Tag Archives: show

Fall Art Show and Sale: A Winning Weekend

Posted on by

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 Theme
Sue 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.

Fall Art Show and Sale: Those Were the Days

Posted on by

The 2010 Fall Art Show and Sale  waxes nostalgic this year, with a competition, exhibit, and sale that reminisces: “Aaaah, those were the days!”  Paired with Oliver’s Festival of the Grape for several years now and held at the same venue, the Oliver Community Arts Council event always draws a huge crowd of locals and tourists.

The Fall Art Show and Sale is held on Saturday October 2 and Sunday October 3 at the Oliver Community Centre Hall.  The Saturday event opens at 3 p.m. with an exhibit, sale, and public voting on the competitive entries.  Free admission on Saturday from 3 – 9 p.m. 

This year, 71 works of art will compete across seven categories: Painting – Representational, Painting – Abstract, Photography, Fibre Arts, Three – Dimensional, New Media, and Emerging Artists (under 19) .  The winners are selected by public ballot. An overall best-in-show category requires the winning entry to reflect “Best Interpretation of the Theme”.  The theme, “Those Were the Days”,  is broad enough to allow artists a wide interpretation: last summer’s vacation to the last century’s pioneer culture.

In addition to the competitive entries, two non-competitive displays will also be on show. The Oliver and District Heritage Society exhibits a slice of Oliver’s history with their display of Oliver’s Museum and Archives  treasures from the 1930’s. The popular RipOff Artists will present their latest multimedia interpretation of a famous artwork: Lawren Harris’ Mount Lefroy. The Group of Seven painting is recreated in wood,  quilting, weaving, oils, watercolours, encaustic (wax), photography, and three-dimensional installations.

Mirroring the nostalgic theme, the Oliver Community Arts Council will run a silent auction of small antiques and collectables from the early to mid 20th century.  Among the charming items for bid are a bakelite vanity set from the 1920s, Royal Winton chintzware, and several porcelain and silver items.  The collectables silent auction will run across both Saturday and Sunday. An additional wine auction will run on the Saturday only.

Visit the information table both days for promotional items, OCAC memberships, publicity about upcoming arts events, and information about OCAC member groups and businesses. Learn about the work of the Oliver Community Arts Council by viewing their powerpoint presentation. Make an offer on two lovely  works of art donated to the council for fund raising purposes. 

On Saturday evening, a public reception begins at  7 p.m. with live entertainment, appetizers, and wine. At 8 p.m. voting on entries closes and the ballots are counted. Right before 9 p.m., winners in all categories will be announced. Silent auction winners can claim their wine prizes.  

 On Sunday, the Fall Art Show and Sale continues by admission through your Festival of the Grape  ticket. The exhibit is open from 12:00 noon to 5:30 p.m. Although the competitive portion is over, the show and sale continues. View the winners across all categories. Wander through the Heritage Society and RipOff Artists’ exhibits. Meet the artists. Make a silent auction bid on “Those Were the Days” collectables before 5:00 p.m!  Become a member of the Oliver Community Arts Council. Buy some OCAC promotional items. Wax nostalgic, fall in love with art, and purchase artwork at the sale. Bring your chequebook and plastic!  Take a piece of Oliver home with you!

Poster artwork by Evie New
Poster layout by Heather Fink

Opera with Spice and Everything Nice

Posted on by
by Marion Boyd,
South Okanagan Concert Society

The South Okanagan Concert Society presents its first  concert of the 2010-2011 series:  “Opera, Spice and Everything Nice!” featuring Andi and Peter Alexander, on  Thursday, October 14th at the Frank Venables Auditorium, Oliver. The concert will be filled with wit, wisdom and fun as Andi and Peter show off a vast repertoire of operatic arias and duets. Expect selections from Mozart’s Magic Flute, Puccini’s La Boheme, Rossini’s Barber of Seville, Bizet’s Carmen, and Verdi’s La Traviata. Favourites from Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera will also be featured. They will be accompanied by Karen Lee-Morlang on piano.

