Screaming success

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?

Cleaning the Nest – Inside and Out

Spring Cleanup
Friday June 8
Saturday June 9
8 – 12 noon
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
5840 Airport Road

 

Bring your favourite cleaning and gardening tools and wear your favourite cleaning / gardening clothes. Most creative outfit each day wins a prize!

Your choice of jobs awaits you: weeding, pruning, mowing, garbage collecting and  dump running and other outside jobs are the highest priority, but indoor window washing, and mopping are also available. Rags, sponges, mop, buckets, cleaning products, garbage bags, and hoses provided.  Coffee time treats also provided.

Anyone with a truck or trailer willing to take items to the dump, please drop by in the late morning each day.

Thanks to SOAP Players for pressure washing and cleaning Big Blue on the Sunday!

 

Stuff and staff needed for Quail Garage Sale

Come give us a hand with the

Quail Garage Sale
Saturday June 16
9 a.m. –  2  p.m.
“Big Blue” Building
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
5840 Airport Street 

 

Donate your good used items to a worthy cause! Start saving your unwanted “stuff” now! Your rummage is welcome for drop off at the Big Blue Building at the arts centre on Friday June 15 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, and 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. No heavy or bulky items please! Just things one person can lift.

Volunteers are needed to help sort and price on Friday, and to help with sales and pack up on Saturday, during the hours listed above. Please contact OliverCAC @ gmail.com to volunteer, for more information, or for assistance with your rummage donations.

Many thanks to Linda Nunweiler for offering her leadership to this arts council fund raiser!

Rolling into the New Year

Over the December holidays, two new rollup doors were installed on the Studio Building at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre.  The doors are insulated to improve heating efficiency, and have four windows each to improve natural light.  Larger window panels were considered by the Board, but concerns with overall weight and loss of insulating R-value resulted in the four smaller panes. However, Studio building users have already commented on the “exceptional natural light” now available for art classes.  Currently primed white, the doors will be painted in the spring along with all other exterior doors at the Quail’s Nest. Watch for a call for a volunteer painting party  – or submit your suggestions now for a colour!

The arts council wishes to thank the Vancouver Foundation for their aid in financing 50% of this project. Thanks are also due to past Vice President Darryl MacKenzie for making the application to the Vancouver Foundation last summer, and to Steve Staresina, Operations chair, for overseeing the project on the ground this December. Doors installed by OK Door Service.

Watch for further capital projects to be completed at the arts centre  in 2012.

Curious about renting the Studio Building or Big Blue for  art studio space, meetings, workshops, or giant garage sales? Contact us at olivercac @gmail.com to receive a perusal copy of the rental contract and rates.

Colourful Memories: A Photo Spread

The Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers Guild have happy memories of their Natural Dyeing Workshop at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre on June 28 – 29, 2011, an event financially supported by the Oliver Community Arts Council.  The instructor was Coby Vandergast. A follow-up session was held at a member’s home. Don’t the results look gorgeous? Enjoy these wearable “fall colours”!

Remember too, that their Slow Fibre Fest is coming up next weekend! October 29 at the Penticton Seniors Centre on 2965 South Main Street, Penticton, 10 am to 5pm. There’s a Wearable Art Fashion Show at 2:00 pm. Demonstations throughout the day! Sales and fun exhibits all day long. Scroll down the page for another article with more information. Entrance FREE but bring your wallet because you’ll want to pick some fall colours for yourself!  

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Gail Erickson

Whatcha Got Cookin’?

The Quail’s Nest Arts Centre has seen a number of improvements this summer.  This past week kitchen cupboards, countertops,  and a stove were installed in the lunchroom area of the smaller Studio Building. Here arts council Board member Brian Mapplebeck checks out the oven.  

“THANK YOU!” to:
Colleen Polychroniou who donated the materials and appliances
Trevor Eckstein who installed the kitchen
Steve Staresina who is helping with removal of old units
Sally Franks, Esther Brown, and Linda Nunweiler who cleaned and filled the cupboards

At a later date, a second-hand dishwasher (also courtesy of Colleen Polychroniou) and a new fridge will be installed. The kitchen will also get a fresh coat of paint to complement the new look.

Whatcha Got Cookin'?

The Quail’s Nest Arts Centre has seen a number of improvements this summer.  This past week kitchen cupboards, countertops,  and a stove were installed in the lunchroom area of the smaller Studio Building. Here arts council Board member Brian Mapplebeck checks out the oven.  

“THANK YOU!” to:
Colleen Polychroniou who donated the materials and appliances
Trevor Eckstein who installed the kitchen
Steve Staresina who is helping with removal of old units
Sally Franks, Esther Brown, and Linda Nunweiler who cleaned and filled the cupboards

At a later date, a second-hand dishwasher (also courtesy of Colleen Polychroniou) and a new fridge will be installed. The kitchen will also get a fresh coat of paint to complement the new look.

