Category Archives: Member Groups

Fabric arts, fine arts, performance arts, and more. Find out what our many member groups are up to.

Screaming success

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ripoffs 2016Here is a photo of the RipOff artists with their creations just after the bell rang on Saturday signalling the end of this year’s challenge.

Although the iconic painting, “The Scream” by Edvard Munch is considered a depressing picture, the RipOffs did their best to liven it up.   Each of the nine artists added an element from the previous nine years challenges: perhaps a dancing girl from Toulouse Lautrec, a cypress by Vincent van Gogh, or a tulip by Geoorgia O’Keeffe. In addition, the current challenge was to add an anachronism – often a reason for the “scream”. For example, a number of artists chose some form of industrialization or climate change in the background as their anachronism. Guest artist, Bethany Handfield with her encaustic talent was a delightful addition.

To celebrate the group’s 10th anniversary, a grand opening reception was held in “big blue”.  Guests were surrounded by previous year’s RipOff challenge pieces.  Shown together the impressive display gave kudos to the merits of the RipOff’s artistic achievements.

The artists wish to thank the Oliver Community Arts Council  for their support in mounting this year’s special anniversary challenge.

Who knows what the group will conjure up for next year.  Perhaps something acknowledging Canada’s 150th birthday….any suggestions?

SOAP Players await word on new community theatre

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Members and directors of the South Okanagan Amateur Players (SOAP) are anxiously awaiting information on what will be done to replace the Frank Venables Auditorium following the devastating fire at South Okanagan Secondary School earlier this month. SOAP has regularly used the Venables for productions such as their successful sell-out  The Sound of Music (2008) , Neil Simon’s comedy Rumors  (pictured at left) in 2010, and last season’s Twelve Angry Jurors and The Odd Couple.  All told, Oliver has seen community theatrical productions in the Venables for more than 50 years.  What follows is a press release from SOAP in response to the Venables Auditorium fire:

Patrons and the many area residents involved in SOAP productions realize the importance the venue has been to the performing arts in the South Okanagan and as an educational facility for drama students.

“We realize many factors will come into play regarding the future of a performing arts venue in Oliver,” says SOAP President Patrick Turner (pictured above onstage in Rumors) . “We urge all parties involved to work together in the hopes a satisfactory arrangement can be made that will replace the Venables theatre, both as a community-use facility and for drama classes.”

Earlier this year, with the knowledge that the auditorium would be undergoing major renovations, it was decided to seek out other venues in Oliver. The board is pleased to announce it is proceeding with the fall production of The Wild Guys, a Canadian play by Calgarians Andrew Wreggitt and Rebecca Shaw, which will be staged at the Osoyoos Mini-Theatre on Nov. 25 and 26 and at the Oliver Seniors Centre Dec. 2 and 3 with a special matinee performance proposed for Sunday, Dec. 4. Partial proceeds from the production will be earmarked towards a new auditorium in Oliver.

For further information contact Patrick Turner, President

SOAP 250-498-7778 soap@telus.net

Phoenix from the Ashes: The Steinway is safe

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submitted by Marion Boyd
South Okanagan Concert Society

 

Music, “an outburst of the soul”, cannot be quelled in Oliver. Our lovely auditorium smoulders in ruins but the “Old Lady” is safe and sound. Our somewhat elderly Steinway has been a center piece for dazzling world class pianists over the decades. Angela Hewitt, Jon Kamura Parker, Anton Kuerti and, most recently, Sara Beuchner are just a few who have thrilled us with their mastery of the keyboard. Condolences from many musicians who have played here are rolling in as they get word of the fire. They take heart in the story of the Steinway.

The story goes this way. Knowing the renovations at the Venables Auditorium could not be completed in time for this season’s concert series, the South Okanagan Concert Society made temporary plans to relocate to another venue, the Oliver Alliance Church. But what to do about the Steinway was the question.

A small ‘new piano fund’ had been growing slowly over the years. When it became apparent the Steinway would have to be moved, at the very least, to another part of the school, stored in a secure site with consistent humidity and temperature, tuned a number of times and insured against damage or loss for an extended period while the auditorium was being made ready, the executive decided to seize the moment. This was the time for a new piano.

So 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 gently used Yamaha C3 grand piano.

A beautiful concert instrument , the Yamaha could be delivered upon completion of the auditorium and the storage cost savings were directed against the replacement cost. S.O.A.P. and the Town of Oliver were all in agreement and the plan took place.

So where are we now? The old Steinway is safe in her new home and escaped the ravages of the fire. The new concert piano is on hold and ready to be delivered when a new auditorium is rebuilt. AND we have a series of concerts designed specifically to take advantage of the smaller, more intimate Alliance Church venue to delight us over the winter.

