Hello Friends of GAC
Hope you’ve all been busy taking advantage of the numerous opportunities to be creative and to engage with the Arts! I was sorry to not see EVERY artist at Melinda Mollineaux’s amazing and informative Art Talk last night—she brought 13 years experience as a Program Officer at the Canada Council and a lifetime commitment to art and artists, and delivered a rich, thorough and detailed presentation about how to succeed and survive—and be happy!—as an artist. The good news is that Melinda has agreed to come back. Stay tuned for an announcement, and don’t miss the opportunity to learn from this brilliant woman and valuable resource.
We’ve been so distracted by all of the art happening on the Island that we haven’t had a chance to put a proper newsletter together. But we did want to let you know about some upcoming news and events so we’ve compiled this quick collection of announcements about some local activities and a few off-island events and announcements.
* * * *
The Isle of the Arts Festival continues this week, with more workshops, more Art Talks, and many more opportunities to share and discover the creative process.
Please join us for Artist Appreciation Night! | Friday 3 May at the Golf Course. They’ll be serving burgers and beer, and we’ll be awarding the 2013 ARTY Trophy to the person who made the most significant contribution to the arts on Gabriola this year, followed by an Art Talk by Julie Bevan, Executive/Artistic Director of the Nanaimo Art Gallery, who will be leading a discussion on Public Art.
There’s a whole lot more happening this week and throughout the weekend, and some of the workshops still have room to register! Check out the entire schedule at ArtsGabriola.ca, and then get yourself into Artworks to sign up. Here’s just a sampling of what’s happening this week:
Musician Talk: The Songwriting Process with Victor Anthony | Wednesday, 6 pm at the Old Crow Café
Exploring Shakespeare with Antony Holland | Thursday, 1 pm @ Artworks
Gallery Exhibit of all of the work that the students at Gabriola Elementary School have created during the Festival | Friday at noon at GES
* * * *
Speaking of the ARTY – this year the award goes to the inestimable SHEILA NORGATE. She will receive the coveted prize this year for her tireless dedication to the arts and artists as demonstrated by her willingness to mentor and support young artists; her successful exhibits of her own work on Gabriola and beyond (including “Best in Show” at the Lanoue Gallery in Boston); her outstanding performance pieces (including an upcoming new show at the 2013 Gabriola Theatre Festival); her awesome presentation at TEDxGabriolaIsland; her courageous opening of a new space—the Keep Calm Gallery—to show not only her work but also to introduce the work of off-island artists to Gabriolans; to creating opportunities for more dancing; and for her unwavering support of the Gabriola Arts Council and the work we do. Congratulations Sheila!
* * * *
Choose Something Like A Star
The Gabriola Chamber Ensemble is delighted to present a concert filled with music that will make you laugh, make you think about life and, perhaps, bring a tear to your eye. Join us on Saturday, May 4th, at 7:30pm or Sunday, May 5th, at 5pm (yes, that’s the correct time!), at the Gabriola United Church.
Under the direction of Leah Hokanson, the choir and orchestra will bring to life the delightful and poignant music of contemporary American composer Randall Thomson who, in 1959, decided to set some of the poetry of Robert Frost, a beloved American poet, to music. The result was Frostiana , a whimsical suite of seven different choral pieces. The spring concert will also feature Johann Fischer’s Le Journal du Printemps for orchestra, works by Thomas Morley and Z. Randall Stroope for choir and folk settings by Ralph Vaughan Williams featuring our talented clarinetist, Phil Haig.
Ticket holders dining at Robert’s Place during the concert weekend (Sat. and Sun.) can enter a draw for a $100 Robert’s Place gift certificate! Reservations requested (250-247-2010).
* * * *
Vote for the Kerplunks!
CBC Radio is running the Great CBC Kids Song Search, and our own Kerplunks are in the running. Go online today (and tomorrow, and the next day), and VOTE!
http://www.cbc.ca/parents/songsearch/
* * * *
Caroline James @ Keep Calm Gallery
Hornby-based painter Caroline James has all the credentials you could ask for in an artist. She obtained her BFA with Distinction from the University of Victoria in 1994 and then in 1998, accepted a full teaching scholarship to attend the Masters of Fine Art program at the University of Saskatchewan. Upon completion of that program James was nominated for both the Governor General’s Medal For Excellence in Thesis Work, as well as the University of Saskatchewan Graduate Thesis Award for Fine Arts and Humanities. She took home the latter.
But James possesses far more than credentials. She has something that most artists would die for: a passionate determination to bring her creative voice out into the world, to keep her artistic spark alive, even through fallow times. She is just now emerging from such a period, and has produced a new body of work for her first show here on Gabriola. She has called the show “Guide You Home”.
“This work represents the beginning of my first body of fine art painting in over two years. Prior to this time of ‘not painting’ I had worked continuously for ten years and was beginning to feel empty and somehow not able to contact the inner passion that had driven me for so long.
