Watch for some creative ideas at the Oliver Art Gallery this year. Beginning in March, the gallery will refresh exhibits monthly based on themes rather than by artist. Rather than wait months for your favourite artist to be showcased, you can see a variety of artists on display each month but with similar subject matter: still life one month, mountains or rural scenes the next.

Another new idea on the planning table is a portrait contest, with a monetary prize awarded to encourage all local artists to participate.

The gallery is also planning some outside activities during the summer. You can look forward to seeing member artists painting street scenes in front of the gallery. An Art Walk is scheduled for August. To take advantage of some great vistas (and weather), field trips for art students are also in the works.

Check out their website for a selection of art images by their twenty members. Drop by the gallery on Oliver’s Main Street to view it up close – and be inspired to take it home!

http://www.oliverartgallery.ca/

The following officers and directors are on the new OCAC Board:

President: Penelope Johnson

Vice President: Jack Bennest (pictured top) (**)

Secretary: Nathan Linders (pictured middle) (**)

Treasurer: Arleyene Farnworth

Directors: Sally Franks, Janice Goodman(**) , Brian Mapplebeck, Jennifer Mapplebeck, Bernice Myllyniemi, Brian Wilson (pictured bottom) (**)

Six Board members are returning, and four are newly elected (**).

A hearty thank you to those retiring from the board: President Stephanie Salsnek, Vice President Mary Fry, Secretary Diane Gludovatz, and directors Betty Lou Trimmer Bahnsen, Marion Trimble, and Bob Parker.

In honor of International Women’s Day, and V-Day’s annual One Billion Rising event, the V-Day Oliver-Osoyoos group is excited to be hosting ‘Stop the Violence: A Celebration and Art Show’ at the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) Community Hall in Oliver on March 8th from 3 to 6 p.m.

This celebration will feature local artists displaying work in a variety of mediums with the theme of ‘Metamorphosis’, posing questions such as – 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, and how do we teach empathy?

At this event there will be something for everyone to enjoy and experience, including guest speakers, traditional dancers, musicians, refreshments and a wine reception.

This is a unique opportunity to have “communities sharing feelings and creating awareness to find ways to stop violence through different expressions of Art, from dance and music to visual,” explains Art Committee leader Norberto Rodriguez de la Vega. “In this context, Art becomes a community tool that can facilitate and inspire social change.”

“It’s a chance to develop deeper understanding and appreciation of Art’s role to inspire and motivate in attitudes for a change,” said volunteer Olena Lennox, “while bringing our diverse and vibrant community together.”

Also taking place on March 8th will be the draw for the 2nd Annual V-Day Raffle. The prizes this year include a 2 night stay at Spirit Ridge Resort, courtesy of Chief Clarence Louie; a 4 course dinner for ten catered by Parties and Pies, and a gift basket of Gourmet Baked Goods from Bibi’s Culinary Delights. V-Day volunteers will be selling tickets at a variety of locations in both Oliver and Osoyoos over the month of February, so be sure to pick some up and help support this great cause.

““This is going to be an amazing event and because this topic affects all of us, in some form or another,” said volunteer Ursula Wick, “it’s important that we come out to show our support.”

“I became involved in V-Day because I believe whole heartedly that violence against women of all nationalities needs to come to an end!” shared volunteer Darlene George. “It is very unfortunate that even in a developed country such as Canada that there could still be a statistically and drastic difference on violence rates among First Nations women and girls. Being a First Nations Woman in Canada means that we are seven times more likely to experience domestic violence, be raped or become a murder victim than other Canadian Woman. I find that this statistic makes me physically ill and being a First Nation woman, I find it impossible to stand by and do nothing. Being a part of V-Day has given me an outlet to bring these horrible statistics to light in hopes of making a difference so that my daughter has the same chance, to live violence free, as is the right of every other Canadian.”

Listen to a radio interview with V-Day Oliver Osoyoos member Ursula Wick on EZ Rock:

http://www.vdayoliverosoyoos.org/audio/ursula.mp3

Renew your membership, pick up a free event magnet, register for the Spring Arts Faire, and find out what’s going on in the local arts community this spring!

by Marion Boyd, SOCS

A beautiful gently used Yamaha C3 concert grand piano has found its way home.

World of Music delivered it to the new Venables Theatre on Tuesday February 18th and it will settle into a special room designed for its protection. Temperature and humidity are carefully controlled and the piano will have ten days to adapt to its new climate before being tuned and ready for action.

