Visual Arts in the
Cape Breton Economy

Artist ~ William Rogers

Bill Rogers is originally from Cape   Breton where he lives, teaches , and  works as an artist in the medium of watercolour. He believes that the state of the arts in Cape Breton is improving. "I think UCCB Art Gallery has focused people's attention on artwork locally."

He notes other contributers to the improving arts awareness as being Cape Breton Artists Association, Whitney Pier Artists Association, and Center Bras D'Or, where they have their own gallery. Rogers also credits the cultural festival, "Celtic Colors" for impacting positively on the visual arts. He believes UCCB Art Gallery offers an educational awareness and therefore , he is selling more locally than ever before. In fact, he has been job sharing 50%, in the teaching profession this year.

As far as revenue is concerned, approximately 20% comes from galleries("others, not my own"), 20% from local, and 60% from tourists. Government support ,in the form of The Nova Scotia Art Bank has had some impact( 2 paintings in 2 years) " but it's great for the publicity." Rogers purchases supplies in Vancouver, and the U.S. because of the price, selection and quality. "Even with the exchange rate , it's cheaper," he explains. He buys few art supplies locally; what he would describe as "insignificant".

Bill Rogers distributes locally to craft shops, all over cape Breton, and off island to Antigonish , Halifax, and Wolfville. As for showcasing his work , he 's had exhibits in New York, Wisconsin,and Texas . He also feels there are sufficient opportunities to show his work locally. "Maybe it's because I am established. If I wasn't , I don't know if I'd feel that way. Primarily self taught, Rogers has taken Fine Arts courses at Acadia and UCCB, as well as workshops in the U.S. He states that there is no chance for trainig here. As a teacher of Art at a local high school, he thinks the course is definitely beneficial.