Meet Olive Madison: “I love sports, I like to paint. I like photography. I don’t like to clean up. When I got married my wedding dress had CocaCola stains on it.” Separated and man-crazy, more concerned about bringing home the bacon than frying it up in a pan, Olive is the epitome of the word SLOB.
Meet Florence Unger: ” Just you wait. I’ll turn this apartment into something out of Architectural Digest. You’ll see furniture you never knew you had. ” Separated and still missing her “short, hairless cowboy” husband, Florence channels her insecurities about singlehood into cleaning up…. after Olive.
Olive’s big mistake? Allowing Florence to move in. Florence’s big mistake? Underestimating Olive’s frustration. Your big mistake? Missing this hilarious comedy. Get your tickets today!
Locals will know Leza Macdonald’s work around Oliver: the south panel of the Kiwanis mural on Sawmill Road is her handiwork, as are some of the art panels brightening empty storefronts downtown. Now Leza has her own show – and what a varied collection of artwork she has on display! From vibrant acrylics to muted pen and inks, portraits to wildlife and wider scenes, there’s quite the selection to view … and purchase!
Meet Leza on Saturday April 9 from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Quail’s Nest or make an appointment to view throughout the month of April.
Locals will know Leza Macdonald’s work around Oliver: the south panel of the Kiwanis mural on Sawmill Road is her handiwork, as are some of the art panels brightening empty storefronts downtown. Now Leza has her own show – and what a varied collection of artwork she has on display! From vibrant acrylics to muted pen and inks, portraits to wildlife and wider scenes, there’s quite the selection to view … and purchase!
Meet Leza on Saturday April 9 from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Quail’s Nest or make an appointment to view throughout the month of April.
Water Wise Garden Workshop & Trade Fair Saturday, March 26Workshop 9:30 – 12:30Tickets $10.00 at Beyond Bliss & Medici’s Gelateria Oliver Elks Hall (9725 – 360th Ave)
Join local experts Eva Durance* and Kathryn McCourt** at the workshop and learn about the principles of xeriscape gardening, gardening with drought tolerant plants, organic versus inorganic mulches, efficient irrigation, water wise gardens, and easy care gardens suited for Oliver’s climate. Reduce your water bills by gardening and landscaping with drought tolerant plants. let’s help make Oliver beautiful and water-wise!
Seating is limited for the workshop! Only 50 tickets available. Get yours NOW!
and Trade Fair 9:30 -4:00 FREE and OPEN to the public, no limitOliver Elks Hall (9725 – 360th Ave)
Lots of items for sale related to gardening and xeriscaping in particular. Visit booths for irrigation supplies, landscaping supplies, educational information, and of course nurseries featuring drought tolerant plants.
Reasons to Xeriscape:
■Reduces water use by about 50% compared to conventional lawns or ornamental gardens
■Cost saving when water meters take effect
■Reduction in erosion hazards on sensitive soils
■Eliminates use of toxic pesticides and herbicides
■Low-water native plants provide food and habitat for South Okanagan birds, butterflies, and bees.
■ Xeriscaping will survive restricted water use during drought conditions
■Water conservation helps to mitigate the effects of climate change ad development pressures
*Eva Durance, who grew up in Ontario, has been a lifelong gardener and interested in garden designer for over 40 years. She has worked as a xeriscape-naturescape designer and natural systems’ restoration consultant in the Okanagan for over 15 years and has given courses and talks in xeriscape and naturescape gardening for a variety of places including Okanagan College and the City of Penticton. In addition to advanced degrees in English Language and Literature, Eva has a Diploma in Landscape Design from the Institute of Garden Design in the United Kingdom, and courses in Restoration of Natural Systems.
**Kathryn McCourt has been gardening and conserving water since she was three. Throughout her years as a public school teacher, bookkeeper, freelance writer and florist, there was always a garden and it was usually in a dry place, whether in the Okanagan, Calgary or Victoria. Since 2005, she has had her own Summerland-based business, creating, maintaining and teaching about Xeriscape.
The Oliver Community Arts Council is a partner with Oliver’s Communities in Bloom through the Best Bloomin’ Garden Contest. For more information, contact olivercac@gmail.com
Water Wise Garden Workshop & Trade Fair Saturday, March 26Workshop 9:30 – 12:30Tickets $10.00 at Beyond Bliss & Medici’s Gelateria Oliver Elks Hall (9725 – 360th Ave)
Join local experts Eva Durance* and Kathryn McCourt** at the workshop and learn about the principles of xeriscape gardening, gardening with drought tolerant plants, organic versus inorganic mulches, efficient irrigation, water wise gardens, and easy care gardens suited for Oliver’s climate. Reduce your water bills by gardening and landscaping with drought tolerant plants. let’s help make Oliver beautiful and water-wise!