On Friday, February 28th, tenor Ken Lavigne will be on the spacious new stage with his band (piano, drums, guitar, bass and violin) to deliver a high appeal concert entitled, “The Road to Carnegie Hall”. Ken and his “voice of liquid gold” has charmed his way into the hearts of concert goers across North America with his ballads, show tunes and classical crossover hits. Now returning to Oliver, he has expressed delight in the prospect of performing in our elegant new concert hall.

When the high school and auditorium smouldered in ruins, I was able to report one piece of good news. The “Old Lady”, our somewhat elderly Steinway, was safe and sound. For decades she had been a center piece for dazzling world class pianists.  Angela Hewitt, Jon Kamura Parker, Anton Kuerti and Sara Beuchner were just a few who thrilled us with their mastery of the keyboard.

And how did she survive? Well, the story goes this way. Knowing planned renovations at the Venables Auditorium could not be completed in time for the season’s concert series, the South Okanagan Concert Society made the decision to move to another venue. The ‘new piano fund’ had been growing slowly over the years. Balancing all the costs involved in storing the old piano, it was decided this was the time to take the plunge and replace it.

A partnership was formed with the Adopt-a-Seat Committee and School District 53. By joining forces and using the expertise of Bob Park an arrangement was made to trade in the old Steinway and buy a Yamaha C3 grand piano. An exquisite concert instrument, the Yamaha would be delivered upon completion of the auditorium renovations and the storage cost savings directed against the replacement cost.

Who could have guessed a massive fire would devastate the school and auditorium? By sheer luck, the Steinway had been sent off to another home before the flames took over. The new piano, of course, had not yet been delivered. Until now!!

The community of Oliver is proudly embracing a concert hall comparable to the best of its size anywhere. At the Feb. 8th opening, locals were astonished and thrilled with the potential they saw before them. It was like the phoenix rising from the ashes. And in its center the gleaming Yamaha C3 has found its home.

Get your tickets for the Ken Lavigne concert at Beyond Bliss, Imperial Office Pro or at the door. Its time to celebrate!!

Photo Credit: Leza Macdonald

Musaic Vocal Ensemble has been bringing the joy of choral music to the South / Central Okanagan for fifteen years.  Now under the direction of Tracy Stuchbery, the choir began in 1995 under the baton of Ken Gray of Summerland. In the spring of 2004, Noreen Morrow, music director of Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels in Kelowna, B.C., and member of the choir became the new director.  Tom Klassen, a former Summerlander,  returned from a choral music career in Texas, joined the choir, and was appointed director in January of 2008. He dedicated his time into developing a fine choir of over 40 singers. Each new director, with their support, enthusiasm and technical expertise, is committed to developing the choir’s musical excellence.

Current director Tracy Stuchbery is a native of Montreal, Tracy began studying piano and voice and singing in choirs at the age of six. Her music studies culiminated in a bachelor of music in piano performance earned with distinction from McGill University.  As a university student she sang with the McGill Concert Choir, McGill Chamber Singers and L’Ensemble Vocal de l’OSM all under the direction of the incomparable Iwan Edwards. Upon moving to Vancouver in 1997, she joined the Gallery Singers Early Music Chamber Choir . Tracy spent a year as the director of the boys’ chorus and prep choir for the Vancouver Children’s Choir before moving to Squamish where she founded and directed the St.John’s Children’s Chorus and the Squamish Ecumenical Choir. Tracy teaches piano at the Penticton Academy of Music where she is also one of two part-time administrators. She is in demand as an accompanist for vocalists and instrumentalists throughout the Okanagan.

Here is an excerpt from choir president Peter O’Flynn’s message on their website:

In this my tenth year with Musaic, I cannot say enough about the joy of choral singing. It is a great night out; an opportunity to gain relief from the tensions of the week as we let go the world and concentrate on music; deep breathing fills the system with oxygen; a well tuned and well sung chord brings pleasure as it tingles your spine and lifts your spirits; it is a joy to lift the hearts of others in the community through a well sung performance; its an opportunity to work with and come to know a variety of people.

Musaic is an auditioned choir. If you like to sing and can read a little music make an appointment with Tracy Stuchbery for an audition and put your name on the list to wait for an opening. You will find her contact information below. In the meantime keep singing, in the shower, as you go about your day, in the good times, in the painful times. As one of the Saints has said, “When you sing you pray twice.” If you can’t be with us as a choir member, come, be with us as we sing to you and let you spirit soar in the joy of choral music.

At least one of the choir members is a local from Oliver: tenor Brian Mapplebeck.