Powerful beginnings occur in stillness. I spent a lot of time sitting in the studio just listening, waiting for the voice when I started. First I heard, (I literally heard these words), “collage, start with collage”, then “draw”, then “oil”…and so it began. The content of the work, as always, reflects my own personal journey through life in this moment and also larger archetypal ideas, though I have no intention to do either. It just happens. Trust, travel (within and without), loss, landing and leaving, change, the nature of love, and a deep desire for peace on many levels, all wind their way through the narrative of these pieces.”
Please join us and see where the journey has taken her.
Caroline James @ Keep Calm Gallery
Fri May 3rd 7-9 | Sat May 4th 11-4 | (Q & A sat 1 pm)
1156 Suzanne Avenue | Gabriola BC | 250.247.7308
* * * *
RADIO AFTER DARK presents THE WIZARD OF OZ!
Two Gabriola Shows, Monday & Tuesday May 20 & 21
Follow the Yellow Brick Road with Radio After Dark as they recreate the Golden Age of Radio, in a live radio drama performance of The Wizard of Oz; complete with Foley sound effects, fantastic classic songs and the occasional hysterical blooper! That’s right; Radio After Dark is off to see the Wizard!
Friday, May 17 | Nanaimo Centre Stage, 25 Victoria Road, Nanaimo
Doors 7 pm | Show Time 7:30pm
Tix $15 | Available by phone 250-714-0050, at Fascinating Rhythm, and at the door.
Monday & Tuesday, May 20 & 21 | Gabriola Golf Club
Doors 7 pm | Show Time 7:30 pm
Tix $15 | Available at Artworks and The Gabriola Golf Club
Remember the magic of radio that had millions glued to that tube-filled, crackling box in the 30s, 40s and 50s? Relive how the actors, the music and the sound effects could paint a picture in your mind that rivalled even the most elaborate MGM movie production? Radio After Dark invites you to step behind the magic curtain and be transported back in time to a radio sound stage of the 1940’s. Join actors Tina Jones, Chris Jans, Kathy McIntyre, Bill Miner and Antonio Gradanti to experience this classic movie musical, the way only your imagination can.
* * * *
DANCERS WANTED FOR GABRIOLA!
June 21, 22 & 22 | Community Hall – 2200 South Road, Gabriola
Registration is going well for the 2013 Gabriola Island Dance Camp, except for one thing. The ladies, as usual, are ahead of the men when it comes to planning ahead. So we have an excess of follows and not enough leads. We try to keep a reasonable balance between leads and follows. There are plenty of spaces for couples and leads, and there is a waiting list for follows – as more leads register there will be more spaces for follows.
Men! Get your butts in gear and register now!
Ladies! Round up a partner or two and get them to register.
It turns out we had some issues with the on-line registration system, so the familiar registration and waiver form is back on line for your convenience. If you have any questions about registration, or to confirm that you are registered, please email gabrioladancecamp@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!
…it is time to register!!! We’ve got another great camp planned for you!!
click here to register | cost: early-bird $110; after May 21st $125
* * * *
in conjunction with the Islands Studies Conference 2013
Present Laurie Brinklow
Reading from her new book of poetry Here for the Music
Thursday, May 9, 2013 | 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm | Poetry Yurt, at the Commons | www.islandstudiesconference2013.org
* * * *
Island Studies Conference Art Talk
There will be many interesting and engaging conversations happening at the Island Studies Conference at The Haven from May 9 to May 12. The Gabriola Arts Council is happy to be sponsoring a presentation by local artists on the subject of:
The Art of Living on an Island | Why are many island communities so rich in creativity and culture? How does living on an island life spark the creative process, and how does living on an island influence the work that artists do? What combination of setting, environment and community informs the work that artists on islands produce? How does living on a island help (or hinder) the life of an artist?
Sunday, May 12 | 2:15 to 3:45 | The Haven | www.islandstudiesconference2013.org
Bob Bossin | Karen Curry | Tawny Maclachlan Capon | Jeff Molloy | Sheila Norgate | Katherine Gordon (Moderator)
* * * *
Renovation Blues Band
May 18 | Silva Bay Marine Pub/Restaurant | 9-1:00
Come on out and shake your booties!
* * * *
Dancestreams, Vancouver Island’s premier pre-professional youth dance company, will perform outstanding contemporary dance by leading choreographers on Sunday May 12 at the Gabriola Community Hall. Featuring new works by James Gnam, Artistic Director of the Plastic Orchid Factory, and Maiko Miyauch, the show also includes works by Serge Bennathan, Crystal Pite, and Hannah Stilwell. A high energy show that will appeal to all ages! Joining the Company for this Mother’s Day matinee will be Afriolo! The show starts 2:00 pm. This is a perfect way to celebrate mom’s day- show your Dancestreams ticket at Robert’s place and received a $5 discount off the regular price of the Mother’s Day brunch buffet ($3 discount for children). Tickets are $10 adults/ $8 youth in ADVANCE- available at Artworks. $12 adults/ $10 youth at the door. www.dancestreams.ca
* * * *
After you’ve attended Victor Anthony’s songwriting discussion, you might want to enter …
4th Annual Islands Songwriting Contest
We’re searching for the next great song by a great Island Songwriter.
