With the sun peeking out and the flowers blooming, we know what that means! It’s time for the Gabriola Arts Council’s annual Isle of the Arts Festival! After a tumultuous two years, we’re now offering a delightfully colourful ten days of in-person workshops and events. From writing to painting, felting to flowers, and herbs to clay, take a moment to delve into something new to brighten up these darker days. And that’s only the beginning! We’re offering four thought-provoking events including our Reading & Reconciliation One Book One Community literary launch featuring Michelle Good of Five Little Indians and Shelagh Rogers (get your tickets early—this one sells out), an evening of thought provoking talks at the Folk U Forum hosted by Folk University, a mini professional development day for artists (worthwhile for all!), and the closing up Arty Party to celebrate the Arty Award winner and a colourful ten days at the Surf!
You should have received your brochure in the March 2nd Sounder, but you can also find it at retail outlets around the island. Get it early to decide what you’d like to register for, as workshops and events are first come first serve and they fill up fast. We don’t want you to be disappointed! Registration starts Monday March 14th at 10am at artsfest.artsgabriola.ca, where you can also find information on accessing funds to attend the festival if you require financial assistance, or donate funds so that everyone has an opportunity to join in on the learning and the fun.
We are also accepting nominations for the Arty Award winner—a community member or organization who has made an outstanding contribution to the arts and culture of Gabriola during the previous year. Visit our website to nominate! (artsfest.artsgabriola.ca – where you can also review all the workshops and events)
We’re very excited to once again be coming together to learn, to inspire, and to entertain through the arts. See you there! Together we cultivate the arts.