Visual Arts in the
Cape Breton Economy

Introduction

A community with a strong cultural base is also strong in other respects -- its economic base, its educational system,its social stability.In sum,where the arts and humanities flourish, the quality of life tends to be superior. (Hollis 1982,43)

As a part of an M.Ed. course we decided to research the arts and the economy in Cape Breton. We chose to interview a number of artists who work with the various mediums and who come from different backgrounds. We found that we learned a great deal about the state of the arts in our area. The arts are alive and well and thriving in our community. We discovered that the artists and the economy both influence each other. We spoke in person with:

	Gordon Kennedy iron art
	Kenny Boone watercolour painting
	Arlene Christmas oil painting and graphic art
	Judith Wardwell textiles
	Thorne Morrow oil painting
	Leo MacNeil sculpting
	Bill Rogers watercolour painting
	Beryl Davis curator