This local arts group was started in 2016 to offer artists a platform to explore different techniques for creating surface design in a variety of media (fabric, paper, wood, glass, cork). The group was structured loosely with fixed meeting times (Thursday afternoons) on a weekly basis. There were no membership fees instead a drop-in fee of $5.00/session was charged. Various topics and techniques were covered with individuals leading the group. Some weeks were open with no fixed plans and some sessions were organized in advance with supply lists / preparatory tasks circulated. Studio space was rented in advance from the Oliver Community Arts Council and Surfaces became a member group.

In 2017-2018 there was a desire to have more full-day studio time so once a month the studio space was rented out for a full day (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). A face-book page was created with a place where photos and ideas could be shared.

Current Plans: Currently the group is large and quite diverse. For the 2018-2019 season we are proposing splitting the group in two: Surfaces – Textiles and Surfaces – Mixed Media.

For the Surfaces – Textiles group meetings will occur twice a month on Thursday afternoons from 1-4:00 p.m.. The focus will be on surface design on fabric using a variety of techniques including dyeing, stamping, screen and discharge printing, eco-printing, felting, beading, hand and machine stitching. Fabric will be used to create works which explore contemporary art quilting techniques. Each session will include time for feedback and critique on works in progress. Some sessions will include instruction (with rotating leaders for the group). If there is interest a full day workshop can be planned possibly on a weekend. For contact information on this part of the Surfaces – Textile Group contact Janet at: bedn9783 @ telus.net (work pictured above and at left) The first meeting of fall season for Surfaces – Textiles will be Thursday Sept. 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre (the smaller Studio Building), 5840 Airport Road, Oliver.

For the Surfaces – Mixed Media Group meetings will occur on alternating Thursday afternoons from the Surfaces – Textile Group from 1-4:00 p.m. also at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre (the smaller Studio Building). This group will be exploring a variety of Media such as bookbinding, alcohol inks, glass mosaics, cork designs, jewellery making, acrylic pouring and others. The route the group take will be determined by the interest and passion of the members.
The date of first meeting of Surfaces – Mixed Media Group TBA. For more information contact:

Aline Bostrom: doddersca @ yahoo.com or

Roxanne Anderson : Apricotcottagestudio @ gmail.com

AUDITIONS SET FOR IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Dates have been set for auditions for SOAP Theatre’s fall production of It’s A Wonderful Life – A Life Radio Play.

Director Trevor Leigh will be looking for an ensemble cast of three males and two females that will bring a few dozen characters to the stage in early December.

Open auditions take place on Sunday, September 9 at 6:30 pm in the Big Blue Building at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 5840 Airport Street in Oliver and on Monday, September 10 at 6:30 pm in the board room above the Osoyoos Art Gallery, 8713 Main Street, Osoyoos.

This beloved holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. It will be presented in Osoyoos Nov. 29 and Dec. 1 as part of the Osoyoos Christmas Lite-up Festival and then be at Venables Theatre in Oliver the following weekend.
More information on the production as well as other SOAP plans for this season can be viewed at www.soplayers.ca. Questions on the auditions can also be directed to Leigh at ftleigh @ mac.com.