Andi is a Mezzo Soprano with a vocal career that has expanded to take her into stage directing and producing. She founded MAGI in 2004 as an a cappella vocal trio and has “grown” it into a company now presenting a wide range of fully staged productions. She is in demand as a soloist in oratorio and recently performed Mozart’s Requiem and Beethoven’s Mass in C.

Peter, a baritone, was recently lauded in Opera Canada magazine: “He dominated the evening by exhibiting excellent vocal command eminently suited to the Baroque period” when he performed the title role in Pimpinone. Peter not only has a passion for opera stage performance, he is also a professional choral singer. He is currently a member of the twelve voice chamber ensemble Musica Intima, hailed by the Globe and Mail as “one of the best small choirs in all the land!”

Flex tickets are now on sale at Beyond Bliss in Oliver and at Imperial Office Pro in Osoyoos. A four admission pass costs only $60. The four admissions are entirely flexible and can be used together or in combination. This is particularly attractive to snowbirds who may be away for some performances. Single tickets are available for $20. Young people 17 and under are welcome to attend the concerts for free. All concerts start at 8 pm. The venue is wheelchair accessible and those requiring transportation in the Oliver/Osoyoos area can call Maureen at 250 495 7978 to make arrangments to be picked up.

The South Okanagan Concert Society is grateful to our sponsors who are continuing their support despite difficult economic times. The B.C. Arts Council, Music Fest Vancouver, Windsor Plywood Spectacular Music B.C. and the Oliver Community Arts Council provide the backbone of our support. Dwight and Amy Brown at the Adobe Rose B&B offer Okanagan hospitality to the musicians. Fortis BC, the Burrowing Owl Winery, Interior Savings OK Falls, the Kiwanis Club of Oliver and Maria Gonzales-Richer, denturist, provide ongoing support that makes it possible for world class music to come to our community. We cannot thank them enough.

For the Love of Art

Posted on by

The Federation of Canadian Artists, South Okanagan-Similkameen Chapter proudly presents a juried art show, “For the Love of Art” at Handworks Gallery, 35648 – 97th Street in Oliver. Phone 250 498 6388.

This is a juried exhibition with new works from local artists in a variety of mediums. The opening reception is scheduled Friday, July 2nd from 2pm to 4pm and the show runs from July 2nd to July 31, 2010. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 9:30 – 5, Saturday 10 – 4 p.m.

In conjunction with the opening, we will be offering two visual art demos for the public from 1 – 2 p.m. Well known local artist, Michael Jorden will begin an oil painting of the main street in Oliver. Michael will set up his easel outside of Handworks Gallery on the sidewalk , describing his process from blank canvas to finished painting. Drop by and watch this talented artist, then join the reception inside at 2 p.m.

The second demo will be taking place inside Handworks Gallery. Thea Haubrich will introduce the public to Encaustic, an ancient art form using coloured beeswax and a heat source. Thea teaches Encaustic throughout B.C. and she will be happy to introduce you to this beautiful medium. Make sure you put this event on your “to do” list for July 2nd.

The Federation of Canadian Artists was formed in Vancouver in 1941. The South Okanagan Chapter was formed in 2000 and now has 80 members. Our chapter welcomes new members. For more information check out our website at www.fca.sos.ca

Art at the Owl: A Review

Posted on by

by Marion Trimble

“Large talent for a small ‘burb like Oliver,” was a comment made by one of the attendees at the crowded opening reception of Art at the Owl on Saturday April 17 at the Burrowing Owl Estate Winery.   The show, diverse in media and subject matter, was a delightful mixed bag for all art lovers. Abstract oils to imaginative three-dimensional pieces, modernism and folk art, this no-jury, no-theme show pleased everyone’s taste. Whether the fantastic photo realism highlighted in John Salsnek’s large canvas Unannounced, the gaze of the observing Timber Wolf by Cameron Ogilvie, the contemporary abstraction superbly executed in Corinne Desampaio’s stunning work Gift in Contrast, or the charming whimsy produced by Caroline Alaric’s Tropical, the surprises and delights were everywhere in this amazing array of local talent.

