Rita (Niebuur) Summers

Ancestors

Descendants

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Dr. Ted Vandevis [send private message] and Rita Summers [send private message]

Biography

This profile is part of the Holland Marsh, Ontario One Place Study.

Art Party! On 1st October 2013, Gone Rustic Studio and Gallery celebrated its 10th birthday by hosting an art party, followed by wine and cheese. About 20 guests enjoyed an afternoon of creativity and refreshments after Ian Summers ceremonially cut the ribbon across the entrance into the studio area. Guests were invited to insert a birthday message into a balloon, and the floor was soon awash with them, adding to the festive atmosphere. The colour scheme for the afternoon was red and silver, and all the decorations followed this theme. Galvanized buckets stood ready filled with art materials, each one decorated with red and silver ribbons. Guests snacked on strawberry and cream sweets presented in red and white polka dot cups, and wine was served in matching paper tumblers. Eight prizes were given away during the proceedings, which were presented in red and white paper bags tied with red and silver ribbon. The balloons were also red and silver. The cheese platters featured Tasmanian cheeses and other delights (artfully arranged by Kevin Taylor). Everyone was encouraged to revisit their kindergarten days, and just ‘play’ – and they did! A show and tell group photograph towards the end of the afternoon recorded everyone’s efforts (and the occasion) for perpetuity. In an emotional speech, Rita Summers expressed heartfelt gratitude to her husband Ian, and also to good friend Barbara McAllister. Without their support and practical assistance, she felt she would have given up many times. She also mentioned her deep appreciation for the support of the local community, especially those who attended her first workshop and have continued to participate over the years. Rita shared that the arts-based enterprise would not have been able to keep afloat financially without taking on the Wide Span Sheds and Homes agency in 2007, which is the ‘bread and butter’ of the business. After some difficult years, 2013 has marked a turning point for Gone Rustic, achieving the position of second-highest seller in Australia for kit sales in March, and remaining in the top 20 nationally for several months. For a small town in the country’s smallest state this is a real achievement. For Rita, the business has been a place of restoration and healing, after suffering a breakdown exactly one year before opening the new business in 2003. Her father, the late John Niebuur, presented her with a gift of $500 to help get it off the ground, and she initially rented the old Uniting Church in Storey Street. When that building was put up for sale, the heart-wrenching decision to move out was made – she and Ian could not afford the asking price. When another building - the old BP garage - became available for a more affordable price, they purchased it. Ian replaced the roof; built an enclosing wall; gutted and rebuilt the old office, storeroom and bathroom; added extra windows; built a large storeroom - and made a beautiful space out of what was a very worn and tired building. He did all this while working full-time and on a shoestring budget. When he seriously injured his hand, friends stepped in and helped to complete the plastering. Other friends helped with the painting.

Late in 2012, the garage and studio were given a facelift. A new ceiling was installed in the gallery area and both rooms were repainted, as well as the front facade. Future plans include finishing the bathroom, and repainting the remaining exterior walls. A new gallery hanging system has recently been installed along one wall, with the help of a $100 donation from Break O’Day Regional Arts. More hanging space will be added as funds allow. To conclude, Rita shared some words of wisdom which encouraged her to continue with her and Ian’s shared vision for the business, especially when times were tough: Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping. Your heart’s been in the right place all along. You’ve got what it takes to finish it up, so go to it. Once the commitment is clear, you do what you can, not what you can’t. The heart regulates the hands. Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that ... take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: just go ahead with what you’ve been given. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. [from The Message, paraphrased by Eugene Peterson]

Sources

1. Vandevis-11 Dr. Ted, Personal Recollections.
2. Rita Summers Niebuur-3