Sunshine Coast Artists, BC

Free plan chest to good home, sorry, this is gone now

2012-01-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

I have a new plan chest to keep my life drawings in and I have this one I've had for 20 years to get rid of to anyone who wants to come and pick it up in Lower Gibsons. It can lie sideways like above or stand up vertically like below.

There are 5 portfolio folders made of sturdy blue hollowcore plastic, each measures 34.5 inches wide x 26 inches tall and 1 3/4 inches deep and they slide into black wire slots. The grey melamine box measures 43 x 29 inches.

If you're keen to add this to your studio, get in touch by commenting here or contacting me through facebook or the usual smoke signals. This has been a sturdy workhorse through about 7 house moves, and 2 continents! Update - This is gone now, so don't get excited...

Sechelt life drawing, today's visitor, please come back!

2012-01-10T17:42:00.000-08:00

Today at life drawing in Sechelt, we had a keen young man visitor BUT UNFORTUNATELY he dashed away and didn't stay. We would really love to see him come back! He was so keen, he arrived last Tuesday which was one week earlier than our startup after the holidays and when he came today, he apparently felt he could not afford the drop in drawing fee of $15. PLEASE, don't let the fee stand between you and your art passion. We already have the heat cranked up, the models booked, the easels set up and we welcome any one who is keen to draw from the live human form, regardless of what you can afford to pay. If you can't pay the regular amount, you are more than welcome to pay what you can.

Our poor model today was suffering with a cold but he did a lovely job as he has done for the last 20 odd years. Our models alternate each week between male and female and many have been modelling for our group and others for many years. The monthly fee is $40 and the drop in fee is $15, but see notes above if you can't afford that. We try to make new arrivals feel completely welcomed and we'll try to quickly explain how things work, where to find a drawing board if you need one. Hey, we'll even give you some paper and lend you some charcoal or pencils or graphite, whatever it takes to get you going! We have a great location at the Sechelt Art Centre every Tuesday morning with natural light and we really do welcome new members of all ages and abilities... so if anyone knows who this young man was, please let him know that we'd love to see him again and we're very sorry he got off to the wrong start today and felt he couldn't stay. Of course, we'd love to see YOU here too.

We start at 10 am with about 10 minutes of quick one minute poses, then work our way up through 5, 15, 20 minutes until 11:30 when we have a half hour break. People are welcome to make tea in the kitchen and have their own snacks OR come over next door to the Senior's Centre where a nice bowl of homemade soup, sandwich, tea etc can be had for a reasonable price. The final hour has two 30 minute poses. People either stand or sit to draw and easels are provided so you can clip your paper to a drawing board and really go at it with your charcoal, pastels, pencils or whatever you wish to draw with, even an iPad or tablet!

For further information please call Maurice Spira (604) 885-4611 or Nena Braathen (604) 885-2860.

Bodhi Drope, a birder's journey at GPAG

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

January 12 to February 6: A Birder's Journey
Bodhi Drope's digitally enhanced images reveal the joy of discovering rare birds in their exotic North and South American habitats.
In the Eve Smart Room:

Vivian Chamberlin: a show of watercolour paintins, entitled "Another Time, Another Place"
The reception for both shows will take place on Saturday, January 14, from 2 pm to 4 pm.
GPAG in Lower Gibsons.

Decorate a birdhouse for Botanical Garden Gala

2012-01-04T16:30:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden Gala
... An Interesting Change for Artists

The Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden Society is putting on its 4th Annual Gala Dinner and Auction on January 28, 2012 to raise funds for the ongoing development of the 40 acre garden on Mason Road, west of Sechelt.

Thanks to such a supportive community, including Sunshine Coast artists, the garden is growing at a great rate. In just a few short years the land has been bought, trails built, wiring, plumbing, fencing, parking lot put in, volunteer building renovated, seniors' and vegetable garden established, the landscape plan designed and the beautiful Sparling Pavilion completed and put to public use for weddings, meetings, art shows, education and celebrations of all kinds. The Society is now working to develop its garden areas.

Many local artists have donated their work to the previous 3 Gala Auctions. Our planning committee and our auctioneer, Ed Hill, are aware of how many art auctions there are on the Sunshine Coast and how many of you are asked to donate over and over again. So, we have decided to do something different for this year's Gala. .

The theme for this year's Gala is A Garden of Fantasy, featuring a variety of birds and greenery....and birdhouses.

A team of carpenters are creating 20 simple, plywood birdhouses that are 8” square by 16” tall, 20” at the peak of the double pitched roof, sitting on a plywood base that is 12” by 12”. There are two holes on the front, and one on the back. A photograph is attached. We are inviting interested local artists to apply to decorate one of our 20 birdhouses in any creative way they want, including adding extra “whatevers” to the simple structure. The finished structure does not have to actually look like a typical birdhouse nor is it intended to house actual birds. It is intended to be displayed indoors, or under a covered porch in good weather, not outdoors.

Applications will be received, first come, first served, until the 20 birdhouses have been assigned. Each house will be dated and numbered on the bottom of the base before being assigned.

The unfinished plywood houses will be available to be delivered or picked up as of Jan. 1, and picked up or returned by Jan. 21 in order to be photographed for the Botanical Garden Website, and ready for the Gala Auction on Jan. 28.

We will not turn down any other works of art that anyone might like to donate for auctioning at the Gala, in fact, would warmly welcome it, but we are not going to be asking for usual donations of art this year.

We hope that you will be inspired by this unusual medium for creativity, and consider putting your talents to work to support the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden, that is a beautiful gathering place for not only birds, but people from all over the Sunshine Coast and beyond.

If you would like to decorate a birdhouse for this project, please phone Maureen Bodie at 604 886 2481, or 604 809 2329 (mobile) or email her at harperist2000@gmail.com . Maureen will confirm your application by email.

Tickets to attend the Gala itself are available through the website, or from Maureen Bodie

Help fund a worthy young South African student's international studies

2011-12-31T12:10:00.000-08:00

My name is Didintle Ntsie, I am 24 years old, I am from a township in South Africa called Ga-Rankuwa. I'm currently studying social entrepreneurship in Sweden under the International Youth Initiative Program together with 40 other students from all over the world. This campaign is aimed at getting financial assistance to continue my studies in this enriching and unique program.

The Impact
I am an aspiring Social entrepreneur and believe that social entrepreneurship has the potential to add so much more to so many more lives. Some of the most important solutions to global stability lie within this sector.

There are many examples of social entrepreneurs that have made a difference in the course and direction of humanity. I do believe that I have what it takes to be a positive, strong force in this realm.

The finances from this campaign will go towards paying the rest of my fees which will allow me to focus fully on what is being offered on the program.

I am the only participant from the entire continent of Africa, I strongly believe that my presence on the course is of high importance. My presence brings a different aspect to conversations and discussions as do all the other participants from the different parts of the world. I feel that it is my responsibility to do my best to ensure that my voice is included.

I am a firm believer that money (or the lack thereof) should NEVER be allowed to prevent people from reaching for the nourishment (of any kind) that they seek. Money should never prevent us from giving our best and from receiving the best.

Since being a part of the YIP program I have grown in ways I never previously thought possible, a whole world has been opened to me where deep questions and challenges have been presented to me probing me for answers and solutions to those questions and challenges.

I am nowhere near discovering all that this program offers and believe that continuing on the course is essential for my journey of life. With continued funding, I plan to go to Bolivia where I will be working with an organisation that works with indigenous people of the area and helping to restore their culture and beliefs as well as teaching them their rights. I will also get the opportunity to live with the different clans in the different parts and work with my hands and help them wherever help is needed.

If I don't raise enough money, I may not be able to continue on the program.

What I Need:
The total program cost is $11,000

My family has put together $5,800 (which consists of a loan my mom took from the bank as well as donations from other relatives)

A good friend and mentor from Australia donated $1,000

This leaves an amount of approx $4,200
The program cost includes
Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner from Monday through Friday when on Campus at YIP
Accommodation (single-sex, twin-share bedrooms on campus)
Materials
Travel to international internship
Transport (public and excursions)

Here is the link to the campaign!
I hope you may find time to help by making a contribution or simply by passing it along and making a lot of noise about it to friends and family!

Other ways to help
Please share this with your friends via social networks: let them know that you donated too!
Twitter: @TheDidiness
Blog:http://swedishgarden.wordpress.com/podium-of-gratitude/
Quote of the week: "You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love." - Henry Drummond

Paula writes: We made a donation to Didi who is a young friend of ours from South Africa. Any little contribution helps this energetic young mover and shaker further her international studies and would be greatly appreciated, please donate before Jan 16 if you can help her out and help the global good karma. 3000 people read my 3 blogs in November, just think what even one dollar each would help her out with....

Una Bachinski's inspirations

2011-12-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

Travel has always figured prominently in my development as an artist. Recently I made a trip to New York City to get a dose of inspiration. On the first day, I got what I came for - a wonderful retrospective of Willem de Kooning. Here are two of the pieces I did upon my return ("Pink Bubble Light" and "Tracts Of Land").

Music has also played a major factor in my creative process, especially since being with my partner ZoD Gaudette, a very talented composer and musician. His pieces have inspired me to embody a greater sense of flow and rhythm in my work. www.musicofzod.com

I have a new web site (another wordpress site, using Elegant Themes) that I recently created. So now I have one for my art (www.unabachinski.com ) and one for my jewelry (www.iloveuna.ca ) - the jewelry one I'm currently in the process of redoing but the web site address is still the same.
Una Bachinski

Michael O’Toole Aug 20-24

2011-12-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Michael O’Toole
Aug 20 -24
Strong Subject & Stronger Technique – Acrylic
This is an intermediate and advanced level workshop with in-depth demonstrations which will allow students to get inside Michael’s head to see and understand the decisions that he makes which contribute to his success.
The purpose and focus will be to create drama, contrast and mood, as well as specific applications such as values, focal point technique, soft and hard edges, transparent and opaque layers, composition and design. Michael will share his expertise about visual literacy and being intuitive in the process of painting.
Visit Gibsons School of the Arts website for the artists bios and details on registration as well as a mail in registration form. Details such as location, payment options and accommodation may also be found on the website.

Stuart Slind Aug 13-17

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Stuart Slind
Aug 13-17
Oil Painting in the Romantic Tradition
This workshop will focus on helping students to create their own emotionally charged landscape paintings.
The class will explore various traditional painting methods and techniques that will build a strong foundation yet allow for the individual and the personal to be reflected in the finished painting.
Visit Gibsons School of the Arts website for the artists bios and details on registration as well as a mail in registration form. Details such as location, payment options and accommodation may also be found on the website.

David Goatley July 23-27

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

David Goatley
July 23-27
Portraits in Oil
Acrylic Painters also welcome
Students will explore the challenges of portraiture with one of Canada’s leading portrait painters. Over the five days, working from models, students will cover pro- portions of the head, building convincing features, the importance of tone, colour mixing and value, and techniques to help them make lively and engaging portraits in oil. David is very much a hands-on teacher, painting alongside his students and demonstrating every step of the way. Although this is intended as an oil class, acrylic painters are welcome.
Visit Gibsons School of the Arts website for the artists bios and details on registration as well as a mail in registration form. Details such as location, payment options and accommodation may also be found on the website.

SECHELT FRIENDS OF THE GALLERY 2012

2011-12-08T19:16:00.000-08:00

DO YOU WANT TO BE PART OF THE FRIENDS OF THE GALLERY 2012 EXHIBITION?
This is notice for all members of the Sunshine Coast Arts Council that the intake day for your Friends of the Gallery submission is Monday January 2, 2012, from 1pm to 4pm. The intention is that the single piece of work you bring to this show will have been made in the past year, and will not have been submitted to the FOG before.

The FOG Exhibition will be hung on Monday and Tuesday to be ready for the opening at 11am on Wednesday morning January 4th, 2012. The opening Reception is from 7-9 pm on Wednesday January 4, 2012. Bring a plate of savoury or sweet finger food to share, please. This is a community Gallery and we appreciate your help in making a contribution to the party table.

PLEASE NOTE - if you can't get to the Gallery on Monday January 4th to submit your work because of weather, illness or caring for someone ill, you must telephone on Monday to reserve a place on the wall or on a plinth for your work. If we don't know you're bringing something in we won't be able to keep a place for your piece to be installed. We won't be able to make exceptions.

We would appreciate it if you didn't take unfair advantage of this offer. Only telephone to reserve a place if you are unable to come to the Gallery because you are ill or caring for someone ill or the weather is completely dreadful.

It will be all right to send your piece with a friend who is bringing work to the Gallery on the Monday intake day.

In addition, if you are experienced in hanging exhibitions or want to learn how to or are handy with a hammer, a measuring tape and a level please volunteer to help hang the show on Monday or Tuesday 3 January 2012. Please email and let me know if you can come.

We'll also need help taking the show down on the afternoon of 30 January 2012, Time TBA.