Watch for details of a Musaic concert here in Oliver in late May! It is wonderful to see them spreading their musical joy further south in the valley. This impeccable choir is not to be missed! Check out their website at http://musaic.webs.com/

A covey of local artists and art-lovers are arranging to carpool and descend on Oliver’s sister city, Chelan, Washington. There is room for more participants, so please join the celebration of Art Without Borders on the weekend of Friday May 16th – Saturday, May 17th. Artists from all media (visual, performance, literary, etc) are invited to register in this friendly cross-border exchange.

The eclectic group plans to travel 100 miles south of the border down Hwy 97 to the beautiful Lake Chelan. Activities are scheduled for Friday afternoon and evening, including a lunch, a walking tour of Chelan’s murals and sculptures, and an evening get-together. There will be time for personal relaxation of your choice. On Saturday, there are studio tours planned with a return to Oliver in the afternoon.

To register and for more information, contact the local rep listed on the poster or email the OliverCAC @ gmail.com

All participants must arrange their own accommodation. NOTE: Group accommodation  has now changed! Reservations at Campbell’s Lake Chelan Resort are suggested, to take advantage of group booking rates. A limited number of rooms (10) are available. Travellers must confirm their reservation by March 10 to hold the discount rate. (Traditional 2 queen room  $174 or a deluxe 2 queen room $204). Remember to mention you are from Oliver, BC and are part of the sister-city artists’ group. Of course, participants are at liberty to make personal arrangements for other hotel accommodation or RV sites at their leisure after that date.

Please register locally first, then book your overnight stay at

Campbell’s Lake Chelan Resort

www.campbellsresort.com

1-509-682-2561

or accommodation of your choice.

The event planners are hoping to organize a companion visit to Oliver, with studio tours and arts events this side of the border. To get involved, contact the arts council for more details. OliverCAC @ gmail.com

One more audition is left for wanna-be tenors and wanna-be Italians interested in trying out for the SOAP Players’ spring production of Lend Me a Tenor by Ken Ludwig. Actors are invited to come out to the Osoyoos Art Gallery on Sunday February 16 at 2 p.m. (Main Street Osoyoos, under the blue awning). Scroll down to the audition poster for full details of all roles available.

Prefer to work backstage? Desperate for a part but can’t make Sunday’s audition? Contact SOAP @ telus.net

Photo (top): Carrie Lyle, last seen as Rapunzel in SOAP’s Twisted Tales, auditions for the role of the hot-blooded Maria Morelli, frustrated wife of the eponymous tenor, at the Thursday night audition in Oliver.

Photo (above) Tom Szalay, director, and Jen Jensen, assistant director,  review roles and potential actors during a break in the auditions.

There was a crowd of browsers and buyers at The Painted Chair, the home of creatively upcycled furniture on 857 Sawmill Rd., Oliver on Saturday February 15th. Reopening their workshop and store into a larger space in the same building was a cause for celebration for staff and volunteers. The expansion allows for a bigger showroom, and more space for clients of Hovanes Community Services Ltd to hone their craft.

One volunteer described the pride clients feel when they sell one of their creations: “All the money for a piece of furniture goes home with the artist. Sometimes it makes the difference between whether someone on a small disability cheque eats mac and cheese that week or can afford vegetables. But the real pride is in making something that a customer likes so much, they are willing to buy it. [The artist] walks on air for a week afterward.”

One client, Bobby, carefully described the process required to strip, sand, stain, varnish, and reupholster her current project; an unusual, low chair with U-shaped arm-rests: When it’s finished, “It will be the perfect chair to curl up in,” she said.

The Painted Chair sells attractive “experienced” clothing and some very funky furniture. The store is open on Wednesdays. Call for hours and for donating clothing and furniture. 250.485.2500

Photos:

1. Jordan Szalay is the proud artist behind this cleverly “antiqued” nightstand.

2. Fish and Lilly Pad Chair, upcycled by Phillip and Tara.

3. OUC student volunteer Puneet Malhi helps out in the workshop

4. A chair that will help you wake up with your morning coffee. And only $45!

There were a lot of smiling faces and very happy customers purchasing vibrantly coloured furnishings to brighten up their homes. Take home a conversation piece!

The South Okanagan Amateur Players are looking for a volunteer musical director and a volunteer choreographer to assist in the production of the musical Fiddler on the Roof for production in November 2014.

Auditions for cast would be held in late spring, with rehearsals beginning in early summer.

Ted Osborne and Ray Turner have agreed to work together once again to be the stage directors for this popular musical. They last worked together on SOAP’s production of The Sound of Music in the fall of 2008. A music director would oversee the vocal and instrumental aspects of the show only.