Music is alive in Oliver. You can get flex or single tickets at Beyond Bliss. Imperial Office Pro or at the door and be comfortably seated on Friday, October 28th at the new time of 7:30 pm. Alexander Sevastian, originally from Minsk, Belarus and now a Canadian citizen, will magically turn his accordian into a whole orchestra as he showcases amazing dexterity and musicality. Get your tickets quickly. Citizens of Russian descent in Grand Forks went wild for his Kossak Variations and are expected to gobble up tickets here too. Let’s make this the winter Oliver turns grief into joy through music.

Get Your Hands Dirty – for a good cause

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submitted by Heather Whittall, Oliver Community Garden Society

Spring is finally here and we are ready to start growing at the new home of the Oliver Community Garden (the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre). The sheds, beds, barrels and bins have been delivered but now we need your help. We need as many strong, able bodies as we can get to help us move everything into position. Please come and help and bring your friends on…

Sunday May 15th
9 – 11 a.m.
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre

Please RSVP to olivercommunitygarden @ yahoo.com or 250-485-2535 so we can get an idea of how many helpers we will have.

We will also still looking for donations of start up materials such as dirt and compost so if you can help us out in that way it will be greatly appreciated!

Garden beds are still available so don’t forget to reserve your garden box for the 2011 growing season by calling or emailing me. We’re setting up fewer boxes this year so space is limited!

Looking forward to growing and gardening with you!

Visit the Oliver Community Garden Society online at http://olivercommunitygarden.wordpress.com/ . We’re also on Twitter! http://twitter.com/olivergarden

Arts Council welcomes two new groups under Umbrella

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The Oliver Handbell Ringers and the Oliver Community Garden Society are two new groups under the umbrella of the Oliver Community Arts Council.

The Oliver Handbell Ringers, under the direction of Sue Gay have been performing for the last few years. Their concerts have been gaining in excitement as the ensemble has been gaining in skill. The ensemble attains  a clear warm sound, with music that can both stimulate and relax. Proceeds from their concerts and donations from the community have gone towards purchasing  tuned sets of bells and sheet music.

The ensemble  is always looking to train new members.  It’s an exciting and non-threatening way to learn music, and gives you a gentle workout in the process. What more could you ask for?

The Oliver Community Garden Society has also recently joined.  See the article below (“Arts Council growing relationship”) for more information about this community-spirited  organization or check out their website (click on the link at right under “Member Organizations”). 

The “umbrella” of the arts council is a unique opportunity for groups and businesses to:

* have a forum for co-operating and networking within the local arts community,
* take advantage of advertising and promotional opportunities (like this one!),
* apply for financial aid, and
* to have a greater voice municipally and provincially to increase awareness of and access funding for arts groups.

And what about you? There’s lots of room under the umbrella! Contact olivercac@gmail for more information about becoming a member or fill out the membership form by clicking the link under the banner above.

Sage Valley Voices Community Choir

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sage-valley-voices-2

The Sage Valley Voices are a fun-loving and welcoming community choir that knows how to entertain! They specialize in contemporary arrangements of seasonal music and 20th century standards and classics. 

The choir performs two concerts a year under the directorship of Alice Deroche: a Christmas concert in December, and a spring concert.

Above is a formal picture of the choir in its early days, looking unusually sedate. My how times change! Now the choir rarely stands still long enough for a formal portrait, and is more often found in costume than in uniform!

Members may be all decked out in top hats and satin gowns for a Dickensian Christmas, flouncing in poodle skirts and saddle shoes and lounging in leather jackets for a tribute to hits from the fifties, or wearing cowboy hats, bandanas, and Wranglers  for a country hoedown. 

OCAC Publicity Photos 03 2009Check out these choir members dressed for their “High Flying Forties” concert: high society women, Hollywood glamour queens, Rosie the Riveter, soldiers, WACS, dapper Dans, and all.  

Below is the oddest collection of cowboys you will ever see round a campfire. Maybe it’s cowboys and …. mobster guys taking a weekend off at a dude ranch? You never can tell who or what will show up at a Sage Valley Voices concert.

svv-buttons-bows-1The choral music is often interspersed with readings, jokes, short skits, and special guest appearances.

Audiences are guaranteed to leave with a smile and the warmth of community spirit!

Concert proceeds  are put towards a number of community programs, including the local Sunshine Soup Kitchen.

Rehearsals are on Monday evenings through the fall, winter, and spring.  No audition is required.

Join us at our next concert! 