Photo: Artists Linda Blaschuk and Corinne Desampaio admire the works on display during “Art at the Owl”, as well as the wine from Burrowing Owl Estate Winery.  Photo by Val Friesen

At the entrance, a three dimensional piece by Kurt Hutterli, The Magic Wine Tap, set the stage with its amusing faucet dripping wine coloured beads into a glass vessel. In the foyer, two “plein air” paintings of old and collapsing local structures were beautifully rendered by popular pioneer, Agnes Sutherland. Marilyn Marsel’s mixed media triptych indicated the depth of brilliant creativity. Both colour and black and white photography inspired an urge in the viewer to explore both the local and international settings of their subjects. The Burrowing Owl Estate Winery’s own tapestries, permanently hung in the gallery, perfectly complemented Val Friesen’s large captivating photograph, Berber Hospitality and Kurt Hutterli’s abstract painting, A Butterfly Kaleidoscope. Eye-catching and delicate, Roy McLean’s “butterflies” and jewellery by Deanna McCaghren were new additions to the local art scene. To complete this cornucopia of diversity, there were the traditional landscapes and floral tributes, such as Joan Burgess’ gorgeous azalea.

The Burrowing Owl Estate Winery venue provided as much surprise and enjoyment as the artwork. Set out as a flow of small, comfortable viewing areas, the journey provided a contemplative atmosphere to explore the art more intimately. Two floors of gallery space were utilized, with natural light from a large window illuminating the landscapes within while giving a panoramic view of the magnificent landscape outside the winery’s hospitality building. Inside, attendees were treated both to delectable refreshments provided jointly by the Winery and Oliver Community Arts Council, including, of course, samples of Burrowing Owl wines. During the reception, harpist Ingrid Schellenberg rendered a wide selection of beautiful music.

The week-long show—jointly sponsored by the Oliver Community Arts Council and the Oliver Sagebrushers art club—was presented as part of the provincial celebration of Arts & Culture Week. The show of more than 70 pieces of artwork were all for sale, displayed in the restaurant as well as the guest house. Judging by brisk early sales, the event looks promising for artists. As an example, two of Sally Franks’ watercolours sold early on opening day,as did three-dimensional lapidary pieces by Roy McLean. The show continued daily through Saturday, April 24. 

Missed out on this wonderful display of local talent? Plan to attend the Fall Art Show and Sale at the Oliver Community Centre on the first weekend of October!

Easter Sunday Showcase

Posted on by

The Art of John Salsnek

Sunday April 4
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Paw Prints Studio & Gallery

~ favourites ~ new works ~ gifts

Find a piece of Spring to take home!

Everyone Welcome
Visit ~ Enjoy ~ Browse ~ Collect!
Collectors’ Appreciation Specials continue!
 
 148 Carr Crescent, Willowbrook
1.888.256.3600
Call for directions or visit the website:
www.ArtofJohnSalsnek.com

2010 Spring hours:

Mondays & Tuesdays by appointment
Wednesdays – Sundays 10-7

Rumors Production Rescheduled in Osoyoos

Posted on by

Due to a double-booking in Osoyoos, the South Okanagan Amateur Players are rescheduling their spring production of Rumors.  The comedy still opens in Oliver on April 15 – 17 at the Frank Venables Theatre at SOSS highschool. The Osoyoos dates are now April 22 – 24  at the OSS Minitheatre.

Anyone who purchased tickets for Osoyoos already (April 8 – 10) can do one of the following:

1. return them to place of purchase for a refund
2. see the play on the same evening of the later week, keep their ticket, but just write the new date on it (say, Thursday 8th changed to Thursday 22)
3. exchange the tickets at the vendor or the door for a different evening of the week (say, Thursday 8th to Friday 23rd).
or contact SOAP@telus.net or olivercac@gmail.com for assistance and information.

