Store 54′s talented and creative emerging artists and artisans will be showcasing their works at the Collingwood Public Library for the entire month of February!

The show will be featuring a number of different mediums from art to photography to jewellery.

 Please come out and support your local youth!

Contact: devaki@track.on.ca

http://www.stores54.biz/

CollingwoodMuseum

February 1 – March 23

Come celebrate Black History Month at the CollingwoodMuseum.  A travelling panel exhibit from the Archives of Ontario, entitled Enslaved Africans in Upper Canada, will be featured in the Museum’s gallery for a limited time.  A selection of artifacts on loan from Collingwood residents, as well as the Sheffield Park Black History andCulturalMuseum, will accompany the exhibit.  Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to learn more about the history of Collingwood’s Black Community and the roles they played in the development of our town.

For further information, please contact museum staff (705) 445-4811.

TheCollingwoodMuseumis located in the Station at45 St. Paul Street, Collingwood

www.collingwood.ca/museum

Painting, Photography, Mixed media, Sculpture, Jewellery, and Pottery.

February 1-26.

The Arts Centre Gallery

163 Hurontario Street, Collingwood

www.bmfa.on.ca

Please note that the office of the Collingwood Downtown Business Improvement Area has moved to:

The Arlington Building

115 Hurontario Street, Suite 104

Phone/ FAX and Email remain the same

Phone 705-445-5595

FAX 705-445-5495

Email – info@collingwooddowntown.com

This larger space will give greater capacity for the organization, as well as allow for the integration of the office of the Town of Collingwood’s Downtown Revitalization Project.  Paula Lehr, Project Coordinator, will be relocating to the new BIA office in the near future.

In 2012 let’s aim to improve the economic health of our neighborhoods and our community.

1. Shopping local creates jobs. Shops in your town create local employment and self-employment. These people in turn spend in the local economy.
2. Local independent shops invest more in your communities. Local businesses are proportionally more generous in their support of local charities, schools, and community events. So supporting local shops means a financial contribution to your community.
3. Local shops sell great products at affordable prices. Some people get out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products available.
4. Shopping locally saves you time and money. You travel less, saving on time and fuel.
5. Shopping locally retains your communities. People don’t like losing shops and services in small towns but don’t equate this with how they spend their money.
6. Shopping locally retains your distinctiveness. Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and stock different products. Local businesses respond more quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet changing population needs.
7. Shopping locally saves the environment. Local shops often stock a high percentage of locally sourced goods that do not require long-distance transportation, helping to reduce our global footprint.
8. Local shops are for everyone. Most people can get to their local shops easily. This is especially important for the elderly, young people and others who rely on public transportation.
9. Local shops value you more. Evidence from numerous surveys show people receive better customer care and service locally. These businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business, which means you get a higher standard of service.
10. Shopping local saves services. Private and public sector services cluster around shops. As shops disappear so do hairdressers, banks, restaurants and other businesses.

Consumers can pledge to Think, Shop, Buy, Local and commit to patronizing businesses near where they live and work. Local stores employ your neighbors, pay taxes that support your schools and improve your roads, and contribute to local non-profit groups.

Together we can strengthen relationships that improve our quality of life. So next time before you make a purchase, Think, Shop, Buy, Local.

As the New Year begins, optimism is high and it is the time to re-evaluate, re-new and take on new challenges.  Let the 400 businesses of Downtown Collingwood help you in your quest.

Whether your current desire is to re-new your mind and spirit or re-new your home there is a business downtown that can help you. 

We have everything from physicians to pharmacies to help you on your way to your personal health and fitness goals.  Downtown is home to traditional fitness facilities, yoga studios, the new vibration way to fitness, health food stores and specialty food shops …. all offering their services to help you re-balance and re-new yourself.

Looking for a quick pick-me up?  The salons, day spas and shops downtown have everything to assist you in your quest.  Whether it is simply having your nails done, or a full body detox, with more than 30 salon and spas to choose from, you will find the perfect one to give you that needed pick-me-up after the stress of the holidays. 

With the new you, you’ll need a new outfit.  With more than 20 fashion stores downtown, it’s the perfect place to find that new item to spice up your wardrobe. The offerings in our boutiques range from traditional Nordic ski apparel to cutting edge modern. 