“A Sentimental Journey”
Music of the 40s and 50s
plus special selections from our
Senior Choral Fest Gala Concert
Saturday May 2
7:00 p.m.
Sunday May 3
2:30 p.m.
Oliver United Church
$5.00 at the door
Guest appearance by the Naramata Choir

Double O Quilters

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brenda-quilter-225x300The Double O Quilters Guild was founded in 1988 and is a non-profit group.  Members are dedicated to pursuing the elusive and challenging art of quilting and related activities. It encompasses people of all skill levels and ages, a wide range of interests, ideas, and techniques. Residents, snowbirds,and visitors are welcome to join and participate.

Guild activities mainly run from September to April on the days specified below, unless they fall on holidays. Activities are held at the Oliver Community Centre.

Meetings: 9 a.m. to 12 noon on the 2nd Monday of the month
Workshops: 9 a.m. to 2;30 p.m. on the 4th Monday of the month
Drop-In for Members:  9 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Wednesday
Mini-Workshops and Special Group Activities: 11 a.m. to 2;30 p.m. most Wednesdays

Annual membership fees are $40, due at the beginning of September or whenever joining the guild.

Guild benefits include:
◊ demonstrations on current techniques or topics of interest on meeting days
◊ monthly workshop on quilt-related topics for all skill levels
◊ weekly drop-in for sharing and co-operative working on personal or guild projects
◊  large up-to-date library of quilting books, magazines, and equipment to borrow from
◊  show and tell at every monthly meeting
◊  membership directory
◊  six newsletters annually
 

img_1052aSpecial Activities

◊ Oliver Arts and Crafts Sale: booth where members can sell their quilt related items
◊ Oliver Arts and Crafts Sale: kitchen concession every second year 
◊ Community Quilts: SOSS Bursary quilt, New Year’s Baby quilt, trauma quilts for RCMP, Fire, and Women’s Transition House, placemats for care facilities  
◊ Summer Studio: one week program featuring displays, demonstrations, workshops, and children’s activities
◊ classroom quilting projects in the local schools
 
Contact:
Double O Quilters Guild
P.O. Box 326
Oliver, BC
V0H 1T0
Top Photo by Penelope Johnson

South Okanagan Concert Society

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The South Okanagan Concert Society (SOCS) puts on a series of four concerts per year with a particular focus on classical and world music. They strive for a mix of  well-known established performers, and edgy new talent.  Performances are generally held at the Frank Venables Auditorium (South Okanagan Secondary School) in Oliver, BC.

Tickets for the upcoming 2009-2010 concert series are already available. Flex passes are a great way to maximize the music! Each set earns you four admissions so you can see each concert as a single, or go to two concerts with a friend, or have a special evening out for four. Early bird flex passes are $45 until the end of April ($55 regular price).  Ticket vendor: Miss Molly’s Quilt Shoppe on Oliver’s Main Street. Single concert tickets may be purchased at the door for $20 each.

The 2009-2010 performers are:

duo-affiniteDUO AFFINITE
Friday, October 30, 2009

Guy Few on trumpet, corno and piano, and Nadina Mackie Jackson on bassoon create an irresistible combination of muscianship and engaging showmanship. Celebrated internationally as soloists, chamber musicians and recitalists, these two incredible musicians blend their ideas and spirits in this new recital concept. Trumpet and bassoon – the starting point – following the lead of Baroque tradition, the inspiration of 20th century composers and the voices of today. But there is so much more. Programming also includes piano, corno da caccia and voice. Join these two renowned musicians for an evening of musical magic.

“Few and Jackson play with polished tone, immaculate intonation, and infectious high spirits; it’s obvious they’re having a blast.”
All Music Guide, 2007

  

 

calvin-sideCALVIN DYCK AND THE GOLDEN VIOLIN
Friday November 27, 2009

Music and theatre are intertwined in the Golden Violin. The engaging script, costumes, backdrops and music draw the audience into the story. Violinist Cal;vin Dyck and pianist Betty Suderman take the audience on a journey, tracing the history of Calvin’s “golden violin”, a beautiful instrument crafted in 1807 by the Dutch violin maker Johannes Cuypers.

 “The audience was absolutely enraptured by his flawless interpretation…”
“Dyck and Suderman make a splendid ensemble as extraordinarily skilled musicians and actors.”
“He played with great skill and dexterity … sounding pure, crisp tones with a magnificent bowing technique.”
 – Daily News, Nanaimo

 
 
ezeadi2EZEADI ONUKWULU AND ONE HUMAN RACE
Friday, February 5, 2010

 Ezeadi’s charismatic presence, versatility and soothing voice have endeared him to audiences. Ezeadi is an innovator, motivator and  instigator in the African and World Music scene.

