The Sybil Andrews Heritage Society has presented a $5,000 cheque to the City of Campbell River in support of the work underway to restore the artist’s cottage.
“This is a community donation to the Sybil Andrews cottage restoration,” says a thrilled Fern Seaboyer, President of the Sybil Andrews Heritage Society. “We’ve been fundraising for five years, and we’ve sold 600 calendars featuring the work of local artists and almost 300 flour sacking towels similar to the ones Sybil Andrews used. Through these fundraising sales and personal cash donations, we’re able to contribute this $5,000 on behalf of numerous community supporters.”
Cottage restoration work is currently underway. The building is already settled onto a new foundation, with perimeter drainage improvements installed, and it sports a new roof. A wheelchair ramp and access door are in the works as well as some other minor repairs. Restoration work is scheduled to be completed by the end of April. Sybil Andrews Day will be celebrated this year from 2 to 5 p.m. next door to the cottage at the temporary Arts Council offices (2111 Island Highway South).
As well as the donation from the Sybil Andrews Heritage Society, the project has received financial support from the Coast Sustainability Land Trust, Heritage BC, the Heritage Legacy Fund and the City of Campbell River through the Strategic Parks Plan and the Parks Parcel Tax.
“The Sybil Andrews Heritage Society would like to thank everyone who has contributed in any way to our fundraising efforts,” Seaboyer sums up.
“The restored cottage will create a heritage focal point in south Campbell River that acknowledges the important role Sybil Andrews played in art history and in the development of Campbell River,” says Ross Milnthorp, the City’s general manager of parks, recreation and culture. “The heritage site will offer a range of possibilities for the entire community and is expected to be a tremendous resource for cultural tourism and the creative economy in Campbell River.”