I've included the form you need to fill out for your submission – it’s the second page of this message. Don't forget to print it out and bring it with you on Monday January 4, 2012, between 1pm and 4pm. The Gallery will be open, I'll be here with a helper or two. We'll look forward to seeing all of you in the new year.

2012 Friends of the Gallery Exhibition submission form
Please bring this completed form and your submission for the FOG show [any media of visual art, including three dimensional work, but just one piece and produced since 1 March 2011] to the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre on Monday January 2, 2012 during special open hours (1:00 pm – 4:00pm). If your membership hasn’t been renewed in the last year, you’ll be asked to bring it up to date when you come to drop off your single piece for the exhibition.

Greta Guzek July 16-20

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

Greta Guzek
July 16-20, 2012
The Tricky Foursome – Design, Background, Value and Colour
Acrylic

During this workshop students will encounter the ”tricky foursome”: Design, Background, Value and Colour. Each of these elements in turn will become the focus, in the hope of understanding how to manipulate them into a better painting. The first two days will be spent doing exercises and demos; the next three will be spent creating a painting or two which incorporate what has been learned. Each session will end with a discussion of the day’s work.

Visit Gibsons School of the Arts website for the artists bios and details on registration as well as a mail in registration form. Details such as location, payment options and accommodation may also be found on the website.

Truffles Café looking for artists

2011-12-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

Adrienne from Truffles Café in Lower Gibsons would welcome submissions from local artists for artwork to hang on her walls. She's a photography fan but welcomes submissions for other mediums as well. Bring in some samples so she can see if it works for the Truffles ambiance.

She's also looking for a sign board artist to update the lettering and images on her dry erase sign boards so if that's what you're good at, drop in and see her and give her a quote. Truffles Café 886-4545

Goldmoss Gallery, Body of Snow

2011-12-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

The Body Of Snow paintings and sculptures have arrived at Goldmoss Gallery with 20 interpretations of the title. The artists will be in attendance at the opening reception and are looking forward to sharing their new works with you.
This Saturday, Dec 3rd at 5pm, we hope you can make it.
Bon and Lee.
Artists in Attendance: Ines Tancre, Heather Gatz, R.B.Wainwright, Jennifer Seymour, Bon Roberts, Donna Balma, Susanne Biden, Agnete Newman and Lee Grant-Roberts.

David McEown July 9-13

2011-11-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

David McEown
July 9-13
Watercolour Inspired by the Magical West Coast
In this workshop, students will learn essential watercolour techniques and perception exercises that will enable them to paint directly from nature.
Studio painting lessons will focus on and be inspired by ocean shorelines, mountain mist and rain forest. Watercolour’s magical flowing spontaneity and ethereal softness, as well as its ability to make crisp, highly defined form will be explored. This workshop is for intermediate level painters, but beginners are also welcome.
Visit Gibsons School of the Arts website for the artists bios and details on registration as well as a mail in registration form. Details such as location, payment options and accommodation may also be found on the website.

Sunshine Coast Arts Council AGM Nov 29

2011-11-24T16:48:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. The 2011 Sunshine Coast Arts Council Annual General Meeting is going to be held on Tuesday, November 29th at the Arts Centre in Sechelt at 7 pm. There will be food and drink a plenty on hand to celebrate the great events and energy of the past two years. There will be a slide show of Young in the Park, TEDxSechelt, and the many great things we have accomplished in the community. We aim to provide a celebratory evening for you that will be high on laughter and inspiration and low on AGM-ness, ie, financials and Board happenings. All members are encouraged to come out, as well as prospective members and anyone wishing to contribute to the arts community and stand as a Board Director.

Please come and show your support and appreciation! We are working towards having a kids area happening so more of you might be able to come. Hope to see you on the 29th in Sechelt!!!

Steve Wright, President
Sunshine Coast Arts Council

Suzanne Northcott June 25-29

2011-11-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

Suzanne Northcott
June 25-29 $475
Abstraction with Acrylic and Mixed Media
In this workshop Suzanne will work with painters who are using abstraction or interested in moving in that direction.
Various approaches to abstraction will be considered and the power of surfaces and symbols explored. Discussions and demos will cover building surfaces, brushwork, figure/ground relationship composition and personal expression. Students may choose to integrate drawing media or image transfer into their work and this will be discussed in the classroom as well. Expect to be challenged, to be brave, to have fun.
Visit Gibsons School of the Arts website for the artists bios and details on registration as well as a mail in registration form. Details such as location, payment options and accommodation may also be found on the website.

GIBSONS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS summer 2012

2011-11-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

GIBSONS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
Summer Painting Workshops
2012 Program
A series of 5 day summer painting workshops led by professional artists.
Cost is $475.00

Suzanne Northcott
June 25-29
Abstraction with Acrylic and Mixed Media

David McEown
July 9-13
Watercolour Inspired by the Magical West Coast

Greta Guzek
July 16-20
The Tricky Foursome – Design, Background, Value and Colour
Acrylic

David Goatley
July 23-27
Portraits in Oil
Acrylic Painters also welcome.

Stuart Slind
Aug 13-17
Oil Painting in the Romantic Tradition

Michael O’Toole
Aug 20 -24
Strong Subject & Stronger Technique – Acrylic

Visit Gibsons School of the Arts website for the artists bios and details on registration as well as a mail in registration form. Details such as location, payment options and accommodation may also be found on the website.

Ann-Marie Brown, Stumbling Towards Manhood

2011-10-19T15:21:00.001-07:00

"12 rounds in boxing...12 months in a year...12 spins round the sun before adolescence...12 boys alone in their corner"
Stumbling Towards Manhood is a woman's eye view of the formation of masculine identity.
October 20 - Nov 10, 2011
Galerie d'Avignon, Montreal

"The series was born out of watching my preadolescent son and his peers posturing. Jostling for position in a very physical way, while grappling with an onslaught of messages about what it is to be male.
I gave each model a set of adult boxing gloves when they came to the studio, then waited to see how they adjusted their stance to fit the role.
The resulting paintings bear witness to pressures perceived and fears felt. Individually the paintings are intimate portraits, and as a body form a critique of the weight of expectations that young boys face."
Ann-Marie Brown

Il y a 12 rounds à la boxe… 12 mois dans l'année… 12 tours autour du soleil avant l'adolescence... et 12 garçons seuls dans leur coin.
Stumbling Towards Manhood : une artiste émergente en provenance de Vancouver pose un regard profond sur la vie émotionnelle des garçons.
"C'est après avoir observé mon fils préadolescent et ses compagnons adopter des positions exagérées que la série de peintures est née. D'une manière très physique, les enfants luttaient dans la recherche d'une position idéale, lançant une panoplie de messages et tentant de définir ce que signifiait être mâle.
Lorsque les modèles sont venus au studio, je leur ai tous donné une paire de gants de boxe de tailles adultes. Puis, j'ai attendu de voir comment ils ajustaient leur position pour correspondre au rôle qui leur était attribué.
Les tableaux résultant de cette expérience témoignent de la pression et de la peur ressenties par les adolescents. Individuellement, les peintures peuvent être perçues comme des portraits intimes; ensemble, elles sont une critique sur le poids des attentes auxquelles les jeunes garçons font face."

Wendy Brown, Powell River painter

2011-09-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

Colour-soaked acrylics on canvas and oil pastels on card – figures and landscapes inspired by west coast nature or downtown urban life. Wendy Brown studied at OCAD in Toronto and now lives and paints in Powell River BC.

Works hang in private collections in BC, Ontario, New York, California and England.
Wendy Brown

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl - Become A Crawler

2011-09-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

Sunshine Coast, BC – The Coast Cultural Alliance (CCA) is pleased to announce the second annual Sunshine Coast Art Crawl on October 21-23, 2010. The Art Crawl offers Crawlers access to 108 participating galleries and art studios, representing over 175 artists along the entire Sunshine Coast Highway from Langdale to Lund. We invite Crawlers to come and experience the vibrant arts and culture community on the Sunshine Coast.

Crawlers are invited to join friends and take a scenic drive along the Sunshine Coast, stopping at the wonderful community hubs and studio events throughout the weekend. Before you start out on your journey along the scenic coastline of the Sunshine Coast visit the Information Hub closet to your starting point; Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Madeira Park and Powell River to grab a map and passport. If you are traveling from Vancouver to Langdale our BC Ferries Ambassadors will be onboard to get you started. This 3-day event will dazzle your cultural senses with demonstrations, receptions and performances.

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl
October 21 - 23, 2011
Fri: 6 – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10 am - 6 pm
Langdale - Lund/Lund to Langdale

Details on the event are available at www.sunshinecoastartcrawl.com

The Coast Cultural Alliance (CCA) is a network of arts, cultural and heritage groups and individuals working to enhance the economic vitality of the Sunshine Coast through cultural sector development. For more information on the CCA visit www.suncoastarts.com

Sechelt Saturday art lecture series

2011-09-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

Art Lecture Series "The Art of Seeing"

Sorry, but it seems impossible to actually read the text on this image and I have not been able to lift the text from anywhere and am not going to retype it here. There are four interesting art lectures being put on. Looks good, let's support this initiative and attend if we can. It's great to be getting some art lectures up here. The series that GPAG ran by Kristjana Gunnars recently were excellent.

Sat Sept 17 2-4 Ian Johnston- The Process of Transformation
Sat Sept 24 2-4 Keith Wallace- The Curator's Journey
Sat Oct 8 2-4 Robin Mayor- Understanding The Lies In The Process- Not The Result
Sat Oct 29 2-4 Lori Phillips- Art In Public Places

Location - Seaside Centre, 5790 Teredo Street, Sechelt
Tickets $8 at the door
$5 Seniors and students

Pat Crucil - New Work at the Yurts

2011-09-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

Exhibition Sept 24 - Oct 30, 2011
Opening reception Sat, Sept 24, 2 - 4 pm
Fibreworks Gallery, Madiera Park

“New Work” by Pat Crucil
Pat Crucil is an artist and teacher who works in fibre. She has been a juror and judge at several quilt shows. She is a regular participant in Canadian Quilt Association, Sunshine Coast Arts Centre Invitational Show, Sunshine Coast Quilter’s Guild, Fibre Arts Network, and the Pacific Northwest Quilt Show.

"I have always wanted to be a painter-to be able to express myself, my feelings and my moods, in a visual way. When I started quilting, I realized that this was my medium that would allow me the freedom and scope I want, without the necessity of mixing paint and producing hard surfaces. The discovery of surface design, in which I could hand dye and paint fabrics, opened a new and exciting part of the process, that is still challenging me today. Creating moods and feelings by the use of colour and texture in cloth is an on-going source of pleasure to me." – Pat Crucil

DOXA Documentary Film Festival

2011-09-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

DOXA is heading out of Vancouver for the first ever DOXA Festival:
Sunshine Coast September 30th to October 3rd, 2011
Raven's Cry Theatre in Sechelt.

Featuring 14 of the most fascinating films selected from DOXA's previous festivals, including the thrilling slam poetry film Louder Than a Bomb, Sundance prize-winner If a Trees Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front, as well as selections from the National Parks Project with a special musical performance from Veda Hille.

DOXA is proud to have the Gibsons Green Team as a Community Partner for this special presentation of the National Parks Project on Sunday October 2nd, 2 pm. In honour of Parks Canada's centennial, this unprecedented celebration of natural beauty spans the country, from Nahanni National Park in NWT, to Gwaii Haanas off BC's coast. In each park, 1 filmmaker and 3 musicians set out to capture the unique beauty of a region. DOXA presents selections from the original film project - each short film as mesmerizing as the landscape it captures.

To follow the film Veda Hille plays piano and tenor guitar, dabbles in banjo and accordion, and has a new love affair going on with a nord electro keyboard and a handful of casios. She writes about the natural world, the trickiness of love, the constant threat of tragedy, and anything else that amazes her.

Tickets on sale now! Visit www.doxafestival.ca for full program and ticket information.

Ticket outlets on the Sunshine Coast are:
Coast Princess Books (Gibsons)
MELOmania (Roberts Creek)
Sechelt Visitor Centre
Blue Waters Books (Pender Harbour)

Jan Poynter visits Haida Gwaii

2011-09-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hello folks,
A quick to note to give you the link to follow my Blog/Journal to see my trip to Haida Gwaii July 4 -28. A community project for the Village of Queen Charlotte, I did a public art "street" ulility box painting, and teaching art workshops and plein air. My first time in the "Charlottes".

