Skinners made art gallery possible
This summer I and other local artists had the good fortune of meeting Jen and Don Skinner, as they graciously provided a large area of the old Patterson building as a not-for-profit gallery for local artisans.
Once inside, you can see the scope of their upgrades to this heritage site.
This is no ordinary feat as they will retain the heritage aspects while using very unique designs and engineering to make this building self-sufficient in heating and cooling.
Don is an award-winning architect and the engineering aspects he will employ are unimaginable for this backyard carpenter.
Despite their hectic schedules, they graciously greeted and encouraged us throughout the summer.
Dynamic Tamsen Tillson was added to co-ordinate the gallery activities and, as usual for Tamsen, she did an outstanding job.
The multitasking twins Emily and Anne Thaler were delightful to work with and the addition of Kevan Anne Murray, an up-and-coming literary and illustration star, made the gallery area vibrant.
Congratulations to the Town of Bracebridge for attracting such an outstanding family interested in preserving the town’s heritage and making the downtown area an even more interesting and beautiful area to visit.
Thank you Jen, Don and family for inspiring us.
Terry Gill
Utterson
