring accessibility to quality arts programming for all young people, Arts Umbrella has striven to keep tuition fees low and has removed economic barriers to participation. Today, over 58% of Arts Umbrella’s $3.5 million operating budget is raised through the organization’s development efforts and special events. This success is a strong indicator of the integrity of our programs and the respect Arts Umbrella holds within the community.

Individuals, corporations, governments and foundations have sponsored our students, programs, performances, major initiatives and events and their support remains a vital ingredient in the world of possibility we bring to young people every day.

“It is not often that we know someone who takes a passion and turns it into a reality. That is what my friend Carol did. In the 30 plus years I have known her she has not lost that passion. She is still as committed to Arts Umbrella and the arts as she was those many years ago. Her retirement, I know, for her will be just A NEW BEGINNING.” — Leslie Diamond

“I truly believe that we are all responsible for passing on greater opportunities to the next generation. Of all of our legacies, the most important thing we must give children is education. In school, they will undoubtedly learn biology, math, computers, and languages, all of which are vital training for the mind. However, we must not forget to nurture the spirit of each child as well, which is accomplished through art. Schools can provide our children with many of the ingredients necessary to make a wonderful cake, but I look to Arts Umbrella to put the icing on that cake.”

— Tom Chan “Arts Umbrella delivers more than arts education; it is a bridge between a young person learning to paint or act or dance, and developing a greater vision of what he or she can accomplish by investing time and energy in that dream. Carol Henriquez has created a legacy in Arts Umbrella that has given thousands of young people from all walks of life the gift of not only exploring artistic mediums but also feeling better about themselves as citizens of their communities and the world. Arts Umbrella gives young people vision and optimism, which is the greatest gift of all.”

— James A. Burton “Arts Umbrella has flourished over the past 25 years because there is a need for supplementary arts education in every community, and Arts Umbrella fulfilled that role in Vancouver in a first-class manner. Its success is also inextricably linked with the passion and enthusiasm of Carol Henriquez and all of the people who work for and volunteer with the organization.

As for our future, our hope is to expand our programs deeper into the inner-city core, and give more children the opportunity to express themselves through art. Independent studies show that children that get involved in arts grow into vibrant, positive citizens. I have every confidence that with the dedicated people behind Arts Umbrella, the future of arts education in our community looks very bright.”

— Ken Woods “As parents, we seek a variety of ways for our children to prosper, and Arts Umbrella is an integral component of that mix. We don’t know what the world will have to offer our children in 20 years but we do know that they will have to evolve and we strongly believe that arts education is vital to that growth. We don’t raise our children in a vacuum and we know that they will grow up and interact with people from all walks of life. It’s important to us that we do our part to ensure that other children have the same opportunities to flourish.”

— Sandra and Mark Snider “Only a small minority of the young people who attend Arts Umbrella will become professional artists, yet I passionately believe that the exposure to the arts for all the young people who are touched by Arts Umbrella will produce a more sensitive group of human beings for tomorrow. It is my sincere hope and dream that one day Arts Umbrella will spread its magic to other cities, because the world would undoubtedly be a better place with youngsters all over the globe engaging in the magic of Arts Umbrella.”

— Michael Audain “To participate in The Carol Henriquez Legacy Fund is like dropping a pebble in a pond when you reflect on the joy, achievement, sharing and wonderment Arts Umbrella has provided over the years. Carol, thank you.”

— Mary Margaret Young

Photo by: David Cooper

It is a story about

children

“ To touch a child ’s soul and make a difference ” is one of the

most important things we can ever do in our lives.

— Carol Henriquez

A

rts Umbrella began with a dream to build an art centre that would provide

quality arts education in the visual and performing arts for all children in the community, regardless of their ability to afford the classes or their

artistic gift. But the dream began for Carol even earlier, as an 11-year-old child in Saskatoon. At a local fair, Carol won first prize for a painting she did of her neighbour’s house. That singular moment gave her a sense of who Carol was as a child, and what she did. On that day, she was an artist.