Congratulations to the winner of the Haida Gwaii Artist-in-residence Sponsorship Draw ! Mary Bland (dentist) will recieve her choice of an 8x10 original painting and a big shout out thanks to ALL those who contributed. (paint supplies and gas money)

I have launched my new Website - janpoynter.com so check out the portfolios and projects

I am building most of the site myself (after the fabulous Wordpress theme work by Kellie Bonnici of KEBO )so be patient...if you come across strange empty pages or unrelated photos - think of if as a work in progress ;-)

hoping the fine weather will stay for you to enjoy...finally
Jan

POYNTER STUDIO fine art & illustration
NEW: www.janpoynter.com
BLOG http://poynterstudio.blogspot.com/

LIFE DRAWING IN SECHELT STARTS AGAIN

2011-08-31T08:48:00.000-07:00

Life Drawing at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in Sechelt (Trail and Medusa) will begin its 27th consecutive year on Tuesday October 4, 10 am to 1 pm. In each weekly session a nude model (alternating male and female) is drawn by the attending group in a series of poses lasting from 1 minute to 30 minutes. Historically and currently an important part of training for artists, these weekly sessions are an unusual opportunity to practice drawing the most complex and inspiring of subjects in natural overhead light. Easels are provided. Fees are $15 per drop-in or $10 per week if you pay by the month.

For further information please call Maurice Spira (604) 885-4611 or Nena Braathen (604) 885-2860.

one minute poses

Join us to sharpen your drawing skills, just bring your drawing board and papers and whatever you like to draw with. Our artists use everything from classic charcoal to pastels and oil sticks and even iPad to capture the subtleties of light that only natural light can offer. Images below created on iPad with Brushes app. You can read more about life drawing with an iPad here.

All images here by Paula O'Brien.

Felting Masterclass workshops at the Yurts

2011-08-31T08:12:00.000-07:00

Jill Denton, UK (www.jilldenton.co.uk)
Author of “Elegant Scarves and Wraps”

Patchwork Felting Masterclass Workshop at Fibre Works Studio & Gallery, Madiera Park
Sep 15 – 18, 2011
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Using just recycled silk and viscose fabrics combined with merino wool, create your own unique and beautiful wearable piece of art using nuno felt techniques. This 4-day class is suitable for those who have some experience of feltmaking Day 1 – elements of design, colour, shape, form and texture exercises.
Day 2 – Nuno felt techniques.
Day 3 & 4– Prepare patchwork prefelts, piecing and final felting of garment.

$550.00 + $66.00 HST
(materials fee tba)
Space is limited – register early to avoid disappointmen

Marina Crawford & Mario Traina, Sechelt Arts Centre

2011-08-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

We are happy to announce the following exhibition & special annual event:

Marina Crawford’s …still life in vancouver… and Mario Traina’s Naturally in Infra-red
Exhibition - Aug 31 – October 02 2011
Reception - Wednesday Aug 31, 7 - 9pm

These are two exhibitions of photographs presented by the Sunshine Coast Arts Council at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre – Doris Crowston Gallery, in Sechelt at the corner of Trail and Medusa.

Exhibition opens August 31, 2011
Gallery hours, Wednesday – Saturday 11am – 4pm
Sunday 1pm – 4pm 2011.
Show runs to October 2, 2011.

I wanted to be sure that all our members knew about this show, and could join us at the reception. I know you may have seen this exhibition announced locally, but you wouldn’t want to miss the party either!

Frances Wasserlein
Sunshine Coast Arts Council

Sechelt Arts Festival

2011-08-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

The Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee for the city of Sechelt, would like to invite you or anyone else that you might know interested in the visual arts to come or participate in two upcoming events at the Seaside Center next to the police station in down town Sechelt.

1. A speaker's series THE ART OF SEEING with artists like Robin Mayor, the former head of Emily Carr University & Keith Wallace, internationally recognized Curator, Juror, Lecturer and writer form the Sunshine Coast. Artist will be showing their work.

2. A Juried Art Show with a purchase award for the winning piece of up to $5,000 dollars for the District of Sechelt Art Collection. Deadline Sept.16, 2011.

Please spread the word and join us.
Bob Evermon
PS Can you print some of these posters and get them around town - we are on a small budget and spent all our money on guest artist...

Fundraiser for the Sunshine Coast Arts Council

2011-07-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

The Sunshine Coast Arts Council has received donations of art work and banners over the years. We are excited to announce that we will be displaying and selling a selection of these items during the juried Hackett Park Arts Craft Fair, August 6 and 7 at the Sunshine Coast Arts Council booth.

We have also accumulated a number of "left behind" items. These will be available to identify and claim from 11:00am to 1:30pm, July 21st 2011 at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre. Any items not claimed at that time will be considered abandoned and will become the property of the Sunshine Coast Arts Council and may be offered for sale.

Thank you for your support.
Sunshine Coast Arts Council 604 885 5412

Jim Harding, wood sculptures, nice new site

2011-07-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Jim's Wooden Creations
Located a short drive and 40 minute ferry ride from Vancouver, BC.

This website is mainly to allow people to view my work, and is more of a marketing aid rather than for trying to sell individual pieces over the Internet. Drop in to 979 Keith Road, Gibsons, BC to view approximately 300 carvings.

Open 7 days a week, but a phone call first isn't a bad idea.
1(604)886-4064

Many carvings have found homes at residences and businesses locally and worldwide.

Getting together as a group to purchase a carving for a friend or family member makes a very affordable way to give a carving that will last for many years.

(Paula comments- Nice new site Jim, and good to hear that you can update it yourself. Artists, don't have a site yet? Time to get moving! At least buy your own domain name for 5 years and start to plan your site on paper. Cheers!)

Unwind Knit and Fibre Lounge, Gibsons

2011-07-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Unwind Knit and Fibre Lounge is the only dedicated sustainable yarn and fibre store on the Sunshine Coast, serving the knitting and fibre community since 2010. We’re located in beautiful Gibsons, British Columbia, and we serve the Sunshine Coast and the Vancouver mainland in addition to mail-order around the country.

The store is an amazing haven, with beautiful colours, comfy chairs and an inviting vibe. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and happy to help you. The products are diverse, mostly sustainable natural fibres like sheep, llama, alpaca, bamboo, corn and sugar, with some manufactured products like nylon and acrylic thrown in for good measure. We continually search for fine yarns and accessories of a sustainable nature, and are especially happy to see our locally produced product line expanding!

Unwind Knit and Fibre Lounge
8-1161 Sunshine Coast Highway
Gibsons, BC (604) 886-1418

Zimbawean sculpture workshop, July in Gibsons

2011-07-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some interesting facts about stone sculpture from Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe actually means "Great House of Stone". Sculpture from Zimbabwe is also referred to as ‘Shona Sculpture’. The exuberance of the work, the vast varieties of stone, and the great skill and imagination of the sculptors has led to many years of major exhibitions worldwide; which have been greeted by extraordinary critical acclaim.
Zimbabwean stone sculpture, despite the political and social upheavals across the country, remains a truly contemporary force, combining successfully with an ancient cultural heritage. The art is direct, powerfully human and is often extremely beautiful.

There are over 200 different minerals found in Zimbabwe. However, the native stone sculptors can only work with about 12, using their hand tools. The entire sculpting process is done by hand!

“Picasso was an admirer of early Shona sculpture; now evidence is surfacing that he was influenced by it, too.”—Town & Country Magazine, London, UK
“This art has meaning. This art is imbued with extraordinary, intense spirituality. It will get in you and work on you forever.”— Frank McEwan, National Gallery of Zimbabwe

Todd Clark Open Studio July 10 - 16

2011-07-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,
Some of the paintings are still wet, however by July 9th's exhibit they will be dry, hung, and ready for your eyes. Please join us for some refreshments and food to enjoy. Feel free to bring family or friends, kids are welcome.

Attached is an invite. I would love to see you there.
Best regards,
Todd Clark

Barbara Langmaid, painter Powell Rive

2011-07-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

"Allan" is from a series of full length portraits from the last two years. "Harwood" is an ongoing theme and image I've used since moving to Powell River, and "Plaint" below, is the title of a poem by Theodore Roethke (American 1908-1963), another series of paintings based on his works.

A transplant from California, I find myself profoundly moved by the landscape in which I live... my oil paintings are a response to this landscape and include an interior perspective as well, using vessels as metaphors, a looking in as well as out. My work also reflects my love of literature and literary devices... presence in absence, time/space, unresolved narrative.
Barbara Langmaid

Co-op Landing Gallery in Gibsons, reception July 2 4pm - 8pm

2011-06-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone - Here's our Open House Invitation for the Co-op Landing Gallery in Gibsons, Saturday July 2 from 4 till 8 pm. If you're not familiar with Gibsons, the address is 436 Marine Drive, Gibsons - opposite the old Bank of Montreal Building. We are serving wine and appetizers!

Would love to see you all there - bring friends and family!

Jose Ventura - storytelling with paintings

2011-06-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

By Ica Wahbeh
AMMAN - Once upon a time… the storytellers go.
José Ventura does not tell his stories in words, but his “Appasionato” exhibition at Foresight32 Art Gallery immediately transports the viewer into his fantastic world of fairy tales, fantasy, mystical or romanticised reality and of funfair every child (and grown up) loves to immerse himself in.

In the tradition of many Latin American novelists, this Salvadorian-born Canadian artist creates a colourful, dream-like universe of musicians, revellers, street performers, lovers and fantastic creatures that belong to the world of imagination rather than to the drab world surrounding us.

Looking more like illustrations from a book of stories, Ventura’s paintings are filled with creatures feelingly playing instruments, dancing to their sounds, floating, cherub-like, with grace, defying gravity, making offerings of fruit or flower, gazing adoringly at each other or at the viewer, and enchanting with their candid looks and postures.

It is a world where angels cohabit with humans, street performers and musicians find eager audiences, animals, birds and phantasmagorical creatures come together - a child’s universe come true.

The sea is almost ubiquitous in this artist’s works, providing the background for barges and ships, for lovers, for mythical creatures (Minotaur, mermaid, harpy), goddesses (Venus, Artemis), flying angels, fish, naked women, an assortment of buildings, “smiling” or eclipsed moons, and an abundance of fruit and musical instruments.

It is a bounteous world of continuous celebration, of Cupid-stricken lovers and bright colours.

Influenced by his stay in Jordan, the artist adds a hubble bubble here and there, veiled women, clothes straight out of the 1001 nights, arched, columned windows; Latin America meets the Orient in a happy marriage of images and characters.

Love seems to permeate all this world Ventura seems to wish upside down, for, reality is quite different, gloomy and cold. This desire is perhaps better expressed in “Falling for her”, a painting where a young man is actually “falling” down a ladder to kiss the girl lying on the ground amid flowers - a reverse Romeo who needs to climb down to reach his loved one under the pale crescent moon.

Ventura is a complex artist. In 1996, with a partner, he created the carved glass panels that make up the entrance of St. Andrews Wesley church in downtown Vancouver. In 1998, “striving to express his vision in his highly personal, playful way”, he started to paint on ceramics. Since 1975 he has held 12 solo exhibitions in Regina and Saskatoon-Saskatchewan, Edmonton-Alberta and Vancouver-Canada, in addition to being part of 13 collective exhibitions in Canada, Paris, Mexico City and San Salvador.

His ceramic pieces - plates, vases, bowls - are populated by the same characters found on his canvases.

Shiny glaze reveals a world of birds, sea life, animals, ships, flowers and the ever-present woman with long, wavy hair and graceful bearing. Ships drift, people and birds fly, the colours are dazzling, the universe uplifting.

A few metal cutouts are projected against the window, reinforcing the feeling that one is a character in a book, surrounded by beings of a dream world where everything is possible and life is a perpetual merry making.

Jose Ventura now lives in Hopkins Landing

Ceramics on the Edge 3 exhibition, Sechelt 29 June - 31 July

2011-06-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

Ceramics on the Edge 3 exhibition at Doris Crowston Gallery, Sechelt Art Centre. The opening reception is on Wednesday evening 29 June 2011, at 7pm – 9pm. Everyone is welcome.

The show runs from Wednesday 29 June 2011 to Sunday 31 July. The Gallery is open from 11am – 4pm Wednesday to Saturday, and from 1pm – 4pm on Sunday.

District of Sechelt Announces Juried Art Show and Art Acquisition Award

2011-06-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

The District of Sechelt invites local artists to participate in the Sechelt Festival of the Art’s Juried Art Show (October 18 – 23, 2011) and Art Acquisition Award in which an artwork will be purchased for Sechelt’s public art collection. The price ceiling is $5,000. Artists must be 18 years or older and live on the lower Sunshine Coast (Earls Cove to Langdale). The award will be announced at the opening of the show at the Seaside Centre at 7 pm on October 18.

Greg Bellerby, Director of the Scott Gallery at Emily Carr University, is the show juror and will be selecting the Award. He is also a curator and teacher of curatorial and studio courses.
Artists working in mediums such as painting, paper works, printmaking, mixed media, drawing, ceramics, glass, stone, metal and sculpture are eligible to enter. Art works that exceed the value of $5,000 will be considered for the show but not for the Art Acquisition Award.

A total of five works per artist can be submitted. All works must be sent as electronic images by email to secheltart@hotmail.com. Artists may submit images beginning August 1 and submissions close on September 16 at 4 pm.