 

The plot: Four couples arrive at a New York residence to celebrate the 10th wedding anniversary of the deputy mayor of New York. They find the wife Myra missing along with the servants, and the host lying unconscious in an upstairs bedroom suffering from a superficial gunshot wound. The couples represent some of the most powerful institutions in the state: the legal, financial, and medical professions, the media, and politicians. So, how do they handle a potentially explosive, gossip-laden situation? By spreading rumors and lies, of course. Be prepared to laugh as things go from bad to farce.

After two months of rehearsals, the cast and production team are still cracking up laughing at the humour, which is a good sign that audiences can expect a very funny play. Who’s involved? Ted Osborne (Sound of Music, 2008) directs. A very capable newcomer to SOAP is assistant director and stage manager, Christine Rothwell. The ensemble cast includes several actors who’ve joined SOAP within the last two productions, Sand Mountain (2009) or Sound of Music (2008): Aimee Grice, Paul Everest, Patrick Turner, and David Badger.  We welcome back Sera Lean (All in the Timing, 2003) after a too-long hiatus from SOAP. And two newcomers to the stage join the troupe: Garth Robinson and Calgary snowbird Paul Butler. Rounding out the cast are longtime SOAPers Penelope Johnson, Diane Gludovatz, and Jen Jensen.

 

Rumor Has It

Posted on by

Paul Butler, a visiting snowbird from Alberta, is taking the plunge. Not off the diving board or hurtling from a ski jump, but something almost as daring. An early retiree from the forest product industry with no previous acting experience, Butler is taking centre stage in his first theatrical production. He joins the cast of Rumors by Neil Simon, a comic farce presented by the South Okanagan Amateur Players (SOAP). The same playwright also penned the comedy classics California Suite and The Odd Couple.

“My wife and I saw all the posters around town advertising the audition, and I thought, why not?” The production runs Thursday April 8 to Saturday April 10 at the OSS Minitheatre (Osoyoos), and Thursday April 15 to Saturday April 17 at the Venables Auditorium (Oliver). The dates suited the Butlers’ holiday in the Okanagan, and so, much to the surprise and amusement of his wife, Paul auditioned and won a role.

At left: Four desperate dinner guests play “Ones and Twos” to determine who will have to impersonate their unconscious host when the police arrive. The actors (left to right) are Garth Robinson, Paul Butler, Paul Everest, and Patrick Turner. Photo: Penelope Johnson

Butler plays “Ernie”, a psychoanalyst who is one of eight dinner guests invited to the tenth anniversary of the deputy mayor of New York. When the first couple comes on the scene, they discover the hostess is missing, the servants have disappeared, and their host is lying unconscious with a bullet hole through his ear. As guests continue to arrive, the attempted cover-up becomes more complicated and rumors run wild. When the police inevitably turn up, the socialites become desperate to maintain the facade, and the evening dissolves into deception and impersonation with hilarious results.

“It ends up like a case of the patients running the asylum,” chuckles Butler, taking his cue from his role as the shrink. At first, his character keeps a professional calm, but as the tension mounts, Ernie’s composure begins to crack and he joins in the frenzied physical comedy.

Butler admits rehearsals are a “big challenge”: learning stage right from stage left, how to stand and move in such a way as to remain visible to the audience, how to memorize lines, how to listen and react naturally to other characters. It’s a lot for a new actor to absorb. But director Ted Osborne gave him kudos at a recent rehearsal. After Butler delivered a particularly emotional speech, Osborne spontaneously jumped up to applaud: “That was fantastic! You absolutely nailed it! Keep it up!”

Judging by the nods and smiles from the rest of the cast, they agree: Butler’s daring plunge into acting has been worth it.

Tickets for Rumors are $15 adults and $12 seniors, and are on sale now at Your Dollar Store with More (Osoyoos) and Sundance Video (Oliver). The curtain rises at 8:00 p.m., all performances. For more information, contact 250-498-3597 or SOAP@telus.net

Art at the Owl

Posted on by

Members of the OCAC or the Oliver Sagebrushers are invited to enter now for the Spring Art Show and Sale kicking off Arts and Culture Week April 17 – 24. The Oliver Community Arts Council, together with support from the Oliver Sagebrushers, are soliciting local artwork from artists in a variety of media: fine art, photography, and some smaller 3D installations.  The venue, the guest house at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, is a marvelous location for showcasing and selling local art. To receive an entry form, or to find out more information about the show and sale contact olivercac@gmail.com

WOW! Welcome!

