Monthly Archives: January 2014
Stick us on your fridge!
Have you seen the arts council’s new 2014 event magnet? Pick up yours at one of the following locations:
* Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
* Oliver Visitor Information Centre
* Mainly for Women Trade Show – Saturday February 22, Oliver Community Centre
* Spring Arts Faire – Saturday April 5, Oliver Community Centre
Stick it up where you’ll see it often, and remember to participate in one of our many events throughout the year! In the words of a famous rock band: “You don’t wanna miss a thing!”
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Capital projects recommended for Quail's Nest
On Wednesday January 8, a small sub-committee of the board met to tour the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, assess necessary repairs, maintenance, and development, and prioritize the proposed capital projects. Those five members included Jack Bennest (facilitator), Marion Trimble, Brian Mapplebeck, Jennifer Mapplebeck, and Penelope Johnson.
The committee ranked projects based on the following criteria:
(a) safety and security (i.e. immediate liability issues)
(b) property repair and maintenance (to prevent future liability issues)
(c) beautification projects
Expense and size of the project also affected ranking to a lesser degree.
The committee recommended the following capital projects to the Board, which were then approved. The projects will be completed as finances and personnel permit, in order of priority:
1. electrical safety assessment of the Studio Building by a qualified electrician, specifically addressing the safety and adequacy of breakers for kitchen appliances
2. assess the function of the two floor drains in the Studio Building, together with the outlet on north side, and installing more appropriate flooring to eliminate safety issues
3. re-paint safety lane strips from the rear exit door in Studio Building through both exits into the main bays, in accordance with fire codes.
4. apply insulated molding around the rear exit door in Studio Building to prevent heat loss.
5. check and repair exterior lighting on Studio Building (motion +/or photosensitive lighting)
6. replace fascia on Big Blue Building (metal preferred) and cover bird holes
7. paint small kitchen floor and ramp handrails
8. install built-in coat rack and storage shelving beside washroom
9. paint Big Blue Building bay doors with white top coat
10. cap irrigation control boxes at east and west ends
11. landscape front (east) strip of property, including stump and pipe removal, and install low-maintenance xeriscaping
The following projects were also recommended but deemed of lesser importance, and not ranked:
* address storage issues, such as removal of items from above handicapped washroom, moving grids easels and sandwich boards to new storage unit.
* remove container bed north of office, and install bench
* remove A/C wall unit
* install shelving in office as required
* mount new OCAC sign on Studio Building (suggested – along roof line)
* paint unifying decorative art to bay doors on Studio and Big Blue buildings (e.g. quail)
* install concrete patio, parking lot retaining wall, and steps along south side of Big Blue
* install featured artwork at entrance to parking lot
Projects will be completed as much as possible by contracted tradespeople, rather than by volunteer labour. Projects costing over $1000 will be submitted to a blind bid process.
Interested in overseeing one of these projects? No physical labour required! Requires soliciting one or more bids, seeking approval for solicited quote from the board, and liaising with contracted tradesperson until the job is completed. Contact OliverCAC @ gmail.com if you would like to watch other people do the hard work!
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Capital projects recommended for Quail’s Nest
On Wednesday January 8, a small sub-committee of the board met to tour the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, assess necessary repairs, maintenance, and development, and prioritize the proposed capital projects. Those five members included Jack Bennest (facilitator), Marion Trimble, Brian Mapplebeck, Jennifer Mapplebeck, and Penelope Johnson.
The committee ranked projects based on the following criteria:
(a) safety and security (i.e. immediate liability issues)
(b) property repair and maintenance (to prevent future liability issues)
(c) beautification projects
Expense and size of the project also affected ranking to a lesser degree.
The committee recommended the following capital projects to the Board, which were then approved. The projects will be completed as finances and personnel permit, in order of priority:
1. electrical safety assessment of the Studio Building by a qualified electrician, specifically addressing the safety and adequacy of breakers for kitchen appliances
2. assess the function of the two floor drains in the Studio Building, together with the outlet on north side, and installing more appropriate flooring to eliminate safety issues
3. re-paint safety lane strips from the rear exit door in Studio Building through both exits into the main bays, in accordance with fire codes.
4. apply insulated molding around the rear exit door in Studio Building to prevent heat loss.
