– by Susan Simosko –
Friends & Neighbours is a column about the people who quietly enrich our lives personally and collectively every day. They distinguish themselves by the incredible things they do, whether or not we even notice. It is my pleasure to introduce you to a few of these remarkable people and to share some of their stories.
From the moment you step in her office, it’s obvious that Frankie Allen, the Executive Director of the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula (CACSP), loves people. Her face lights up and her greeting is warm and genuine. You immediately feel like you’ve known her for years. Frankie talks easily about her work, her children and her unique ancestry, which, when all rolled together makes her an extraordinary person doing remarkable work on behalf of our community.
Frankie and her children, Samantha, 12, and Allen, 9, moved to the Saanich Peninsula in 2010 from the USA. In 2011, Frankie started working for the CACSP as a cashier in the Community Arts Centre in Tulista Park. But, as Frankie says, “There was so much to do! I jumped in whenever I could be helpful.” By 2013, she was named Executive Director. As President, Richard Julien says, “It’s hard to believe we ever managed without Frankie. She brings so much to the organization – and the artists we represent.” What exactly does Frankie do? She is the manager of the Centre; handles all bookings; plans, coordinates and markets events; and even does graphic design
Frankie says she loves her work because no two days are the same. “But mostly,” she tells me, “I love my job because of all the wonderful people I get to work with. Artists are so interesting, each one is as unique as his or her art. Here on the Peninsula, I think we have more working artists than the rest of Canada together! Truly, we have a fantastic arts community.”
Challenges? “Oh yes,” says Frankie. “The very thing I love about my work, the diversity, is also a major challenge. Sometimes I’m pulled in multiple directions simultaneously – it’s a tough balancing act. I don’t like to disappoint anyone but sometimes I just can’t get to things when I’d like to.” As the only paid staff, Frankie is acutely aware of another challenge too. “We have a very small budget but high expectations! We need to make every dollar count. That’s sometimes a challenge too.”
She has nothing but praise for the CACSP’s volunteers and Board. “I am so lucky to have their support and creative problem solving!”
On behalf of the CACSP, Frankie organizes many different programs to encourage public awareness and appreciation of the richness of cultural life on the Peninsula and to provide a collective voice for the arts community. Frankie is especially eager to talk about the Arts in the Schools Program. “Last year, we were able to raise and distribute $10,000 across the Peninsula. I am very proud of that,” she says. “Many people were so generous. I hope we can continue this work.”
And mentioning pride, Frankie’s face lights up again when she speaks about her children. “They are just great – given that I’m a single mom with a demanding job, my kids have had to learn flexibility and patience! I love them for that!”
Frankie tells me she also feels like she’s come ‘home.’ “My mom was Innu,” she smiles, “so my roots in Canada go back a long time. I couldn’t be happier to be in a place I love, doing work I adore.” Drop by the Tulista Art Centre or contact Frankie at executivedirector@cacsp.com.
