Baxter News
David Smith
Last month, Baxter lost an instrumental member of our ranks.
A dedicated volunteer and past Board Member, David’s passion for our community centre was fundamental to the creation and success of Baxter.
He loved working with the kids of the smART Club
(Saturday Morning Art Club) as the photos show.
He was also a willing helper when it came to fixing up the building.
He poured so much love into the centre, as you can see in the above photos!
Baxter has changed so much with his help.
David served as both Treasurer and Secretary, helping Baxter navigate its way into becoming a registered charity. As one of Baxter’s founder’s recalls “I dare say he was likely the most qualified candidate we could ever have had the good fortune to ask to join our ranks. Thorough, knowledgeable, astute, and a pleasure to work with. He will be greatly missed.” - Rob Leek
Both David, and his loving wife, Sandy have helped shape Baxter. Sandy has overseen Tuesday’s Creative Hands Open Studio, ensuring we have an affordable community arts group in Bloomfield. It is our longest running program.
David had a wonderful sense of humour and was a delight to know. He will be missed by our community and our Baxter volunteers, loving known as The Trolls.
Accessible Walkway Updates
Our mandate at the Baxter Arts centre has always been to offer arts education and a community gathering space that is accessible to all. However, because our entrance is at the top of a steep flight of concrete steps, the Baxter building itself has not been physically accessible to all.
We are very excited to announce that after several years of research, planning and fundraising, an accessible walkway will be constructed at the front of the Baxter Arts Center Building this spring! An artists rendering is above. Work on the tender will begin in the next few weeks with an anticipated launch date in March /April and construction taking place during the months of May and June.
This would not be possible without generous grants/donations from:
Federal Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF)
The Parrott Foundation
The Huff Family Fund
Keep watching this space for updates!