Art for Animals
Posted on 29 July 2010 | Comments Off
Woof! Molly Muggins here! Happy Summer to all my 4-legged friends and their humans!
Make tracks to Paw Prints Studio & Gallery and Special Guests BCSPCA. Booths, BBQ, Demos and fun!
Sunday Showcase August 1st 10am – 7pm 148 Carr Crescent, WillowbrookAttention Pets!
You are welcome to bring your humans. Please keep them on the other end of your leash, though: You know how the 2-legged ones can wander off!
If you’d like more info call Paw Prints Studio and Gallery at 1-888-256-3600 or email us at paw-prints@telus.net Download a map! www.ArtofJohnSalsnek.com
It’s a dog’s life but someone has to enjoy it!
Wags from Molly Muggins Salsnek and her parents, John and Stephanie.
Come to the Fair!
Posted on 16 July 2010 | Comments Off
Folk and Guitar this week at Music in the Park
Posted on 15 July 2010 | Comments Off
The popular summer music series is back with a lineup of great new artists and some old favourites. Check out the young local talent tonight playing instrumental guitar and indie folk.
July continues with some great songsters: Gail Riddall and Dale Seamans are terrific crowd pleasers. Don’t forget to bring your donation to the concert series, and some extra moolah for CDs!
Comments about this article? Share them at olivercac@gmail.com We’ll post them at the bottom of this article as received. (The email method helps us avoid spammers. )
Soprano Jenavieve Moore performs
Posted on 11 July 2010 | Comments Off
Jenevieve Moore, soprano, will perform a recital Wednesday July 14th at 7:30 pm at First Baptist Church 1498 Government St., Penticton. Roslyn Frantz will accompany her on piano and Antonia Mahon on flute.
Jena grew up in Oliver and by 12 years of age she was already winning local and provincial music competitions. Sue Gay was one of her early teachers. She sang with the Oliver Yuletide Singers and the Sage Valley Voices and performed with her brothers for a silent auction of the Oliver Arts Council. She got her musical start here.
Recently Jena’s career has taken flight! She has been accepted to the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, England, directly into year three of their B.Mus. (Hons.) Voice Performance degree. She was accepted on the spot at her audition in New York City last February which is a very rare achievement. Guildhall is one of the top music schools in the world.
This is Jena’s big opportunity to join other famous alumni including Jacqueline du Pre and move onto the world stage. She enjoyed support from the Oliver Community Arts Council when she was growing up. Now we can support her by attending her recital and enjoying an evening of amazing vocal music. Admission is by donation and proceeds will help with expenses in London. Her program includes works by Strauss, Rachmaninoff, Dvorak, and Mozart. This is your chance to hear a rising star!!
Comments about this article? Share them at olivercac@gmail.com We’ll post them at the bottom of this article as received. (The email method helps us avoid spammers. )
RipOff Artists Reach the Peak with Mount Lefroy
Posted on 8 July 2010 | Comments Off
During the last week of June, the South Okanagan’s RipOff Artists attracted media coverage and crowds of curious onlookers with their fourth annual exhibit, “ripping off” Group of Seven’s Lawren Harris and his iconic Mount Lefroy. During a weeklong demonstration and exhibit, each of the ten artists in the collective interpreted the famous painting in their own medium.
Leo Pedersen’s 3-D woodworking installation in progress.
Encaustic artist Thea Haubrich recreates Mount Lefroy in hot beeswax.
JoAnn Turner turns a CD cabinet into a work of art. Can you see the drawer knobs? Or are they surreal snowballs and mountain rocks?
3-D artist Kurt Hutterli adds the finishing touches to an elaborate installation. Painted egg cartons on the floor give the illusion that his artwork is at the “pinnacle” . The whimsical climbing figures added to Harris’ landscape are adapted from a famous period photograph of Rocky Mountain alpinists.
Kurt Hutterli discusses his tongue-in-cheek demo piece with OCAC member Dot Cranston. Mount Lefroy is painted on the hood of a rusted car, cruched in the shape of a mountain peak. Hutterli wonders (with a twinkle in his eye, of course) if the car perhaps once belonged to Lawren Harris himself?
Spinner and weaver Barb Levant recreates Mount Lefroy into an outfit a sherpa or alpinist would be proud to wear. She carefully chose colours and banded patterns to match Harris’ original painting.
Quilter Dianne Birne adds the last finishing stitches to her fabric interpretation of the painting.
Enid Baker reinterprets the masterpiece in watercolours.
Photographer Russell Work cleverly reimagines Mount Lefroy as “two-two-two Mounts in one!” His photo installation rotates (much like some modern billboards) to switch from the Lefroy painting to a photo of artist Harris at work on Mount Lefroy.
See a video of the “revolve” in action here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orECiugsq9Q&feature=player_embedded
Collage artist Marion Trimble painstakingly glues strips of fabric and paper onto her piece.
And now for the finished exhibit! Marion Trimble, Enid Baker, Barbara Levant, Russell Work, JoAnn Turner, Terry Irvine (knitter), Diane Birnie, Leo Pedersen, and Thea Haubrich. Missing from photo: Kurt Hutterli.