Seating is limited for the workshop! Only 50 tickets available. Get yours NOW!
and Trade Fair 9:30 -4:00 FREE and OPEN to the public, no limitOliver Elks Hall (9725 – 360th Ave)
Lots of items for sale related to gardening and xeriscaping in particular. Visit booths for irrigation supplies, landscaping supplies, educational information, and of course nurseries featuring drought tolerant plants.
Reasons to Xeriscape:
■Reduces water use by about 50% compared to conventional lawns or ornamental gardens
■Cost saving when water meters take effect
■Reduction in erosion hazards on sensitive soils
■Eliminates use of toxic pesticides and herbicides
■Low-water native plants provide food and habitat for South Okanagan birds, butterflies, and bees.
■ Xeriscaping will survive restricted water use during drought conditions
■Water conservation helps to mitigate the effects of climate change ad development pressures
*Eva Durance, who grew up in Ontario, has been a lifelong gardener and interested in garden designer for over 40 years. She has worked as a xeriscape-naturescape designer and natural systems’ restoration consultant in the Okanagan for over 15 years and has given courses and talks in xeriscape and naturescape gardening for a variety of places including Okanagan College and the City of Penticton. In addition to advanced degrees in English Language and Literature, Eva has a Diploma in Landscape Design from the Institute of Garden Design in the United Kingdom, and courses in Restoration of Natural Systems.
**Kathryn McCourt has been gardening and conserving water since she was three. Throughout her years as a public school teacher, bookkeeper, freelance writer and florist, there was always a garden and it was usually in a dry place, whether in the Okanagan, Calgary or Victoria. Since 2005, she has had her own Summerland-based business, creating, maintaining and teaching about Xeriscape.
The Oliver Community Arts Council is a partner with Oliver’s Communities in Bloom through the Best Bloomin’ Garden Contest. For more information, contact olivercac@gmail.com
Aimee Grice is wiping the tears from her eyes. “Sorry, I just can’t go on,” she splutters. “Let me … just … catch my breath.” She’s not crying: Grice is doubled over in a fit of giggles.
Grice is in rehearsal for SOAP’s upcoming production of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple. In the female version of the famous comedy, the eponymous “Oscar” and “Felix” become the slobby divorcee Olive Madison (played by Grice) and her irritatingly neat roomate Florence Unger (played by Leslee Hatherly). The comedy follows two newly single ladies as they navigate the rules of sharing an apartment and returning to the dating scene.
Grice and Hatherly (at left) are two strong actors, although relative newcomers to SOAP. This is Aimee’s fourth production, after singing in the nuns chorus in The Sound of Music (2008), then taking the lead in Sand Mountain (2009) and an ensemble part in Rumors (2010). Leslee took a small and serious role in this season’s drama, Twelve Angry Jurors, but her comic talents take centre stage in The Odd Couple.
Director Penelope Johnson is taking the cast through one of the funniest scenes in the play: Olive and Florence on a double date with their attractive Spanish neighbours, the Costazuela brothers. Aimee’s shoulders shake as she struggles to remain in character. Waiting patiently for the rehearsal to continue are Tom Szalay (as Monolo Costazuela) and Paul Everest (as Jesus Costazuela). Szalay and Everest have been practicing the Castilian accents and charming manners required for their roles.
“Monolo and I have brrrrought you frrresh flowers and frrresh candy,” says Everest, rolling his Rs. “Please to accept my deep felicitations. We hope you like them. The candy ees … um ….no good.”
“No good?” responds Grice as Olive, trying unsuccessfully not to smile.
“Si. Very chewy,” says Tom as Manolo.
“Do you mean nougat?” says Olive.
“Ah si! Nou–gat! Not ‘no good’… nougat! So stoopid. We are steeell berry new at Engleesh.”
Aimee splutters again. “Sorry,” she says, holding up her hand to call another halt. “It’s too funny, plus I’m soooo tired.” Grice is a new mother, battling sleep deprivation. Her babe-in-arms occasionally joins her at rehearsals. “That’s the deal,” explains Penelope Johnson. “Aimee can perform if I direct while dandling her baby on my knee.”
Also in the cast are Linda Venables, Lynne Richards, Diane Gludovatz and Jen Jensen as the Trivial Pursuit playing girlfriends of Olive and Florence. In the play, the ladies add some “gal pal” humour to the storyline, give advice, and play referees to Olive and Florence’s squabbles over housekeeping and dating. The foursome also act as surrogate moms to Grice’s baby, passing the little girl from knee to knee as they practice their lines.