Sagebrushers Week at Studio

sagebrushers33

Drop by to watch the Oliver Sagebrushers Art Club as they demonstrate some of their painting techniques at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre this week. The Studio is open daily from now until Saturday July 16,  9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Tour the studio exhibit of their completed works, and chat to the artists!  

Photo Credit: Jack Bennest, Oliver Daily News

Spring Cleaning at the Quail’s Nest

Heavy spring rains have resulted in a jungle of long grass and weeds at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre.  The facility needs some sprucing up! The arts council will be holding a spring cleanup on

Friday June 17
Saturday June 18
8 a.m. – 12 noon each day
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
34274 – 95th Street, Oliver

Pick the best day for you or focus on a different task each day: mowing, weeding, light indoor cleaning, trimming, polishing, and removing waste materials to the dump.  

The following items would be appreciated: gardening shears, weedwhackers, a gas lawnmower, and trucks and trailers to cart junk to the dump.  A variety of gardening tools will come in handy.  bring what you can!

There’s a task for every ability. Many hands make light work!

Spring Cleaning at the Quail's Nest

Heavy spring rains have resulted in a jungle of long grass and weeds at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre.  The facility needs some sprucing up! The arts council will be holding a spring cleanup on

Friday June 17
Saturday June 18
8 a.m. – 12 noon each day
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
34274 – 95th Street, Oliver

Pick the best day for you or focus on a different task each day: mowing, weeding, light indoor cleaning, trimming, polishing, and removing waste materials to the dump.  

The following items would be appreciated: gardening shears, weedwhackers, a gas lawnmower, and trucks and trailers to cart junk to the dump.  A variety of gardening tools will come in handy.  bring what you can!

There’s a task for every ability. Many hands make light work!

Arts Council “Growing” relationship with Community Garden

The arts council hopes to grow a green thumb in 2011. 

Oliver Community Garden Society reps Heather Whittall and Marji Basso proposed a partnership with the arts council at the January meeting of the OCAC Board. The Community Garden has been seeking a new location, after their two-year tenancy at the Murray property on Main Street. The Murray property has been slated for other development. 

The Community Garden proposal included a request for land use at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre  (34274 95th Street) and  installation of 20 – 30 container beds,  a small storage shed, and other garden features.  The proposed area is a narrow strip of land 100 x 25 feet running north-south along the west side of the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre property,  adjacent to a back alleyway.

An exciting component to this partnership are proposed arts and culture projects. Whittall and Basso suggested events of mutual benefit to the two societies, including educational workshops,  children’s gardening programmes, and joint artistic installations such as painted picket fencing, decorated paving stones, a gazebo, birdhouses, and statuary.  Basso described the proposed garden as a “magical” space, that would be an attractive, inviting  and self-contained  area.

A joint committee of the two organizations is currently writing a memorandum of understanding that will delineate land use, leasing arrangements,  security, liability coverage, and water usage and access.   

Visit the Oliver Community Garden Society website at  http://olivercommunitygarden.wordpress.com/ . Interested in joining the Community Garden and book your container bed? Contact olivercommunitygarden@yahoo.com.

Comments or questions about this partnership? Email the arts council at olivercac@gmail.com.

Arts Jam! November 22 and December 20

Are you ready to JAM?

Join the Oliver Community Arts Council on the fourth Monday of each month for an informal gathering to share news and views on all things artistic.

ARTS JAM!
Monday November 22
9:30 a.m.
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
34274 95th Street
(across from the Oliver airport)
 

Find out what art-y events are coming up in Oliver and the area. Learn more about the activities of all Oliver’s arts and culture groups.   Share your opinions about the arts council’s role in promoting art.  Propose some new ideas. Meet new friends. This is not a business meeting, but definitely a place to let your voice be heard and to keep current on the Oliver art scene.

Coffee, tea, and nibbles  are provided.

December’s Arts Jam is always a little different: It’s a little earlier in the month, and the nibbles are potluck. Bring half a dozen holiday goodies to share!

 ARTS JAM!
Monday December 20
9:30 a.m.
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
34274 95th Street
(across from the Oliver airport)

RipOff Artists Reception Monday June 28th

by Marion Trimble

The “Ripoff Artists” once again rise to the challenge as they scale new heights in lifting Lawren Harris’s “MOUNT LEFROY” during a week of open studio. So-named for their annual pilfering of a famous dead artist’s masterpiece, the Ripoffs, a “Group of Nine”, have selected the Canadian icon who was the driving force behind the formation of the Canadian, “Group of Seven”.

