Remkes 'frames' tenure with Bertie Arts Council

Bertie County Arts Council President Susie Remkes stepped down from the BCAC Board last month after serving in various board positions over the past ten years.

Prior to that, Remkes volunteered behind the scenes for the council.

Her beginnings at the organization can be attributed to the Rev. Joe Cooper, who invited her to a BCAC Featured Artist reception years ago.

“Everyone he introduced me to was warm and welcoming. Jane Hall asked me that day if I was interested in volunteering, so I said sure. Six months later, I was asked to join the board and I’ve been there ever since,” said Remkes.

While the expansion of the arts council under her guidance was impressive, one of the monumental acts she oversaw was the development of the mural program gracing the county in a variety of locations.

The first mural to make it’s debut is on Granville Street in Windsor and was a collaboration made possible by the Bertie County Commissioners, the town of Windsor and North Carolina Arts. The development of the mural’s theme was a collaboration between the community and the artists.

Local artist Michael Bennett painted the remaining two murals; one welcomes visitors to the Roanoke/Cashie River Center while Bennett’s most recent work Artisan Alley has transformed the alley.

“The final project is one I’m particularly fond of — the ‘Artisan Alley’ which is just a few steps away from the Gallery’s front door. This once abandoned location now provides the community with a pleasant spot to meet friends, hear music, to share the arts and enjoy evening events with nighttime lighting,” said Remkes.

The council’s popularity has grown over the years and much can be attributed to the events the council hosts at the downtown Windsor galley. Whether it is a Featured Artist reception or celebrating the opening of a show, guests and other artists enjoy an elaborate buffet artistically presented as though part of the show.

“We’ve always gone overboard on our buffets providing great food and tasty hors d’oeuvres — we want to make each reception extra special. We have fresh flower bouquets and I enjoy sharing my unique centerpieces and buffet platters, things I’ve collected over the years from my time traveling overseas with my husband during his military career,” said Remkes.

Remkes will miss her board position but she will now have time to do her own artwork. She does have a few thoughts for the upcoming board.

“Keep the board meetings short, sweet and to the point and set a time limit of one hour, tops. Our board members’ time is precious, so keep close control of the time,” she said. “It would be great to see a stronger budget for paid employees and marketing efforts. We expect so much from our volunteers and we only have one paid employee.

“I see the future of our Arts Council as very bright — we will continue to have an enthusiastic board of directors,” she closed. “I would like to thank everyone for their many years of support and friendship. It has been a pleasure to be involved with the Bertie County Arts Council.”