Grice and Hatherly find they are growing into their characters during the rehearsal period. “Olive is not a stretch for me,” admits Aimee Grice, who revels in the opportunity to make a mess on stage. On the other hand, Leslee Hatherly, as the house-proud Florence, is dicovering her hidden neat freak. “My kitchen at home has never been SO CLEAN. I’m really immersing myself in this character.”
The lead actors are enjoying their time together at rehearsal. “Olive and Florence get quite a workout on stage,” says director Johnson. “The action can get fast and furious.” Lately they have been choreographing a couple of fight scenes (involving a vacuum cleaner, a ladle, a can of deodorizer, and a plate of linguini) and a chase scene (involving a can of pepper spray and a suitcase of lingerie). Curiously enough, Hatherly and Grice find the hilarity and crazy antics at rehearsals an antidote to their busy lives.
The Odd Couple is slated for production on Friday April 29 and Saturday April 30 at the Osoyoos MiniTheatre (OSS), and on Friday May 6 and Saturday May 7 at the Frank Venables Auditorium (SOSS) in Oliver. Tickets are $15 Adults and $12 Seniors/Students. They go on sale at the end of March, through Your Dollar Store with More (Osoyoos), and Sundance Video (Oliver). Watch for posters to indicate the start of ticket sales. More information can be obtained at SOAP@telus.net
“Ho Ho HO” from Paw Prints Studio and Gallery! As Christmas tiptoes towards us like a bulldozer…
Instead of our regular 1st Sunday of the month Showcase, we’re having twice the fun!
The Art of John Salsnek visits Hester Creek Estate Winery Sunday December 5-12th inclusive with an exhibition and specials on classic favourites and all the newest releases.
One of us will be there Saturday and Sundays 10-4 and weekdays 1-4, Hester Creek staff will also be more than pleased to show you around and help you find your Christmas favourites for a gift and for you!
AND
Our Paw Prints Gallery is open winter hours:
Monday and Tuesdays by appointmentWednesdays through Sundays 10am – 7pm
We can do your gift wrapping and shipping, too. Shop from your laptop or by phone.
Season’s Greetings from Stephanie and John Salsnek
Paw Prints Studio & GalleryThe Art of John Salsnekwww.ArtofJohnSalsnek.com1.888.256.3600locally 250-498-4732
The 34th Annual Oliver Arts & Crafts Sale Friday, November 19 10 am – 8 pm Saturday November 20 10 am – 4 pm Oliver Community Centre Concession: delicious soups, sandwiches, desserts Admission is FREE! Donations for the Oliver Food Bank are welcome.
You sure don’t want to miss this popular kick-off to Christmas gift-giving. Expect quality hand-crafted items including clothing, linens, preserves, jewelry, leather goods, children’s toys, personal care items, home decor, artwork, and much more! You’ll have Christmas all wrapped up at this one-stop shopping event.
High excitement reigns as Daniel Gervais and Clinton Pelletier, soon to be performing in Oliver, received top honours for the Instrumental Album of the year at the recent Western Canadian Music Awards.
An eclectic program with a taste of classical, folk and gypsy jazz music will showcase the versatility and talents of these superb musicians on
Friday, November 19th8 pm Frank Venables (SOSS) Auditorium, Oliver BCSingle Ticket $204-way Flex Pass $6017 and under FREETickets at: Beyond Bliss, OliverImperial Office Pro, Osoyoosand at the door
Joining forces with Daniel (fiddle and violin) and Clinton (guitar), will be Aline Dupuis. She is a skilled step dancer and choreographer. The performance is sponsored by the South Okanagan Concert Society and promises a lively evening and great fun.
Tickets are on sale at Beyond Bliss in Oliver, Imperial Office Pro in Osoyoos and at the door.Single admissions are $20 and those 17 and under are welcomed to attend concerts free. The popular four-admission “flex pass” ($60) allows one person to attend 4 concerts, two people to attend two concerts, or four people to attend one concert for maximum flexibility. The venue is wheelchair accessible and those in the Oliver/Osoyoos area requiring transportation can call Maureen at 250 495 7978.
Daniel’s ability as a classical violinist was broadly recognized in 2002 when he attained the highest mark in Canada from the Royal Conservatory for his Gr. 8 Strings exam. A little older, he is now a 3rd year student in the B. Mus program of the University of Alberta and plays with the University Symphony Orchestra. Daniel’s talents are not one dimensional though. He also represented Alberta at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship and was awarded a first place in the Traditional category of the Grand North American Old Time Fiddle Championships! He loves to compose and entertain. His debut CD “Flying Fiddle” was released in 2003 and his second, “Endless Possibilities” in 2005. He has toured North America and France.