Lawren Harris, a major leader and influential artist of this country, was pivotal in the development of a uniquely Canadian style of landscape painting. By virtue of its isolation, he felt the Canadian landscape required a different painterly approach. This insight led him to begin simplifying his palette and forms in the belief they were capable of expressing spiritual truths. “Mount Lefroy” in it’s symbolic blues and yellows, is an example of his dramatically designed, mystical compositions.

The collective’s ringleader, fabric artist, Terry Irvine known for her functional, sometimes humorous original creations stated, “I like the simplicity of the painting, while at the same time, I’m surprised by its complexity”. “It was an easy decision in picking this year’s prey”, said paper collage artist and member, Marion Trimble. “After imitating the likes of Vincent van Gogh, Gustav Klimt and Georgia O’Keeffe in previous years challenges, it was time to come home”.

The nine artists recreating “Mount Lefroy”, a Canadian rockies buttress on the B.C./ Alberta border, represent several different art forms. Dianne Birnie and Enid Baker are both gifted members of the Double “O” Quilters and the Fabricators. Each employs a different method of quilting that always impresses. Enid in past challenges elected to paint rather than quilt so it will be a surprise to view which of her talents she employs this year. Another surprise can be expected from multi-disciplined, fine artist, JoAnn Turner. In previous challenges, she painted her image on a non traditional surface. Chosen from any one of her mediums of pottery, jewelry, basketry or clothing design, we can expect her piece to be skillfully produced. Kurt Hutterli is a writer and artist. His imaginative 3-dimensional creations of recycled, mixed media, have delighted audiences in past exhibitions. A member of several weaver’s Guilds, including the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers in Oliver, Barbara Levant, a weaver and spinner for over 35 years, enjoys the suspense of seeing fabric develop and colours interact as she weaves.

Another Ripoff participant since it’s inception in 2007, is encaustic artist, Thea Haubrich. An active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, her works win awards locally and nationally. As exclusive representative for Canada of the Arts Encaustic International products, she is a well-known, dedicated promoter of her art form. Pushing the boundaries of digital photography, Russell Work’s innovative images last year were an exciting addition. Known for capturing the beauty of the Okanagan Valley landscapes, he specializes in panoramic compositions. This year guest artist Leo Pedersen joins the gang. A member of the Oliver Sagebrushers, Leo is a self taught painter and woodworker who learned the basics from his grandfather and father. He now carries on a family tradition, teaching his grandchildren the love of art.

 In 1940, Harris moved to Vancouver where he spent the last 33 years of his life making an enormous contribution to contemporary art. He was a strong supporter of younger artists and influenced the direction taken by the Vancouver Art Gallery. Harris was the driving force that brought together the varying talents and temperaments which formed the Group of Seven. This week his guidance reappears to inspire our very own talented Group of Nine, the Ripoff Artists.

Visitors are welcome to view the artists’ progress as they gradually ascend the lofty goal of bringing their Mount Lefroy interpretations to conclusion. The skullduggery takes place at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 34273 95th St., across from the airport in Oliver. Opening reception is Monday, June 28th, 6-8 pm. Studio times Tuesday June 29th through Saturday July 3rd from  9 am to 3 pm. Join the artists during the week as they scramble to a dramatic climax by 3 pm, Saturday, July 3rd. For information contact Terry Irvine at 250-498-4156.

Vision for the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre

Our architectural vision for the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre is captured in the following renderings by Bevanda Architecture, Penticton. We gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance of the Oliver Rotary Club which enabled the arts council to hire the services of Bevanda Architecture, and the hard work of our Vision committee who consulted with Bevanda on our goals and needs.

1. Front Entry View :  From 95th Street,   a visitor will see the original  maintenance shed (north, on right) converted into a multi-use performance space, including flexible seating, floor space, and stage area, grid system lighting , greenrooms and storage. This is the proposed first phase of renovations. South (left) along 95th Street is a proposed gallery and gift shop. front-entry-view

  2.  Front Lobby View: Entering from the 95th Street entrance , a visitor will be greeted in a light airy lobby. front-lobby-view

Beyond the lobby is a long breezeway running between the multiuse performance space to the north (right) and a sunny courtyard (centre background).  It’s a perfect place for small touring exhibits, elegant pre-show cocktails, and intermission lounging.  

 The lobby also gives access to the gift shop.

3. Lobby Gallery View :  This rendering looks back east towards the front lobby desk and 95th Street from the west end of the breezeway.  To the left in the picture is the multiuse performance space. If you look closely, you can see some of the original shed exterior along the wall on the left!

gallery-view

To the right are the windows opening onto the inner courtyard.  Behind the viewer are washrooms and concession areas.