Anyone interested in taking on this exciting challenge or seeking more information can send an e-mail to SOAP@telus.net.

The last time tenor Ken Lavigne performed in Oliver, the roof of the old Venables Auditorium was leaking and water dropped from the ceiling onto his head. Friday, February 28th at 7:30 pm he returns with his band to find himself front and centre in the fabulous, state of the art, Venables Theatre. Rising literally from the ashes of a devastating fire, the exquisite new theatre and this opening act will mark the beginning of a new era of music and performing arts in the South Okanagan.

In his latest touring concert, Ken and his band (piano, guitar, bass, drums and violin) will take the audience on a riveting and enchanting journey, retelling his personal campaign to sing at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops. It’s an unbelievable account of a man who, against all odds, found a way to live out his dream of singing on the world’s most prestigious concert stage.

Four admission flex passes for only $60 are available at Beyond Bliss, Oliver, and Imperial Office Pro, Osoyoos, or at the door. Single entrance admission is $20. Students 17 and under are admitted free. Bring your cheque book so you can purchase your next season’s pass at Early Bird prices.

The story of the road to Carnegie Hall is told with spectacular songs and entertaining and hilarious stories. Ken embodies the spirit of the underdog – audacity, tenacity, tragedy and ultimately triumph. His singing ranges from ballads and musical theatre favourites to familiar classics and operatic arias.

Ken is a singer, composer, communicator and consummate entertainer. Recognized early for the outstanding timbre of his lyric tenor voice as well as the ease and agility with which he sings, Ken undertook thorough vocal and music training in his native Victoria, B.C. and further study in Wales and in New York. He had the option of taking the traditional route to a career in opera and has performed many of the major roles. More recently he has branched out to cross-over solo concerts while remaining in demand for opera roles. He is a founding member of the Canadian Tenors and also co-founded the trio, Romanza.

Since his Carnegie Hall debut, Ken has regularly performed with multi-Grammy winner David Foster and has had the honour of performing for his Majesty Prince Charles last fall. All the while he continues to earn accolades with symphonies and orchestras internationally.

The February 28th concert is not to be missed. At long last we have an exceptional theatre space. Come and experience it ! This is a time to celebrate!

Call Maureen at 250 495 7978 to arrange for transportation by van if you are worried about winter driving conditions and know this performance is one you just can’t miss!

The last time tenor Ken Lavigne performed in Oliver, the roof of the old Venables Auditorium was leaking and water dropped from the ceiling onto his head. Friday, February 28th at 7:30 pm he returns with his band to find himself front and centre in the fabulous, state of the art, Venables Theatre. Rising literally from the ashes of a devastating fire, the exquisite new theatre and this opening act will mark the beginning of a new era of music and performing arts in the South Okanagan.

In his latest touring concert, Ken and his band (piano, guitar, bass, drums and violin) will take the audience on a riveting and enchanting journey, retelling his personal campaign to sing at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops. It’s an unbelievable account of a man who, against all odds, found a way to live out his dream of singing on the world’s most prestigious concert stage.

Four admission flex passes for only $60 are available at Beyond Bliss, Oliver, and Imperial Office Pro, Osoyoos, or at the door. Single entrance admission is $20. Students 17 and under are admitted free. Bring your cheque book so you can purchase your next season’s pass at Early Bird prices.

The story of the road to Carnegie Hall is told with spectacular songs and entertaining and hilarious stories. Ken embodies the spirit of the underdog – audacity, tenacity, tragedy and ultimately triumph. His singing ranges from ballads and musical theatre favourites to familiar classics and operatic arias.

Ken is a singer, composer, communicator and consummate entertainer. Recognized early for the outstanding timbre of his lyric tenor voice as well as the ease and agility with which he sings, Ken undertook thorough vocal and music training in his native Victoria, B.C. and further study in Wales and in New York. He had the option of taking the traditional route to a career in opera and has performed many of the major roles. More recently he has branched out to cross-over solo concerts while remaining in demand for opera roles. He is a founding member of the Canadian Tenors and also co-founded the trio, Romanza.

Since his Carnegie Hall debut, Ken has regularly performed with multi-Grammy winner David Foster and has had the honour of performing for his Majesty Prince Charles last fall. All the while he continues to earn accolades with symphonies and orchestras internationally.

The February 28th concert is not to be missed. At long last we have an exceptional theatre space. Come and experience it ! This is a time to celebrate!

Call Maureen at 250 495 7978 to arrange for transportation by van if you are worried about winter driving conditions and know this performance is one you just can’t miss!