Photo credits: Russell Work, Thea Haubrich
For more photos, visit Thea Haubrich’s Encaustic Blog: http://encausticcanada.wordpress.com/2010/07/04/finale-ripoff-project-mount-lefroy/
For a fantastic video of the RipOff Artists with Mike Roberts of CHBC, take a look at
http://www.chbcnews.ca/video/index.html?releasePID=f5794obragGwCKDQACQpmpfwc7SlVcJm
Comments about this article? Share them at olivercac@gmail.com We’ll post them at the bottom of this article as received. (The email method helps us avoid spammers. )
This Week
Posted on 6 July 2010 | Comments Off
RipOff Artists Reception Monday June 28th
Posted on 26 June 2010 | Comments Off
by Marion Trimble
The “Ripoff Artists” once again rise to the challenge as they scale new heights in lifting Lawren Harris’s “MOUNT LEFROY” during a week of open studio. So-named for their annual pilfering of a famous dead artist’s masterpiece, the Ripoffs, a “Group of Nine”, have selected the Canadian icon who was the driving force behind the formation of the Canadian, “Group of Seven”.
Lawren Harris, a major leader and influential artist of this country, was pivotal in the development of a uniquely Canadian style of landscape painting. By virtue of its isolation, he felt the Canadian landscape required a different painterly approach. This insight led him to begin simplifying his palette and forms in the belief they were capable of expressing spiritual truths. “Mount Lefroy” in it’s symbolic blues and yellows, is an example of his dramatically designed, mystical compositions.
The collective’s ringleader, fabric artist, Terry Irvine known for her functional, sometimes humorous original creations stated, “I like the simplicity of the painting, while at the same time, I’m surprised by its complexity”. “It was an easy decision in picking this year’s prey”, said paper collage artist and member, Marion Trimble. “After imitating the likes of Vincent van Gogh, Gustav Klimt and Georgia O’Keeffe in previous years challenges, it was time to come home”.
The nine artists recreating “Mount Lefroy”, a Canadian rockies buttress on the B.C./ Alberta border, represent several different art forms. Dianne Birnie and Enid Baker are both gifted members of the Double “O” Quilters and the Fabricators. Each employs a different method of quilting that always impresses. Enid in past challenges elected to paint rather than quilt so it will be a surprise to view which of her talents she employs this year. Another surprise can be expected from multi-disciplined, fine artist, JoAnn Turner. In previous challenges, she painted her image on a non traditional surface. Chosen from any one of her mediums of pottery, jewelry, basketry or clothing design, we can expect her piece to be skillfully produced. Kurt Hutterli is a writer and artist. His imaginative 3-dimensional creations of recycled, mixed media, have delighted audiences in past exhibitions. A member of several weaver’s Guilds, including the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers in Oliver, Barbara Levant, a weaver and spinner for over 35 years, enjoys the suspense of seeing fabric develop and colours interact as she weaves.
Another Ripoff participant since it’s inception in 2007, is encaustic artist, Thea Haubrich. An active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, her works win awards locally and nationally. As exclusive representative for Canada of the Arts Encaustic International products, she is a well-known, dedicated promoter of her art form. Pushing the boundaries of digital photography, Russell Work’s innovative images last year were an exciting addition. Known for capturing the beauty of the Okanagan Valley landscapes, he specializes in panoramic compositions. This year guest artist Leo Pedersen joins the gang. A member of the Oliver Sagebrushers, Leo is a self taught painter and woodworker who learned the basics from his grandfather and father. He now carries on a family tradition, teaching his grandchildren the love of art.
In 1940, Harris moved to Vancouver where he spent the last 33 years of his life making an enormous contribution to contemporary art. He was a strong supporter of younger artists and influenced the direction taken by the Vancouver Art Gallery. Harris was the driving force that brought together the varying talents and temperaments which formed the Group of Seven. This week his guidance reappears to inspire our very own talented Group of Nine, the Ripoff Artists.
Visitors are welcome to view the artists’ progress as they gradually ascend the lofty goal of bringing their Mount Lefroy interpretations to conclusion. The skullduggery takes place at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 34273 95th St., across from the airport in Oliver. Opening reception is Monday, June 28th, 6-8 pm. Studio times Tuesday June 29th through Saturday July 3rd from 9 am to 3 pm. Join the artists during the week as they scramble to a dramatic climax by 3 pm, Saturday, July 3rd. For information contact Terry Irvine at 250-498-4156.
Remembering Artist Arnie Ziegler
Posted on 24 June 2010 | Comments Off
Arnie Ziegler
Nov 28, 1946 – June 20, 2010
Arnie entered into the presence of the Lord after a short, hard-fought battle with a respiratory ailment, surrounded by his wife, children and grand-children. Arnie is survived by Ellen, his loving wife of 38 years; his daughter, Karen, her husband Garrett and their children Ezekiel and Olive; his son David and his wife Lyndsay; his sisters Dianna, Karo-Lee and Darlene and his brothers Dan and Gary and all his nieces and nephews.