 Ezeadi’s music, based on traditional Igbo rhythms, evokes the spirit of highlife and afrobeat with a splash of funk, jazz, blues and reggae. The lyrics are prayers and appeals to universal consciousness and our conscience to make the world a better place for all.

His unique mastery of the pennywhistle, other instruments and vocal styling will take you to beautiful new places.

“This music uses gentle African rhythms and bubbling vocals to deliver peaceful idealism emphatically. It is new kind of African roots based world music cooked and ready to be served to the world from British Columbia.”  – The Province

 

vanchamberchoir1VANCOUVER CHAMBER CHOIR
Friday March 5, 2010

The Vancouver Chamber Choir is Canada’s outstanding profressional vocal ensemble. The choir impresses audiences with the depth and range of their repertoire and interpretive skills.

“… When it comes to unearthly beauty and awe-inspiring power, they’re a pretty fine mortal approximation of how celestial singers should sound.”  – North  Shore News

“Jon Washburn’s Choir remains at the forefront of Canadian vocal ensembles. ….“Canada’s leading professional vocal ensemble.”  –  Toronto Star

“…the choir’s performance… began with admiration and finally left you in awe.” – Vancouver Sun


Friends of the Oliver Library

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corb4440The Friends of the Oliver Library believe that libraries play an increasing social role in our communities.  Their goal is to enhance the available funding to make our library a place of great pride in Oliver.  They have raised money most years through a winter book sale and a summer paperback sale.  You can support the work of the FOTOL by taking part in the:

 Annual Used Book Sale
Saturday, July 4th 
Oliver Regional Library
Donations of paperback books welcome. 
Books can be dropped off at the Library until July 3rd

500201These book sale funds have been supplemented by soliciting donations from community organizations and the general public. Since their inception in May 1998, the Friends of the Library have directed more than $45,000 in funding towards creating an especially welcoming place for children, teens and seniors. They play an important role in stimulating the use of the library’s resources and services by the public.

 

 

e013747 A new initiative to boost library use is the

Monthly Coffee Mornings
Tuesday April 21
10 a.m. – 12 noon
(once a month, third Tuesdays)
Every time you enter the libaray you are automatically counted! 
Let’s set those front doors swinging!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Friends of the Oliver Library assist the work of library staff by supporting or hosting special events  usch as book readings by well-known authors and storytellers, book prizes for summer reading programs,  and demonstrations of new information technologies.

The Friends of the Oliver Library present
Book Reading Wine and Cheese
Friday April 24th
7 – 9 p.m.
Oliver Regional Library
with selected authors nominated for the
BC Governor General’s Award
 

Show your support of the library by becoming a member!

Membership:
Adults $5
Students: $3
Seniors: $3
Family $10

Kindly contact the Friends if you would like information about making a contribution, leaving a bequest or an endowed fund to the Oliver Library  in your will, or donating a memorial gift in the name of a loved one. The friends of the oliver Library is a registered society and, as a charitable institution,  can issue receipts for income tax purposes.

 
wr917301Mailing Address:
Friends of the Oliver Library
P.O. Box 758
Oliver, BC
VoH 1To

Oliver Sagebrushers

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The Oliver Sagebrushers, a fine art club, meet regularly for painting and drawing classes and workshops in many media (charcoal, pen and ink, watercolours, and oils). They also organize exhibits and contribute their talents towards many community projects. Outside of designated classes and workshops, the club meets weekly for idea and technique sharing, socializing, and simply painting together.   Both beginners and advanced artists are welcome, as are drop in visitors and snowbirds. Classes are taught at all levels, and seasoned painters teach and encourage newcomers. Formerly known as the Oliver Art Club, this organization is one of Oliver’s oldest arts  groups.

sallyfranks-paintsOliver Sagebrushers 
Every Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
September to June
Studio Building, Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
34274 – 95th Street
Oliver, BC
Info:  250-498-0104
Quail’s Nest: 250-485-0088
    
 
 

hazel-r-paintsClub activities run from September to June. In October, members participate in the Oliver Community Arts Council’s Fall Art Show , run in conjunction with Oliver’s Festival of the Grape.  Sagebrushers host a booth in November at the Arts and Crafts Sale. During Arts and Culture Week (third week of April) and the Meadowlark Festival (mid-May), the club holds exhibits and open house.  Weekly classes conclude with a plein air painting picnic in June. Sally (above) and Hazel (left) enjoy the warm sunshine and lovely views in Val’s peaceful garden retreat at last year’s picnic. One week of every summer , the Sagebrushers  display and demonstrate their artwork at the Oliver Community Arts Council’s Summer Studio at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre. 