Children at Arts Umbrella learn to dance, to paint, to sculpt and to perform.

But what we are really giving them are the tools to live a productive and inspired life. We believe that, through arts education, the development of a child’s self-confidence, the building of skills and the discovery of their ability to create, will open windows of opportunity and instill in them the excitement that comes when you have a dream and realize that you actually have the ability to achieve it.

“We started taking our children to Arts Umbrella when they were four.

Then the most amazing thing began to happen. They began to attack their ‘work’ differently. They began to explore more than one approach to a problem and many of their approaches were extraordinary. Whether it was building something with materials they found around the house to looking at a math problem from school, they had unconventional ways of seeing and doing. In a changing world, where ‘thinking out of the box’ is as important a skill as writing, Arts Umbrella is teaching this skill.

Anyone who still views this kind of education as a frill is short-changing their children.”

— Casey Hrynkow, Arts Umbrella parent “I know all about clay. I’ve been taking it for three years.”

— Daniel Kaushasky, Clay Sculpture student, at age 6

A

rts Umbrella is the first comprehensive children’s arts institute in Canada

and is now recognized throughout the world for its high-quality training, rigorous standards, contemporary approach, and excellent faculty. No other

Canadian children’s arts institute offers the breadth and depth of programs as Arts Umbrella, with a full complement of disciplines including dance, visual arts, theatre, media arts and music.

Arts Umbrella’s General Program, designed and taught by professional artists and arts educators, provides young people with classes in the visual, dance, and theatre arts. Courses make use of professional materials and leading-edge equipment, and provide performance and exhibiting opportunities in professional venues.

For young people looking to a career in the arts, Arts Umbrella’s Pre-Professional Program provides intensive training in the visual, theatre, dance and media arts.

This Program is specifically designed to provide students with the requisite skills they will need to progress in their chosen field. In Dance, Arts Umbrella’s Professional Training Program prepares gifted and serious young dancers for a professional career through rigorous training, career coaching, mentoring, world-class choreography and performance opportunities.

“Training to be a dancer has never been easy. I was fortunate to have trained at Arts Umbrella in an atmosphere that inspired me and where, each morning, I was excited to go. I was taught to be a strong technical dancer as well as to foster a love and integrity in my art and in myself.”

— Acacia Schachte, Arts Umbrella dance student 1994–1999.

Acacia is currently a member of Ballet British Columbia “I began taking art classes at Arts Umbrella when I was in eighth grade. I have distinct memories of walking out of those classes feeling positively giddy. Once a week I would be with charcoals and acrylics, my eyes full of joy as I realized that I was capable of creating art. Where else can a 14-year-old spend a couple of hours a week with peers who share a similar love for the visual arts? At Arts Umbrella, I was free to be passionate without being ridiculed. I was challenged without being intimidated. My experimentation and exploration were encouraged and not suppressed. It was through these positive initial experiences that I began to feel that I was an artist.”

— Asher Penn, Arts Umbrella Gifted Teen Scholarship student from 1996 to 1999. Asher is currently studying at the Rhode Island School of Design.

“Nothing compares to the thrill of performing.”

— Ashley Battistelli, Arts Umbrella alumna “The Gifted Teen Visual Arts Program allowed us to think, explore and create. More importantly, it allowed us to be ‘us’ as a whole, bringing together and channeling the energies of a group of enthusiastic youth in a strong, motivated environment.”

— Eric Ng, Arts Umbrella Gifted Teen alumnus

As an educational organization, Arts Umbrella is dedicated to ensuring accessibility to arts programming for all young people through bursaries, scholarships, inreach and free outreach workshops delivered throughout Vancouver’s inner city. Four out of every five students who participate in Arts Umbrella’s programs do so at no cost to them. Arts Umbrella’s Project Harmony makes music, visual and theatre arts instruction available free to preschool, elementary and high school students in the community who would not otherwise have access. Project Harmony recognizes our society’s cultural richness and diversity by promoting mutual respect and by incorporating elements from various ethnic traditions.

