by Norberto Rodrigues de la Vega

I went last weekend to the Penticton Art Gallery for the Opening of their Styx & Stones exhibit. This exhibition explores the issue of bullying, but not only as a problem happening to our youth, but to anyone, regardless of age, profession, gender, social standing. It covers bullying at the schools, the corporations, the government, religions, the army. Bullying is everywhere, we can say that there is bullying in the whole “system” we live. This is a sad reality.

The exhibit is an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and installations, from many artists that, in one form or another, have been victim or bully, have been a bystander, and so on. Some pieces will make you think, others may depress you, others may get you angry. But guaranteed, you will be shaken, maybe more than once, and hopefully you will get inspired to do something about this terrible problem that is affecting our society so much.

This show was inspired mainly by the tragedy of Amanda Todd that was cyber-bullied and committed suicide when no one could help her on time. This is a show every teenager should see and learn one lesson or two. At the same time, we adults should also see it, to understand bullying is a growing problem in our society, and we all need to participate in its healing.

This exhibit will continue until May 11, 2014. The Gallery is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 pm. You can find more details at www.pentictonartgallery.com

Lubba Chpak, Dianne Bersea (pictured top) of Manzanita Muse Studio, and garcilazo (pictured above), all local artists, have pieces in this show.

This show is a good example of using art as a tool to increase awareness and understanding, to inspire and motivate taking action, to facilitate discussions and exchange ideas on social change.

Photo credit: Olena Lennox

by Norberto Rodrigues de la Vega

I went last weekend to the Penticton Art Gallery for the Opening of their Styx & Stones exhibit. This exhibition explores the issue of bullying, but not only as a problem happening to our youth, but to anyone, regardless of age, profession, gender, social standing. It covers bullying at the schools, the corporations, the government, religions, the army. Bullying is everywhere, we can say that there is bullying in the whole “system” we live. This is a sad reality.

The exhibit is an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and installations, from many artists that, in one form or another, have been victim or bully, have been a bystander, and so on. Some pieces will make you think, others may depress you, others may get you angry. But guaranteed, you will be shaken, maybe more than once, and hopefully you will get inspired to do something about this terrible problem that is affecting our society so much.

This show was inspired mainly by the tragedy of Amanda Todd that was cyber-bullied and committed suicide when no one could help her on time. This is a show every teenager should see and learn one lesson or two. At the same time, we adults should also see it, to understand bullying is a growing problem in our society, and we all need to participate in its healing.

This exhibit will continue until May 11, 2014. The Gallery is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 pm. You can find more details at www.pentictonartgallery.com

Lubba Chpak, Dianne Bersea (pictured top) of Manzanita Muse Studio, and garcilazo (pictured above), all local artists, have pieces in this show.

This show is a good example of using art as a tool to increase awareness and understanding, to inspire and motivate taking action, to facilitate discussions and exchange ideas on social change.

Photo credit: Olena Lennox

The Spring Arts Faire returns for a third year of ushering in the colour and creativity of spring. The Oliver Community Arts Council hosts this celebration of all things artistic on Saturday April 5 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Oliver Community Centre on Park Drive. Sales, demonstrations and displays will fill the hall. Admission is FREE but donations are always welcome in support of the arts council. Door prizes will be sure to tempt you, so your visit is worth it from the moment you arrive.

Among the vendors are a cross-section of many arts media: wood carving, etched glassware, leather work, gourd art, painting, photography, jewelry, paper crafts, fabric arts, and even the culinary arts with some truly delightful home preserves. In addition, the arts council’s friendly greeters host their own booth to showcase many upcoming arts events in Oliver. They will also promote the more than thirty member groups and businesses that make up the arts and culture sector in Oliver. Find out what’s happening in the arts!

A lunch menu is catered by the Oliver Bakery all day – aren’t they yummy? — so relax and enjoy some refreshments while you shop. Stop by with family or make it your gathering place for friends. Last year the hall had a warm, energetic vibe all day, and we hope to recreate that fresh spring feeling this year.

The Faire promises to be a great place to pick up some great décor items and gifts for friends and family. Art is all about the story. When you’re asked “Where did you find this piece of artwork?” how nice to be able to say “Well, I met this local artist at the Faire, and…. “ Give the gift that says “Made right here at home”.