Interested applicants must read the Request for Qualifications document prior to submission. This document provides a detailed outline of the submission requirements. It can be viewed at: http://secheltfestivalofthearts.com/2011/06/16/rfq/

For additional information, contact:
Ann Hopkins, 604‐741‐0662
Arts Culture & Heritage Advisory Committee
annhopkins@dccnet.com

Stone sculpture carving workshop from Zimbabwean artists in Gibsons

2011-06-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Sunshine Coasters,
Gibsons Rock’N Art Gallery will host two very fascinating and far-traveled artists for two weeks in July!

We are really excited that the two famous carvers Patrick Sephani and Passmore Mupindiko from Zimbabwe will visit us from July 15-31. They are currently exhibiting their stunning stone sculptures in several art shows in Europe and will attend their annual "Zimsculpt" exhibit at Vancouver's Vandusen Botanical Gardens following their stay on the Sunshine Coast.

We are thrilled that we could secure these two Zimbabwean artists to teach a sculpting camp for kids and a sculpting weekend workshop for adults with local sculptor Don Watson at his Gibsons' Rock'N Art studio in July:

Sculpting Camp for kids grade 4 and up July 18-22 from 9:00-3:00 ~ fee $180
Sculpting Workshop for Adults on July 23/24 from 10:00-4:00 ~ fee $250
Live Carving & Charity Event on July 30/31 from 10:00-5:00 ~ entry by donation; children free

Interested? Contact rocknart@dccnet.com or Birgit Breuer 886-6591

Participants will learn step by step how to create a sculpture: sketching, drawing, clay modeling, stone sculpting with the teacher's help and writing of their artist statements & biography with the optional sale of their created pieces at a big charity & live carving event on July 30 & 31. We have also invited local established First Nations master carvers to exchange their various sculpting techniques and cultures during these events.

Here are some interesting facts about stone sculpture from Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe actually means "Great House of Stone". Sculpture from Zimbabwe is also referred to as ‘Shona Sculpture’. The exuberance of the work, the vast varieties of stone, and the great skill and imagination of the sculptors has led to many years of major exhibitions worldwide; which have been greeted by extraordinary critical acclaim.

Zimbabwean stone sculpture, despite the political and social upheavals across the country, remains a truly contemporary force, combining successfully with an ancient cultural heritage. The art is direct, powerfully human and is often extremely beautiful.

There are over 200 different minerals found in Zimbabwe. However, the native stone sculptors can only work with about 12, using their hand tools. The entire sculpting process is done by hand!

“Picasso was an admirer of early Shona sculpture; now evidence is surfacing that he was influenced by it, too.”—Town & Country Magazine, London
“This art has meaning. This art is imbued with extraordinary, intense spirituality. It will get in you and work on you forever.”— Frank McEwan, National Gallery of Zimbabwe

Courtenay Pollock, tie dye Artist and Visionary

2011-06-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

Courtenay Pollock, Tie dye Artist and Visionary creates fine art Tie Dye called Geometriart. A technique he developed in the late 1960's. He became well known while living in Marin Co. California as being the original Tie Dye artist of the Grateful Dead, making their speaker covers and backdrops. He produced, as well, hundreds of T-Shirts and Mandalas for many of the band members, other bands, and fans in those early days. He now lives and creates in Powell RIver B.C. HIs method is completely unique to the Tie Dye industry and he now focuses most of his time on his creation of fine art pieces dyed on cotton fabric. see his work at: http://courtenaytiedye.com

Courtenay Pollock moved to Powell River six years ago to settle into a more relaxed lifestyle and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Having lived the rock and roll dream for a number of years, along with the hard work of running his businesses while creating art on the side, Pollock, then 58, felt ready to slow down. Pollock started to spend more time indulging in his oldest love, his art, more as a hobby than a business.
In Powell River Pollock has found a community that supports and celebrates his art and one that gives him the peace and quiet to pursue it. He’s as busy as ever creating and marketing his art. Modern nostalgia for the 60s, along with the timeless spiritual and aesthetic qualities of tie-dye, keeps demand up and Pollock says he’s never lacked orders to fill.

“Powell River has been a wonderful environment for inspiration,” said Pollock. “It’s ideal for what I do.”

For an art form so commonly associated with a back-to-the-earth hippie movement, it at first seems surprising how much Pollock uses the Internet to promote his art these days. Pollock sells his work online at www.courtenaytiedye.com , a website celebrating the history of his art and offering a variety of products from panels to T-shirts.

Business picked up too after Furthur, the latest musical outing for Grateful Dead alumni Phil Lesh and Weir, ordered a stage backdrop larger than anything Pollock had ever produced. Fifteen nine-foot by nine-foot panels are combined to create a 45-foot long by 27-foot high mandala backdrop for the band’s tour, which kicked off last year in Minneapolis on Monday, November 8.

Pollock said that most modern tie-dyers tell him they were inspired by his work and after 40 years of tie-dying Pollock is looked to as the guru of the art. The Smithsonian Institution, based out of Washington, DC, has expressed interest in displaying Pollock’s art as a cultural exhibit, something which Pollock hopes comes to be in a year or so.

Until then Pollock just keeps doing what he does best: puttering around his kitchen in rubber gloves and apron, like a mad scientist among a plethora of pots filled with multicolored fluids. (excerpt from Powell RIver Peak article Nov, 2010 see here: http://courtenay-tie-dye.com/groovy-art-form-not-so-far-out/
Courtenay Pollock

Sunshine Coast Quilt & Fibre Fest

2011-06-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

Join us on the Sunshine Coast between August 5 to 27, 2011 for the First Annual Sunshine Coast Quilt & Fibre Fest.

Enjoy workshops in:
quilting
beading
knitting
spinning
weaving
fibre arts and much more.

info@carola.ca - request to be added to our e-newsletter

Rock'N Art @ Cypress Park Show - Sunday June 12th

2011-06-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

Invitation to Rock'N Art @ Cypress Park Show - Sunday June 12th

We would like to invite you to an informal Art Exhibit called “Rock’N Art at Cyprus Park” in West Vancouver on Sunday, June 12th. Don Watson from Viva Yachts will be demonstrating his carving skills. Don has become a very popular stone sculptor and will be exhibiting a few of his beautiful carvings together with hundreds of sculptures from Zimbabwe. In addition to sculpture, we will have a variety of local artists’ works on display including sterling silver jewelry, stained glass and ceramics.

The event will be a fundraiser for a wonderful group of people who raise money for their rural school and community development projects in Zambia. Some of their volunteers just returned with a collection of arts and crafts made by a Zambian women's group. They will be setting up a 'Street Market Stall' selling these items to support their charity, which encourages self sufficiency and skill development.

Refreshments will be served and a cash wine bar will be available with all proceeds going to the charity.
We really hope you can come. Please feel free to pass this invitation on to anyone who you think might like to join us for an afternoon of art in West Vancouver – rain or shine!

Thanks for your support!
Birgit Breuer

Rock’N Art Gallery
127 Clark Road
Gibsons, B.C. V0N 1V3
www.rocknartgallery.blogspot.com

Goldmoss Gallery new show opening June 18

2011-06-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

Goldmoss Gallery
2840 Lower Road
Roberts Creek
Sunshine Coast
Canada V0N 2W

Call to artists using recycled materials

2011-06-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

Garbage = Art?
Yes? Read on!

This is a call out to Sunshine Coast artists who use reclaimed material in their artwork including but not limited to:

o Wood waste product
o Auto sector/tires
o Reclaimed clothing
o House- hold items/items that ends up in
o the recycling bin/plastics
o Industrial waste (non-toxic)
o Furniture
o Garden Plants
o Plastics

The SCRD is hosting an information session to raise awareness about the solid waste reduction strategies proposed in their draft Zero Waste Management Plan. This information session will engage the public to provide feedback on these proposed strategies.

This 3-day event will ask: How can zero solid waste become a reality? How can we use art to demonstrate the value of what we traditionally view as “waste” as resources with potential value?

Sessions will take place from 3:30pm – 8pm. The SCRD will be putting up information boards for public display and engagement.

June 20th - Gibsons Community Centre
June 21st – Sechelt Band Hall
June 22nd – Pender Harbor Community Centre

Working with deer crossing the art farm, the SCRD hopes to provide a creative, engaging and thoughtful environment that will motivate the public to interact with SCRD facilitators and leave their ideas about the questions asked, including: how do we change the perception of waste reduction from the ground level?

If you have a piece of art you would like to include in a display at this 3 day event please contact Sandy Buck at contact@deercrossingtheartfarm.org or 604-886-0975

The artists who submit work will have their pieces displayed to the public along with publication in the local media. Transactions cannot happen during the display hours but any enquiries about art purchases will be communicated directly to the artist.

Ian MacLeod paintings at The Gumboot Restaurant

2011-05-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

Check out Ian's new show at The Gumboot restaurant in Roberts Creek June 1 - 30, 2011.

IAN MACLEOD PAINTINGS

http://ianmacleodpaintings.blogspot.com

http://www.ianmacleodpaintings.ca

LIfe Drawing in Sechelt, Tuesdays from 10 till 1

2011-02-01T20:09:00.000-08:00

I attend the Sechelt Art Centre each Tuesday for Life Drawing from 10 till one. We have fabulous models each week and great natural light flooding in from overhead skylight. People draw with all kinds of mediums including the iPad which I used for the images above. Easels and chairs are provided. Professional models alternate each week male and female so we get a lively and varied assortment of great models.

Every range is welcome, from beginners to advanced so don't be scared. Just bring your drawing board and clips or sketchpad, papers, anything you wish to draw with and come along. The price is $10 each session if you pay for the month ahead and $15 for drop-in.

For more information, call 885-2860 or 885-4611.

I've been going for the last 3 years since I could get away from work on Tuesday mornings and my drawing has improved enormously. I look at is like a ballet class in a way, an exercise class that trains the eye and the hand.

Please pass this along to anyone you think might enjoy this and I hope we'll see you there soon! You won't regret it and your art, no matter what is is will benefit from the workout.

Sechelt Cultural Task Force meeting Wed, Feb 2

2011-02-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

There is a meeting Wed, Feb 2 in Sechelt at the Seaside Cultural Centre from 1 pm to 5 pm. I don't know too much about it but have heard from some that it may have as one of its objectives the goal of rendering the Sunshine Coast Arts Council and Sechelt Art Centre obsolete. Anyone who uses the existing Sechelt Art Centre would be advised to attend this meeting if possible. Anyone interested in cultural activities on the Coast would be advised to attend.

With an existing Art Centre, a theatre in Sechelt, a public art gallery and a theatre in Gibsons, I do wonder how we would be able to support another new arts and cultural centre. Anyway, just passing the news along. I can't make it myself.

The ad in the paper lists phone 604-885-1986 and email info@sechelt.ca for comments, feedback and info. There is more info at www.sechelt.ca.

New offering at Gibsons Arts Building

2011-01-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

A New Year of Creativity
The light returns, the wheel of time rolls forward, and the Arts Building re-opens its doors offering you opportunities to grow and change through creativity. If your New Year's resolution includes doing something great for yourself or your children, our teachers and mentors are waiting to inspire you.

Our continuing classes start this week with Laurel Sukkau's Little Hands Explore on Mondays at 10a.m., Shake Rattle and Roll with Paul Pinsonnault on Thursdays at 11:30a.m., and Afterschool Comics with John Keane on Friday at 4p.m. Nia with Wendy Crumpler begins on Monday, the 10th at 5:30 and the increasingly popular Nia for Men Only starts back up on Tuesday the 11th at 6p.m.. Jan Poynter returns to the Arts Building this month with Works in Progress on Wednesday at 10a.m. as well. New to our line up of continuing classes is Yoga for Kids with Raymonde Worsfold on Monday from 4-5p.m. We've also added Monday from noon to 3p.m. for Adult Studio in addition to Wednesday evening and Friday morning.

Two very exciting classes start this month with Anna Banana's Letting Loose on Paper and Jacqueline Rogers' Multimedia Mash-Up. If you Google Anna Banana, you'll see that she's one of the preeminent artists of the mail art movement, a mover and shaker, delightfully subversive. Jacqueline Rogers is part of the team from Moving Tales that created The Pedlar Lady of Gushing Cross, and their recent release Twas the Night Before Christmas for Apple's iPad. Both were featured apps when they were introduced and both were chosen by the iTunes staff as highlights in the interactive stories section for 2010.

Our special events this month are Vintage Film Night on Friday the 14th at 7p.m. featuring The Three Stooges, Sandy Buck repeating her fabulous ReDesign Workshop on January 20th at 6p.m., and our Fill the Cupboard benefit with Brian Romer on January 30th at 1:30p.m. Brian's work has been collected both locally and internationally and recently one of his paintings was chosen as cover art for Artists of British Columbia, Volume 1. His lecture/demonstration will show how Brian builds his images from blank canvas to master work. A question period will follow the demonstration and tea, coffee and snacks will be available for purchase from the kiosk.

