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Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives plans two new exhibits

Fundraiser planned for Nov. 30
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Kathryn Gagnon, curator at the Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives, plans a fundraiser on Nov. 30 to help pay for upgrades at the museum. (Robert Barron/Citizen)

A painting of Simon Charlie will soon be a centrepiece in the new and improved First Nations exhibit at the Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives.

The $10,000 painting of the master carver from Cowichan Tribes, who was a recipient of both the Order of Canada and the Order of B.C., was painted by renowned artist Neil MacDonald.

Museum curator Kathryn Gagnon said plans are for the museum to upgrade its First Nation exhibit, which will include the painting of Charlie, and to create a brand new permanent exhibit showcasing the contribution of Asian Canadians to local history.

Gagnon said the entire project is currently budgeted at approximately $106,000, and the museum has received $81,000 in federal funding from a Canada 150 grant to help cover the costs.

“We need about $25,000 more, with $15,000 going towards a new front entrance for the museum and $10,000 for the painting of Simon Charlie,” she said.

“As for the exhibits, our First Nations gallery has been dismantled and we’re preparing for major upgrades and new material. Our Asian Canadian exhibit will be new. It’s always so sad when we take down temporary exhibits on the subject, but now we’ll have a permanent gallery telling the full story.”

Gagnon said the museum will host a fundraiser on Nov. 30 in which its vision for the two galleries will be on display.

“It will be a wine and cheese event, and there will be a silent auction as well,” she said.

“We’re receiving amazing support from the community with donations for the auction. Everyone is welcome to the fundraiser, which will take place at the museum from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., to see what we have planned.”

Gagnon said the museum is a non-profit organization, so charitable tax receipts will be given for donations.

For more information, contact Gagnon at 250-746-6612 or email cvmuseum.archives@shaw.ca.



robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com

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