 Register now for an upcoming workshop with Calgary-based oil painter, Robert E. Wood. Robert is inspired by the South Okanagan, and visits here yearly to paint. He is known for capturing the Okanagan’s distinctive light and heat on canvas. Here, Robert poses with his painting “Ponderosa Shadows” and Sagebrushers president Sally Franks.

robert-and-sally-21

The Oliver Sagebrushers  present
“Painting in Oils”
with
Robert E. Wood
May 4, 5, and 6, 2009
Studio Building, Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
To register, call Sally at 250-498-0104
 
 
 
Also inspired by themes of the Canadian west, are two Sagebrushers, Cameron Ogilvie and Michael Jorden:

cameron-ogilviemike-jorden

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned painter,
there’s lots to learn and enjoy
with the Oliver Sagebrushers!
250-498-0104
 
Annual Membership Fee: $50
Semi Annual Membership Fee: $25 (payable in September and January)
 
Photos by Penelope Johnson

Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers

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jen-and-yarn“Tromp as writ”, “Overshot”, “Throw the shuttle” “Tabby”, “Pickup” — these unusual expressions are just a few phrases to be heard in the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers Guild. Weaving is an age-old art of forming lengths of yarn into cloth.  In early human society, weaving satisfied the need for clothing and shelter. Garments and dwellings were constructed from woven animal hair or plant materials.  Today, the possibilities are endless with an array of  threads, yarns,  fabrics, dyes, animal hair, plants, and synthetics – and centuries of creative techniques to draw from.  

gail-weaves1

Desert Sage members practice a number of skills including felting, spinning, dyeing, weaving, and knitting to create works of art. Anyone who likes to work with fibres is welcome to join! The Guild’s sixty members span the South Okanagan and the adjoining Thompson valley.

The Guild holds regular drop-in sessions every Thursday, September to June, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oliver Community Centre.  The monthly business meeting  is on the second Thursday of each month beginning at 10 a.m. (same location). There are frequent workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, and sales.

We’re growing! Currently our membership sits at between 65 and 70 artisans. Between four and six new fabric art lovers join the guild per year. You might be one of them!

 Desert Sage Spinners & Weavers Guild
P.O. Box 1473
Oliver, BC
V0H 1T0
 diane-and-yarn-creations

Our guild is a mixture of ages, backgrounds, lifestyles, skill levels, and artistic preferences. Our common thread is our keen interest in an unusual and somewhat obscure pursuit of yarn and fibre craft. Our crafts are an expression of human ingenuity, a sense of continuity with our past, and linkage with other cultures and generations. The pursuit of excellence in our projects forces us to slow down, pay attention to detail, and allow our creativity to flourish.

 Photos by Penelope Johnson

 

 

 

jen-spinsComing up for the Desert Sage Guild:

The Association of NorthWest Weavers’ Guilds Conference
“Weaving Waves of Colour”
May 29-31
Gonzaga University
Spokane Washington

Visit us at

Summer Studio
July 6 – 11
Opening Reception: Monday 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Displays and Demonstrations: Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Kids Day Activities: Wednesday 10:00 – 12 noon
Studio Building, Quail’s Nest Arts Centre

South Okanagan Amateur Players (SOAP)

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SOAP has just come off a successful run of The Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein in November – December 2008.  They broke box office sales records, and had some of the largest audiences in 20 years. Take a look at some photos from the show!

problem-like-maria

Sister Margaretta, Sister Sophia and the Mother Abbess wonder “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?”

 

 

 

maria-and-mother-abbess

Maria listens to the wisdom of the Mother Abbess.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

do-re-mi Maria teaches the von Trapp children “Doe-A Deer” (Do Re Mi). Initially, they are reluctant pupils – that is, until Maria’s charm and gaiety inspires them to sing!    Photo by Silvia Badger

 

brigitta-and-gretl

Brigitta and Gretl von Trapp in their sailor suits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, what’s next for this busy troupe?

The South Okanagan Amateur Players hold auditions for the comedy Sand Mountain by Romulus Linney, a set of two Appalachian folk tales. Auditions will be on Wednesday April 22 at the Sonora Centre in Osoyoos and Thursday April 23 in “Big Blue” at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre in Oliver. Auditions run 7 – 9 p.m. both evenings. Newcomers welcome. No audition piece required. Parts are available for men and women 20 – 60+ years and for one or two children aged 8 – 12 years. Backstage volunteers also required. The production runs during the third week of July at the Tinhorn Creek Winery Amphitheatre. Directors: Penelope Johnson and Diane Gludovatz. For audition information or advance copies of the script: 250-498-0183.  

Photos by Penelope Johnson (except where noted above)