“In a community where daily challenges centre on basic survival needs that include shelter, clothing, food, employment and hope for the future, access to high-quality after-school music lessons is usually not even considered. Arts Umbrella, through the Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach, makes this experience available for our students within walking distance of their homes, which adds the crucial dimension of zero transportation cost.” ­— John Hall, Principal, Mt. Pleasant Elementary School “I came from Ethiopia and you made my dream come true. I always wanted to be an artist.”

— Seble, Outreach student, at age 9 “I have dreamed about opening a music school for inner city youth for a long time. The success in this project lies in seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and seeing how proud they feel, singing and doing so well.”

— Sarah McLachlan, Founding Partner, Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach – An Arts Umbrella Project A quality arts education can make a dramatic difference in the lives of children and can stimulate and encourage creativity, learning, language acquisition, and socialization skills to help children succeed in school and life. Research has also shown that the arts can reach students who are disengaged from schools and other community institutions, and can provide a bridge to learning for young people.

Young people who have an understanding of and commitment to the arts become involved citizens, and enhance the national culture.

“I was in one of the first art classes at Arts Umbrella, in the old community centre building on Granville Island. Carol Henriquez taught clay and sculpture, Gloria Schwartz taught dance and Carolyn Kramer taught drawing and painting. I grew up with Arts Umbrella and it ‘saved’ me in my teenage years when I felt suffocated and disillusioned with my academic work at a school that did not value the arts. By the time I finished high school with several years of Arts Umbrella under my belt, I was way ahead of my peer group in my training, skills and historical and contemporary art references. I salute Carol for her vision and tenacity in developing Arts Umbrella and for helping me on an early path to success – which is key in all the arts fields.”

— Lycia Trouton, Arts Umbrella alumna and Doctoral candidate, Visual Arts

Photo by: David Cooper

It is a story about

passion

“Our young people are the promise of tomorrow.

At Arts Umbrella we teach them to dance, to paint, to sculpt and to perform. But what we are really giving them are the tools to live an inspired life. — Carol Henriquez

”

Staff & Instructors

“My goal is to give my students a deeper understanding of dance technique and the quality of dancing. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else!”

— Artemis Gordon, Director of Dance & Artistic Director, Arts Umbrella Dance Company “Arts Umbrella grows stronger and more vibrant with every day because all of us in the organization are absolutely committed to excellence for young people. We ensure that the quality of the training is top-notch and it’s something that all of our instructors and staff take great pride in. I remember walking down the hall one day when a door to an art class burst open and a child ran up to me, held up his painting, and said, ‘Look, it’s a Picasso!’ To me, that moment speaks volumes about Arts Umbrella’s ability to instill the seed for learning.”

— Paul Larocque, Senior Director – Programming “I love the idea of a place like Arts Umbrella where children can come and be nurtured to create and to discover art, dance and drama. It is a safe place where children learn about themselves and about the joy of exploring their creative instincts.”

— Kay Huang Barnes, Instructor, Creative Movement “The students I work with in the Gifted Teen Program are here because they want to be here.

I appreciate their dedication, seeing them work towards developing their portfolios and preparing for their future as artists. With an openness and willingness to explore and try new things, the students take full advantage of Arts Umbrella’s facility and abundance of materials in the development of their skills and knowledge. It is gratifying to see so many of my students going on to post-secondary art institutions and furthering a commitment to their art practice.”

— Fiona Mowatt, Gifted Teen Instructor, Visual Arts “In a society where, sadly, the arts seem to be taking a back seat, Arts Umbrella offers a creative, innovative, imaginative setting for children. I find Arts Umbrella full of people open to new ideas, new projects, forever wanting to expand and grow in any area. With them I continue to grow, imagine and create!”

— Sarah Rodgers, Director of Arts Umbrella Senior Theatre Troupe “Teaching children to live and work together in harmony is the whole idea behind our Outreach program. Art is a subject that transcends barriers of race, colour and creed. Since art is a common language, and a visual one, it is one of the easiest to relate to immediately. Arts Umbrella has been instrumental in providing a broad and exciting learning adventure of art as a vital part of Canada’s growth in the understanding and acceptance of multiculturalism.”

