YORKTON - Long-time Yorkton volunteer Lori Glauser has received a Life Membership Award from the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils.
“Lori is an ideal candidate for the OSAC Life Membership to recognize her many years as a strong arts supporter and leader; locally and provincially,” detailed a Yorkton Arts Council release. “Lori’s commitment to the arts included local leadership with the Yorkton Arts Council and Godfrey Dean Art Gallery and provincially with the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils. Lori accomplishes all this while being a successful business person in Yorkton.”
Glauser became a board member on the Yorkton Arts Board in the 1994-1995 year. She quickly became a driving force on many committees including the Visual Arts Committee. She sat on as Ex-officio of the visual arts committee. As Ex-officio she had full voting rights, participated in board decisions, and lent her specific expertise in valuable ways.
“In the 2001-2002 year, she became chair of the Visual Arts Committee where she oversaw a very valuable decision,” continued the YAC release. “That year, with Don Stein as organization consultant, she undertook to establish an organization committee for the purpose of examining the results of the comparative study to determine a governance model and structure that would separate the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery and take it to a higher professional standard equal to galleries of similar size around the province.
“They were successful in this endeavour.”
Glauser has also been chair of the Sunflower Committee, the main fundraiser for the Yorkton Arts Council.
The Sunflower Art & Craft Market was established in 1979.
“Lori’s artistic and organizational influence can be seen over the many years of the market,” stated the release. “With its beginnings as an outdoor sale on the lawn of Victoria School, Sunflower has grown to host over 150 exhibitors each September at Yorkton’s Gallagher Centre.
“Lori’s creative flair and organizational skills oversaw the taping and placement of the booths, many meetings, and consultations with the Gallagher Staff. She helped with everything from organizing volunteers, helping with registration, took photos and helped with take-down. She was first there in the morning and the last to leave at night. When all was done, volunteers received a handmade thank you card for their hard work.”
Glauser also served on the Performing Arts Committee from 1997-2004 where she attended the Performing Arts Showcase each year and helped to guide the board in choosing appropriate shows for the Yorkton area.
“She often volunteered at the registration desk for the OSAC Showcase,” noted the release. “Her smiling face and knowledge of events created a welcoming atmosphere for the attending delegates, creating new friendships in the process and renewing old ones.
In terms of OSAC Glauser sat on the OSAC board from 2001-2014. She was OSAC chair from 2007-2010 and then continued as Past President until 2013-2014.
“In her time as chair, she oversaw the transition between executive directors,” continued the release. “She developed many strategies that are still used in OSAC meetings today. Regional meetings, often cited as a favourite of OSAC Board members, that gave board members a chance to engage with local arts council volunteers and get feedback on challenges and opportunities. The board attended over 20 regional meetings when she was on the OSAC Board and a Director, Chair, or Past Chair.
“Lori Glauser was a driving force in her community and continues to volunteer in various capacities. Her generosity of spirit and kindness is apparent to everyone she encounters. Lori has a great attention to detail and continues to be an invaluable source of advice to all. Lori’s personality and approach attract other willing volunteers. She is professional, positive, and always in good humour. Lori is very humble and never expects recognition. Lori encourages others to enjoy and celebrate the arts, by example.”
For her dedication to the Saskatchewan arts sector, Lori Glauser is a deserving recipient of the OSAC Life Member Award, noted the release. The award was presented at the Showcase 2023 Banquet Oct. 14, in Regina.
