Help Saige Carlson reach national finals

Carlson Concert

Come experience a delightful evening of song with the incredibly talented and lovely Saige Carlson. Saige will perform a selection of classical vocal pieces from the repertoire she is taking to The CFMTA National Convention Voice Competition finals in Halifax, Nova Scotia next month. Saige will be representing all of BC at this competition organized by the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations.  Saige will be accompanied by the well known and renowned pianist, Mr. Dennis Nordlund.  This is a fund- raising event designed  to help Saige travel and compete at one of the highest levels of vocal excellence in our nation. This is the big stage and this is a young woman from our midst. Please come and support her and treat yourself to a wonderful talent.

If you are unable to attend, there will also be a recital at the Lakeside Resort on  Sunday June 23rd at 4:30 PM.  

Art classes resume for children and teens

The Oliver Sagebrushers are ready to start the second semester of Children’s Art classes. Classes run every Saturday from March 3 – March 31.

Ages 4 – 7 years :  9 – 10 a.m. $5.00 per session

Ages 8 – 12 years:  10.30-12   $10.00 per session

Ages 13 – 18 years:  1-2.30 p.m. $10.00 per session

Fees include supplies.

March 31 will conclude with a Reception and Art Show.

The classes will be instructed by Leza Macdonald accompanied by a member of the Sagebrushers. Leza is a skilled, energetic and fun art teacher. Kids will enjoy discovering their talents under her tutelage. Parents and guardians are welcome to stay and learn along with their child.

Classes are kept to between 10 and 12 participants.

Please register early by emailing Leza at leza @ eastlink.ca.

Fall Art Show and Sale is FASS-t approaching

This popular annual event is on Saturday October 1 – Sunday October 2 at the Oliver Community Centre, in conjunction with the Festival of the Grape. See poster for details.

View many interpretations of the “Outside the Box” theme in eight artistic categories: photography,  fibre arts, 3 -D, oils, acrylics, watercolours, other media, and a category for young “emerging artists”.

Saturday is a great day to see the show for free,  from 3 – 9 p.m. View the artwork, vote for your favourites, purchase artwork, bid in the silent auction,  and tour fascinating non-competitive displays such as the RipOff Artists American Gothic and demonstrations. Visit the arts council information booth. In the evening, nibble at the reception, listen to live entertainment, and be present for the announcement of category winners and “Best Interpretation of the Theme” (our version of Best in Show).

The Sunday entrance is free only with your paid entrance to the Festival of the Grape. The exhibits and sale continue, as does the silent auction. Meet the artists. View the category winners and the  overall “Best in Show”. Did your favourites win?

Watch for cute little wine glass tags commemorating poster art from the last four art shows. They make great souvenirs as well as being handy to wear on your Festival of the Grape glass on Sunday. 

Bring your chequebook because, in addition to the great art, arts council memberships, souvenirs and gift items on sale, you will definitely want to enter the silent auction!

The silent auction is looking absolutely fantastic this year! The auction continues the “Outside the Box” theme. Bid on dozens of tempting hand-painted boxes laden with various themed goods.  Each box is filled with items such as “a night at the theatre”, “home preserves”, “vacation”, “outdoor living”, “games night”, “school days”, “kitchenware”, “gardening”, “coffee bar” , “tea for two” or “bath and beauty”, just to name a few.   Each filled box makes an attractive gift or keep it for yourself and display it at home.

Between now and the festival, watch for our travelling “Outside the Box” display! The 6-foot tall stack of boxes looks like the poster graphic.  Can you find it around town? Thank you to Beyond Bliss, Medici’s Gelateria, Interior Savings  Credit Union, Valley First Credit Union, and the Oliver Regional Library for hosting the box stack so far! Please patronize these community-minded  businesses and institutions!

Artists: Feeling stuck in a box?

Young stars shine at Showcase on Wednesday

Here’s something that will warm your heart and make you smile! Support our young local performers by attending the Showcase of talent concert Wednesday May 4 at 7 p.m. at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre.

Arts Council Gives Kiwanis “Mural” Support

The Oliver Kiwanis has been a faithful supporter of the arts. They have a long association with the Kiwanis Festival promoting youth in performance art . Locally, they donate to the OCAC’s annual Showcase of Talent, providing bursaries allowing young participants to pursue  their private music studies.

Two years ago, the busy service organization asked the Oliver Community Arts Council to assist with the beautification of their Kiwanis market property. Soon, a  mural committee was struck. After much careful planning, design, and painting, the work is complete!

The mural will be unveiled on

Saturday October 30
12:00 noon
Kiwanis Market
Sawmill Road, Oliver

Drop in for some Saturday bargains at the market, then gather outside for the grand unveiling!

The following arts council members and supporters contributed to the mural project:  

Design: Steve Staresina.

Preparation of Wall Surface: Linda Nunweiler, Brian Mapplebeck, Steve Staresina

Sketch and Layout: Steve Staresina

Painting: Steve Staresina, with assistance from Wendy Cassel. Artist Leza MacDonald came on board recently to  paint the mural’s left panel.

Jan Kreut is commended for her hard work in the planning stages. 

Photo Credit: Oliver Daily News Staff: http://oliverdailynews.com
Check them out for local news every day- they’re a great supporter of Oliver arts!