 4.  Courtyard View: Reflecting the “Quail’s Nest” name, the arts centre shelters an intimate inner courtyard. The rendering looks west towards a concession area and washrooms, with studio and office areas beyond.  To the right is the long breezeway and lobby area (with performance space beyond).

courtyard-viewThe courtyard gives access to the whole facility around the square: performance area, gallery, lobby, gift shop, studios, concession, administrative offices, and washrooms.

The courtyard, with its sunken quadrangle, is a perfect venue for outdoor concerts and other small performances. Alternatively, the central area can be used for a water feature, container garden, or  sculpture display.

 5. Studio View: In the final phase of building, a line of small studios along the south end of the property face inwards onto the courtyard. This view looks north out of one studio into the courtyard and opposite the breezeway and performance space. studio-view

Behind the painting figure on the right (east) is the lobby, gallery and gift shop area that face onto 95th Street.

 6. Exterior View:  Along the south side of the complex is outside access to studio spaces (the near doorway) and administrative offices (far end of the walkway).exterior-view

Phased in several sections, the renovation of the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre  is a mammoth undertaking requiring at least $3 million in fundraising. However, the Oliver Community Arts Council believes such a facility could become a hub of unique artistic activity in the South Okanagan. Oliver  has a comparatively large percentage of its population active in the arts, many at commercial or professional  quality.  being aready recognized as the Wine Capital of Canada, Oliver is set to become a tourist destination for arts and culture. 

The Board is seeking a professional fundraiser to initiate these efforts, and the patronage of major corporate sponsors and private benefactors.  We welcome any interest in seeing our vision become a reality!  olivercac@gmail.com

Renderings: Bevanda Architecture, Penticton
Photos: Penelope Johnson

Vision for the Quail's Nest Arts Centre

Our architectural vision for the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre is captured in the following renderings by Bevanda Architecture, Penticton. We gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance of the Oliver Rotary Club which enabled the arts council to hire the services of Bevanda Architecture, and the hard work of our Vision committee who consulted with Bevanda on our goals and needs.

1. Front Entry View :  From 95th Street,   a visitor will see the original  maintenance shed (north, on right) converted into a multi-use performance space, including flexible seating, floor space, and stage area, grid system lighting , greenrooms and storage. This is the proposed first phase of renovations. South (left) along 95th Street is a proposed gallery and gift shop. front-entry-view

  2.  Front Lobby View: Entering from the 95th Street entrance , a visitor will be greeted in a light airy lobby. front-lobby-view

Beyond the lobby is a long breezeway running between the multiuse performance space to the north (right) and a sunny courtyard (centre background).  It’s a perfect place for small touring exhibits, elegant pre-show cocktails, and intermission lounging.  

 The lobby also gives access to the gift shop.

3. Lobby Gallery View :  This rendering looks back east towards the front lobby desk and 95th Street from the west end of the breezeway.  To the left in the picture is the multiuse performance space. If you look closely, you can see some of the original shed exterior along the wall on the left!

gallery-view

To the right are the windows opening onto the inner courtyard.  Behind the viewer are washrooms and concession areas.

 4.  Courtyard View: Reflecting the “Quail’s Nest” name, the arts centre shelters an intimate inner courtyard. The rendering looks west towards a concession area and washrooms, with studio and office areas beyond.  To the right is the long breezeway and lobby area (with performance space beyond).

courtyard-viewThe courtyard gives access to the whole facility around the square: performance area, gallery, lobby, gift shop, studios, concession, administrative offices, and washrooms.

The courtyard, with its sunken quadrangle, is a perfect venue for outdoor concerts and other small performances. Alternatively, the central area can be used for a water feature, container garden, or  sculpture display.

 5. Studio View: In the final phase of building, a line of small studios along the south end of the property face inwards onto the courtyard. This view looks north out of one studio into the courtyard and opposite the breezeway and performance space. studio-view

Behind the painting figure on the right (east) is the lobby, gallery and gift shop area that face onto 95th Street.

 6. Exterior View:  Along the south side of the complex is outside access to studio spaces (the near doorway) and administrative offices (far end of the walkway).exterior-view

Phased in several sections, the renovation of the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre  is a mammoth undertaking requiring at least $3 million in fundraising. However, the Oliver Community Arts Council believes such a facility could become a hub of unique artistic activity in the South Okanagan. Oliver  has a comparatively large percentage of its population active in the arts, many at commercial or professional  quality.  being aready recognized as the Wine Capital of Canada, Oliver is set to become a tourist destination for arts and culture. 

The Board is seeking a professional fundraiser to initiate these efforts, and the patronage of major corporate sponsors and private benefactors.  We welcome any interest in seeing our vision become a reality!  olivercac@gmail.com

Renderings: Bevanda Architecture, Penticton
Photos: Penelope Johnson