Lake Country Council took a moment during its March 18 meeting to honour Sharon McCoubrey for her significant contributions to the arts in the community.
McCoubrey, president of the Lake Country Art Gallery Society and chair of the Lake Country Public Art Advisory Commission (PAAC), has played a pivotal role in shaping the district鈥檚 cultural landscape. The PAAC advises the district on matters related to parks, recreation, leisure services, and culture.
Council acknowledged that her 30-year tenure as PAAC chair is coming to an end.
鈥淲hat you鈥檝e given to this community is incredible,鈥� said Mayor Blair Ireland. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just outstanding.鈥�
McCoubrey announced that Janice Larson, a PAAC member for the past four years, will be stepping into the chair role.
鈥淪o we are looking forward to having her take the Public Art Commission forward,鈥� McCoubrey said, adding that she will remain involved for a short period to assist with the transition.
Councillor Cara Reed acknowledged the significance of McCoubrey鈥檚 leadership.
鈥淎mazingly fantastic shoes to fill,鈥� Reed said. 鈥淏ut I think we have the right person to take us forward.鈥�
Despite the praise, McCoubrey credited the commission鈥檚 successes to collaboration.
鈥淚鈥檝e always worked with a team,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 appreciate the volunteers, councillors, and staff who鈥檝e made up the public art commission because it鈥檚 that exchange and sharing of ideas that makes it better.鈥�
Ireland, however, encouraged her to take credit for her contributions. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e kept that commission going,鈥� he added.
During her presentation to council, McCoubrey provided a brief history of the PAAC, from its beginnings in 1995 to the numerous projects it has undertaken. She highlighted the commission鈥檚 role in providing arts experiences for residents, enhancing the community鈥檚 appeal to visitors, and contributing to Lake Country鈥檚 economic growth.
She also noted that the PAAC started the tradition of commissioning local artists to paint portraits of Lake Country mayors.
To wrap up the tribute, Ireland playfully presented McCoubrey with a simplistically drawn self-portrait.