Arnie proudly served various communities in BC and the Northwest Territories as an RCMP officer.
During his 32 years in the RCMP he was a Forensic artist for 15 of those years, working mainly in the Okanagan Valley and Kootenays. In 1992 Arnie began work at the Oliver RCMP detachment, retiring in 1999 after 32 years of service. He later worked for the BC Coroner Service as a Community Coroner for a number of years before retiring completely in 2007.
Known for his sense of humour and fun-loving spirit, Arnie could be found wherever there was laughter. Arnie was an artist, avid golfer, curler and sports fan. He loved the outdoors, camping with his family, fishing with his friends and cowboying. Arnie loved the Lord, his family and his friends. He is well loved.
Arnie was a self taught artist and enjoyed the medium of pencil as well as pen and ink. He had taken several lessons in oil painting while stationed in Kamloops and has produced several oil paintings, one of which was used as the official painting of the 1991 “Cattle Drive” in Kamloops.
Arnie learned to do watercolours but admits that his first love is drawing. His subjects usually include horses and cattle and this was inspired by his 6 years working as an investigator for the RCMP livestock Section.
He contributed his talent for drawing as a God given gift and used this to teach others during his frequent drawing classes with the Oliver Sagebrushers at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday June 25, 2010 at the Oliver Alliance Church with Pastor Jeremy Cook officiating.
In lieu of flowers, his family has requested that donations be sent to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation in Arnie’s name. http://sosmedicalfoundation.com SOS Medical Foundation 550 Carmi Avenue Penticton, BC V2A 3G6.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com. Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos, BC.
Comments about this article? Share them at olivercac@gmail.com We’ll post them at the bottom of this article as received. (The email method helps us avoid spammers. )
Music in the Park: Catch the Rhythm of Summer!
Posted on 24 June 2010 | Comments Off
Aggie’s Tea – WOW!
Posted on 20 June 2010 | Comments Off
This radiant young lady holds one of her prize paintings at the conclusion of a successful fundraiser in Oliver. Agnes Sutherland, local artist, put all her available paintings on the auction block Saturday to a good crowd at the Strawberry Tea – put on by the Women of Oliver for Women at the Quail’s Nest.
The Tea & Auction is a fundraiser for the Quail’s Nest Building Fund. Profit from the tea and commissions from the sale will go to the fund.
Hee-Haw! Git Yerself Down Here! It’s Bluegrass Time!
Posted on 14 June 2010 | Comments Off
The Oliver Community Arts Council
cordially invites you to a
Bluegrass Coffeehouse Concert
Thursday June 17 7:00 p.m. Quail’s Nest Arts Centre $10 Admission at the door includes coffee, tea, and goodies! Doors open 6:30 p.m. Join Phil & Valerie Wiebe, and The Castle Ridge and Interior Valley Gospel Bluegrass Band for some good old finger-pickin’ fun! See you there!Look below for another article about the Olde Country Bluegrass Weekend.
We’re a-pickin’ and a-grinnin’ all weekend long. Join in the fun!
For the Love of Art
Posted on 12 June 2010 | Comments Off
The Federation of Canadian Artists, South Okanagan-Similkameen Chapter proudly presents a juried art show, “For the Love of Art” at Handworks Gallery, 35648 – 97th Street in Oliver. Phone 250 498 6388.
This is a juried exhibition with new works from local artists in a variety of mediums. The opening reception is scheduled Friday, July 2nd from 2pm to 4pm and the show runs from July 2nd to July 31, 2010. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 9:30 – 5, Saturday 10 – 4 p.m.
In conjunction with the opening, we will be offering two visual art demos for the public from 1 – 2 p.m. Well known local artist, Michael Jorden will begin an oil painting of the main street in Oliver. Michael will set up his easel outside of Handworks Gallery on the sidewalk , describing his process from blank canvas to finished painting. Drop by and watch this talented artist, then join the reception inside at 2 p.m.
The second demo will be taking place inside Handworks Gallery. Thea Haubrich will introduce the public to Encaustic, an ancient art form using coloured beeswax and a heat source. Thea teaches Encaustic throughout B.C. and she will be happy to introduce you to this beautiful medium. Make sure you put this event on your “to do” list for July 2nd.
The Federation of Canadian Artists was formed in Vancouver in 1941. The South Okanagan Chapter was formed in 2000 and now has 80 members. Our chapter welcomes new members. For more information check out our website at www.fca.sos.ca
Ripoff Artists Scale New Heights
Posted on 3 June 2010 | No responses
The Oliver-based artists’ collective known as the Ripoff Artists are getting ready to “lift” the work of Group of Seven painter Lawren Harris, “Mount Lefroy”.
Each exhibit, the Ripoffs select one famous piece of artwork for inspiration. Each artist in the collective then works independently in their chosen medium to capture the essence of the masterpiece. The Ripoff Artists excel in photography, wood working, 3-D, weaving, felting, quilting, encaustic (hot wax) art, mixed media collage. In previous years, the artists have “ripped off” such great artists as Vincent Van Gogh, Gustav Klimt, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Their interpretations are always breathtaking in their creativity!
