Sandra receives award after "100 years" of volunteering

Even with almost 50 years of volunteering in the arts community in Sault Ste. Marie behind her, a recent award recipient says there is much left for her to do.

On Friday Sandra Houston was recognized with the Leading Women Building Communities Award, an honour now in its tenth year.

The Ontario’s Leading Women Building Communities Recognition Program recognizes women who make a difference within their communities in a number of categories, including volunteerism.

Houston has volunteered for close to 50 years with both the Sault Theatre Workshop and the Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie.

“That’s 100 years,” she joked.

Houston was nominated for the award by MPP David Orazietti.

“I was honoured that David would put my name up for this award for women in our community. As a volunteer I try and stay in the background so I am surprised to be acknowledged and noticed,” she said.

She is most proud of her six and a half years as executive director for the arts council, especially helping local artists receive grant money.

“I felt like I helped so many people in the arts at that time,” said Houston.

Many artists don’t know where to start when seeking grant money and Houston said she is always happy to help.

“It’s amazing the support this province gives to the artists,” she said.

Houston said she isn’t even close to being done volunteering in the arts in the Sault.

“I’d like to grow Over the Rainbow,” she said, of the live children’s entertainment.

Over the Rainbow will be moving to the larger Kiwanas Community Theatre Centre from the Grand Theatre downtown, starting with the African song, dance and puppetry show Baobab on April 25.

“I love being at the Grand, it’s so nice and intimate but because of the technical requirements of some artists we needed a new facility,” said Houston.

A dedicated arts centre would be a welcome addition to the Sault arts scene for Houston and could combine a 300-seat theatre and studio space.

“We have so many artists, the percentage is probably higher than any other city in ontario, but we are lacking an arts centre that would have a place for the artists to have a place to work instead of using the kitchen table,” she said.

(PHOTO: Sandra Houston laughs immediately after receiving an award from MPP David Orazietti on Friay at the Art Gallery of Algoma. Kenneth Armstrong/SooToday)