— Maureen Procter, Arts Umbrella Outreach Instructor

Arts Umbrella Archive

It is a story about

commitment

“Arts Umbrella’s board members, volunteers and donors have contributed greatly

to making this organization thrive. They are all outstanding people and I am grateful to each and every one of them

”

for their commitment to the dream.

— Carol Henriquez Board of Directors and Volunteers “Arts Umbrella is a model of commitment. And the model encompasses literally tens of thousands of Vancouverites: from 30,000 children a year touched by its programs to hundreds of supportive volunteers, to the devoted teaching faculty and staff, to the generous donors and sponsors, to the Board of Directors. While it started with only some forty children, Arts Umbrella has become an integral part of our community, a fabric that binds those that feel the arts can improve lives with impressionable young people who will be better citizens as a result of our collective efforts.

It is amazing what has been accomplished, and it is fitting to honour Carol Henriquez for her key role in nurturing Arts Umbrella into something that we can all be proud of. Bravo!”

— Eric Watt, Present Board Chair “As I reflect on my experience with Arts Umbrella, it reaffirms my own belief that goals and dreams are achievable with commitment, persistence and unrelenting willpower. These qualities are all visible throughout Arts Umbrella – you see them in the eyes of young children painting in a visual arts class, in the focus and intensity of a teen in the preprofessional program, and in the actions and efforts of all the volunteers and employees that make Arts Umbrella what it is. Simply walk the halls of Arts Umbrella on any given day and you feel better as a person as you experience the intensity of its pursuit. Personally, I could have the toughest day at work, finish with any kind of meeting at Arts Umbrella, and I would go home that evening smiling.

I am also truly amazed at the similiarity in qualities of the people I have met through Arts Umbrella’s board over the years – everyone is so committed,

creative in their own ways, and focused on having fun while they work tirelessly to make one thing happen – make Arts Umbrella a success. I feel so privileged to have been a part of this collective gathering of so many similar people. Upon further reflection, I realize it is by no fluke or mistake that this group is together, but the result of our exposure to Carol’s dream to touch children through art and our goal to use Carol’s dream as the vehicle to build a better community. It’s really quite simple – a bunch of type-A people wanting to build a better community, starting with kids.

Finally, I have always said that one’s involvement with Arts Umbrella is infectious – you need just a little and you want a lot more – whether you’re a student, a donor or a volunteer.”

— Ken Scott, Board Chair, 1999–2002 “It was appropriate that I met Carol at Arts Umbrella’s 3rd annual Sandcastle Competition on Spanish Banks in 1993, following an after-dinner party commitment by a dear friend of mine to volunteer my services as a ‘judge’ (of the ‘LaughIn’ sort) for the Competition. It was a sunny, warm day and thousands of people came to design, build and watch in awe as castles arose from the seabed. The following ten years have been spent by me being a part of this wonderful organization, including serving as its chairperson, and watching in awe as Carol, her staff and incredible team of volunteers designed and built endless new opportunities

Photo by: David Cooper

for children and young adults to realize their full potential.

The effort is so important, the opportunites created are priceless and the thanks to Carol Henriquez, is infinite.”

— John Singleton, Board Chair, 1997–1999 “Why don’t you … join the Board of Arts Umbrella, chair it for six years, spend thousands of hours and donate tens of thousands of dollars, and stay around for about 15 years? But of course I would and did, as have so many others, from volunteers to donors to government agencies, foundations and parents.

Why? Because all of us believed that the future of our community deserves it. Deserves Arts Umbrella. Arts Umbrella’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, decision makers. What they value for the future is based on what they learn to value today. Arts Umbrella teaches them to value themselves, their curiosity and their creativity. To say to themselves ‘Why don’t we … try something new, explore other ways, look at it differently?’ Through our children, Arts Umbrella gives our community a chance for a future filled with self-respect, tolerance and innovation. And I value that.”

