The arts council has entered the Festival of Trees on display now at the Frank Venables Theatre lobby. The tree is decorated in three of our logo colours: a perfect colour triad of purple, orange, and green. Quails play a large part of the decorations, including the tree topper by JoAnn Turner. Thanks to our Tree Team: JoAnn, Bernice Myllyniemi and Caroline Whyte!

Thank you Janet Bednarczyk and the CreatAbility class for all the paper crafted ornaments.

Many member groups and businesses also contributed ornaments to our Festival of Trees entry. Gelato spoons, film canisters and rolls, along with beaded, painted, knitted, quilted, and musical ornaments grace its branches. To see more of the tree, watch the  video here:  Festival of Trees Facebook video or here: Festival of Trees Adobe Video

Please drop by the theatre and enjoy all the trees on display. Vote for your favourite! You can make a donation with your vote, supporting BC Children’s Hospital.  Vote before January 3 during open hours at the Frank Venables Theatre (Tuesday – Thursday 10 a.m – 3 p.m.) or at any performance.

Another instance of the wonderful array of talent found in our little town of Oliver is found in Helen Wollf. Wollf’s background in music has led to an invitation as one of the clinicians at the BCGEHR Spring Ring 2018 where she will present on Beginner Solo Ringing and Small Ensembles with Bells.

“Having such an opportunity as this is really exciting. I was introduced to solo ringing by a performance done at a Guild Spring Ring more than 20 years ago. This is full circle for me,” says Wollf.

Starting private music lessons as a child at the age of 2 before she could read the alphabet and broadening her music training into voice, wind instruments and handbells, and also to conducting under the auspices of Lars Kaario, conductor of the Capilano Singers, Wollf has broad experience and training in music to share.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have a wide variety of learning opportunities in my music education and I enjoy being able to invest that into the South Okanagan both as an elementary school teacher and as a musical director in a community group,” continues Wollf.

Currently Wollf is on partial maternity leave from School District 53, Wollf shares her time and talents as the Musical Director of the Oliver Handbell Ringers and will be performing a solo as part of their Christmas concerts entitled “One Winter’s Night” held at Christ the King Catholic Church, Friday, December 15th at 7:30 p.m and Sunday, December 17th at 3:00 p.m.

“Handbells are such an amazing instrument – impressive to see and brilliant to hear. They thrilled me at age 11, and still do the same today!” says Wollf, “Come experience their magic this Christmas season!”