Whether you sign up for continuing classes, drop-in from time to time, or show up for one of our special events, know that we're delighted to spend time with you or your children and we look forward to our mutual growth through art this year. Happy New Year!
www.artsbuilding.org

Visions of Home exhibition & Gala Auction Jan. 21st.

2010-12-30T14:59:00.000-08:00

Visions of Home exhibition and Gala Auction Friday, Jan. 21st.

This is a reminder to artists that the deadline for bringing their one piece of art work to the GPAG Gallery in Gibsons is January 4th. The Gallery will be open from 10: am to 5: pm.

As you know, "Visions of Home" is a joint fund-raiser with Habitat for Humanity and Gibsons Public Art Gallery combining to show art pieces to the public during the Exhibition -Jan. 8-20, - and then a Gala Auction from 6: pm to 9: pm on Friday January 21st at the Gallery.

We thank the artists who have already brought their work in to the Gallery. It is a wonderful variety of work, ranging from photography to paintings, from fabric to glass. The visions of "home" range from cottages to abstracts, from seascapes to whimsical portrayals.

Both organizations are truly thankful for the generosity of artists donating an art piece to this event.

Thank you also to the Sponsors of "Visions of Home" : Cosy Homes Fireplace, Regency Infiniti, North Vancouver, the Town of Gibsons, Genworth Financial, Matthew Kliewer Painting, and the Coast Reporter.

Both Habitat for Humanity (currently building duplexes at Wilson Creek) and Gibsons Public Art Gallery (in its 8th year of exhibiting Coast artists and presenting Art Classes for children and adults) invite your support of this creative partnership..

Gibsons Public Art Gallery
201 - 287 Gower Point Road
Gibsons, British Columbia, V0N 1V0
Tel. 604-886-0531

Sechelt Friends of Gallery Show Jan 5-30

2010-12-29T12:01:00.000-08:00

2011 Friends of the Gallery Exhibition
5 January 2011 – 30 January 2011

This is a reminder for all members of the Sunshine Coast Arts Council that the intake day for your Friends of the Gallery submission is Monday January 3, 2011, from 1pm to 4pm. The intention is that the single piece of work you bring to this show will be made in the past year, and will not have been submitted to the FOG before.

The FOG Exhibition will be hung on Monday and Tuesday, to be ready for the opening at 11am on Wednesday morning. The opening Reception is from 7-9 pm, on Wednesday January 5, 2011. Bring some savoury or sweet finger food to share, please. This is a community Gallery, and we appreciate your help in keeping our costs down by making a contribution to the party table.

PLEASE NOTE - if you can't get to the Gallery on Monday January 3rd to submit your work because of weather, illness or caring for someone ill, you must telephone on Monday to reserve a place on the wall, or on a plinth for your work. If we don't know you're bringing something in we won't be able to keep a place for your piece to be installed. We won't be able to make exceptions.

We would appreciate it if you didn't take unfair advantage of this offer. Only telephone to reserve a place if you are unable to come to the Gallery because you are ill or caring for someone ill, or the weather is completely dreadful.

It will be all right to send your piece with a friend who is bringing work to the Gallery on the Monday intake day.

In addition, if you are experienced in hanging exhibitions or want to learn how to, or are handy with a hammer, a measuring tape and a level please volunteer to help hang the show on Tuesday 4 January 2011. Please email Frances and let her know if you can come.

We'll also need help taking the show down on the afternoon of 31 January 2011, Time TBA.

I've attached the form you need to fill out for your submission. Don't forget to print it out and bring it with you on Monday January 3, 2011, between 1pm and 4pm. The Gallery will be open, I'll be here with a helper or two. We'll look forward to seeing all of you in the new year.

Happy Holidays
Frances Wasserlein
Sunshine Coast Arts Council

2011 Friends of the Gallery Exhibition submission form

Please bring this completed form and your submission for the FOG show [any media of visual art, including three dimensional work, but just one] to the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre on Monday January 3, 2011 during gallery hours (1:00 pm – 4:00pm). If your membership hasn’t been renewed in the last year, you’ll be asked to bring it up to date when you come to drop off your single piece for the exhibition.

The Friends of the Gallery exhibition opening and reception will be on January 5th, 2011. The show will close on Sunday January 30, 2011. If you have any questions please call the Sunshine Coast Art Council at 604-885-5412, or email sc_artscouncil@dccnet.com

Please print clearly
Contact Information
Name: _________________________
Address: _________________________
Ph #: _________________________
Email: _________________________

Title of Work: _____________________

Be sure that your piece is labeled with your full name, telephone number or email address, title of your work and the medium.

Title of work: _____________________

Artist Name: ______________________

Media: ______________________

Price: ______________________
[price above should reflect 60% to artist plus 40% commission to SC Arts Council ]

New wine label, art by Kreg Yingst

2010-12-28T09:53:00.000-08:00

We bottled our latest batch of home made wine with our usual crew of four couples last September. We start with real freshly squashed grapes, press them and age the wine in an oak barrel in a friend's garage so it's the real deal and usually turns out pretty darned well. This year I decided to make a new label for our personal supply of about 72 bottles. Kreg Yingst has a great site of quirky woodcuts and other styles and is featured on our figurative artist site. His image above of the man with plates spinning on sticks sums up my own life and even has his own name in red already included within this print. My graphic designer sister-in-law Rowan helped me tweak my design balance with the lettering and spacing and I'm quite pleased with this amusing new label for our latest batch of Cabernet Merlot. When I first saw Kreg's work, it was these quirky woodcut style that really attracted me and I knew I'd use this one for something. Thanks Kreg! Thanks Rowan! Thanks fellow wine makers! Happy New Year to all! Drive safe. I'll have my dancing shoes on. See you next year!

Happy Holidays from my house to yours

2010-12-22T08:26:00.000-08:00

What a year it has been, so many ups and downs. I'm sending all my best wishes for health and happiness from my home to yours. Happy holidays and wishing you the best New Year possible. Good luck with the whole balancing act that is life. See you in the new year! Play safe, enjoy your loved ones and make the most of the gift of life.

xxxxx Paula

Sarah Lipi, videographer, digital artist

2010-12-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

The other day, I was sitting outside Starbucks in Gibsons when very cute young mum with big red glasses asked me if I was Pow-la. I had to admit I was and off we went chatting away. Mudito Drope had told her about me and our site and she was very enthusiastic about it all. She gave me her card which was the cutest little slice of 1 x 2 inch paper I've been handed in a long while. Here's her very charming little video Green Wool Socks. Check out her site Sarah Lipi, videography, digital imagery and more, a nice Brazilian addition to the Coast.

Big Xmas shop sale at Arts Building Dec 11 & 12

2010-12-10T14:00:00.000-08:00

Festive Sale at the Arts Building, Lower Gibsons
This Friday & Saturday December 11 & 12
You're invited.

Here's your invitation to join us at the Arts Building for our annual sale of one of a kind art and crafts. There will be something wonderful to suit every art lover within every budget plus yummy treats from our kitchen kiosk.

Stop by on your way to the Library or Post Office or make the Arts Building your big outing in the Landing this week. We promise you'll be enchanted. December 11th &12th from 10-5.
Join us, won't you?

Paula writes- I bought 8 great ceramic cups from Georgina Brandon last year and I love to use them everyday!

Suzy Birstein ceramics open house, Vancouver

2010-12-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

“CELEBRATE THE EVERYDAY, EVERY DAY”
SUZY BIRSTEIN'S Annual STUDIO OPEN HOUSE/SALE!!

Featuring NEW TABLEWARE,
CERAMIC SCULPTURES, PAINTINGS
(MINIATURES beginning at $20.00)

ENJOY Hartley's yummy cookies, cider and wine!

Friday Dec. 10th - 4 til 9pm
Saturday Dec. 11th - Noon til 6pm
Sunday Dec. 12th - Noon til 6pm
(or by appointment)

3436 W. 2nd Ave (back of house)
in Kitsilano, Vancouver
604-737-2636

www.suzybirstein.com

BIG SALE at Artworks Framing in Gibsons

2010-12-08T14:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming ....
and there is still time for Custom Framing (cut off for special orders Dec 15th)
Come in Soon to be sure we can have your order for Christmas.
Here are some Bonus Bucks for you to use ... and you can pass them along to your friends.

Also we are moving at the end of Dec and are having a Giant Clearance SALE on Monday Dec. 27th.

Hope to see you soon!

Cindy Buis BFA
Artworks Tours & Framing
Gibsons Block - Lane Entrance
Box 237 Gibsons Landing BC V0N 1V0
604-886-1250 or 1-877-886-1250
www.artworkstours.com

Please pass this info along to others who may be interested.

One of a Kind Show Vancouver, Dec 9-12

2010-12-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

One of a Kind Show - Vancouver
Date: 09-DEC-10 to 12-DEC-10
One of a Kind Show - Vancouver provides an exclusive venue for over 200 creators, artists and artisans to sell their original work to retailers. One of a Kind Show - Vancouver will be held at New Vancouver Convention Centre from 9-12 Dec, 2010. One of a Kind Show - Vancouver center for the nation's buyers of elegant home decor, textile, tabletop, decorative accessories and gift ware.

smARTist Telesummit January 2011

2010-12-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

smARTist Telesummitt 2011

Join Artists from 38 USA States and 16 Countries
Artists from New Zealand to New York take part in our annual smARTist® Telesummit, the only professional development art-career conference-online or off.

This Online, Live, 7-Day Art Career Conference Is For You If...

* You are ready to bridge the gap between making art and making a living.
* You want your artwork in the world and are confused, or overwhelmed, about the best way to go about this.
* You toy with the idea of working as a full time artist, and aren't sure where to start.
* You work as a full time artist and you want new ideas and more inspiration to sell your art.
* You know there are better ways to market your art, online and off, and aren't sure which ones work best.
* You have lots of ideas, and want help focusing on where to begin and how to keep going.
* You want support and information from fellow artists who are on this path with you.

Paula writes - This interesting looking event is taking place online Jan 13 & 14 and 17-21. It can be listened to live or recorded on podcasts or be listened to through a boxed set of cds. It sounds very worthwhile for artists ready to make the next step towards advancing their careers commercially. If you do decided to register, please mention me as your reference. I haven't quite decided yet if I will sign up or not but if I do, your mention will gain me Brownie points.

Not interested in this Telesummit? They have a very good free weekly newsletter too so if learning on your own is more your speed, sign up for that. I KNOW you will learn something. Ariane Goodwin is FULL of good ideas. Some are free and some, well you just have to pay for... or not...

Sophisticated art events come to the Coast

2010-12-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

Has it only been one week since I got back from Mexico??? It has been full to bursting with things artistic. I took in the Wednesday night lecture at GPAG with Kristjana Gunnars. It was a very stimulating event and outlined a 7 month series of art talks that begin in Jan and run the last Wed of the month through to July. In a nutshell, art after 1948 but broken down by subject or medium and presented with lots of room for discussion. And a steal at $35 for the whole series. See you there!

On Saturday evening, we made our way along Roberts Creek Lower Road and enjoyed the stunning architecture, gallery space and of course the art works at the new Goldmoss Gallery. A good crowd, lots of good food and art chatter. Check our their site for their hours.

These sophisticated brain snapping events are a welcome addition and are worth adding to your list of what to do on the Coast. Don't forget to watch/record the art film Herb & Dorothy tonight on Knowledge Network.

HERB and DOROTHY, passionate art collectors

2010-12-05T07:43:00.000-08:00

HERB and DOROTHY
Herb and Dorothy is a heartwarming, intimate portrait of a working-class couple completely obsessed with collecting art. But not just any art: their taste tends toward the esoteric, and over the past four decades the couple has amassed an unparalleled collection of conceptual and minimalist work. At last count, their collection included some 4800 pieces, many of which have been donated to the National Gallery of Art.

My mom has been raving about this film and I'm going to watch it for sure. The film can be seen in the Pacific Northwest on Knowledge Network December 7, 2010 at 9pm. Check out this great little clip on YOU TUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-RjxaP5Bx4

Janna Maria, textile artist

2010-11-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

Janna Maria is textile artist who used to live in Gibsons, used to be known as Janna Nygren. She's done her 2 years at cap College in Textiles and is currently in Montreal at Concordia continuing her studies in textiles.

Check out her nice site, blog and Etsy sites- http://www.jannamaria.com

Her statement-
As a fibre-based artist I am constantly drawn to the history behind my materials and work with both the ambiguity and profundity that these histories offer. The medium itself is often the guiding force as I approach ideas of how human authenticity is realized through one's surroundings and interpersonal relationships. My contribution to Hung Up stems from a desire to define my own inspiration in contrast to having one supplied by the media. I have repeated a single image across mediums to demonstrate the obsessive behaviour that inspiration can bring. My hope is to find a deeper and more meaningful way of experiencing my surroundings, with the consequence of altering the manner in which I engage with it and the people within it.