— Doris Bradstreet Daughney, Board Chair 1991–1997 “Years ago, I phoned a friend who is in the business community and invited him to contribute $3,000 as a corporate sponsor. He gave willingly as he did every year. The following year, I called him again but this time he said, ‘You know I’m going to give you the donation but come down and pitch me anyways because I love to see your excitement about Arts Umbrella.’ I truly believe that people give so generously to us because we tell a wonderful story about making a difference to the children in the community. We change children’s lives at Arts Umbrella and it’s hard to say ‘no’ to that.

I’ve always felt that it’s important to ask the question: ‘Is it good for Arts Umbrella?’”

— Trudy Pekarsky, Board Chair 1989 –1991

“Looking back, as the chair of the first community Board of Arts Umbrella, what attracted me at the time was that it was an organization in its infancy which had unlimited possibilities for bringing the arts to the youth of our community. It was very rewarding to meld my administrative background with the remarkable vision of the founding principles, Carol and Gloria. It was by luck that we met, because my daughter Dara was in two of Arts Umbrella’s first classes and my wife Pamela volunteered as the organization’s first secretary at the Henriquez house on 47th Avenue. I was so fortunate to have been part of Arts Umbrella’s growing up – from using community centres to acquiring its own wonderful space on Granville Island. I am now so gratified that the organization has matured into a focal point for youth in the arts in Canada.”

— David Whitelaw, Board Chair, 1986–1989

Prior to 1986, the role of Chair rotated among the Board of founding artists.

Donors and Supporters “A quarter century of commitment – to the community, to culture and most importantly to enable a generation of young people to become confident, creative and sensitive in many positive ways.

Carol’s 25 years of tireless effort have touched a sea of young minds and hearts and, through the wonderful world of art and theatre, have brought a twinkle to their eyes, a jump in their step and a smile to their young faces. As Carol’s passion and wisdom light up the lives of children and young adults, it is truly remarkable and an honour to witness. On behalf of our corporation, thanks for the opportunity to be a partner for nearly 20 years, and on the personal side – it is a privilege to see the results as you wave your unique, magic touch over so many children. Bravo and thank you!”

— Richard Prokopanko, Director of Corporate Affairs, Alcan BC “Someone once said that the future of the nation is in the hands of our children. That’s why it is so important that we, as a society, provide as many opportunities as possible for young people to grow and develop culturally and intellectually. Arts Umbrella is greatly helping in that endeavour, and Holt Renfrew is delighted to assist through our annual Holt Renfrew Fashion Gala.

We feel it is an investment in the future of our community.”

— Gary Balaski, General Manager, Holt Renfrew Vancouver “All of us at HSBC are very proud to be working with Arts Umbrella to bring the Save Our Planet Inreach Program to children in the Lower Mainland. By bringing together the themes of education and the environment through arts education, we are giving young people the tools to analyze, create and communicate new ideas.”

— Jamie Midgley, Chief Operating Officer, HSBC Asset Management (Canada) Ltd. “For many years, TELUS has recognized the critical importance of education in the arts to nurture a vibrant cultural sector and a healthy society. Arts Umbrella is a fine example of how communities can provide access to high quality arts education, which young people need and deserve. The excellence of Arts Umbrella programs encourages young people’s creative potential to bring new ideas and energies to the leadership roles they will assume as builders of Canada in the 21st Century.”

— Chris Carty, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Strategy and Chief Marketing Officer, TELUS

Arts Umbrella Archive

It is a story about

vision

“Over the past 25 years,

I have witnessed the

transformative powers of the arts on

an entire generation of young people.

Today, it is my dream that Arts Umbrella will continue to have the support to inspire young people for generations

”

to come.

— Carol Henriquez

The Carol Henriquez Legacy Fund: Launching a Legacy

I

n August of 2002, Carol Henriquez announced her plans to retire from her role as Executive Director of Arts Umbrella after 24 years of service. Since then, there has been an outpouring of support from within the community and across

Canada to celebrate Carol’s contribution to society and to recognize the outstanding

organization she co-founded and built.

