LETTER

Assisting those in the “Sixties Scoop”

 

From my own experience, let me say when I was rejected for a grant by Canada Arts Council around 1985 I went to see the Arts Officer and he explained to me: Mr Rasto, you are very successful as I can see, Sarnia, Toronto, Hamilton, New York, Pittsburgh, and then the Award in International Competition, again, in New York, followed by Los Angeles... and now you are going to Japan; but we have artists who do not have opportunities like you... (opportunities?)

It was impolite of me to interrupt when I said, ‘So you give them money and they go to the corner store and buy themselves the necessary talent, dedication, perseverance and persistence... and Voilà! we will have a winner?’

I have mellowed since and learned.

On a meager sponsorship by my wife Danica Betakova, a clerk at the National Library and Archives, I brought home honestly-achieved two major prizes from the Rodin Grand Prize Exhibitions 1986 & ‘88 for two Multiple/Multilateral sculptures, standing with flourishing and cherished artists from eleven countries (see: Utsukushi-ga-hara Open Air Museum, also Fukuoka City, where they are proudly standing). What a great woman was this little immigrant -- and a great Canadian!

Thirty years later, we are re-washing our mistakes of the past, and 'sprinkling' some money -- instead of securing for children of the ‘60s quality education, dignity and pride of achievement, and inspiration on their way to engage as full members of our society, all participating, all standing tall! That could be achieved, and return money, lots of money, as well. See the Museum of Civilization’s architect and innovator, Douglas Cardinal: Indigenous!

Otherwise, I guess we still need a few corner stores where they will buy themselves the above. Please think! Think sensitive, sensible and smart thoughts!

Rasto Hlavina
Pontiac