Letter of Support

Gwen Doyle and Richard Bois
Co-Chairs, Walden-CAN


This letter is in support of the 17 Recommendations in the Report of the Heritage Committee regarding the proposed changes and upgrading to the Anderson farm Museum.

We, as the Walden Art Club, fully endorse all of the recommendations, because we firmly believe that the Anderson farm Museum is a valuable asset to this community, and to the entire City of greater Sudbury. We would, however, like to see greater use of this facility by the public.

We feel that the proposed changes would enhance the usefulness of the site for many different groups in the community, as well as greatly enhance the appeal of the Anderson Farm as a museum. But, of course, before the public profile of the Anderson farm can be significantly raised, many of these proposals need to be carried out.

As an arts group, we would no doubt benefit most from the winterization and enhancement of the stable building, as an excellent local venue for art shows. The repairs and changes to the barn are another needed change, as it would be an alternative site in Walden to host our larger events.

We know, from our experience over the past three years, of a small groups of us renting the log cabin for the SCARF Studio Tour, that this is certainly a location that many people will visit to view an art show. We had so many visitors this year that we were unable to maintain a count, but estimate the attendance around 400 people, many of whom were from the City of greater Sudbury, as well as from further afield. But if the stable building were available, many more artists would have the same opportunity to be part of the SCARF Studio Tour, as well.

In addition, our club has been asked to host the Northern Ontario Artists Association
Annual Meeting and Juried Show for 2009 - which we would really like to do- however, we really need a large enough local venue to be able to do this. Anderson Farm would be perfect, if the proposed changes have been carried out.

We want to thank the Walden-CAN for all your efforts to date, and for your ongoing support of the Anderson farm Heritage Committee Recommendations, and for the arts in our community!

Wishing you all the best in 2007!

Lynn Quinn, President
Walden Art Club