A team of volunteers, led by Arts Umbrella’s Board of Directors, has joined forces to raise $5 million for an endowment to honour Carol and to provide for the future of Arts Umbrella – The Carol Henriquez Legacy Fund. With this campaign still in its early stages, we are encouraged by the generosity of the community and its commitment to the long-term sustainability of Arts Umbrella.

The Carol Henriquez Legacy Fund includes gifts ranging from $25,000 to $1 million and these gifts will be recognized in perpetuity in an exclusive fund managed by the Children’s Arts Umbrella Foundation. Over the long-term, this endowment will provide Arts Umbrella with a financial cushion to support itself through changing times. With this added stability, Arts Umbrella will enjoy a greater degree of independence and an enhanced ability to fund innovative programs.

For more information, please contact Paul Larocque, Senior Director – Programming, at (604) 681-5268, ext. 224 or by email at plarocque@artsumbrella.com

Left: Carol Henriquez with Jack Shadbolt’s Butterfly – Splash Art Auction, 1986.

THE CAROL HENRIQUEZ LEGACY FUND STRUCTURE OF GIVING Goal: $5 Million The Artist Laureate – $1,000,000 The Literacy Chair – $1,000,000 The Lead Chairs – $500,000 Community Outreach Advancing Technology

The Core Discipline Chairs – $250,000 Visual Arts Dance Theatre Arts Music Early Childhood Education

The New Initiatives Chairs – $100,000 Media Arts Visual Arts Exhibits & Performances Ventures Program Strategic Development Building Renovations and Improvements Architecture Master Artist Art History Summer Camp Pre-Professional Training Library

Teaching Fellowships – $25,000 Teaching Fellowships are available in the following disciplines:

Visual Arts

Media Arts

Early Childhood Education

Theatre Arts

Dance Music

CONFIRMED GIFTS TO DATE: JANUARY 23, 2004 The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that gifts to The Carol Henriquez Legacy Fund now exceed more than $2.5 Million.

THE LITERACY CHAIR – $1,000,000 Government of Canada ~ Arts Umbrella is extremely proud to recognize the Government of Canada’s contribution of $1,000,000 to The Carol Henriquez Legacy Fund.

CORE DISCIPLINE CHAIRS – $250,000 The Christopher Foundation Mary Margaret Young

NEW INITIATIVES CHAIRS – $100,000 The Audain Foundation James A. Burton The Chan Foundation of Canada Gordon and Leslie Diamond Family ~ Diamond Foundation Mark and Sandra Snider Ken and Anne Woods

TEACHING FELLOWSHIPS – $25,000 John and Nina Cassils Gordon and Margaret Davis Dan and Wendy Jarvis Dr. Richard and Carolyn Kramer The Lohn Foundation ~ Darlene and Robert Spevakow Jack Lutsky and Susan Mendelson David and Darrell Mindell ($50,000) Dan and Trudy Pekarsky Norman and Marsha Paul Art and Marjorie Reitmayer David and Pamela Richardson Barry and Drinda Scott Eric and Beverley Watt Peeter and Mary Wesik Shira and Laylie Gold, Peter Krivel-Zacks, Juliet Zacks, and Ted Zacks In Memory of Melanie Joy Sara Gold

TRIBUTE DONORS – $5,000–$24,999 Isidor and Belle Aaron Sheldon and Betsy Aaron Doris Bradstreet Daughney Ancie Fouks David and Barbara Gillanders Bob Rennie Bryce Rositch Eduardo and Gloria Schwartz Milton and Fei Wong

Arts Umbrella Archive

It is a story about

gratitude

“I am in such fine

company tonight. I thank you all for being here.

It means so very much to me.

Arts Umbrella has, over the years, put smiles on the faces of so many children, and tonight, you have made my heart smile. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

”

— Carol Henriquez

The Carol Henriquez

story

“I feel I have been very fortunate in life.