5. check and repair exterior lighting on Studio Building (motion +/or photosensitive lighting)
6. replace fascia on Big Blue Building (metal preferred) and cover bird holes
7. paint small kitchen floor and ramp handrails
8. install built-in coat rack and storage shelving beside washroom
9. paint Big Blue Building bay doors with white top coat
10. cap irrigation control boxes at east and west ends
11. landscape front (east) strip of property, including stump and pipe removal, and install low-maintenance xeriscaping
The following projects were also recommended but deemed of lesser importance, and not ranked:
* address storage issues, such as removal of items from above handicapped washroom, moving grids easels and sandwich boards to new storage unit.
* remove container bed north of office, and install bench
* remove A/C wall unit
* install shelving in office as required
* mount new OCAC sign on Studio Building (suggested – along roof line)
* paint unifying decorative art to bay doors on Studio and Big Blue buildings (e.g. quail)
* install concrete patio, parking lot retaining wall, and steps along south side of Big Blue
* install featured artwork at entrance to parking lot
Projects will be completed as much as possible by contracted tradespeople, rather than by volunteer labour. Projects costing over $1000 will be submitted to a blind bid process.
Interested in overseeing one of these projects? No physical labour required! Requires soliciting one or more bids, seeking approval for solicited quote from the board, and liaising with contracted tradesperson until the job is completed. Contact OliverCAC @ gmail.com if you would like to watch other people do the hard work!
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Enter the Spring Arts Faire
WOW!
Want to book a table for the Mainly for Women Trade Show? Click on the PDF file below to learn more.
WOW (Women of Oliver for Women Society) is on a mission to enrich the lives of women and children in our community and beyond and the group is achieving this goal by bettering the lives of many.
Community services include Adopt a Highway clean up twice a year, donations of park benches in strategic locations, refurbishing and caring for the gardens at the entrance to McKinney Place.
The highlights of the year are the two main fundraisers put on annually, the MAINLY FOR WOMEN TRADE SHOW and the CHRISTMAS AUCTION. This year WOW presents their 23 annual TRADE SHOW ON Feb.22. at the Oliver Community Center. The show features businesses owned and operated mainly by women, although men are welcome as well. Displays are everything from beautifully crafted pottery and jewelry, to foods, clothing, quilts, paintings, health,insurance, real estate etc. All of the funds raised at the show are donated to organizations such as Desert Sun Counselling, a Citizenship scholarship for a student graduating from the high school and a bursary for women who through circumstances need to return to the work force and require further education or training.
The CHRISTMAS AUCTION held every December raises monies for Christmas hampers, Safe House, Oliver Food Bank, Oliver Hospice Society and gift baskets for elderly women who are completely on their own.
Many other very worthwhile projects have been taken on by dedicated members of WOW. Donations to Sun fun help enable children to participate who do not have the necessary funds. WOW provides dictionaries in the elementary schools for students, help with the Oliver Senior Centre teas, the Halloween celebration at the Community Center, and the Okanagan Gleaners by peeling vegetables and packaging soups for countries in need.
The WOW group is flexible in meeting the needs of the Community or persons in need. Wow has presented two CPR courses to the public, a valuable project.
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month from September – May at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre 5840 Airport Street. Women who are interested in joining and helping WOW achieve their goals are always welcome.
For more information please contact Terry Beddome at 498-6420, Shirley Polk at 498-6300 or Sally Franks at 498-0104.
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Adding diversity to your organization
Creating a Culturally Welcoming Non-Profit Society
Thursday, Feb 13 ,2014
South Okanagan Immigrant & Community Services
6239 Main Street, Oliver B.C.
Time: 8:30-2:00
Register: 1 888 576-5661 or info @ volunteercentre.info
The South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre is hosting a Learning Event in Oliver on Creating a Culturally Welcoming Non-Profit. The presentations and discussions will focus on the role that our non-profit societies have in a democracy. Codes of conduct, guiding principles and policies that could enhance this role will be provided.
You will hear new Canadians talk about their experience adapting to the Canadian culture.
How do you create a society that is open and diverse? How do you ensure that your volunteer programs are open and diverse (including Board recruitment and make-up)? What are the advantages to being a culturally welcoming society? Will funding sources be more receptive to organizations with a diversity policy and inclusive mission statements?