Unwind, knit & fibre lounge in Gibsons

2010-11-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

There's cool new place to hang out in Gibsons. Unwind is just behind Carola's Quilting Shop on the highway just before you enter Gibsons from Sechelt. They have a nice selection of yarns and fibres and cozy chairs to hang out in. They offer classes and yarns that are a bit different from Sew Easy's great selection up in Sechelt.

Drop in for a Knitting Social Tuesdays 1-5 and Friday night Knit Night until 9. Sounds like fun! They were very helpful to me when I when there recently with a nice skein of gray alpaca wool my sister-in-law gave my son. I had no idea what to do with it as I started to unwind it. I brought it in and of course they knew just what to do. they popped it on the unwinding thingamajig and wound me up a nice ball of it in a snap. Many thanks!

Jessica Jolicoeur joins Sunshine Coast Artist network

2010-11-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

My work often includes imagery and symbols from eastern philosophy's. Dorje's and Mudra's (gestures with the hands) representing eastern idea's are symbols that I find myself driven to re create. I find myself attracted to the more esoteric idea's and concepts, on the nature of the universe and how I define myself within it. We discover more and more that we are not separate from our environment but an indelible and logical conclusion to its creation. I use this symbology to try to understand myself and my place within the world and to understand the world around me.
Jessica Jolicoeur
Etsy: apsaraboutique.etsy.com
www.portobellowest.com, Rocky Mountaineer Station, last Sunday of every month, fashion and art market, down Terminal just before Home depot

New Gallery in Sechelt - Slo is Beautiful

2010-11-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

There's a nice new gallery in Sechelt in case you haven't noticed it. Slo is beautiful, Art Craft & Design Gallery is quite a nice big space on Wharf Street and is filled with all kinds of juicy things from many artists up and down the coast. Lots of gutsy big wood furniture and paintings, sculpture, jewelry and more from many hands. 604-989-9925 Noel Silver's painting above is one of the ones there.

Suzanne Northcott piece sells for $11,000 at charity auction, Vancouver

2010-11-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

Granville Fine Art would like to congratulate Suzanne Northcott on the sale of 'Nesting II' at the Splash Arts Umbrella charity auction last week. Her piece brought in a whopping $11,000.00 and got her a mention in the Financial Post along with two other well-recognized B.C. artists. A big thank you to Suzanne.

Granville Fine Art
2447 Granville Street corner of Broadway and Granville
Vancouver, BC V6H3G5
604.266.6010

Life and Limb Painting Group shows portraits in Sechelt

2010-10-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

This invite to the upcoming group show looks fantastic! The Life and Limn group paints weekly from live models and here is their work.
Nov 3 - 28 2010
Reception: Wednesday Nov 3, 7 - 9pm
Ourselves and Others - Life and Limb Painting Group
The Sunshine Coast Arts Centre5714 Medusa in Sechelt, BC
604-885-5412
Wednesday - Saturday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Life drawing on the Sunshine Coast

2010-10-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

I just met a few people a couple of weeks ago at the volunteer tea at the Sechelt Art Centre who didn't know that there were life drawing sessions up here. Just in case there are more of you out there keen of joining life drawing, let me tell you what fine groups we have up here on the Sunshine Coast.

In Gibsons, a group meets every Thursday evening at Granthams Hall from 7 - 9:30 pm. Marleen Vermeullen runs this group. Just bring your papers, drawing things and a drawing board and most people seem to sit at a chair and use another chair in front of them to lean board against. As this is an evening class, artificial light is used and the model is on a draped stage. I've only been to this group once, very nice set up and they play music.

I go to the Sechelt group which meets every Tuesday from 10 am to 1 pm at the Doris Crowston Gallery, also known as the Sechelt Art Centre. The model is bathed in natural light from a huge skylight above and models in 360 degrees. There are standing easels provided and chairs so you can sit or stand easily. Get there in time to help set up and meet some others. At 11:30 there's a half hour break and some of us pop next door to the Senior's Center and get some soup or a sandwich for a quick lunch. Others bring their own snacks/lunch and just stay in the art center for the break. After the break, we have 2 half hour poses. I like to draw on kraft paper so I can draw in the lights as well as the darks. Bring your won drawing board, papers of choice and anything you might want to draw with. See you there!

Coast Art Crawl is nearly upon us, Oct 23-24

2010-10-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

Wow! Have you seen the gorgeous brochure and map for the Coast Culture Crawl??? Fantastic! Pick one up, get a carful of art enthusiasts together and get out and visit some art studios up and down the Sunshine Coast this weekend, Oct 23 & 24. Westwind Gallery in Gibsons is having an opening for Kim LaFave's paintings from 4 pm on Saturday, Nadina Tandy is showing at Chasters in Bonniebrook and so many more!! Good luck to everyone exhibiting.

If you're still looking for fun on Sunday, check out the Gibsons Zombie Walk, from 3 at the Rec Center in Gibsons. Should be a scream and I do mean scream. I hear we're losing this wonderful weather though so dress well. Hope you've been enjoying this nice sunny stuff as it will be November soon and we know what that means. Feeling blue? Wear a colourful scarf and cheer yourself up. See you on the road someplace this weekend but you might not recognize me if I'm a zombie....

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl, Oct 23-24

2010-10-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl - Become A Crawler
Sunshine Coast, BC - The Coast Cultural Alliance (CCA) is pleased to announce the first annual Sunshine Coast Art Crawl on the weekend of October 23-24, 2010. The Art Crawl offers Crawlers access to participating galleries and art studios along the entire Sunshine Coast Highway from Langdale to Lund. We invite Crawlers to come and experience the vibrant arts and culture community on the Sunshine Coast. Crawlers will be amazed by the hidden talent!

Crawlers are invited to join friends and take a scenic drive along the Sunshine Coast, stopping at the wonderful community hubs and studio events throughout the weekend. Meet at the community hubs located in Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Madeira Park and Powell River to experience local entertainment and an opportunity to get started on the trivia challenge for a chance to win great prizes.

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl
October 23 - 24, 2010
9 AM - 5 PM
Langdale - Lund/Lund to Langdale

Details on the event are available at www.sunshinecoastartcrawl.com

The Coast Cultural Alliance (CCA) is a network of arts, cultural and heritage groups and individuals working to enhance the economic vitality of the Sunshine Coast through cultural sector development. For more information on the CCA visit www.suncoastarts.com

Summary of Volunteer Gathering at Sunshine Coast Arts Centre

2010-10-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

Summary of the Gathering at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre October 12 2010, by Sheila Page

I am sending this summary out to all who attended as well as to a number of people who want to support volunteerism in arts and culture but who were not able to attend on October 12.

I organized the event to connect members of the arts and culture community at a time when the arts in general and the Sunshine Coast Arts Council in particular are under stress due to cuts in funding. I hope that all of the long time Arts Council volunteers that were present felt recognized and appreciated for your continuing contributions. It was a pleasure seeing the welcome you gave the new members of the arts and culture community and the connections that were renewed with old friends.

Experienced volunteers offered information on nine programs or areas of need. The sign up sheets indicate that about half a dozen people are interested in contributing to each of the Visual Arts, Special Events, Welcoming Activities and the Garden. The areas of Clerical, Literary and the Board of Directors attracted some support. Fundraising and Building Maintenance did not receive any interest.

Attendance 40, Volunteers signing up for tasks 17, Tasks taken on 25.

Here are the comments recorded under the question “How can all of us here today work to support arts and culture on the Sunshine Coast through the Sunshine Coast Arts Council?”

5 comments recommending partnerships with other artists or organizations to share resources, advertising, marketing or appointing a single arts and cultural coordinator for the coast.

2 comments recommending changes to the Arts Centre; a computer at the front desk and sales from glass case.

2 suggestions about events; more for “under fifties” and film fest for local filmmakers.

I will follow up this event by contacting the volunteers individually and by their interest groups. The contact information will go into the Arts Council data base. Regretfully I will not be able to act as a contact person for all volunteers. ( I will continue to coordinate the gallery attendants.) After I send each group contact information each person will need to take responsibility for communicating within their interest groups, with the board and the Executive Director Frances Wasserlein in order to make arts and cultural lively and vital in our community.

Thank you again for your attendance and contribution.

Sheila Page

Paula writes- I mentor Frances with the database, help with some jurying, go to weekly life drawing there, visit shows, have done gallery sitting. Come and join us, it's a great place to be part of and needs our help after Coast-wide funding for arts was cut from over $70,000 to under $700 for the entire Coast. Yes, you read that right, $700 divided between several groups up and down the Coast. Gee, buy an ink refill for a printer and then you're on your own? Harsh change. I plan to add a film making section to the Sunshine Coast artist network web site. Any film makers out there wish to join us? Animation people? Web design experts? We welcome new joiners.

See you at the Art Centre volunteer tea

2010-10-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

See you tomorrow Tuesday October 12 from 2 - 4 at the Doris Crowston gallery in Sechelt. All present volunteers as well as a large number of past volunteers and hopefully some new volunteers will meet for coffee, tea and sweets. I'll be watching for you. Come and join this fun artistic group.

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl

2010-10-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

Sunshine Coast, BC - The Coast Cultural Alliance (CCA) is pleased to announce the first annual Sunshine Coast Art Crawl on the weekend of October 23-24, 2010. The Art Crawl is a weekend event of 75 open galleries and art studios, representing over 175 artists along the entire Sunshine Coast Highway from Langdale to Lund - Lund to Langdale.

Crawlers are invited to join friends and take a scenic drive along the Sunshine Coast, stopping at the wonderful community hubs and studio events throughout the weekend. Visit the Information Hub closet to your starting point; Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Madeira Park and Powell River to grab a map and passport, and before you start out on your journey along the scenic coastline of the Sunshine Coast. If you are traveling from Vancouver to Langdale our BC Ferries Ambassadors will be onboard to get you started. This 2-day event will dazzle your cultural senses with demonstrations, receptions and performances.

Nadina Tandy at Chasters: a visual artist living and working on Canada's Sunshine Coast. In pursuing the creation of her own unique art, she has created and taught arts programs for children and adults, designed sets for theatre and illustrated book covers. She has exhibited her artwork for over 16 years and has collectors in North America and Europe. Join Nadina at Chasters in Gibsons, BC to kick off the weekend on Friday Oct 22 at 6pm for a Champagne Reception & Art Viewing.

this is it: design is a specialty design/build studio, that focuses on contemporary objects for residential, corporate and public projects. The studios main focus is glass, however Rob and Beth have earned a reputation for working with a broad range of materials, techniques and processes. Rob Studer was awarded the Designer of the Year for Western Living Magazine in 2009. Meet Rob and Beth at their studio in Roberts Creek, BC

April White: "This world of my ancestors' is breathtaking beauty and bounty woven with the supernatural; a place where everything is capable of shifting shape and changing function. Intuitively, I try to release the imagery by painting with watercolour and acrylic, printmaking in formline, designing Button Blankets and Vests, carving the indigenous stone, Argillite, and transcribing my understanding to words." Her career has taken her all over North America, particularly to the globally famous juried shows and markets in Santa Fe, Portland, Scottsdale and Phoenix. Meet April in her studio in Powell River, BC

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl
October 23 - 24, 2010
9 AM - 5 PM
Details on the event are available at www.sunshinecoastartcrawl.com

The Coast Cultural Alliance (CCA) is a network of arts, cultural and heritage groups and individuals working to enhance the economic vitality of the Sunshine Coast through cultural sector development. For more information on the CCA visit www.suncoastarts.com

Sechelt Art Centre appeal for volunteers

2010-10-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

Sheila Page writes-
Greetings to Friends of the Arts,
Please mark your calendars for the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. On October 12 from 2-4 your presence is requested in the Doris Crowston Gallery in Sechelt for a special event. This event is one part of a three pronged initiative to celebrate and expand the support for the Arts Council on the Sunshine Coast.

As you all know an organization the size of the Arts Council requires financing, administration and volunteers. Plans are afoot to address issues confronting the financing and administration of the Arts Council. I have chosen to put some effort into strengthening the network of volunteers.

On Tuesday October 12 I am inviting all present volunteers as well as a large number of past volunteers and, I hope, some new volunteers to meet for coffee, tea and sweets. I have asked a number of past volunteers to speak very briefly about their years of volunteering. You will be amazed at their talents and dedication! They have offered to serve as mentors for present and future Arts Council volunteers because there are very few of us who can or want to do it alone. We can expand our vision of what is possible at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre and support each other in making it a vibrant place rich with connections to the larger cultural community.

Please contact Sheila Page to let me know that you will be part of the Arts Action Network gathering on October 12. If you really want to make my day tell me that you will bring along a friend. There is no obligation for your friend to volunteer at this time but we would love to meet some more supporters of the arts and perhaps he or she will decide to join our network.

