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Spare Room Gallery

What’s Next?

WHERE WE ARE…

The working group, which by the way, is always looking for more individuals to join, is proud to announce the following. The Gallery now has:

  • A Name: The Spare Room Gallery;
  • A Logo: (see above) Designed by Aleksi Ann, and
  • A Space: Complete with gallery-grade track lighting, a hanging system, security, AND it is painted and ready-to-go.
spare room gallery complete
The Spare Room Gallery

What’s next? Coming soon…

To join the group and/or to receive the Call for Artists when it’s circulated, email Randy at cmmmcutknife@gmail.com.

~ Debbie M.

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Board, Events

Inviting New Board Members

2024 AGM

Sunday, April 21 | 3:30pm at the MAAC | 113 Broad Street

In the past, strong Boards and committed volunteers have enabled the Museum to take on projects like the following:

  • Host workshops and speakers; run an afternoon summer camp for children;
  • Research and publish projects like Attonโ€™s Lake โ€“ a Summer Meeting Place, Cut Knife and Districts School Sites & Points of Interest, and Cut Knife Town Centre;
  • Fundraise โ€“ remember Ladies Night Out?
  • Celebrate Canada Day and Heritage Day with an event, or fireworks, or a danceโ€ฆ

We look forward to hearing new voices at the Board table. We look forward to fresh energy and brave new ideas. You are invited to join us!

Questions? Email cmmmcutknife@gmail.com or speak with a Board member.

~ Debbie M.

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Spare Room Gallery

Getting Closer

GALLERY SPACE UPDATE

  • Track lighting: check
  • Hanging system: check
  • Window blinds: check
  • Door swing reversed to improve space configuration: check
  • Paint touchups: in progress
  • Security system: needed
  • Volunteers: needed

For an overview of the project, read the Unity Press – Wilkie Herald article by Azure McGonigle here: Exciting new art space announced in Cut Knife.

The space is on track to be ready for an early May opening but it will be difficult to continue with a Request for Exhibitors without administrative help.

~ Debbie M.

map of railways circa 1970s
Our Stories

Rockhaven Retirement

FAYE ROWAT RETIRES 1983 – 2024

The original Post Office was Ovenstown (32-42-20-W3) from 1905 – 1912, named after pioneer homesteader Dr. Robert Ovens. In 1912, the Post Office moved to SW5-43-20-W3. There are 3 stories circulating about how Rockhaven got its name: 2 involve a town in Ontario and the other centers on the Big Rock Buffalo Rubbing Stone. In any case, Faye Rowat’s retirement from Rockhaven’s Post Office may mark the end of an era.

on left 40 year anniversary cake, on left retirement gift aerial photo
Left: Cake celebrating 40 years as Postmistress; Right: Faye Rowat receiving retirement gift from Randy Strelioff

Faye was born and raised in the village of Rockhaven, probably within 500 feet of where she lives today. She, and her husband Don, raised two boys and when the boys were almost ready to leave the nest, Faye became the Postmistress of Rockhaven and area.

They added a porch onto the house and mailboxes were installed. There’s a partition with a wicket across the porch so the customers would have access to their boxes from one side and the workings of the post office in behind. Faye served the community for forty years. She was absolutely committed to her duties; in all the time I’ve known her, I don’t think she missed a day of work. She knows everyone, and their cousins, and all the family interrelationships, and knows pretty much everyone’s birthday by memory. She would phone or text you if you had a parcel which is a service you don’t expect nowadays. 

She’ll be replaced by a superbox, no doubt, but it won’t be the same. About fifty people came to the Cut Knife Seniors Center on Saturday to recognize her service and wish her a happy retirement.

submitted by Randy Strelioff

~ Debbie M.

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Spare Room Gallery

Track Lighting

RENOVATIONS NOW IN PROGRESS!

Yesterday, Randy began installation of the track lighting. The smaller size of the room means lighting infrastructure can be minimal but it also has to be flexible to accommodate the full range of visual arts practices. LED track lighting has adjustable track heads that can be customized for each exhibit, and it’s easy to clean and maintain. As a non-profit, the CMMM also appreciates its energy and cost efficiency.

installation of track lighting and first track head
Left: Randy installing the track. Right: The first track head installed.

Once the lighting is functional, the next steps will be installation of the hanging system and then security.

For more information or to volunteer, email Randy atย cmmmcutknife@gmail.com.

~ Debbie M.