Daniel has also appeared on countless television and radio programs such as Good Morning Canada and various CBC broadcasts. In November 2002, he travelled to London, Ontario to receive the Conservatory Canada Speake Medal of Excellence for Grade 8 Strings for having attained the highest mark in Canada. Daniel was honoured to have competed at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship in August of 2003, representing Alberta. In 2004, Daniel returned to this competition and was a top eleven finalist. He was recently nominated for “Young Performer of the Year” at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
Aline has fifteen years training at the Edmonton School of Ballet and is an accomplished step dancer and choreographer. She is the artistic director of Zephyr, a French Canadian dance group. She loves the challenge of choreographing and teaching intricate and complex dance routines.
Clinton is a Performance Jazz Guitar graduate of Grant MacEwan College. He is the producer and performer of Hot Club Edmonton and eclecTrip and he owns and operates the recording studio, Reel Time Studios. Creativity and high energy are Clint’s hallmarks. He has released six albums, toured France with Zephyr and performed in Scotland, England and the Shetland Islands. Check out www.tradbadour.ca, www.hotclubedmontonl.com and www.electrip.com for a glimpse into the style and versatility of Daniel and Clinton as they perform together. Then come out with friends and family to hear them live on stage in Oliver.
The B.C. Arts Council, Music Fest Vancouver, Windsor Plywood Spectacular Music B.C. and the Oliver Community Arts Council provide steady and much appreciated financial support for this concert series. Dwight and Amy Brown at the Adobe Rose B&B offer Okanagan hospitality to the musicians. FortisBC, Burrowing Owl Winery, Interior Savings OK Falls, the Kiwanis Club of Oliver and Maria Gonzales-Richer, denturist, are the local sponsors who make it possible to bring high quality, live music to our community. We cannot thank them enough.
The South Okanagan Amateur Players has been following rigorous tri-weekly rehearsal schedule in order to bring the crime drama Twelve Angry Jurors to the stage. Catch it this week in Oliver.
The play is set in 1971 Chicago – the last year in which capital punishment was the sentence for murder in the state of Illinois. A jury which has just heard a murder case must decide the guilt or innocence of a nineteen year old “slum kid” convicted of stabbing his father. The defendant’s life is at stake. But the evidence suggests the case is open-and-shut. One juror cites reasonable doubt and stands alone in favour of a not guilty verdict. Over the course of the play each juror must confront their prejudices to separate fact from assumption. Will the majority pressure the sole juror into changing her vote to guilty? Will the arguing result in a hung jury? Or will a potential murderer be turned loose on the streets?
The production opened at the OSS Minitheatre in Osoyoos on the November 5 – 6 weekend. The large Friday night crowd gave noisy appreciation throughout the show, gasping aloud at the dramatic and surprising turns of the plot, and chuckling at the play’s irony. The Saturday audience, although more subdued during the show, showed their approval with several murmurs and “ooohs” during the emotionally charged scenes and with loud lengthy applause at the curtain call.
The production moves to Oliver this week: Friday November 12 and Saturday November 13 at the Frank Venables (SOSS) Auditorium, 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults and $12 seniors and students. They are available at the door or from vendors Sundance Video (Oliver) and Your Dollar Store with More (Osoyoos).
Below the SOAP Players get into costume, makeup and hair backstage.
Diane Gludovatz (Juror #11) and Leslie Hatherly (Juror # 12) show the “before and after” of makeup and hairdressing. Diane awaits her turn to apply the greasepaint and get into her wig , while Leslie is “stage ready”. Diane is a SOAP veteran comedienne in a rare dramatic role, and Leslee is a SOAP newcomer.
“Keeping it in the family” are actors Darryl and daughter Chenoa Mackenzie (Foreman and Juror #5) . Both are veteran SOAPers. This will be Chenoa’s last opportunity to act with her dad before heading off to university, where she will continue her studies in the dramatic arts.
Who’s the guilty one? These four jurors each have their own opinion. Darryl MacKenzie (Jury Foreman), Paul Tait (Juror #6), Michael Ryan (Juror #3) and David Badger (Juror #10) ham it up backstage before turning serious on stage.
The cast and crew welcome you to join them for an exciting evening of live theatre. See (and hear) you in the audience!
The Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers hosted the Slow Fibre Festival in Summerland on Saturday October 9, 2010. The festival observed a similar principle as “slow food”: focussing on natural fibres and local fibre producers and artisans. The event, including displays, demonstrations, and sales tables was a huge success. It was a perfect tie-in with the Thanksgiving weekend. Member Gail Erickson says the venue was bursting at the seams with vendors and customers, and they will be looking for a larger location next year. Take a look at some of the photos from the festival, featuring the busy Desert Sagers at work.