Looking “at a life lived” —

I feel extremely lucky. I have great family

and friends; a very patient and loving husband and I have had meaningful and important work. Arts Umbrella has been my passion, and working with so many amazing individuals, I have had the joy

”

of seeing the dream come true…

— Carol Henriquez

O

rganizations like Arts Umbrella do not just happen by chance. They are created and built by individuals with vision, charisma, stamina and passion, who work tirelessly and can inspire those around them. Carol

Henriquez is one of those rare, exceptional individuals who has created a new model for children’s arts education. The Carol Henriquez Legacy Fund will ensure that Carol’s vision to provide children with high quality and accessible arts education will continue to be realized for generations to come.

Carol’s character and work ethic began in her childhood. Born Carol Gail Aaron, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan to Belle and Isidor Aaron, she was raised in a household that stressed hard work and commitment to community. Early on, Carol discovered her artistic abilities and identity as a young artist. During her studies at the University of Manitoba, Carol met her soul mate and future husband in a young architecture student, Richard Henriquez. After graduating from the School of Social Work, Carol worked as a children’s social worker and taught art classes in Winnipeg’s inner city community. After the birth of their two children, Gregory and Alisa, Carol and her husband Richard moved to Vancouver where he established his own architecture firm and she received diplomas in Fine Arts from Langara College and the Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design.

Left: Carol Henriquez at age seven, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

In 1979, Carol and her friend Gloria Schwartz co-founded Arts Umbrella. It was the realization of a dream to create a children’s centre for the visual and performing arts that would awaken the artistic potential of young people. And so the story of Arts Umbrella began. Carol realized early on the importance of fundraising to meet the ambitious goals of the organization. Year after year, Carol has rallied a committed team of volunteers to successfully raise the necessary funds through extensive corporate and individual donations.

The many successes of Arts Umbrella are well documented and speak largely to the personal sacrifices and commitment made to this unique arts organization by Carol Henriquez. In 1999, Carol received Canada’s highest distinction for lifetime achievement – the Order of Canada. Additional awards include: an Honorary Doctorate from Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design in 2002, and an “Emily” awarded in 2000 to 75 outstanding Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design alumni to celebrate ECIAD’s 75th anniversary; the 1997 Simon Fraser University’s President’s Club Distinguished Leadership Award; the 1997 Vancouver International Children’s Festival Arts for Young Audiences Award; the 1996 ArtFair Seattle SAFECO Art Leadership Award; the 1992 Canada Medal; Commemorative Governor General Award; the 1988 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Arts and Culture; the B’nai B’rith Women of British Columbia Award for Contributing to the Lives of Children; and, the National Council of Jewish Women Award for Contribution to the Community.

Carol Henriquez has left a valuable legacy to the young people in our country.

As beneficiaries of Arts Umbrella, we all owe so much to Carol. Effective October 1, 2003, Carol assumed the role of Honorary Chair of Arts Umbrella’s Board of Directors. She looks forward to spending more time with her husband Richard, her family and friends, and especially her four grandchildren Adrian, Jacob, Sarita and Olivia.

The Carol Henriquez Legacy Fund Honorary Chair: Trudy Pekarsky Chair: Gordon Davis

A Tribute to Carol Henriquez Co-Chairs: Michella Frosch and Sandi Lee

Board of Directors Honorary Chair: Carol Henriquez, O.C. Executive Committee: Eric Watt, Chair Diane Norton, Vice Chair Art Reitmayer, Vice Chair Jamie Midgley, Treasurer Sandi Lee Drinda Scott

Members: Nina Bains Cassils, Gary Balaski, Greg Banwell, James A. Burton, Bonnie Crombie, Gordon Davis, Michella Frosch, Mary Lou Gazeley, Orest Kruhlak, Gary Ley, Alicia McBurney, Pamela McDonald, John Singleton, Q.C., Marcia Smith, Vivian Thom, Catherine Van Alstine, Ken Woods

