Starr Kolb, artist & former chair of CACC

Yesterday afternoon I had the privilege of meeting Starr Kolb. Starr is the former chair of the Cochrane Arts and Culture Committee, so has spent considerable time involved in the arts here. It was very informative and encouraging to hear what she had to say.

She shared that there is strong support from the Town Council for the arts. But for that to really move ahead there needs to be a strong voice from an arts community that comes to Town Council with a good vision and a workable plan for what is wanted and needed here. I agreed with her.

She talked about the town’s Sustainability project, and that the arts can be a part of that planning. That people often come to a community because of the arts and what they have to offer. So it is important to include the arts in any planning for the future here.

Starr also spoke about how we as artists tend to work in isolation and need to develop our own motivation – that’s often the nature of being creative. But at the same time we need to be part of a community, and to be involved with other creative people.

I had the feeling as Starr shared that she has a pretty good sense of what’s going on. I particularly liked a comment she made about there being a “perfect storm brewing when it comes to the arts”. Definitely here in Cochrane, but also things like the Alberta government instituting an Alberta Arts Day.

I came away from that meeting with a host of people to contact, and very encouraged with the foundation that others have laid for the arts here. Thank you, Starr, for your contribution to that foundation.

By the way, Starr is also an accomplished artist, who works in stained glass and pastels. You can see some of her stained glass work in the United Church here in Cochrane.