Find out the artists’ visions at the opening reception. Drop by to watch the artists at work during the week. Return for the final frenzy and the finished creations on the Saturday.
Come experience Harris’ “Mount Lefroy” with all your senses!
Monday June 28 – Saturday July 3 Quail’s Nest Arts Centre 34274 – 95th Street, Oliver BC Opening Reception: Monday June 28 6 – 8 p.m. Daily Demonstrations in Studio: Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.Comments about this article? Share them at olivercac@gmail.com We’ll post them at the bottom of this article as received. (The email method helps us avoid spammers. )
A-Pluckin’ and A-Strummin’ Good Time
Posted on 3 June 2010 | No responses
The South Okanagan Bluegrass Society hosts
An Olde Country-Bluegrass Weekend Friday June 18 – Sunday June 20 Oliver Rodeo Grounds $10.00 per person $10.00 per rig – make yerself at home! $5.00 per day visitor – com’on in and set yerself down! Dry Camping Concession Stand Gates Open: Thursday Noon Gates Close: Sunday 2:00 p.m. Schedule: Friday: 2:00 Stage Opens 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Supper break 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Evening Performances Saturday: 9:00 – Noon: Band Scramble! 1:30 – 5:00 Open Mike 5:00 – 6:30 Supper Break 6:30 – 9:30 Open Mike Acoustical stringed instruments welcomed Guitar, Bass, Banjo, Mandolin, Dobro, Autoharp, Harmonica, Fiddle (Electric Bass acceptable) Also watch for appetite-whetting performances at Bluegrass Coffeehouse Thursday June 17 7:00 p.m. Quail’s Nest Arts Centre $10 Admission includes coffee, tea, and goodies! and Oliver Country Market A-Fair Saturday June 19 Lions’ Park (near the CPR Station Visitors Centre) Sound by Hans Devo with thanks! Need more information? Camping? Performing? Info: 250-495-0637 Email: jimbeau@persona.ca Download Flyer at http://members.shaw.ca/greenwoodbluegrassStrawberry Tea and Auction
Posted on 3 June 2010 | No responses
The Women of Oliver for Women are hosting a
Strawberry Tea & Auction featuring paintings by Pioneer Artist Agnes Sutherland Tombola, Silent Auction, and Bidding Auction Saturday June 19 Quail’s Nest Arts Centre Free Admission. Tea $5.00 Viewing: 1-2 p.m. Tea and Auction: 2-4 p.m. Everyone welcome. The Tea and Auction is a fundraiser for the Building Fund for the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre. The profits for the tea and commissions from the sale will go to the fund.June “Creative Minds”
Posted on 31 May 2010 | No responses
Creative Minds for June – thanks to editor Lynn Bremmer
(press the link above – you may have to save it before it opens)
Comments? Share them at olivercac@gmail.com We’ll post them at the bottom of this article as received. (The email method helps us avoid spammers. )
Rumors Delights Audiences
Posted on 29 May 2010 | No responses
The South Okanagan Amateur Players’ spring production of Rumors by Neil Simon earned good reviews and enthusiastic applause during its six night run April 15 – 17 (Oliver) and 22 – 24 (Osoyoos). “Delivers on fast-paced laughs … (with) rapid style, good timing, and convincing antics” summed up the Osoyoos Times reviewer, “a delight to watch”. Ted Osborne directed the production, with Christine Rothwell as stage manager.
Comments from the audience included “professional quality acting – as good as Vancouver”, ”gorgeous costumes”, ” lovely set”, “great dialogue delivery”, and most common: “hilarious – I couldn’t stop laughing”.
Here are a selection of Rumors photos:
A bird’s eye view of the set, taken from the sound and lighting booth in the Osoyoos MiniTheatre. The home of Charley Brock, the deputy mayor of New York.
(Photo credit: Penelope Johnson)
Diane Gludovatz and Paul Butler as Cookie and Ernie Cusack, a cooking show host and a psychiatrist.
(Photo credit: Sylvia Badger)
Aimee Grice and Garth Robinson ham it up after curtain call in their roles as lawyers Chris and Ken Gorman. Aimee’s character Chris spends most of the play dying for a cigarette to calm her frayed nerves.
(Photo credit: Sylvia Badger)
The full cast:
Back: David Badger (Officer Welch), Patrick Turner (Glenn Cooper), Paul Butler (Ernie Cusack), Garth Robinson (Ken Gorman), Sera Lean (Officer Pudney)
Seated: Diane Gludovatz (Cookie Cusack), Jen Jensen (Cassie Cooper), Aimee Grice (Chris Gorman), Penelope Johnson (Claire Ganz) .
Fron: Paul Everest (Len Ganz)
(Photo credit: Sylvia Badger)
Sage Valley Voices Let the Sun Shine In
Posted on 29 May 2010 | No responses
The Sage Valley Voices Community Choir had their audiences singing along at their “Sixties with a Twist” concerts on April 24 and 25, 2010. The choir got into the spirit wearing a variety of costume styles from Kennedy chic to Mod to Hippy.