Advisors to the Board: Jack P. Blaney, Richard W. Prokopanko, Milton K. Wong

Children’s Arts Umbrella Foundation Chair: Ken Woods James A. Burton, Gordon Davis, Sandi Lee, Jamie Midgley, Lucille Pacey, Art Reitmayer, Eric Watt

Arts Umbrella Administration and Instructional Staff Executive Director: Lucille Pacey Senior Administration: Jane Caddick, Interim Director of Special Events Kelly Cameron, Director of Special Events Scott Elliott, Director of Development Patricia Holland, Director of Administration Paul Larocque, Senior Director – Programming

The opinions and views in the Commemorative Program do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.

Administration: Karen Benson, Shawn Bouchard, Susanne Coutts, Barb Dearing, Ann de la Hey, Wendy Eeckhout, Artemis Gordon, Nadine Jankowski, Megan Johnson, Su-Chuin Kuah, Macy Liu, Holly Luc, Yvonne Luey, Fiona Mowatt, Andrea Schimpl, Marilyn Seki, Craig Shervey, Lisa Shortt, Kathy Sinclair, Winnie Tam, Emily Weekes

Instructional Staff: Michael Allard, Rosario Ancer, Sarah Balakshin, Suzy Birstein, Erin Boniferro, Virginia Bowden, Paul Bray, Linda Cairns, Dr. Robert Cannon, Nancy Cervenko, Agnieszka Chalas, Jessica Clements, Gordon Cobb, Sarah Courtemanche, Anna Cummer, Rebecca Cuttler, Lanie Dearing, Patrick Dubois, Angela Ferreira, Andrew Fielden, Anastasia Filipczuk, Stephen Fisk, Emma Fitzgerald, Sean Fulton, Julie Gallos, Joanne Gates, Kate Gomberg, Artemis Gordon, Jo-Ann Gordon, Troy Greenall, Martin Guderna, Patrick Harrison, Kate Henderson, Zahra Henderson-Peal, Colleen Heslin, Andy Hillhouse, Andrea Hodge, Kay Huang Barnes, Jamie Hume, Renee Iaci, Michelle Issel, Valerie Jackson, Laura Jaszcz, Riba Kalb, Alfred Kao, Siobahn Kelly, Edmond Kilpatrick, Victor Kolstee, Stefan Krepiakevich, Yuchien Kuo, Mary Leier, Chris Leinonen, Marquita Lester, Tiina Liimu, Jennifer Machado, Daniel Mahlberg, Rae Maté, Colleen Maybin, Kathleen McDonagh, Kayna Merchant, Belinda Metz, Emily Molnar, Natalia Morley-Russell, Fiona Mowatt, Katie Murphy, Kathryn Mussallem, Brie Neilson, Yumi Ogawa, Karen Pitkethly, Maureen Procter, Anne Quigley, Jane Ramsbottom, Sara Ransaw, Margaret Reader-Martin, Kathryn Ricketts, Annika Rixen, Marta Robertson-Smyth, Sarah Rodgers, Pietro Sammarco, Rachelle Sawatsky, Lorraine Schneider, André Seow, Golnar Sepahi, Alexis Seto, Lynn Sheppard, Rup Sidhu, Victoria Singh, Odette Slater, Andrew Smith, Irene Smith, Anne Sproull, Ron Stelting, Grant Strate, Sandra Sutherland, David Taylor, Andrew Toth, Isabella Tsisserev, Loretta Walz, Wen Wei Wang, Sarah Ward, Cheng Xin Wei, Allee Wells, Kevin Wharton, Jennifer White-Smith, Stephen Wichuk, Tallulah Winkelman, Erica Woekel, Paul Wong, Naomi Wright. Custodians: Manuel and Josephine Galvez

ARTS UMBRELLA

Arts Umbrella Founding Sponsors

1286 Cartwright Street Granville Island Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8 Tel: 604.681.5268 Fax: 604.681.5285 tributegala@artsumbrella.com www.artsumbrella.com