Registration is free. Morning coffee and lunch provided. This is a great opportunity to join with other Board members and staff to look at developing common practices to create welcoming environments.
South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre offers this event in partnership with the South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services and WelcomeBC and Interior Savings Credit Union.
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Bamboo concert charms and delights
by Bob Park, South Okanagan Concert Society
People who heard the music which duo, Khac Chi, performed for the South Okanagan Concert Society last Friday, described what they experienced as “amazing”, “charming”, “joyful”, “genuine”, “lighthearted”, “lovely”,”engaging”, and, mainly: “unbelievable”. They had thought they were simply going to a concert in Oliver, BC, but in fact, they ended up going on a musical trip to the forest highlands, farms and fishing villages of a Vietnam of several generations ago.
The first thing that greeted us, the audience, was a stage full of curiously constructed instruments, each still growing some elegant wisps of bamboo shoots here and there. (Some of us thought: “So, there are other uses for bamboo besides cross-country ski poles…”).
We soon learned that Khac Chi and his wife, Bic, are master builders, performers, and teachers of traditional Vietnamese instruments. Some of the instruments we heard them play are invented by Chi himself! Bic and Chi, with their lovely voices, expressive acting, and charming explanations, were expert “tour guides” into the beautiful folklore and rich culture of Vietnam. They drew us in to many different moods over the course of the evening, from shy love songs to neighbourly teasing among farmers. Many times, we couldn’t help but laugh.
Heightening our amazement was the pervading sense that what Bic and Chi could do with their instruments was just not physically possible. Take, for example, the “Cloput”. This is, I think, the only instrument invented which is played without the performer touching it!! Bic skilfully clapped her hands in cup shape, forcing air into a series of horizontally ordered bamboo tubes (former fence posts between small farm plots), and producing a marimba-like sound. Another instrument consisted of two vertical foot-activated bamboo tubes: voila, a bass-drum effect! Both singers were experts at playing a mouth-twanging “harp” to achieve the typical “boing-boing” sound, while simultaneously singing elaborate melodies. Bic’s courage to break with tradition in playing a Vietnamese violin, usually reserved for men who wish to impress their future wives, was only matched by her skill in actually playing the instrument. It defies description! Imagine making music on a stick, which has no resonating chamber at all. The energy from the single bowed string is transferred along a thread to a vibrating membrane held in the mouth. By changing the shape of her mouth, Bic was able to alter the sound from “Ma-ma” to “Meow-Meow”. I was reminded of the “wah-wah” pedal of the electric guitar.
The second half of the program featured Chi playing the Dan Bau and the mini piano, both expertly constructed by him. Rock guitar players could relate to the Dan Bau, I’m sure. With its water buffalo “tremolo bar” and its single string, it is capable of doing “dive-bomb” effects a la Jimi Hendrix, but also subtle, chime-y harmonics. Chi is a true virtuoso!
All through the evening, the song titles evoked romance: Forest Love, Full Moon Dance, Spring in the Highlands, When the Wind Calls. Most fitting, therefore, was the addition of a tune our western ears could all recognize: “The Lonely Goatherd”, from the Sound of Music. This was performed, with an impish grin on Chi’s face, and an instrument of his own invention– a sort of cross between a flute and plumber’s helper– that was flailed about expertly on his chest and thighs. Too funny!
After a standing ovation, the performers replaced the ‘obligatory’ encore with a cordial invitation to everyone to come up to the stage and try out the instruments themselves. Which we did. Some of the children clapped their cupped hands, others tried the mini bamboo piano: chopsticks, maybe? And, after about half an hour of concentrated effort, I felt that I could create the first line of “Twinkle, twinkle” on the Dan Bau.
Our ‘temporary venue”,the Alliance Church, was perfect for the audience participation during this particular show. The considerable challenge of handling the 9 different microphones was expertly managed by Steve Dirks. The concert society has appreciated his and Shiela Lange’s behind-the-scenes support all these past three years.
We encourage all music lovers to pay attention to the publicity surrounding our SOCS’s final offering this season: Ken Lavigne and his orchestra will be in Oliver on Feb. 28. The venue for his show, “The Road to Carnegie Hall”, will be finalized in a few weeks.
