For forty years, the Delta Arts Council has promoted the arts throughout Delta—north and south.

The non-profit organization focuses on supporting local artists, but also aims to bring in acts for Delta residents who might otherwise leave the community to be entertained.

In May, the arts council celebrated its Ruby Anniversary with a gala fundraiser at municipal hall, an event that included remembering the organization’s history with the launch of the Delta Arts Hall of Fame and its first inductee, founding president Raine Leagh.

Tsawwassen Arts Centre manager Virpi Kangas is looking forward to developing more partnerships and projects with the help of the community in the years to come.

“We’re always looking to work with other community groups, that’s something we like to foster,” says Kangas.

“We’d love to have more involvement with the community and to partner with other groups, dance schools, artists and musicians.”

And as the council’s programming moves into summer, the list of workshops and family-friendly concerts make evident the effort made to support and encourage enjoyment of the arts amongst youth.

Theatre classes at the Tsawwassen Arts Centre this summer include workshops such as Shakespeare Stories (recreating the Bard’s scenes and characters; ages nine to 12), Flipped-Out Fairytales (modernizing fairytales; ages five to eight), Acting for Commercials (ages nine and up) and Stage Combat (creating fight scenes, including dramatic deaths; ages 10 to 14).

The Tsawwassen Arts Centre is also bringing in children’s entertainers for its Family Series.

Storyteller Max Tell sings and reads his way into children’s hearts on July 24, while child entertainers Bobs and Lolo dance, sing and play in a world of make-believe on Aug. 22.

For families in search of a relaxing day viewing the work of local artists, visit Memorial Park on Ladner July 12 for the arts council’s annual Gallery in the Garden (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Details on workshops, special events, performances and ongoing monthly events—like Open Mic on the last Friday of each month—can be found at www.deltaartscouncil.com.