Left: Tamara and Brad get their groove on performing House of the Rising Sun.
Left: Choir members Carolyn, Linda N., Bernice, and Linda B. take advantage of summery day in April to tie-dye their own T-shirts for the concert.
Left: Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikinis. Who are these masked ladies? They’ll never tell.
This is one fun choir – with lots of chutzpah!
(Photo credits: Heather Fink)
Singer Shari Ulrich Finds Her Way to Oliver
Posted on 18 May 2010 | 3 responses
Juno award winner Shari Ulrich sings about finding her son in her new release ‘Find Our Way’. She is touring the Okanagan with a stop in Oliver. Be sure not to miss this amazing performer! You will be in for a treat!
Originally a California girl, BC Entertainment Hall of Fame Inductee and Juno award winner Ulrich’s career took her through the Pied Pumkin and The Hometown Band to become a Canadian solo artist who continues to inspire audiences, and set the bar for two generations of female singer/songwriters.
The multi talented singer, songwriter and instrumentalist is now joined on her solo shows by her 19 year old daughter Julia on violin, piano, guitar and vocals along with partner and Jazz great Bill Runge. She continues to tour and record with the Pied Pumkin, Ulrich Henderson Forbes, and recently with Barney Bentall and Tom Taylor. She also composes for film and television and produces the Vancouver Bluebird North concert series for the Songwriters Association of Canada.
In August of 2007, Juno-winning recording artist Shari Ulrich spontaneously signed up for one of those web sites that helps reunite adopted children with their birth parents. Within 48 hours, she was talking on the phone with the son she had handed over at the unwed mother’s home 39 years earlier. She had been barely 16 at the time. The joyful reunion is chronicled on “By the Grace of Goodbye,” one of the highlights of Ulrich’s new CD, Find Our Way—her seventh solo album and her first ever fully self-produced project. Best of all, the May 7th CD release concert at the Rogue Folk Club will see the whole family perform together for the first time—including son Mike Magee, who, it turns out, plays percussion.
A member of the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame, Ulrich has absolutely nothing to prove as a singer, musician or composer, so to say that Find Our Way maintains the consistency of her previous recordings is a compliment of the highest order. That she achieves this having taken control of the production for the first time is a toast to both her skill and—she says—to the influence of the producers she worked wit along the way.
Ulrich, who has always been exceptionally generous about sharing her personal joys and sorrows with her fans—whether in her lyrics, on her web blog, or in her public advocacy for survivors of assault—offers more glimpses into life and family on Find Our Way, sharing thoughts and stories that countless others will be able to relate to. “(Now You’re) Gone” is inspired by her daughter Julia’s leaving home to go to university. “Life Goes On” and “Everlasting Great Regret” are reflections on life’s unexpected turns. “What She Left for Us” is a tribute to her late mother. Then, of course, there’s “By the Grace of Goodbye,” a moving number that avoids both sentimentality and melodrama while tackling a subject that has been surprisingly under-sung-about.
The arrangements on Find Our Way are a true family affair, with violin parts performed by Ulrich’s daughter, Julia Graff, and piano and bass lines provided by her partner, jazz legend Bill Runge. Ulrich herself plays guitar, mandolin, fiddle, piano, cello and accordion. Additional contributions come from friends Barney Bentall (harmonica), Karen Savoca (percussion) and David Celia (guitars), among others. The classic roots instrumentation provides a tasteful backdrop for Ulrich’s voice, which is every bit as pure and expressive as it was in the 70s, when, as a member of Valdy’s Hometown Band, she first won audiences over with her rendition of Joe Mock’s “Flying.”
Transplanted from San Rafael, California during the height of the flower child era, Ulrich made a name for herself in Canada as a member of the seminal West Coast folk outfit, Pied Pumkin. Her breakthrough came when she joined the Hometown Band, with whom she won a Juno for Most Promising Group. She went on to release two solo albums with A&M Records and one with MCA, earning a second Juno—for Most Promising Female Vocalist of the Year—and two subsequent nominations for Best Female Vocalist. When the majors released her from her contract in the wake of corporate mergers, Ulrich began recording as an independent artist, while also pursuing a wealth of other projects. She produced segments for Sesame Street, wrote and hosted CTV’s Inside Trax, co-hosted Futurescan with David Suzuki and composed for film and television. Ulrich has recorded three independent albums and released a Best Of compilation. She is also a member of the folk supergroup UHF, along with Bill Henderson and Roy Forbes. Most recently, she has been recording and touring with Barney Bentall and She Stole My Beer’s Tom Taylor.
Communities in Bloom Plant Sale on May 15
Posted on 7 May 2010 | 1 response
Oliver’s Communities in Bloom committee is organizing a plant sale for Saturday May 15, at the Community Gardens plot (north-west end of the “downtown” Main Street) from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. The funds raised will be used to bring the judges to Oliver in July for the BC Communities in Bloom evaluation of Oliver.