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Beat February blahs with Art-a-Day
Shake off the winter doldrums and recharge your creative spirit by participating in an artistic adventure: Terry Irvine, fibre artist, invites others to join her in spirit on what has become an annual, 30-day, art renewal project.
“For the month of February,” Irvine proposes, “you will perform an artistic or creative endeavour of your choosing each day. You may want to complete a project each day, or do portions of a larger project, or something else. The good news is that the endeavours can be small, but you must have something to show for it at the end of every day.”
For the last few years, Terry has chosen February for artistic rejuvenation precisely because the month is often associated with lethargy and discouragement. The 30-day challenge is common among artists as a way to jumpstart new ideas. Much like a writer tries to get their creative juices flowing by simply typing until they write something good, this challenge inspires artists to “just do it”, without judging the results. Simply doing the art can be enough to finally arrive at something profoundly satisfying.
Terry encourages participants to try new artistic enterprises. “You need not stick to your usual, chosen media. Nor are you confined to the indoors. You work at your own pace. This is a time for experimentation, exploration and execution.” The art-a-day movement is great not only for visual artists in all media (fibre and fabric, photography, painting, pottery, sculpting, etc) but also literary and performance artists (dance, music, theatre). Do something new, each day, just for fun!
Some may wish to work on their own as an entirely personal effort, but others may welcome the encouragement of like-minded artists. If you want to join in the fun, AND want to connect with other artists via emails, blogging, photographing your results, writing a diary, or other social connection, inspiration and support, please email the arts council and we will put you in touch with Terry. olivercac @ gmail.com The more the merrier!
The Art-a-Day motto is: “Inspiration exists, but it must find you working.” Pablo Picasso
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Protect yourself and your loved ones
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Submit your art – Stop the violence!
Call for Art Submissions for “Metamorphosis”
Metamorphosis is an art show coordinated by V-Day Oliver-Osoyoos 2014 www.vdayoliverosoyoos.org which is part of V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls.
We are calling for submissions of any form of art including drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture, carvings and mixed media with “Stopping Violence of Women and Girls” as the main theme. The art should not only communicate Stop Violence, but should also invoke reflection on the root cause of the problem.
Expressed through the art could be answers to questions like:
How can we stop violence?
What is required to change Violence (bullying, hate, fear, rape, bigotry) into Caring?
How can we transform the darkness in the hearts and minds of the aggressor into lightness?
How do we teach empathy?
And then, how can we depict these responses through Art?
Creating Art is very personal so this is intended as a guideline, not to restrict your individual creative energy. Let’s use the concept of Metamorphosis to imagine a transformation from Violence to Caring.
Each artist has the option of selling their art, with donation suggested to V-Day. For detailed information contact Ursula Wick at ukwick @ persona.ca Although not compulsory, an Artist Statement along with a personal explanation to help translate the meaning and purpose of your work to others would be helpful.
Metamorphosis will be held on March 8, 2014, at the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) Community Hall, together with the One Billion Rising celebration.
Entry deadline is March 1, 2014. No entry fee required. Please send an email to norberto @ island.net, or a letter to Norberto Rodriguez, 6660 Mountainview Drive, Oliver, BC V0H 1T4, with the following information:
Artist Name
Title
Artist Statement (optional)
Medium (acrylic, oil, watercolour, etc.)
Dimensions (for two-dimensional art)
Sale Price (optional)
Special requirements (if any)
Art delivery is March 8, 2014 to the Osoyoos Indian Band Hall, 9 – 10 AM
Editor’s Note: The Oliver Community Arts Council is proud to welcome V-Day Oliver-Osoyoos as a new non-profit group member of the council. Check out their weblink at right under “Member Groups”. You can look forward to more updates on the art show, and news about their next theatrical production. Welcome V-Day!
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Survey says … Fill out the Arts Jam Survey
What is Arts Jam? The membership currently meets informally once a month on Monday mornings to share community arts news and views, and to learn about arts council events, programmes, and business. Representatives from groups and businesses announce their upcoming arts events. Board and committee representatives share news from the council, such as Music in the Park, the Fall Art Show and Sale, or capital renovation projects. There is also a social time with goodies and beverages. Sometimes there is a guest speaker, a “show and tell” or a discussion of artistic subjects in the news.