Posted on by

The OCAC welcomes a new member group to the arts council: Women of Oliver for Women (WOW). This active group promotes women in business and also support local projects for women in need.

The public is invited to the WOW Trade Show on Saturday, February 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oliver Community Centre. Visit dozens of vendors and information booths offering products and services by women and/or for women: health and home care products, jewelry, pottery, artwork, handicrafts, kitchen aids and foods, and many professional services from financial planning to landscaping. Of course, there’s lots on display to appeal to men as well. Many short presentations and information sessions, and lots of door prizes offered throughout the venue. Great lunches are served!

There are many reasons to drop by the OCAC table at the show:

* purchase your 2010 OCAC membership
* find out about upcoming concerts and performances
* buy tickets to SOAP’s April production, Rumors by Neil Simon
* purchase some small items from member businesses
* pick up information about member groups and businesses
* purchase your very own OCAC quail mug, and…
* enter a contest for door prizes!

Fall Art Show: October 3-4

Posted on by

Get ready for our big fall splash of colour!  Held in conjunction with Oliver BC’s Festival of the Grape (part of the Okanagan Wine Festival), the weekend is a perfect blend of arts and culture.

The Fall Art Show promises to be the biggest and best one we’ve ever had. We are up to 104 entries, well over  our previous record. Sculpture, fabric arts, fine art, photography  —  we celebrate art in all its forms.

Here’s what you can do at the Show:

* Tour the exhibit
* Meet the artists
* Vote for your favourite in each of five categories
* Buy some great artwork (all exhibit pieces for sale)
* Bid at the Silent Auction
* View special exhibits : The RipOff Artists present their multi-media interpretations of “Pink Tulip”
* Learn more about Oliver’s artists and arts council
* Become a 2010 Member of the Oliver Community Arts Council
* Listen to some fine jazz stylings by local performers
* Tempt your tastebuds and wine palate at a reception catered by Crush Pad Bistro (of The Mesa Hotel)
* Schmingle!  (Meet, mingle and schmooze in true Oliver style!)

Fall Art Show
Theme: Autumn
Saturday October 3, 2009
3 – 9 p.m.
Oliver Community Centre
Exhibition: 3 – 9 p.m.
Voting: 3 – 8 p.m.
Reception: 7 – 9 p.m.
Silent Auction: 3 – 9 p.m.
Winners Announced: 8:30 – 9:00 p.m.
AND
in conjunction with the Festival of the Grape….
Sunday October 4, 2009
12 – 6 p.m.
Oliver Community Centre
$22 Festival of the Grape Admission
Exhibition: 12 – 6 p.m.
Silent Auction: 12- 6 p.m.

Poster artwork by Val Friesen

Ready, Set and FAS

Posted on by

autumn-1The 26th Annual Fall Art Show is set to go. It is slated for October 3-4, 2009  held in conjunction with the Festival of the Grape at the  Oliver  Community Centre. The theme for the show this year is “Autumn”.

October 3, 2009
3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. : Public Viewing
3:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Public Voting and Silent Auction
6:00 p.m. :  Opening Reception and Entertainment
9:00 p.m. : Announcement of Category Winners, Best Interpretation of the Theme, People’s Choice, and Artists’ Choice
 
October 4, 2009
12 noon – 6:00 p.m. Viewing and Silent Auction
Admittance with your Festival of the Grape ticket

 

Calling All Artists!

The 2009 Fall Art Show theme is “Autumn” .

Categories: Painting, Fibre Art, 3-D, Photography, New Media, and Emerging Artists (age: under 19). Work must have been produced since January 2008.

Deadline: September 11, 2009

Cost: Entries are $10.00 each, maximum two entries per person.

Entry applications are now available at Handworks Gallery

 

or from Sally Franks (250-498-0104)