You could be that person. Win studio recording time, airplay and other great prizes: including a live performance at the 2013 Islands Folk Festival. All musical styles welcome. This is not an ‘idol’ competition. It’s to support homegrown songwriters. Get your instrument, write a great song, sing it for us, and blow our minds!
How to Enter:
Theme: This year our Songwriting theme is “Food” Any and all aspects of it. Farming, growing, eating, cooking, seeds, gathering, harvest, food safety, what you enjoy, food you don’t like, the possibilities are endless. Our Theme changes each year and is meant to provide a guideline as a general topic. Let your creative juices flow in any direction. Do not write a song with 400 kinds of food in it. Do not take the theme too literally. Think outside the box.
– Write a great song about food. Submit it to Islands Singer Songwriter Contest! (Limit of one entry per person)
– You may enter electronically by sending a completed registration form and your audio file to:
– Or mail your registration form and CD to: Islands Singer Songwriter Contest
P.O. Box 802 | Duncan, BC, V9L 3Y1
The entry fee is $25.00
For mail in entries, make cheques payable to: Cowichan Folk Guild.
Your song and registration fee must be postmarked to us by Entry Deadline, June 1st, 2013
* * * *
Interested in your seeing your art hang in Gallery Row?
Nanaimo’s Gallery Row is a local, outdoor art gallery on Fitzwilliam St. (between “G.E.M. Fabrications Gates & Gifts” and “Sartorial Boutique”. Gallery Row is a successful way for Nanaimo Artists to expose their work to a large number of potential art buyers and to have their artwork submitted to silent auction at the following years Art Festival event.
The artist must waterproof the artwork for outside display prior to submission. In order for your work to be protected from the elements while exhibiting outdoors, it must be submitted with a clear waterproof varnish on both the front and back. A product with UV protection would work best.
Although all possible efforts will be taken to protect and preserve your artwork, you will be asked to sign a waiver indemnifying the Gallery from any losses due to weather, theft, vandalism, etc. You will
also be authorizing the Gallery to use images of your submissions for promotional and marketing purposes of Gallery Row and the Public Art Project via any form of media. The Gallery will display your work on its website to promote the artists and will provide a link to the artist’s website at their request. At our annual Gallery Row Art Festival, your artwork will be submitted to a silent auction, where the artist will receive 50% of the funds raised. The Gallery will not reproduce any artist’s work without credit to the artist. If your artwork is chosen to include in our display, the artist warrants that Gallery Row becomes the owner of the artwork exclusively. Gallery Row encourages participation of emerging artists of all ages.
Email Sadie at showroom@gemfabrications.com or call 250-754-5174 for more information.
* * * *
Call to Artists
Artists are invited to submit proposals for inclusion in a group exhibition at Nanaimo Art Gallery called Ancients Among Us :The Art and Science of Sturgeon, at the Gallery’s downtown location, July 5 to August 4, 2013. The project is co-presented by Nanaimo Museum, Nanaimo Art Gallery and Vancouver Island University’s International Centre for Sturgeon Studies, in conjunction with the 7th International Symposium on Sturgeon, which takes place July 21-25 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo. For information on the conference visit http://iss7.viu.ca
Artwork in any medium (including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, sound, performance and video) will be considered. Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly and explore issues related to the history, biology, ecology, economy, or mythology of sturgeon.
Submissions will be evaluated by a jury. Works in the exhibition can be for sale at the discretion of the artist. Artists will receive 60% of sale price, with the remainder of proceeds shared between the International Centre for Sturgeon Studies and Nanaimo Art Gallery. Shipping to and from the Gallery will be the responsibility of the artist. Works must arrive ready to install.
To apply artists must submit the following:
- an image/video of the work
- a short description of the work (max. 200 words)
- a short artist bio
- dimensions of the work and installation specifications
- retail value
Submissions must be sent by email to submissions@nanaimogallery.ca no later than June 1, 2013. Original artworks will not be accepted as part of the submission process.
* * * *
Port Alberni Days with the Arts
June 1 and 2 are dates to mark on your calendars as these two days have been set aside to celebrate the arts! This two day self-guided tour includes over 30 studio and public settings with the art work of over 100 artists on display.
Your $20 ticket entitles you to a wristband (your entry to the sites), a map to the studio locations, a list of participating restaurants which are offering specials or discounts and an opportunity to win one of the many door prizes donated by participating artists. These prizes are on display at Rollin Art Centre from May 6 to May 31.
As well, many artists have their own studio door prizes which you have a chance to win when you visit their venue and complete the entry form.
Tickets are available at Rollin Art Centre (card and phone orders accepted) and at Echo Centre in Port Alberni. To contact the Centre for tickets, call 250 724-3412, Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am – 4 pm.
For more information, please contact Bev Frolic (250 724-4116) or bev_frolic@msn.com or Melissa Martin, Arts Administrator, Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley (250 724-3412)