The CiB committee is looking for donations of plants, garden tools, garden clothing and garden ornaments for the sale. The CiB offers pickup and storage for any donated items. Anyone wishing to donate, please contact olivercac@gmail.com for more information.
The Oliver Community Arts Council is a proud supporter of Communities in Bloom, and is responsible for awarding the “Best Bloomin’ Garden” portion of the two-year project. OCAC member businesses Paw Prints Studio and Gallery and Handworks Gallery are also supporters.
BC Book Prize Tour Stops in Oliver
Posted on 6 May 2010 | No responses
The Friends of the Oliver Library hosted Silvia Olsen, children’s author (pictured at left) and poet Fred Wah during the Lieutenenat Governor’s BC Book Prize Tour on April 21. Both authors shared their experiences writing their nominated works, read excerpts , and answered questions.
Here’s a little more about Olsen’s book, Counting on Hope :
“Set against the backdrop of the confusing events surrounding the English colonization of British Columbia, and an 1863 naval assault on Kuper Island, Counting on Hope tells the story of two girls whose lives are profoundly changed when their two cultures collide. Alternating between free verse and prose, Sylvia Olsen follows the girl’s individual storylines before, during and after their meeting. She captures the wonder and joy with which Hope and Letia develop their friendship and describes the tragic events, suspicion, fear and confusion that characterize so many early encounters between Europeans and the First Peoples. This sensitively drawn depiction of innocence lost and wisdom hard won follows Hope and Letia out of childhood, off their island paradise and into the complex realities of an adult world. Married into the Tsartlip First Nation at seventeen, Sylvia Olsen is a historian specializing in Native/White relations in Canada, and the author of twelve books. She lives in Victoria.”
Fred Wah won in the poetry category, for his collection is a door :
“Including poetry projects, a chapbook and incidental poems, is a door makes use of the poem’s ability for “suddenness” to subvert closure: the sudden question, the sudden turn, the sudden opening — writing that is generated from linguistic mindfulness, improvisation, compositional problem-solving, collaborative events, travel, investigation and documentary — in short, poetry as practice. Much of this poetry is framed by Fred Wah’s acute sense of the marginalized non-urban local “place” and coloured by his attempt to articulate senses of otherness and resistance. Fred Wah was one of the founding editors of the poetry newsletter TISH and a pioneer of on-line publishing. He is the author of seventeen books of poetry including Waiting For Saskatchewan which received the Governor General’s Award in 1985. Diamond Grill, a biofiction about hybridity and growing up in a small-town Chinese-Canadian café won the Howard O’Hagan Award for Short Fiction in 1996. He lives in Vancouver.”
Congratulations, Fred!
Visit http://www.bcbookprizes.ca/tour/category/southern-tour-2010/ for more information about the southern BC potion of the tour, or http://www.bcbookprizes.ca/winners/2010 for a list of the finalists’ books and the various winners. A great source for your summer reading picks!
Great Pictures Displayed
Posted on 6 May 2010 | 1 response
Introducing a new format for the web site with much more dimension for coloured creativity.
Photo by Val Friesen
Mother’s Day Gifts at Paw Prints Studio
Posted on 2 May 2010 | Comments Off
May’s Sunday Showcase features Mother’s Day Specials including Roses that last forever!
Join us
Sunday, May 2nd 1 – 4pm Paw Prints Studio & Gallery ~The Art of John Salsnek~ 148 Carr Crescent, Willowbrook 1-888-256-3600 Light Refreshments servedSOCS Season Rocks … with the Classics
Posted on 1 May 2010 | Comments Off
The South Okanagan Concert Society has recently signed contracts with musicians of exceptional talent for their 2010-2011 season. The time is now to get your season flex pass at early bird prices.
Opening the season are Andi and Peter Alexander, singing a programme of “Opera Spice and Everything Nice” on Thursday October 14, 2010. We can expect a fun-filled evening of fabulous song and crazy antics by two performers who have a true love story. They will entertain you with their wit and wisdom and their vast repertoire of operatic arias and duets from The Magic Flute, La Boheme, Carmen, La Traviata and favourite songs from Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Sweeney Todd and more.
Andi Alexander, Mezzo Soprano, is an accomplished singer, stage director and producer. Her previous opera roles include the roles of “Suor Dolcina” in Puccini’s “Suor Angelica” and Dorabella in “Cosi Fan Tutte Unhinged.” She is in demand as a soloist in oratorio; highlights include Messiah, Elijah and Schubert’s Mass in E-Flat, Mozart’s Requiem and Beethoven’s Mass in C.
Peter Alexander, Baritone, has opera roles including Zuniga in Carmen, Belcore in Elixir of Love, Antonio in The Marriage of Figaro, Schaunard in La Boheme, and Frank in Die Fledermaus. Opera Canada magazine recently stated “Peter Alexander dominated the evening by exhibiting excellent vocal command eminently suited to the Baroque period,” for his performance of the title role in Pimpinone. Oratorio highlights include Elijah, Messiah, Haydn’s Creation and Carmina Burana.