Thank you for keeping our community a culturally rich place to live.

Sheila Page
Current coordinator of gallery attendants
Sunshine Coast Arts Council

Paula writes - It's unfortunate that the gallery changed it's name a few years back because some people still don't know where the Doris Crowston Gallery is in Sechelt. It's the log building at Trail and Medusa opposite Hackett Park, used to be known as Sunshine Coast Art Centre. They have great shows, lectures, classes, concerts, readings are need our support so hope to see you there. I've volunteered there in the past and it's fun and so worthwhile. Currently, my volunteering to the arts community is happening online with my 2 large artist network sites, www.sunshinecoastartists.org and www.figurativeartist.org. and they pretty much take all my volunteer time but I really hope that you will consider putting in some time at this very valuable resource for things artistic on our lovely Sunshine Coast. With all the funding cuts, we can't allow it to fail because of single employee and tired volunteer burn out. See you next Tuesday!

Coast Cable community tv schedule

2010-09-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hey, I just found this site! On the Sunshine Coast, channel 11 shows local content created by Coast Cable including many art shows. You all probably knew about it already but I didn't so I thought I'd share. Check out the schedule and catch the art shows. I never knew where to look for them. Now I can set my recorder and finally see some of the Artist in The House shows. Nifty!

Vancouver Burlesque scene

2010-09-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

Photographer Trevor Jansen captures the stars of Vancouver's burgeoning burlesque scene. The burlesque movement has gained tremendous momentum in Vancouver with weekly shows across town, workshops and burlesque inspired fashion lines.

More than just a vintage-styled strip tease, burlesque is an answer to the male-dominated, vacant-eyed, anatomically enhanced fantasy of femininity. It is a smart and sexy creative outlet for women to explore and perform different ideas of glamour and sensuality. Humour, political commentary and storytelling are also common in these five-minute, fully self-contained theatrical performances. Read whole article by Trevor Jansen.

Alex Cieslik, spray painting of Beachcomber's "Relic"

2010-09-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Full article The Province, by Hans Ongsansoy
Alex Cieslik, an artist living in Gibsons, BC.

What mediums do you like working with or in?
I make some paintings using traditional artist's oils and others using spray paint, but I don't consider myself a graffiti artist. Ultimately, art materials are simply a means to an end. It's difficult to put into words, but painting is the best way I have found to communicate certain intangible things. If I could explain it in words, I wouldn't need to spend all that time painting.

Felicity Don drawings, Vancouver

2010-09-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

If you're in Vancouver, check out this live portrait drawing event. Felicity Don's site.

Thomas Ziorjen publishes 2 artists book

2010-09-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

I've recently published two artist's books through blurb.com.

LA Montage covers my LA Montage series of photo-montages, created between 2007 and 2010. The book, 98 pages, hard cover with dust jacket, can be previewed (and if you like, ordered) here:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1556992

The other is called Dark; in which I've explored the darker corners on my psyche. The book, 98 pages, hard cover with dust jacket, can be previewed (and if you like, ordered) here:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1572459

Comments welcomed.
Thomas Ziorjen

Sechelt life drawing starts Sept 14

2010-09-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Sechelt life drawing group starts up again on Tuesday Sept 14. We go from 10 am to 1 pm at the Sechelt Art Center. The models usually alternate weekly between male and female models and all have been very good. We start with about 15 1 minute poses, then work through some 5, 10 and 15 minutes and have 2 half hour poses after the break. We have a break at 11:30 for a half an hour and you can get a quick soup and tea etc at the nice kitchen at the Senior centre next door or wander off quickly to Starbucks or whatever else you fancy. Come and join us. You can pay ahead for the month or pay a drop-in fee as you go if you don't think you'll make it the whole month. I've been going for the last 3 years since being a little more liberated from my day job. The one above is one of mine.

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl - Calling All Artists

2010-09-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl - Calling All Artists
Sunshine Coast, BC - You may have heard about the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl and NOW is the time to get involved! The Coast Cultural Alliance (CCA) is pleased to announce the first annual Sunshine Coast Art Crawl on the weekend of October 23-24, 2010. The Art Crawl offers Crawlers access to participating galleries and art studios along the entire Sunshine Coast Highway from Langdale to Lund.

Registration is now open to artists to become apart of this fantastic event. If you are not in the Purple Banner Guide because you can't be open regular hours or if your studio is in your home and not really open to the public this is your chance to join the many artists on the Sunshine Coast from Langdale to Lund and be part of the inaugural Sunshine Coast Art Crawl. Move things around in your studio/carport/basement and create a welcoming space displaying where you work and what you have to offer ‘Crawlers’ to purchase.

This is your opportunity to participate in this community event and showcase your talent to visitors. Sign up today for only $75, www.sunshinecoastartcrawl.com. Registration deadline is September 10, 2010.

All participating artists must be a current member of the Coast Cultural Alliance.
$45 individual | $60 non-profit | $99 business

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl
October 23 - 24, 2010
9 AM - 5 PM
Langdale - Lund/Lund to Langdale

Detailed information is available at www.sunshinecoastartcrawl.com

The Coast Cultural Alliance (CCA) is a network of arts, cultural and heritage groups and individuals working to enhance the economic vitality of the Sunshine Coast through cultural sector development. For more information on the CCA visit www.suncoastarts.com

Jan Poynter's Fall art courses

2010-09-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

FALL COURSES Gibsons/Sechelt/West Van 2
WORKS in PROGRESS
Jan will start each session with a brief demo of her work in progress, then provide direction to each artist on their individual creative project. This is not a class for beginners but for those who have had some instruction or experience and wish to continue their creative practice in a relaxed, group atmosphere with access to informal professional direction and technical advice. Age 16+

GIBSONS classes
ARTS BUILDING (old Gibsons Library)
Wednesdays 10:00 am - 1:00 pm 4 weeks
$120 September & October
Register Online: www.artsbuilding.org/calender

SECHELT classes
Sunshine Coast ARTS CENTER studio
Tuesdays 10:00 am - 1:00 pm 4 weeks
$120 September & October
to register - contact the instructor: poynterjan@hotmail.com
or phone: 604.886.8918

Basic WATERCOLOUR / SECHELT
Capilano University Campus
Fridays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 6 weeks - $197
September 17/24 & October 1/8/15/22
registration online

Basic DRAWING / GIBSONS
classes call for interest !
tentative: ARTS BUILDING (old Gibsons Library)
Wednesdays: 2:00 am - 4:00 pm 4 weeks
$120 September & October
Register Online: www.artsbuilding.org/calender

PRIVATE LESSONS at my home studio are also available
$40 hr 2 hour minimum.
This is a great option for those wanting occasional technical advice or critique,students with a hectic schedule that need a few weeks between lessons.Visiting artists/students are welcome to book sessions. Age 16+

I hope to be offering new classes in WEST VANCOUVER
for the Spring session through the Cultural Community program
and 2011-2012 ART/TRAVEL TOURS to Mexico and Cuba
Contact me for more information: poynterjan@hotmail.com

Salmon Festival Sept 8-11, Gibsons

2010-09-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

Come one come all to the artist's reception Wednesday Sept 8 from 5-8 pm at the galleries in Lower Gibsons. Come and see all the fishy entries this year at Gift of the Eagle, Artworks Tours & Framing, The Landing Gallery and Gibsons Public art Gallery. See you there. I did fish the last 2 years but didn't have time this summer. I wonder what wonderful ones there will be? This is a great festival, lots of fun and a fun way to buy something nice for your home or garden. We bought "Bob" a bright red and green spotted one a few years back and he brightens up the garden pots on our deck year round. Thanks to our young neighbour Madeliene for making it.

Great classes at Arts Building, Gibsons

2010-09-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

At the ARTS BUILDING we are opening next week with a great NEW schedule of classes in different mediums for ALL ages~ young to senior.

Firstly for little children there is:
MUSIC` "Shake, Rattle & Roll" with Paul Pinsonnault
-begins on Thursday Sept. 16 from 11:30- 12:15.
~songs, movement, stories, high quality instruments combine for a joyous intro into music class.
$40/ 6 sessions ages 3-4

"Little Hands Explore" with Laurel Sukkau
~creative exploration into many different mediums
-begins Monday October 4 from 10- 11:15 a.m.
child/parent drop-in $5

After school programs include:
Multi Media Mash Up with Jacqueline Rogers
~play & explore with paint, pastels, old photographs,wire, wool, cloth, wood & cardboard.
-begins Tuesday September 14
4-5 p.m.
$40/ 4 sessions   ages 7-12

PuPPeTS with Sandy Buck
~discover many forms & techniques of puppetry through movement, games, voice improv and CREATING puppets.
-begins Thursday September 16
$40/4 sessions
4-5 p.m.   ages 6-12

After School Comics with John Keane
~fun ,interactive, informative sessions on visual storytelling
-begins Friday September 17
4-5 p.m.
$30/4 sessions    ages 6-12

FOR YOUTH & ADULTS :
VISUAL STORY DEVELOPMENT with John Keane and Alex Cieslik
~ a 12 week highly informative primer for this craft which can apply itself to graphics, film, animation, etc.
-begins Thursday September 16
6:30- 8:30 p.m.
$168/ 12 sessions   ages 14+

IMPROV with Caitlin Hicks
~ a way of learning to be in the moment, fun essential theatre skills & the basics of theatre acting using interactive games, performance techniques with a cullminative performance at the end of the 10 week session.
-begins Sunday September 26
5:30- 7:30
$160+tax/ 10 sessions   ages 12+

IMPROV for Adults with Caitlin Hicks
(see above)
-begins Sunday September 26
7:30- 9:30
$160+tax/ 10 sessions   adults

'WORK In PROGRESS" with Jan Poynter- class FULL

BASIC DRAWING with Jan Poynter
~learn about proportion, value, perspective and composition working from photos & still life.
-begins Wednesday September 15
2- 4 p.m.
$120/ 4 sessions    ages 16+

PRINTMAKING- Collagraph & Intaglio with Phyllis Surges
~collagraph relies on shape, intaglio is a drawing based technique - experiment with these different techniques using both water and oil based inks and different press blankets and discover the wide range of resulting prints.
-begins Saturday October 2
10 a.m.- noon
$80/ 4 sessions + $10 material fee   ages 13+

LETTiNG LOOSE ON PAPER with Anna Banana
~explore the creative process for works on paper using objects as stencils, rubbings, collaging and combining mediums such as text, coloured inks,and crayons. It will be an introduction to the International Mail Art Network,where you can participate in exhibits, projects or exchange work.
-begins Saturday September 18
1p.m.- 4p.m.
$120/ 4 sessions    ages 18+

For more information or to register for any of these classes visit: www.artsbuilding.org or phone 604-740-7790

*The calendar is continuously updated and coming up in the next will be:
NiA, After school Printmaking, & Adult Studio.... stay tuned.

Sunshine Coast art site has strong search value

2010-09-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

"Was watching Artist in the House on channel 11 and googled the artist that was being profiled. I was able to find his site through the Sunshine Coast art site which came up #1 in the search. (Searched name, "painter", "sunshine coast") Just out of curiosity, I searched for his actual page through google search engine. Gave up after page 10.
The site definitely works!" Jana Curll

Paula writes: Thanks Jana. The artist network site is simply built but has very strong search value and no flash elements. I wish more artists would join us. I keep finding more here and there but I just don't have the time or energy to chase them. Please pass around the word that this site exists and that its purpose is to be very inclusive for any and all artists on BC's Sunshine Coast from Langdale to Powell River and any surrounding areas.

Cabaret life drawing

2010-08-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

Check out this fun life drawing group in Kentucky-
"Cabaret Life Drawing welcomes Louisville Slim, a 'word nerd with pinup dreams'! Cabaret Life Drawing is an evening of provocative inspiration. An array of models - from burlesque starlets to ballerinas, body builders to fetish models, circus contortionists to costume designers - will perform and pose for the audience to sketch. This class is for professional and beginning artists alike. Just $10 at the door $5 for students, attendees should being their own easel & drawing board with sketchbook and drawing supplies. Charcoal is recommended. Space is limited, so arrive early to ensure your spot. Please bring exact change."

Anyone interested in trying to arrange something like this on the Coast? I know a few who would be interested to draw.

Work of Art marathon & finale Aug 28

2010-08-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Aug 28, BRAVO TV will show the entire series Work of Art so catch up with episodes you may have missed and take in the finale. I only saw about half of them so I was happy to just stumble over this marathon on my TV scheduler this morning. In our area it starts at 8 am. It's been an interesting series. What did you think of it?

My Kid Could Paint That on Knowledge Network, Tuesday

2010-08-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

Don't miss My Kid Could Paint That on Knowledge Network, Tuesday, Aug 24 at 9:00 pm. I caught the last half of it a few months back and it was a very interesting story. You can read about it here...