What is this survey? Well, the arts council wants to make sure Arts Jam addresses your needs as a promoter and / or consumer of the arts. We have noticed some flagging in attendance, and want to assess and improve this service to members. Are there obstacles for your attending? Time of day? Format? Are there dissatisfactions with the content or facilitation of Arts Jam? What ways would you like to improve this event? Now is your chance to have your say!
The survey is short (ten questions). Most questions are easy to answer, such as multiple choice, ranking, or rating scales. There is lots of room for your additional comments and suggestions.
What is Survey Monkey is one of the most popular and secure online survey tools. It makes collecting valuable information from our membership and consumers easy, safe, and fun. Your identity is protected, both from the arts council and from the survey website. If you have questions about participating in this survey, contact the arts council by email at olivercac @ gmail.com
You can fill out the survey right here (see scrolling box below – REMOVED) or click the link Arts Jam Survey to go to the Arts Jam Survey on Survey Monkey website. Please only answer the survey once!
Want to answer the survey later? You can find the survey any time by clicking on the page “Arts Jam SURVEY” on the black bar at the top of the page.
Thank you for answering this survey! We appreciate all comments. The OCAC membership will be informed of the results and any plans for Arts Jam once significant feedback has been obtained.
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world’s leading questionnaire tool.
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Funky. Energy. Strength.
Tuesday Jan 21st, the incredible music of Windborn comes to Medici’s in
Oliver. They’re mellow. They’re funky They’re energy. They’re strength.
Every song is truly unique. They deliver some of the biggest , percussive,
guitar rifts, complex beats and powerful vocals all injected with a unique
cello style like you’ve never heard. Jeff Pike, Nils Loewen with Samantha
Scott have opened for some big names in Canadian music and they’re stopping at Medici’s in Oliver on their swing through the Okanagan Valley.
Tickets are $15 in advance or at the door. Doors open at 6:30 and Windborn opens at 7:30….Medic’s at 522 Fairview Rd. In Oliver. 250-498-2228…Tuesday January 21st…Don’t miss this!
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Local FCA artists exhibit "Colours in Winter"
Stepping into the new year, the Federation of Canadian Artists presents a juried exhibition of works at the Osoyoos Art Gallery by members of the South Okanagan-Similkameen Chapter. Artists in this Chapter of the national organization come from Osoyoos, Keremeos, Oliver, Okanagan Falls, Penticton, Naramata and Summerland.
The show is called “Colours in Winter”, and it will be at the Osoyoos Art Gallery from January 18 until February 8. The opening reception is set for Saturday January 18, from noon to 2:00 pm. Everyone is invited: come and see the new show and enjoy the opportunity to meet the artists.
The Osoyoos Art Gallery is at 8713 Main Street in Osoyoos. Winter hours at the Gallery are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 12:00 to 4:00 pm. Take some time to spend a little time with art—”Colours in Winter” promises to be a great launch to the South Okanagan-Similkameen’s exhibition season for 2014.
Contact:
Carol Munro
Federation of Canadian Artists, South Okanagan-Similkameen Chapter
http://fca-sos.ca/
carol @ carolmunro.ca
250-497-7806
Artwork Credit: “Side-Light Pine” by Dianne Bersea, AFCA
Manzanita Muse Studio: check out her OCAC group member link at right!
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Local FCA artists exhibit “Colours in Winter”
Stepping into the new year, the Federation of Canadian Artists presents a juried exhibition of works at the Osoyoos Art Gallery by members of the South Okanagan-Similkameen Chapter. Artists in this Chapter of the national organization come from Osoyoos, Keremeos, Oliver, Okanagan Falls, Penticton, Naramata and Summerland.
The show is called “Colours in Winter”, and it will be at the Osoyoos Art Gallery from January 18 until February 8. The opening reception is set for Saturday January 18, from noon to 2:00 pm. Everyone is invited: come and see the new show and enjoy the opportunity to meet the artists.
The Osoyoos Art Gallery is at 8713 Main Street in Osoyoos. Winter hours at the Gallery are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 12:00 to 4:00 pm. Take some time to spend a little time with art—”Colours in Winter” promises to be a great launch to the South Okanagan-Similkameen’s exhibition season for 2014.
Contact:
Carol Munro
Federation of Canadian Artists, South Okanagan-Similkameen Chapter
http://fca-sos.ca/
carol @ carolmunro.ca
250-497-7806
