There will be a changing of the guard at Merritt’s Art Gallery as the Nicola Community Valley Arts Council (NVCAC) has announced the appointment of their new gallery director Meriel Barber.
Meriel Barber drums for the crowd that gathered for the Volunteer Appreciation Tea on Sept. 25. Barber has been appointed by the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council as the new director for the art gallery located at the Olde Courthouse Arts Centre on Nicola Avenue. Michael Potestio/Herald
As the new director, Barber said she wants the community to realize the art gallery is for everyone.
“It’s not some elitist group where only artists and those who can afford to buy art are welcome to walk through the doors,” Barber said.
Former curator Kathi Dahlquist-Gray acted as the art gallery director for the past seven years and is stepping down due to health issues.
She said her health problems have hindered her to the point where it’s affected her ability to run the gallery properly.
Additionally, Dahlquist-Gray said as an artist, she has a desire to pursue her own artwork.
“Because of my need to go on with my artwork and deal with my health issues as well, I decided to step down,” Dahlquist-Gray said, noting she gave notice she’d be stepping down a year ago.
She said in the meantime, she came across Barber and advised that she should be her successor.
Barber said she thinks Dahlquist-Gray has done an amazing job as director in building up the gallery and its representation of the community and its artists. She said she is looking forward to continuing that in Dahlquist-Gray’s place.
NVCAC president Chelsea Werrun also said Dahlquist-Gray has done a great job as the director, creating much-needed stability in her time at the gallery.
“It’s sad to see her go, but at the same time, it’s going to be great to have new energy and a new person take the gallery under their wings and run with it,” Werrun said.
Barber has been involved in Merritt’s art community since moving here in 2012 as an art instructor for the City of Merritt and a director for the NVCAC.
“I’ve been involved with the art community all of my adult life,” Barber said, adding she started out by assisting with art programs in elementary schools.
Barber told the Herald she believes art offers something for everyone.
“Participating in art and utilizing creative depth that we all have, whether or not we recognize it, has a positive effect on wellness. When we exercise our imaginations, we strengthen who we are and we strengthen how we connect with others in a positive way,” Barber said.
Barber said she will be looking to support emerging and established artists alike as the new director.
Dahlquist-Gray said the Nicola Valley has many gifted artists.
“I’ve been totally surprised at the amount of the truly gifted artists that live here, plus there are several artists who are internationally known artists who live here,” Dahlquist-Gray said. “It just always amazes me that people think that they have to go to Vancouver or to Kelowna or even Kamloops in order to buy good art,” she said.