It certainly provokes discussion. Let me know if you see anything else worth having a heads up on.

Interested in a Wordpress meetup?

2010-08-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

I know of 3 people here on the Coast who are using Wordpress for blogs and web sites. It's a very interesting platform. Are there any more Wordpress users on the Sunshine Coast? Get in touch and maybe we can arrange to meet and have some sharing and brainstorming. We can put our little geek hats on and get to know each other, share skills and experiences.

Gibsons Landing Fibre Arts Festival, Aug 19 - 21

2010-08-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Gibsons Landing Fibre Arts Festival invites you to British Columbia's beautiful Sunshine Coast to explore the wonderful world of fibre.

Set amid spectacular mountain-to-sea scenery in picturesque Gibsons Landing, the Festival is renowned for its friendly atmosphere. Now in its eleventh year, it has grown to become western Canada's leading fibre event. We embrace all natural fibres and offer a wide range of activities and opportunities.

Whether you're an experienced fibre artist, enthusiastic novice, or just appreciate fine quality arts and crafts, you'll find something for you among the wide range of activities and opportunities the Festival offers.

Art Stroll in Gibsons Landing, Aug 18 - 21

2010-08-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

ART STROLL IN THE LANDING will be held again this year, from Aug. 18 to 21.
Wednesday, August 18, 4: -6: pm.

There is a GALA RECEPTION to which you are invited. Share a glass of wine and an appie, meet the Gallery people participating, and see what is showing at GPAG..

Thursday, Friday and Saturday are the Art Stroll days. Have your brochure stamped at ALL 8 Galleries to become eligible for 3 art pieces. The Draw is Saturday aft. Aug.21st.
All galleries are within walking distance of each other. (We are sorry that GPAG is not accessible to those with mobility issues.)

ART STROLL is sponsored by the Town, Areas E and F, the Sunshine Coast Community Fdn., the GLBA and private donors. GPAG initiated the Art Stroll last year to make both residents and visitors aware of the Landing area and its unique Galleries, restaurants and shops.

A very special display of Quilts called "Turning the Tide" will be shown from the 18 to 22 of August at GPAG. The Gallery is very pleased to be able to display this exhibition, which is
currently touring British Columbia.

Mark Rothko on Knowledge Network

2010-08-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

On Masters program Monday night at 9:00,
Rothko's Rooms.
Channel 3 on the Sunshine Coast.

Networking Event on the Coast

2010-08-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

CSJ Events
September 14th Enp's Social Enterprise Mixer Featuring Mike Rowlands, Octopus Strategies

Our first in a series of four events takes place after-work on Tuesday, September 14th from 5:30-7:30 pm, location TBA.

Uniting Passion & Pragmatism to Brand Your Mission
Mike Rowlands, Octopus Strategies

Social Enterprises. Social Ventures. Mission-based companies. Call them what you will, forward-thinking non-profits and social entrepreneurs are founding enterprises to fill market needs, enhance their mission delivery and fund their programs. Yet many cause-driven organizations and enterprises struggle to find their voice.

How can you engage customers, staff, stakeholders and others in your mission? Mike Rowlands will share examples, insights and experiences, while helping you to identify ways to distinguish your organization in a marketplace that's increasingly conscious and crowded.

About Mike:
Mike works with mission-driven organizations around the world, crafting distinctive strategies and award-winning marketing. Octopus Strategies has earned an international reputation as an innovator in brand strategy, and as a proponent of values-driven leadership. From offices in Vancouver, Canada and London, UK, Octopus serves organizations as diverse as Royal charities, technology startups, and professional services firms. The common thread is their dedication to meaningful missions, and to building sustainable organizations.

Mike is a frequent public speaker, and has lectured for MBA candidates at UBC’s Sauder School of Business. He’s also a member of the faculty of Social Venture Institute. In 2009, in recognition of his expertise in sustainability and brand strategy, he was invited to sit on the Advisory Board to the Faculty of Management at Royal Roads University. He is also a Director of a number of non-profit organizations.

SAVE YOUR SPOT!
To register, please contact Peter @ peter@enterprisingnonprofits.ca or 604.871.5421. Limited spots available. $15 pp includes light appies, your first beverage, and great networking!

October Mixer Details:
Impactful Decision-Making for Social Enterprise, Tuesday, October 5th 5:30-7:30 pm. Location TBA. Save the date!

Heard About the MeetUP Yet?
If you are an 'early-bird gets the worm' kind of person, you're going to want to pay attention. Even though we're in the middle of enjoying a wonderful summer, we're only 3 MONTHS out from BC's First Ever Social Enterprise MeetUP on November 4th and 5th. If you REGISTER NOW , you'll receive our early-bird rate of $199 for both events. Click here for full details.

Social Enterprise MeetUP Agenda Announced
THURSDAY EVENING, November 4th, 6 pm start - Do You Know What You Are A Part Of?

A networking reception featuring light appies, cash bar, multi-media magic, and renowned Social Enterprise expert:

An International View of Social Enterprise by Gerry Higgins of CEiS in Scotland and Social Enterprise World Forum

FRIDAY, November 5th, FULL DAY OF LEARNING: Collaborating for Success! 8:30am - 4:30 pm

Social Enterprise Impact in BC
Building the Market - Achieving Market & Social Success!
Networking Lunch
Collaborating for Success!
Creating a Supportive Social Enterprise Environment in BC
Multi-Media Finale
Happy Hour & Socializing

We encourage you to circulate this information throughout your networks. These events are not to be missed! Everything leads towards our Social Enterprise Camp scheduled for April 2011 on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.

Yup, you heard right - a camp!
Charlene SanJenko | www.csj4Achange.com

Katie Janyk is off to Turkey

2010-08-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hi all-
I will post information about what I'm up to on my blog Salamander Studio, as well as send pix of where I am, my works in progress, and the eventual exhibition. Hope to have some video footage as well.

My ceramic exhibit is at Istasyon Galerie in Istanbul, October 1st thru 21st.

See you when I return!
Cheers. Katie
(Katie is off to live and work in Turkey and produce ceramic art for her exhibition. How exciting! We'll look forward to her posts. I've put her blog on our blogroll down there on the right)

Salmon Festival

2010-08-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

Salmon tags are available at Artworks Tours & Framing! Get yours now!! Please check out the site for more details. The salmon tags are available and can be purchased at Artworks Tours & Framing.

We are planning a fantastic Salmon Festival this year and really need everyone's help in getting the word out to purchase their salmon planks and create a fabulous piece of salmon art! So if you haven't picked your plank up yet please do so as soon as possible and please tell as many friends about the festival as well! Pass it on!

Art textiles for charity at GPAG, Aug 18-21

2010-08-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Gibsons Public Art Gallery and the Sunshine Coast Grandmothers & GrandOthers are jointly sponsoring a unique textile arts show called “Turning the Tide…One Ripple at a Time,” at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery from August 18th through 21st. This beautiful collection of 52 hand-crafted pieces was created by the North Island Quilters for Community Awareness (NIQCA) from the Comox Valley (and some guest artists), and is being brought to the coast through the auspices of the Glacier Grannies in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

Each unique, hand-crafted piece depicts a facet of the lives of African grandmothers (and grandothers) and the orphans in their care who have been affected by the devastating AIDS pandemic.

Funds raised (admission by donation) from this exhibition will go through the Stephen Lewis Foundation directly to self-help and income-generating community projects in 15 sub-Saharan African countries, and will help to improve life for many of these remarkable women and children. In the last few years, generous Canadians have contributed over $9 million dollars to the grandmothers’ campaign to help fund over 300 grassroots organizations. This money has been used for food, clean water, school fees, uniforms, community gardens, needlework cooperatives, child care centres, grief counselling, hospice care, community health workers…the list is long and impressive.

The Turning the Tide exhibit combines art, artistry and commitment. The quilters and the more than 240 grandmothers’ groups across Canada believe deeply that the tide of the AIDS pandemic can be reversed at the community level and that, with enough funding, the projects supported by the Stephen Lewis Foundation are on the precipice of creating major change right across Africa.

The exhibition will take place during the weekend of the Fibre Arts Festival in Gibsons and it’s hoped that many of the fibre artists and supporters attending the festival will drop in to see these works of art.

For more information, go to http://glaciergrannies.org or phone Patt at 604-886-2627.

More information on the Stephen Lewis Foundation can be found at www.stephenlewisfoundation.org

13 new artists added to Sunshine Coast artist directory

2010-08-07T14:00:00.001-07:00

I've just updated the site navigation and added 13 new artists to the Sunshine Coast artist directory. I also finally met in person Rick Harmer and Autumn Skye Morrison over at Comox's Filberg Festival. It's nice to finally meet people I've been chatting with online. I met another very good Sechelt artist there too who I had never come across. Brett Varney travels a lot doing fairs, many of them in the States and so seems to be unknown of the Coast. It would be really great to get the word our about this directory of Sunshine Coast artists so that we can at least be aware of each other and maybe start to make new local connections in the Coast art scene. If you enjoy this blog and the site, please pass it on to anyone you think may enjoy it.

Newly added to the web page are:
Nicolas Meyer, fine wood furniture
Chris Motloch, molton glass
Robert Vincent, carved wood and bone jewelry
Meghan Hildebrand, painting
Elizabeth A. Evans, painting
Sheila Page, painting
Autmn Skye Morrison, painting
Gigi Hoeller, painting
Frank Levine, painting
Duane Burnett, photography
Greg Lightbourn photography
Diane Baron, Paverpol textile sculpture
Jim Harding, carved wood sculpture

Anime Evolution, animation festival Vancouver Aug 13-15

2010-08-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

The growth of Vancouver's art and culture scene is getting a boost from Anime Evolution 2010. To salute the effort and dedication of the many skilled and talented artists in Vancouver, Anime Evolution is proud to host the Artist Villa for the 2010 convention year. August 13 -15, University of British Columbia.

Anime Evolution has traditionally hosted an Artists' Alley, a space set aside in the dealer's hall where artists could showcase and sell their works. The Artist Villa, replacing Arists' Alley, dedicates an entire building with over 100 tables to artists with a diverse set of talents. Additionally, the Villa will also house several rooms dedicated exclusively to creative workshops and academic panels.

Figurative Artist slide show #1 is up!

2010-08-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

The figurative artist slide show #1 has finally gone live! If this movie doesn't show at the correct size here on the page, click here to view it at YouTube. I had 176 submissions and had to edit them down to 132 to fit the music I had picked out and keep the video short enough to keep viewers' attention. That means I have 44 slides already sized for slide show #2, terrific!

There is certainly something for everybody; exquisitely rendered oil paintings, bold chunky palette knife work, washy watercolor, mixed media, collage, sculpture in bronze, glass and ceramic, encaustic, photography, found objects assemblage and even an origami master. These fine artists and fine craftsmen have captured the human forms that fascinate them with passion, humor and sensitivity and offer you these clothed and unclothed subjects for your enjoyment. I hope you will enjoy this slide show and share it with your friends who enjoy the art of the human form.

Before last October, all but around 40 of the over 500 artists who trust me to promote their images were complete strangers to me. The artists in this film come from USA, Canada, England, Sweden, France, Italy, Iceland, Holland and Australia. There are about 200 artists from the Sunshine Coast and about 300 international figurative artists that I am promoting on my artist network sites. Come and visit, comment on the blogs and share them if you enjoy them. Thanks!

Best vintage car show on the Coast, Sechelt Aug 6 - 8

2010-08-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

Lots to do on the Coast this weekend. Another chance to photograph vintage cars! The Coasters Car Club 15th Annual Sleepy Hollow Rod Run and Show 'n Shine is scheduled for August 6, 7, and 8th, 2010.

The three day event held in Sechelt, BC, also know as the Festival of the Rolling Arts, hosts classic cars, hot rods and specialty vehicles. Lots of eye candy and great material for photography, Photoshop and drawing. Go for it!

Synchronicity Festival at the art farm, Langdale, Aug 7 + 8

2010-08-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

August 7 + 8 - Part carnival, part performance, part festival, part exhibition, part fun in the summer sun, this is one Sunshine Coast event you don't want to miss...

Accessibility? This is a guided walking tour, over half of the show is accessible while the remaining portion, with installations and performances along a winding forest path, is not.

SYNCHRONICITY A festival at deer crossing the art farm “Everything is in contact with everything else, with or without touching.” Gordon Onslow Ford

Working within the theme of synchronicity, the festival will bring together visual artists, actors, puppeteers, dancers, musicians, mixed media artists, filmmakers and writers. After a two-month period of creation, collaboration and rehearsal, the festival will combine sound, imagery, words, light, sculpture, performance, and nature to take the audience on a one-of-a-kind journey through the 5 acre art farm and surrounding forest. The event is hybrid by design; part carnival, part performance, part festival, part exhibition, with the focus being on revealing- or at least providing audiences the opportunity to experience– the sometimes hidden connections between ourselves, each other and the natural world.