Two tiny communities in Lanark Highlands have a big impact. As I shamefully acknowledged this afternoon to Timothy Booth, the Vice-Chair of MERA (McDonalds Corners/Elphin Recreation & Arts), I am – notwithstanding having practiced law and lived in nearby Almonte for nearly 50 years – only recently acquainted with MERA. In my defence, my ignorance grew not from lack of interest, rather simply from the compelling and restrictive obligations of my career. It is only now, since my retirement in 2014, that by coincidence my partner and I choose no longer to winter in the United States of America. As a result, after completing the usual summer recovery and medical attendances, we are now paying attention to local evolutions and revolutions. Most recently was our introduction to MERA to attend a performance of “My Own Private Shakespeare” by actor/script writer Justin Hay. Its unqualified success prompted today’s attendance.
Elphin and McDonald’s Corners are connected by road and shared community initiatives, primarily through the non-profit MERA (McDonald’s Corners/Elphin Recreation
Arts). This organization operates out of the MERA Schoolhouse, a central hub for arts, crafts, and cultural activities that serves both communities. They are also linked by a rural road (County Road 12, formerly Highway 36) that runs between them.
MERA (McDonalds Corners/Elphin Recreation and Arts) recognizes that artists are essential to the vitality and well-being of the communities in which they live and work.
The MERA Award of Excellence in Fine Arts and Fine Crafts celebrates local artists who demonstrate excellence in their work.
The focus of today’s exhibition at MERA (see link below) was the photography of Hugh McBride.
In an unprecedented favour we were able to chat liberally with both the artist and his wife, connecting dots and background detail to themselves and the photographs on exhibition. The foregathering had all the advantages of a museum recording and a private social convention – distinguished inimitably by its overriding serene rural atmosphere.
I confess that I am chuffed about what I have lately learned of MERA. Once again it makes me proud to live in the country! MERA is one more credential of vital importance to add to the shield of rural accomplishment. I naturally share the support of our local artistic community which repeatedly achieves these heights of success. The continuing efforts of “The Ten Collective” in Almonte (where we live) is but one further example.
Assembly such as promoted by MERA and other local artistic venues constitutes an improving educational outing and a decidedly personable colloquium. This combination of intelligence and sociability is a meaningful contribution to our community, elevating daily life from endurance to refreshment.
Featured image “Cow in Winter” by Hugh McBride