On Friday November 19, the audience will be treated to the lively music of Daniel Gervais, who plays in a variety of fiddle styles as well as classical violin, performing with special guest, stepdancer Aline Dupuis. Aline has 15 years of training at the Edmonton School of Ballet, and is a skilled step-dancer and choreographer.
Daniel has also appeared on countless television and radio programs such as Good Morning Canada and various CBC broadcasts. In November 2002, he travelled to London, Ontario to receive the Conservatory Canada Speake Medal of Excellence for Grade 8 Strings for having attained the highest mark in Canada.
Daniel was honoured to have competed at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship in August of 2003, representing Alberta. In 2004, Daniel returned to this competition and was a top eleven finalist.
In the spring of 2003 Daniel released his debut album Flying Fiddle. Daniel’s second album entitled Endless Possibilities was released in April 2005.
He was recently nominated for “Young Performer of the Year” at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
Concert pianist Sara Buechner performs on Friday january 14, 2011. She is a dazzling pianist and witty speaker, with a gregarious personality that leaps from the stage. In informal concerts she will chat delightfully about her cosmopolitan range of interests — from baseball and classic cartoons, to New York art deco architecture and Japanese kabuki — to connect with her audience on an intimate level, and make her music a personal and enchanting experience for everyone.
Her extensive repertoire includes over 100 different piano concertos spanning the breadth of keyboard music from Bach to the music of prominent composers of our time. Her affinities range from Mozart (InTune magazine: “the closest thing to a perfect disc of Mozart piano music known”) to Chopin to Japanese music to Ragtime, Novelty Classics and Gershwin.
She is Associate Professor of Piano and Piano Literature at the University of British Columbia.
The Foothills Brass Quintet returns to our stage on friday March 11, 2011. Since 1981, their trademark performance style has combined quality, entertainment, variety and high energy. Five wersatile and exceptional musicians perfoirm on two trumpets, a tuba, a trombone, and a French horn. Expect a delightfully aclectic and accessible program. Those who have heard them perform in the past will surely be back!
Early bird 4-way flex passes are on sale for $50 until May 31st at Miss Molly’s Quilt Shoppe in Oliver and at Imperial Office Pro in Osoyoos. The regular flex pass sale starts June 1 for $60 for four tickets. The four admission pass allows one person to attend 4 concerts, two people to attend two concerts, or four people to attend one concert for maximum flexibility. Single entrance tickets are $20 throughout the year.
Young people 17 and under are always welcome for FREE at every concert.
All concerts are held at the Frank Venables Theatre, Oliver (in Southern Okanagan Secondary School on 350th Ave) and begin at 8 p.m. The venue is wheelchair accessible.
2010 Fall Art Show Entry
Posted on 28 April 2010 | Comments Off
Here is the link to the two page entry form for the 2010 Fall Art Show and Sale
(you can also look for it in the Forms button above)
Cleaning Up Our Act
Posted on 26 April 2010 | Comments Off
We’re cleaning up our act for the spring. Come join us!
Spring Cleanup: Spit and Polish Saturday May 8 9:00 a.m. Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
The first morning focuses on the larger jobs: removing the insulation from the bay doors and general groundskeeping if the weather co-operates. The second morning is for any lighter work still remaining such as washing windows, vacuuming, and tidying up the Studio building, or a rain date if the first weekend is too wet. Come to either or both. Many hands make light work!
Items to bring if you are able: work gloves, sturdy shoes, bucket, rags, garden tools, shovel. If you have a truck for a possible dump run, or a wheelbarrow that would be handy. We’ll find you a job suited to your activity level both days!
Poster Contest Winner Announced
Posted on 26 April 2010 | Comments Off
Evie New (right) accepts her gift basket from Sally Franks after winning the poster contest for the Fall Art Show and Sale. The contest requested submissions with the theme: “Those Were the Days”. Her sepia-toned entry featured a vintage car under the overhanging rock at Vaseux Lake. Her artwork will be used on posters and other advertising to promote the show and sale, which will be held Saturday October 2 – Sunday October 3 at the Oliver Community Centre.
Artist entry forms are now available for the Fall Art Show and Sale. The theme suggested for submitted works is “Those Were the Days”. The weekend event will also feature a display by the Oliver and District Historical Society (an OCAC member group), and a silent auction featuring collectible and antique items.
Please pick up your entry form by visiting Handworks Gallery on Oliver Main Street or by contacting the Oliver Community Arts Council at olivercac@gmail.com
Photo Credit: Val Friesen
Art at the Owl: A Review
Posted on 26 April 2010 | Comments Off
by Marion Trimble
“Large talent for a small ‘burb like Oliver,” was a comment made by one of the attendees at the crowded opening reception of Art at the Owl on Saturday April 17 at the Burrowing Owl Estate Winery. The show, diverse in media and subject matter, was a delightful mixed bag for all art lovers. Abstract oils to imaginative three-dimensional pieces, modernism and folk art, this no-jury, no-theme show pleased everyone’s taste. Whether the fantastic photo realism highlighted in John Salsnek’s large canvas Unannounced, the gaze of the observing Timber Wolf by Cameron Ogilvie, the contemporary abstraction superbly executed in Corinne Desampaio’s stunning work Gift in Contrast, or the charming whimsy produced by Caroline Alaric’s Tropical, the surprises and delights were everywhere in this amazing array of local talent.