Bob Cameron of Black Orchid Photography is familiar to most in Oliver through his landscape photography, which he shares regularly on Oliver Daily News, another arts council business member. Check out his latest shots from a hike up MacIntyre Bluff. Here’s what he had to say about the experience:

“Oliver Parks and Rec put on another fabulous hike to the top of MacIntyre Bluff, this early Spring and I was able to take a common picture that all residents of Oliver, B.C. have to know many times. As my first time on the climb and having to stop numerous times to catch my breath. reaching the top was fabulous. Although raining in the beginning extremely windy at the top, the View was worth it.”

Did you know Bob also does portrait photography? Check out his website for a selection of his work. www.photoartinature.com There you will find some lovely portraits of children and grandparents, young adults and parents, and family with pets. What a great idea when family visits this spring! Contact him to set up an appointment for some memorable portraits in the great outdoors or in his studio.  1-250-689-1351

  6359 Park Drive, Oliver BC

Brian Mapplebeck, a tenor in the  Musaic Vocal Ensemble, is also a gifted musician on piano and a variety of wind instruments including the saxophone. He is also an arranger, resetting scores to suit the ability and instrumentation in whatever small musical group he is involved with. Now he adds composer to his list of musical accomplishments, with the choral cantata, “In the Beginning”.  You can hear this musical retelling of the Creation story and a variety of other choral compositions at one of two April concerts presented by Musaic. Musaic is an accomplished choir with a wide repertoire from classical to modern, and both sacred and secular pieces. See poster for details. 

Brian Mapplebeck, a tenor in the  Musaic Vocal Ensemble, is also a gifted musician on piano and a variety of wind instruments including the saxophone. He is also an arranger, resetting scores to suit the ability and instrumentation in whatever small musical group he is involved with. Now he adds composer to his list of musical accomplishments, with the choral cantata, “In the Beginning”.  You can hear this musical retelling of the Creation story and a variety of other choral compositions at one of two April concerts presented by Musaic. Musaic is an accomplished choir with a wide repertoire from classical to modern, and both sacred and secular pieces. See poster for details. 

Spring is in the air and we are preparing for another great growing season! We are holding our 2014 AGM on Thursday, April 10th, 2014 at 7 pm at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre (Studio Building by the Community Garden) at 5840 Airport Street. .

Several of you have inquired when you can rent your boxes and start gardening and we will be able to do that starting at the AGM. We have lots of interested gardeners but we do have a few plots left if you know of anyone who might be interested in renting a plot.

The agenda for the evening includes election of new officers and an overview of our plans for the coming growing season.  Please come join us and bring a friend!

For more information

250-485-2575.

olivercommunitygarden @ yahoo.com

Visit the Oliver Community Garden Society online at olivercommunitygarden.wordpress.com

Find us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/pages/Oliver-Community-Garden/207352179362353

I’m writing to inform you of another upcoming event V-Day Oliver-Osoyoos 2014 is hosting. On Friday, April 4th, 2014 our production of ‘A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and a Prayer’; will be held at the newly constructed Frank Venables Theatre, located adjacent to Oliver’s South Okanagan Secondary School. The 7 pm performance will be following by a “Meet the Cast” wine reception.

V-Day’s mission is to raise awareness and funds to help stop violence against women and girls. This is the 2nd year our group is working hard to support this cause. This year funding will go to assist local organizations, Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Center and ONTEH, the Okanagan Nation Transition Emergency House.

On March 8th, 2014 we hosted ‘Stop the Violence: A Celebration and Art Show’ at the OIB Community Hall. This was a very successful, which featured submissions by local artists, traditional dancing as well as guest speakers and a reception.

Your attendance and support would be greatly appreciated! Tickets are $25 and include one refreshment. They can be purchased at Beyond Bliss and Desert Sun in Oliver and JoJo’s Cafe in Osoyoos.

We appreciate your support in helping us in our efforts to stop violence against women and girls. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information. Please check out our website: www.vdayoliverosoyoos.org and do not hesitate to contact me for further information.

Warmest Regards,

Tiffany Beckedorf

Lead Organizer

by David Badger, Proprietor

Medici’s is back again with another Friday Live Music night. The last one we did was huge and I guess it’s only going to get bigger. We’re opening our doors at 7 and closing when you’ve had enough. Join MC Marcel Morneau, some great invited talent from around the valley and our open mic performers. Come sink into some music. Can you perform a bit? Bring your instrument, bring the music inside you and come be part of the nights sounds. We’re hoping, yet again, some of the very talented folks from SOSS come join in the music. We know they’ve got the music, we want some!

We are licensed. We have beer, wine, coffees with a kick and our usual great appie platters and sweet treats. Friday April 4th. Doors open at 7:00 PM. 522 Fairview Road. 250-498-2228. Cover at the door? Nope!