The Abbotsford Arts Council is celebrating 40 years of developing, supporting and enhancing the local arts community.
In light of the milestone, an outdoor family-friendly event is being hosted this Saturday, Sept. 10 from noon to 4 p.m. at Kariton Art Gallery, 2387 Ware St.
Since starting with the council 14 years ago, executive director Judy Whyte has seen a number of changes.
Not only has it shifted from being open seven hours a week to 42 hours, but they’ve started the Arty Awards to recognize the work of local artists, the Envision Coffee House Series to feature local musicians, and expanded the art gallery, adding a boutique and box office, amongst other feats.
The council also represents 51 member groups in the community, helping to promote their events.
“Membership is at an all-time high,” said Whyte. “And we had 6,191 people walk through our doors in the last year... Seeing people return tells us we’re doing something right... We’re so excited to see what will happen next year.”