People make sharing time and knowledge worthwhile for Nanaimo artist Gerda Hofman.
“You help other artists, which is important to me. For the community. It’s a way of giving back to the community. Life is not about one person. We need to help the next generation, because that is important to me,” said Hofman. “Sitting at home doesn’t get you anywhere. Get involved.”
Since moving to Nanaimo more than 20 years ago Hofman has volunteered with the Nanaimo Art Gallery, served on the former City of Nanaimo Cultural Committee and Culture and Heritage Commission and is a founding member of the CVI Centre for the Arts and Nanaimo Art Walk.
“For me it’s never been a hobby. The best part is I get to meet really, really good people and help maybe the next generation some because they need some help too, especially in the arts because it is very hard to make a living in the arts and not just the visual arts,” said Hofman. “I am talking also about music, dance, theatre, you know the performing arts, it is all important.”
Her generosity, knowledge and willingness to share her time and expertise are a few of the reasons Hofman was chosen as this year’s recipient of the City of Nanaimo’s Honour in Culture Award, which will be presented during the Culture and Heritage Awards ceremony Thursday (April 6) at 7 p.m. at the Port Theatre.
“It’s quite an honour to get this award,” said Hofman, adding that in all the projects that she has undertaken there were “always a lot of helpers and volunteers,” that made them possible.
Hofman said she didn’t even know she was nominated until she was contacted by the City of Nanaimo culture and heritage department.
“It was quite a nice surprise,” she said.
Doors for the City of Nanaimo’s Culture and Heritage Awards ceremony open at 6:30 p.m.
The event includes performances by Vibrant Dance Studio, poets Naomi Beth Wakan, David Fraser and Pat Smekal, the Footprints of the Wolf, Wellington Jazz Band and Snuneymuxw Youth Dance Group.
Tickets are free but must be reserved by calling 250-754-8550 or visiting www.porttheatre.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com