Wish you knew how to do this yourself? Join the Guild! Contact the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers by visiting our “Contact” or “Groups” pages, or by emailing the OCAC at olivercac@gmail.com to be put in touch with the Guild.
The 2010 Fall Art Show and Sale wrapped up Sunday October 3 with visitors remarking that it was one of the best shows ever. Many comments referred to the successfully represented theme: “Those Were the Days”. Not only did the competitive entries reminisce about days gone by, but the other exhibits and events reflected the same nostalgic theme. The Oliver and District Heritage Society mounted an attractive and interesting display of 1920s and 30s pop culture (toys, games, and film stills) and early Oliver life (home appliances, machinery and housewares). Guest artist Marianne Parsons demonstrated quilting techniques, surely a homesteading skill from Oliver’s early days. Two fund raising paintings also waxed nostalgic about summers in the South Okanagan.
A two-day silent auction of antiques and collectables from the early to mid 20th century drew many bids. Pictured at right, a bakelite vanity set from the 1930s commanded some competitive bidding. The Jazz Out West trio entertained at the Saturday reception with classic standards by Gershwin, Berlin, Cole Porter and more.
Almost 400 visitors signed the guestbook over two days, with an estimate of a few hundred more who didn’t stand in line to sign! Many of the art enthusiasts crowded around artwork that ended up winning or placing in their category.
Sue McCarrell’s two New Media entries, including best-in-show “Moment in Time”, attracted many questions about her transfer techniques. McCarrell combed the Oliver archives looking for old sepia photographs, letters and newspapers to create transfer images which, by means of a gel process, were then adhered to wood panelling.
A hushed audience gathered around Merle Somerville’s depiction of a snowy orchard in his giclee-on-canvas entry called “Days Gone By”. His photograph aquired a painterly quality by being reproduced on artists canvas with ink jet printing techniques (“giclee”) rather than on photo paper. It was easy to be drawn into the photograph by its skillful use of perspective and light.
The brash brushstrokes of Michael Randle’s primitive style abstracts reflected both his sense of humour and his love of bold colour. Wayne Borthwick’s “Home on the Range” got the most attention from children and the young at heart. The enormous model of a farmhouse, complete with walls that opened outward revealing furnished rooms within, was tempting to touch. Shirley Nilsson’s quilted hanging “School Days” glowed with fall colour; three-dimensional fabric leaves decorated the border. Emerging artist Megan Pedersen’s piece, “Ghost of a Memory” was a touching reminiscence about one of the most painful of memories, a lost love.
The Oliver Community Arts Council thanks all the entrants to the Fall Art Show and Sale. Together you have created an experience several hundred people will never forget! Here is the complete list of winners. Congratulations everyone!
List of 2010 Fall Art Show Winners
Best Interpretation of ThemeSue McCarrell: “Moment in Time”Painting (Representational)
First: Eleanore Dempster ~ “The Way We Were”
Second: Kerry Chung ~ “Past and Future”
Third: Sandy Boblin ~ “The Coach”
Painting (Abstract)
First (tie): Tara Hovanes ~ “Untitled”
First (tie): Michael Randle ~ Number 1 Project
Third: Dona Smithson ~ “Last Tree Standing”
Photography
First: Merle Sommerville ~ “Days Gone By”
Second: Val Friesen ~ “Oh yes, those were the days…”
Third: Russell Work ~ “Oliver”
Fibre Art:
First: Shirley Nilsson ~ “School Days”
Second (tie): A. Carole Grant ~ Relics
Second (tie): Terry Irvine ~ The Past Revisited
Three Dimensional
First: Wayne Borthwick ~ “Home on the Range 1945”
Second: Donna McLean ~ Beauty from the Forest
Third: Donna McLean ~ A Look from the Past (3 pieces)
New Media
First: Sue McCarrell ~ “Moment in Time”
Second: Marion Trimble ~ “Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow”
Third: Sue McCarrell ~ “Vintage Pleasure”
Emerging Artist (Under 19)
Certificate of Merit: Megan Pedersen ~ “Ghost of a Memory”
Do you have any comments on your Fall Art Show and Sale experience? Share them at olivercac@gmail.com and we’ll publish them.
Meet Olive Madison: “I love sports, I like to paint. I like photography. I don’t like to clean up. When I got married my wedding dress had CocaCola stains on it.” Separated and man-crazy, more concerned about bringing home the bacon than frying it up in a pan, Olive is the epitome of the word SLOB.
