Smiley Dean and Eliska

By Angela Brown

Glass artists Dean and Eliska Smiley recently moved to Alexandria from Millerton, New YorK, a small community about two hours from New York City.

Glengarry-Prescott-Russell MPP Grant Crack, North Glengarry Mayor Chris McDonell and Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee chair Councillor Carma Williams were among the 35 people who attended a recent reception to welcome the
artists-in-residence at the Priest's Mill Glassworks.

"l'm delighted to say that the township is starting to see the benefits of promoting arts and culture as real economic drivers in our communities," said Councillor Williams. "It is encouraging to see artists attracted to the area, clearly seeing North Glengarry as a place of artistic opportunity and a desirable place to live."

"Mill Square appears to be the hub of this new economic activity and the momentum it creates will likely go a Iong way to helping rejuvenate the downtown core,' M s. Williams added

The Smileys' exhibit features glasswork and mixed media projects by both as well as paintings by Mrs. Smiley. The couple also collaborates on many projects.

Originally from Oakville, Mrs. Smiley comes from an artistic family; she is a cousin of acclaimed singer-songwriter Sarah Harmer. Mr. Smiley originally hails from Peers, Alberta, near Jasper. The coupIe started in the glass arts field about 21 years,
travelling around the world and spending the past decade in New York State.

Mrs. Smiley likes the location of the glass studio and the friendly people in the area. She hopes to see North Glengarry continue to promote the arts and opportunities to help the arts community
prosper.

She supports the idea of having tax breaks available for property owners as a possible incentive "to encourage artists to come and help build a thriving artistic community."