In 1996, the arts scene in the Gibsons area was a mere shadow of today’s vibrant activity. Yet the Coast had become home to hundreds of artists and artisans, and their presence attracted tourists, as local businesses were discovering.

It was time for a vision, and Gibsons resident Peggy Small took up that challenge.

In May 1996, she called a meeting at the St. Bart’s Church hall that attracted about 40 interested people, to talk about her dream — founding a summer school of the visual arts in a working facility open to painters, potters and quilters. She visualized a school located in one of the Town-owned buildings, the old schoolhouse, for example. That meeting was the beginning of over a decade of arts growth.

Small will be honoured for her continuing contribution at a ceremony at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery (GPAG) on Friday, Sept. 17.

“There were many small groups working co-operatively, but not interacting with other arts groups,” Small said.

They needed a non-profit organization to build membership, and the Gibsons Arts Society (GAS) was born. Many of the founding committee members are still involved with the arts to this day: Lenore Conacher, Barbie Paulus, Will Cummer, Marj Umezuki, Vivian Chamberlin and Tracy Finnsson, former co-ordinator of the Quay Gallery, located where the GPAG is now. Small provided leadership through the many hours of meetings that followed.

There were snags, of course. Small wanted to fund their initiatives by the sale of artist-painted banners — a project that she pioneered after seeing a financially successful banner project on Vancouver Island. But the banners didn’t raise as much money as they predicted, and the committee backed away, though the project continued under Town sponsorship.

By February 1997, GAS had 60 members, many of whom wanted to focus on promoting and marketing their art. Spearheaded by Conchita Harding, the group began meeting with a government representative who helped institute an artists’ co-operative in Gibsons. Today, it’s known as the Gibsons Landing Gallery. Many of those involved with the co-op’s formation have passed away: Tim Easterbrook, Lyall Nanson and the renowned bronze sculptor Jack Harman. When Small asked Harman why he continued to help struggling artists, he patted his Order of Canada and told her, “There’s an obligation here.”

Small’s dream of an arts school was not forgotten. Under a new GAS executive chaired by Dorothy Nairne, the summer workshops opened their doors in 1998. They continue today as the Gibsons School of the Arts that attracts visitors and residents alike.

“We started the school with only $1,500, and we managed to pull it off. It’s unbelievable,” Small said.

She notes that it was run as a business, but by volunteers — thousands of hours of unpaid labour. Barbara Bradshaw, Vivian Chamberlin and Mavis Scott took on organizing roles. Claire Caplan, who had run an acting school in the past, offered her expertise, and artist Lenore Conacher was knowledgeable in the selection of instructors.

“Thank goodness,” Small said. “At that time I knew nothing about art.” She said her knack is in recruiting: “Put the right person in the right job,” she laughs.

Small was a former physical education teacher who played badminton, curled and golfed, then took up painting later in life. When she moved to Gibsons, Rev. Esther North suggested that their church, St. Bart’s, begin an arts group. Small liked the idea and has painted with the group ever since. It later evolved into the Roving Artists whose show has just opened at the GPAG, not coincidentally where the Small celebration will be held.

What of the future?

“An arts centre is still needed,” Small said.

Her ideal complex would be built in something like the former Yacht Club and would include a gallery, classroom, quilters’ room, library, office, studios, music room, kitchen and storage space. She hopes that others will step forward to make it a reality.

Many projects were successfully completed during Small’s years of organizing: art school, artist-run gallery, banners and painting group. The reception to honour Small will be held at the GPAG gallery from 4 to 7 p.m. and is open to the arts community. Greta Guzek, who recently taught at the Gibsons School of the Arts, will say a few words in honour of the woman who has contributed so much to the arts, and Gibsons Mayor Barry Janyk will be presenting a certificate of appreciation.