PREECEVILLE - The Whitehawk Arts Council acknowledged its 45th year with its first concert of the season that featured Prairie Sons at the Preeceville Trinity United Church on Nov. 26.
There were CD’s that featured the past artists in the 45 years of history of the council and a variety of art from various local artists.
The Whitehawk Arts Council has sponsored 139 performing arts events in the Stars for Saskatchewan series over the years and has hosted more than 50 exhibitions through the visual arts program.
The Whitehawk Arts Council officially organized in October 1979 involving the communities of Sturgis, Preeceville and Norquay, and became incorporated in Saskatchewan on July 6, 1987.
Paper Wheat was the first theatrical production that the council hosted on Aug. 2, 1979.
The Whitehawk Arts Council organization of volunteers is dedicated to the sponsorship and appreciation of performing, visual and literary arts. The council was named after the first post office in the Whitehawk District.
Many individuals were involved in the creation of the Whitehawk Arts Council. The first supporters were: Wade Hainstock, Jeanne Butler, Dr, McKitterick, Fred Barker, Wendy Parsons and Zach Dietrich. The first executive committee that was recorded was made up of: Wade Hainstock, Yvonne Morken, Jeanne Butler and Fred Barker.
The council has supported the Sturgis Sports and Rodeo, as well as community events such as Autumnfest and drama festival events. It has also contributed to the Sturgis Composite High School lighting and stands, and Preeceville Legion Hall lighting and curtains.
The council is part of a province-wide network of more than 44 community arts councils under the umbrella group Organizations of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC).