Arts center to bid farewell to Cannon
ABy Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Wintergreen Arts Center will be the site of a farewell social on Thursday, June 9, from 6 to 8 p.m., as the community gathers to say goodbye and thank you to Executive Director Lara Cannon and her family.
During the evening, friends and family will gather to celebrate the Cannon family’s service and dedication to the Wintergreen Arts Center — a facility Cannon helped establish and has served for the past six years.
Cannon was one of the founding members of Wintergreen and helped lead the volunteer effort that began in 2005 to create a regional attraction for the arts. Under her guidance, the center has served thousands of children and adults and moved into its current home on State Street in early 2010. In February 2011, her efforts and dedication were recognized by the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce when she was presented with the Citizen of the Year award.
“Lara and her family have made great contributions to the city of Presque Isle and the entire Aroostook region. Her lasting legacy, Wintergreen Arts Center, is a wonderful facility to have available to the general public as a learning center and a place to enjoy being surrounded by art,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director, PIACC.
Fowler said Cannon’s gift to the city was bringing the world of art center stage, helping to promote Presque Isle as a place to live and share creativity.
“I believe an art presence will help attract future immigrants to the city and the area. I think the enthusiasm for art and sharing art that Lara has brought to the region will continue to grow and flourish. The appreciation for art that Wintergreen Arts Center has instilled in area youth should encourage developing artists to continue,” Fowler said.
Cannon’s vision will continue to be in inspiration to others.
“Lara has always been very generous with her time and talent and very positive about the area and the potential for growth here. She’s a very talented artist who has devoted her time and energy over the past several years, teaching and exposing others to various art forms,” said Fowler. “She’ll be missed by many.”
To help the community recognize Cannon’s unwavering dedication to the organization, a giving tree sculpture will be available during the event for guests to decorate with their good wishes and donations for the center. The sculpture will make a beautiful representation of Wintergreen’s growth and future. MMG Insurance Company was the first business to donate $500 for one of the giving tree branches. A new director will be named during the evening.
The event is free. Families and children are encouraged to attend.
For more information, contact 762-3576.