Photo: Artists Linda Blaschuk and Corinne Desampaio admire the works on display during “Art at the Owl”, as well as the wine from Burrowing Owl Estate Winery. Photo by Val Friesen
At the entrance, a three dimensional piece by Kurt Hutterli, The Magic Wine Tap, set the stage with its amusing faucet dripping wine coloured beads into a glass vessel. In the foyer, two “plein air” paintings of old and collapsing local structures were beautifully rendered by popular pioneer, Agnes Sutherland. Marilyn Marsel’s mixed media triptych indicated the depth of brilliant creativity. Both colour and black and white photography inspired an urge in the viewer to explore both the local and international settings of their subjects. The Burrowing Owl Estate Winery’s own tapestries, permanently hung in the gallery, perfectly complemented Val Friesen’s large captivating photograph, Berber Hospitality and Kurt Hutterli’s abstract painting, A Butterfly Kaleidoscope. Eye-catching and delicate, Roy McLean’s “butterflies” and jewellery by Deanna McCaghren were new additions to the local art scene. To complete this cornucopia of diversity, there were the traditional landscapes and floral tributes, such as Joan Burgess’ gorgeous azalea.
The Burrowing Owl Estate Winery venue provided as much surprise and enjoyment as the artwork. Set out as a flow of small, comfortable viewing areas, the journey provided a contemplative atmosphere to explore the art more intimately. Two floors of gallery space were utilized, with natural light from a large window illuminating the landscapes within while giving a panoramic view of the magnificent landscape outside the winery’s hospitality building. Inside, attendees were treated both to delectable refreshments provided jointly by the Winery and Oliver Community Arts Council, including, of course, samples of Burrowing Owl wines. During the reception, harpist Ingrid Schellenberg rendered a wide selection of beautiful music.
The week-long show—jointly sponsored by the Oliver Community Arts Council and the Oliver Sagebrushers art club—was presented as part of the provincial celebration of Arts & Culture Week. The show of more than 70 pieces of artwork were all for sale, displayed in the restaurant as well as the guest house. Judging by brisk early sales, the event looks promising for artists. As an example, two of Sally Franks’ watercolours sold early on opening day,as did three-dimensional lapidary pieces by Roy McLean. The show continued daily through Saturday, April 24.
Missed out on this wonderful display of local talent? Plan to attend the Fall Art Show and Sale at the Oliver Community Centre on the first weekend of October!
Art at ‘Owl – gets good start
Posted on 18 April 2010 | Comments Off
Reception on Saturday (April 17) is opened with a presentation to Evie New by organizer Sally Franks (pictured). Left is Brian Mapplebeck observing the gathering at the Burrowing Owl winery south of Oliver BC. The Art Sale at the ‘Owl is a effort of the Oliver Sagebrushers Art Club with proceeds to the Oliver Community Arts Council.
More than 75 entries – paintings, lapidary items and photographs are displayed on the walls of two floors of the Burrowing Owl guest house.
Thanks to owners Midge and Jim Wyse for hosting the sale April 17 – 24 (Arts and Culture Week)
This is Your Brain on Art
Posted on 16 April 2010 | Comments Off
What is the impact of art on the brain?
Handworks Gallery exhibits fascinating and stunning works by individuals with acquired brain injury. The 15 artists represented in the exhibit attest to the success of the popular Relaxation through Art program, which encourages the brain injured to develop their artistic skills. The South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society (SOSBIS) has offered Relaxation through Art to its members since May 2000, as part of their psycho-social program.
After acquiring a brain injury, patients are faced with physical and cognitve deficits such as loss of motor skills, reduced concentration, faulty memory, or inability to talk. They must then learn to make physical and cognitive changes in a world which often has no patience for disability. Art becomes a powerful tool to cope with stressors, express thoughts and feelings, and improve brain function. Member artists attest that they have gained “patience, self-confidence, encouragement, friendship, and pleasure” from their artistic endeavours.
It is a special pleasure for Handworks Gallery to be presenting the artwork of individuals who have an acquired brain injury. Ken Ballyntyne, vice chair of the SOSBIS and a brain injury survivor, adds: “What many of the participants didn’t realize is that they show real talent. The art they have produced and are showing at Handworks Gallery is indeed excellent. The show is worth your time to view it. ”
Drop by the gallery from April 6 -28 … and be prepared to be inspired!
Brain Injury Society April 6 – 28 Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10 – 4:30 Saturday 10 -4Starting April 19 the gallery will be open Mondays as well, with hours every day 9:30 – 5
Handworks Gallery 35648 – 97 St. Box 271, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 250-498-6388