While you’re looking after yourself physically, don’t forget your financial health.  Downtown Collingwood is home to every type of personal finance assistance you could ever want or need.  From financial advisors to professional accountants; whether you need assistance with debt management or looking for new ways to invest, the products and services in this area are numerous.  There is no better time than right now to start a new financial plan to set your course for the future.

If it is your home that needs to be renewed, the place to begin is Downtown Collingwood.  Many of the décor stores also have in house interior designers on staff to help you with your dream. Whether you are looking for a complete redesign or simply a new wall colour and accent pillows, we have it all.  Are you looking to build an addition, new house or looking to move? From agents to architects, from beginning to end, it all starts in Downtown Collingwood.

For a complete listing of all 400 businesses please visit the Collingwood Downtown website at www.collingwooddowntown.com

Think of the Chelsea Market in New York City or the Distillery District in Toronto and you can imagine the vision for an exciting cultural corridor which is evolving in the heart of downtown Collingwood.
 
Theatre Collingwood announces it will be creating a new home base on March 1st at 51 St. Marie Street, at the corner of Simcoe Street.  Theatre Collingwood’s new Production Centre will become the location where the professional company will construct sets, render scenic art, create costumes and build props.  The Box Office & Administration will join the operations, for the first time ever under the same roof.
 
As well, the new year-round Drama Training program for Teens and for Adults and rehearsals for productions will take centre stage here.  Member events, play readings, and special events are also planned for the future.  Theatre Collingwood’s mainstage summer season performances will continue at the Historic Gayety Theatre.
 
Hella Sandberg is credited for being the catalyst of this new relationship between the Lex’s and the theatre company.  A passionate supporter of Theatre Collingwood since its inception in 1984, Hella has served in various capacities during these 27 years as costume designer, head of wardrobe, volunteer committee member and 24/7 cheerleader.  Acutely aware of Theatre Collingwood’s needs and its nomadic existence over the years, she suggested the initial meeting between Artistic Director Steven Thomas with Rick Lex.  Steven comments, “There was an instant meeting of minds.  We have had a common vision but have been working independently toward the same goal: creating an arts hub in the downtown district in which the theatre company would be the core professional performing arts magnet.”
 
Rick and Anke plan to link the theatre space to the main hall/foyer and feature organic local foods and creative studio spaces.  Rick notes, “the conceptional rendering of the exterior by local artist Jason Alexander suggests a grand entrance and facade which complements the heritage surroundings.  The renovation of the building’s facade will take place early this year.”  Anke adds, “the concept of adaptive reuse has always been very exciting to us.  We are absolutely thrilled to house the Theatre Collingwood Production Centre in part of the former Newspaper building.”
 
The Theatre Collingwood Board of Directors, chaired by Harold Bickerstaff, are equally enthusiastic about the potential.  “This represents an exciting and meaningful partnership between a private developer and a non-profit arts organization.  We believe this synergy of performing and visual arts will also inspire local residents to more actively engage in their culture” says Bickerstaff proudly.
 
The new Theatre Collingwood Production Centre will be located across from the Library, in the building formerly known as the Enterprise Bulletin, originally built in 1985 and known as the historic Press Building.  Coinciding with this move, the Enterprise Bulletin newspaper is moving next door to the 140 year old historic building which has just been newly restored by the Lex’s.
 
Theatre Collingwood’s move to the heart of St. Marie and Simcoe Streets connects a cultural pathway between the new Library, the Tremont’s artist studios, The Bay School of Art, the Enterprise Bulletin newspaper, the Collingwood Museum, and just a short walk away, the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts and the Historic Gayety Theatre.
 
The collective dream of a vibrant cultural arts scene is truly a win-win partnership between Rick & Anke Lex and Theatre Collingwood for the benefit of the entire community.
 
For more information regarding Theatre Collingwood, contact Irene Thomas, (705) 445-2000, www.theatrecollingwood.com.  Rick & Anke Lex may be reached at: (705) 446-8087(cell), (705) 445-5764, richard@thetremont.ca / anke @thetremont.ca, www.thetrement.ca