A social gathering was held on Thursday, 1 March 2007 in the private patron room of the Copper Kettle Restaurant.  The purpose of the gathering was two-fold:

- to provide participants with an update on the status of the RAIC Syllabus Program - the current initiatives, future opportunities and other activities that remain ongoing.

- to introduce and discuss the potential for a new venture: "Session Sketches".

Our thanks to the eight participants who braved the winter snow to attend.  The staff of the Copper Kettle did an excellent job ensuring all persons were served with appropriate beverages and snacks.

THE RAIC SYLLABUS:
Roger Mitchell started the evening with an overview of the RAIC Syllabus Program.  His presentation covered the topics of:

• RAIC Syllabus Renewal

• RAIC (Ian MacDonald, Chair) initiative to engage Athabasca University as provider of the Syllabus Program.

• Discussion of the process followed, for better or for worse, in engaging with current members and administrators of the RAIC Syllabus program.

• Design Studio content and the difficulties discussed in potentially running studios through the Athabasca Program.

• The transition efforts underway to achieve the RAIC mandate.

This process remains ongoing with some benefits possible, though there remain concerns related to delivery of the program.  Further information may be found at the websites of the RAIC and the RAIC Syllabus program.

www.raic.org

www.raic-syllabus.ca

SESSION SKETCHES:

Kurt Dietrich followed Roger's presentation with an overview of the concept for Session Sketches.  This program would bring together local artists and members of the architectural profession in a social setting to conduct sketch/drawing workshops.  The purpose for this effort is to promote integration between the practicing arts as well as provide a means to enhance the artistic skills of the profession.

The discussion that followed Kurt's presentation revealed mixed results related to the Session Sketches concept.  The possibility to develop a wider mandate to the program for community involvement was discussed.  There was a preference among some for design charrette programs, reviewing civic areas and development in a wider urban context.  The Session Sketches Concept was left open for discussion between the attendees and their peers.

EVENING WRAP-UP:

The remainder of the evening was spent in review and discussion of:

• Roger's previous trip to Africa, primarily the region of Botswana (Amazing Photographs) as well as his travels through Spain and Paris.

• The program development and potential of the Edifice & Us series.

The evening came to a close at 9:45 p.m.

The Quote of Evening is credited to Wayne Zelmer, who referenced Roger's African Safari photographs with

"You can't take a bad picture of an Elephant"