Is there anything more iconic for shore dwellers than the reassuring beacon from a majestic lighthouse?
Today’s Superior Social post is bringing you good news from the Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior. The group released its Spring 2016 newsletter recently and they’ve got plenty of good news and upcoming events for lighthouse lovers of all kinds.
Here are the highlights:
Artist in Residence
As part of a volunteer effort, the group is aiming to start an Artist in Residence program at Porphyry this summer. The position will provide studio space for a winning artist to hone and develop their craft in a tranquil, remote setting which enhances focus and creativity. Who wouldn’t want to listen to Lake Superior lapping against the shore while creating their next masterpiece?
Polyphory Lighthouse is about 15km east of Silver Islet, on Black Bay. The artist will be mostly alone in the remote setting, but will be asked occasionally to run workshops and show their work to visitors. The volunteers are hoping that the artist will draw inspiration from the setting, and create a work which will inspire others to visit the area as a summertime travel destination.
According to the newsletter, Polyphory will be undergoing some new updates during this summer as well, including more on-site staff, a Gallery Exhibition, more Interpretation Signage, WiFi and better docking facilities for members.
The official call is as follows: “The Artist in Residence (AIR) program will operate for 1-2 weeks at Porphyry Island Lighthouse located 15km east of Silver Islet, on Black Bay. The AIR program allows a sponsored artist to; practice their art, share their art with visitors, sell their work, and donate a piece of art to be used for future lighthouse fundraising. The chosen artist will be provided with: transportation to and from the island, living accommodations and studio/gallery space. Check out our website clls.ca for further information. An online application form is available. If you know of a corporate sponsor that’s interested, tell us!”
Applications will be accepted until May 20th, 2016.
CBC reports on the program here.
Annual Fundraising Dinner
At the Prince Arthur Hotel on May 6th, the CLLS will be “bringing together friends, families, sailors, boaters, and a few people from the port” for their Annual Fundraising Dinner. Your ticket will include: a six-course meal, a talk from guest speaker Lee Radzak ofSpilt Rock Lighthouse, an art auction, and some light entertainment. Tickets are $50.00 and there will be door prizes. You can purchase them online at www.clls.ca, or in person at the Prince Arthur Hotel.
Annual Lighthouse Clean Up Event
The CLLS newsletter makes reference to an annual lighthouse clean up coming up on June 11th. Volunteers are invited to help keep the Polyphory site clean and beautiful for visitors. According to their website, this includes “painting, cutting back trails, clearing brush, and doing minor repairs.” If you are interest in volunteering then please email us and they will provide you with more information.
CLLS Membership Drive
May is Membership month for the Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior, and they’re inviting lighthouse enthusiasts and marine adventurers to sign up for another year of lighthouse fun. Included in membership fees are quarterly news letters, event days, reduced fees for guest house rental, and invitations to lighthouse activities.
To see the full newsletter, including articles by members, click here.
Taken from the group’s website, here are a few more events to keep an eye out for!
Lighthouse Radio Contest- Magic 99.9 & Country 105
Being launched at the beginning of the summer will be the Lighthouse Destination Getaway that is being offered by Magic 99.9 and Country 105. This content will include transportation, to and from Porphyry Island Lighthouse, use of the guest house for two days, fishing, hiking and relaxing are all part of the program. Check in later for further details on when the contest is taking place.
Superior North Shore Regatta- SUNORA (July 23-30, 2016)
The annual regatta hosted by the Thunder Bay Yacht Club attracts a dozen or more sail boats and the occasions power boater. Starting in Thunder Bay, the group will sail to Rossport over several days, and return to spend a night at Porphyry Island Lights July 29. Join them by searching them out on Facebook.
Porphyry Island Pan-Superior Rendezvous-TBYC (Aug. 13-14)
Our annual Pan Superior Rendezvous bring boaters from around the lake to share in the beauty of the Island. BBQ Bonfire, hikes, and tours available on this day. Book the date and let us know if you have any questions.