Anyone who spends time at ArtSpring knows the arts centre has been celebrating its 10th anniversary all year.

The board didn’t go for one big public party in order to mark its first decade but rather put the 10th anniversary tag on its promotional materials in 2009. Then on Saturday it held a by-invitation reception for its supporters and volunteers. That crowd is so voluminous two “sittings” were needed.

It was a decidedly low-key affair, with words offered by current Island Arts Centre Society president John Stewart, and Bob Weeden, a long-time board member and former president. Otherwise it was a chance for friends and neighbours, ArtSpring volunteers, staff and patrons to catch up with each other and reflect on the past decade.

No celebration of ArtSpring would have been complete without an appearance by Paul Gravett, the centre’s executive director from November 2000 to August of 2006, and his partner Mark Hand, so party-goers were not disappointed in that regard.

In describing ArtSpring’s “slow start” from concept to ground-breaking to opening, which took about 20 years, Weeden reminded the crowd that the centre has a storied past.

Islanders can be very attached to the image of the island staggering along handicapped by the acrimony, incompetence and craziness of its citizens. But in fact we have a growing number of people in key positions who know how to run major organizations, whether they’re a business, non-profit group or government body, and many things are accomplished and function without scandal, lawsuits or being crippled by delays or poor decision making.

When we look at how smoothly ArtSpring runs today — and has run for several years now — it’s hard to believe it could have rotted unfinished before it opened. The centre continues to enjoy phenomenal community support. Witness this year’s Treasure Fair — the ninth — raising a record amount of funds.

Perhaps more than any other place on Salt Spring, the arts centre gives the community a positive feeling about itself. It nurtures young talent and artists of all ages in a huge way, brings in world-class performers, has a friendly atmosphere and gives us reasons to celebrate day after day.

Congratulations on the first 10 years, ArtSpring. Your legend will continue to grow for the better.