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Updates from Baxter Arts Centre
Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter Justin Rutledge to Perform Special Benefit Concert for Baxter Arts Centre
Prince Edward County, ON — An unforgettable evening of music is coming to The Regent Theatre this fall as Prince Edward County’s own Justin Rutledge takes the stage for a special fundraising concert in support of Baxter Arts Centre.
The concert takes place Friday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m., with 100 per cent of ticket proceeds directly supporting Baxter Arts Centre’s arts education and community programming.
One of Canada’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, Rutledge has built an extraordinary career spanning ten acclaimed albums. Since the release of his debut album, No Never Alone, through Six Shooter Records, he has earned widespread critical acclaim from publications including Uncut and NME. His 2014 album Valleyheart won the Juno Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year: Solo and a Canadian Folk Music Award, while his work has also received three additional Juno nominations and two long-listings for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize.
Although his music has taken him to stages across Canada and beyond, Rutledge says supporting his local arts community was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. Having called Prince Edward County home for the past ten years, Rutledge and his young family are looking forward to participating in the popular Baxter Arts Centre programming next summer. “Baxter plays an important role in our community by creating opportunities for people of all ages to experience the arts,” says Rutledge. “I’m honoured to be able to support an organization that gives so much back to Prince Edward County.”
Baxter Arts Centre is thrilled to partner with Justin for what promises to be a memorable evening of exceptional live music, all in support of a vital community resource. “This concert is a wonderful example of the incredible generosity that exists within our community,” says Board Chair, Carolyn Sinclair. “Justin is not only an extraordinary artist, but also someone who genuinely believes in the importance of accessible arts programming and the importance of maintaining the Don Baxter heritage building in Bloomfield. Every ticket purchased helps Baxter continue offering creative opportunities that inspire, connect and enrich lives throughout Prince Edward County.”
Tickets go on sale August 7 through the Regent Theatre Box Office. Music lovers are encouraged to purchase early, as this intimate performance is expected to draw audiences from across the County and beyond. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Justin Rutledge’s music for the first time, this promises to be a remarkable evening of heartfelt songwriting, masterful musicianship and community spirit—all while supporting the future of the arts in Prince Edward County.
About Baxter Arts Centre Baxter Arts Centre is a local charitable organization dedicated to inspiring creativity and building community through accessible arts education, while maintaining the Don Baxter Memorial Building in Bloomfield. Baxter Arts Centre provides exceptional arts camps, classes, workshops, and cultural programming for people of all ages across Prince Edward County. Media Contact: David Hatch - Baxter Arts Centre www.baxterartscentre.org
New Roof!
We’re excited to announce that thanks to two incredible anonymous donors funded through The County Foundation, The Built Heritage Fund, and our fundraising initiatives, we have been able to install a new metal roof.
Photo: Mary Warner
In the Press!
Photo: Ramesh Pooran
Construction Updates — Phase 1
After 7 years we have finally achieved our goal of making the Baxter Arts Centre accessible to all!
If you’ve been following along, you know that this journey has had a number of ups and downs. The age of our building, combined with the slope it’s built on and the earth that covered shaky foundations required a thoughtful design beyond what should have been a simple ramp. After crafting a beautiful design and securing funding for the entire project, the pandemic hit — effectively doubling the cost of construction materials. Additional unforeseen complications arose, and our Board worked diligently to rework the project and raise funds so that our ramp could be complete, allowing all of our community access to the building for the first time since we opened the centre.
This gorgeous new ramp is finally completed. It is beautifully designed with buckthorn stone and pavers. Not only is it sturdy and practical, it will act as a gathering space. With the addition of a seating area, we can’t wait to see kids eating their lunches during camp and watching people gather to watch the night parade from this optimal viewing space!
Our deepest gratitude goes out to all of our sponsors and supporters.
Funding
- The Federal Government of Canada — Enabling Accessibility Fund. Who gave more than we asked for.
- Parrot Foundation — Who have been incredibly generous and supportive during this adventure.
- Huff Family Fund — For their continual help, support & belief in what we do.
Design and Construction
- VTLA Studio — Victoria Taylor and her team for their stunning and thoughtful design, as well as assistance with permits and approvals! They took so much care with this project and we are grateful for all their passion and effort.
- Always Built Wright — David Wright and his team for making the VTLA design come to life, and to David, for his incredible generosity.
- Dibbits Landscaping Supply — Who provided the building materials at a generous price and stored them till we were finally ready.
- Base 31 — Donated plant material.
A Special Heartfelt Thanks to Larry Spencer
Larry is a founding member of the Baxter Arts Centre, past President and Board Member who dedicated so much time and care to ensuring this project could continue. He took on many grant requests, worked with engineers and managed an ever shrinking budget. He took on each setback with grace, strength & determination.
Our Community
The completion of Phase 1 of this project is a testament to the kindness and generosity of our community and the deep fondness people have for the Baxter Arts Centre.
Now on to Phase 2!
We are now focused on the Accessible Entryway which is estimated at $25,000. Donations for this phase will be gratefully received!
Rendering Credit: VTLA Studios
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