2nd annual Plein Air inspires many creative works of art
Congratulations to the 2nd Annual Ashcroft Plein Air Event award winners; Heidi Roy and Lynne Grillmair who shared in the Artists’ Choice Award and Marie Nagel took the People’s Choice Award.
The Winding Rivers Arts and Performance Society would also like to congratulate local Artist and Event Organizer, Pauline Olgivie and the Ashcroft Art Club. Plus a big thank you to WRAP committee organizer Jo-Anne Portman and her crew for a great effort at this 2nd annual event which helped produce some of the most beautiful and captivating works from the events many talented Artists.
This year there were 42 attendees, plus spouses, 32 out of towners from all over BC began painting around various spots in the Ashcroft area.
On Tuesday there was a very successful Meet and Greet, Wine and Cheese. Registration/Welcome Bags were provided by The Village of Ashcroft with many thanks. Some delicious wines were supplied by our local winery Bonaparte Bend and to top off a great opening evening, some beautiful piano music performed by our own Ken Leinweber.
On Wednesday and Thursday the Artists managed to paint in between the biggest rain storm Ashcroft has seen in awhile – especially in May. The ‘Group Paint’ started off the day at the Willow Inn and various points on the Mesa. Hosted and by Pauline Ogilvie and also included students from Ashcroft Secondary with Art Teacher painting various points on the Mesa.
Plein air translates literally as ‘in full air’. Everyone was undeterred by the rain. With that in mind, some parked themselves and their easels in the far reaches of the Mesa Vista, on highway pullouts overlooking the Ashcroft hills; others on the downtown roadsides and the mighty Thompson’s river edges or below the basin of the burnt out trees near Hwy 97C. They painted a few canvasses each day – some up to four or five. The sun managed to show up – if only for minutes at a time.
The finale Thursday night was a Pot Luck Dinner/BBQ and Show co-hosted by Art Club and WRAPS. It was a lively event, feeding 60 plus artists and event attendees. Many were very impressed by the talent and support in our Community! Very positive feedback from all visiting Artists – enjoyed the experience, could not believe how welcoming and friendly the community was towards them.
Pauline’s main goal has always been to foster the camaraderie between Artists and to share in the mutual love of painting – this was definitely accomplished. A poignant moment was reported to be when Pauline saw silhouettes of so many painters scattered on the Mesa bluff with easels abound – beauty creating beauty. Well done everyone!
Some of the participating Artists works will be available for sale and will hang in the Art Walk Gallery on Railway Ave. All Organizers are looking forward to the 3rd Annual Ashcroft Plein Air Event next year. Thanks to all the volunteers and attendees who created the vision, and trusted the process. Looking forward to more at the 3rd Annual Ashcroft Plein Air – now scheduled for September of 2014.
Music In the Park is back
Winding Rivers Arts & Performance Society presents Music In The Park again. The popular evening concert series at the Gazebo in Heritage Place Park in Ashcroft are held throughout the Summer in June, July and August and are every 2nd and 4th Wednesday night from 6:30-9:30 pm.
Music in the Park is a series of live concerts featuring an eclectic mix of musical genres and styles that appeals to a wide range of audience tastes. Everything from single and duo folk performers, blues and roots artists, soul and even good old rock ‘n’ roll.
This season promises to be extra special. Not only will we be treated to the music some of the greatest artists in Canada – from the youth oriented pop/rock of the Michael Wood Band to the soulful and hip sound of the Jackie Treehorn Band, Clinton’s own Arlen Park with some great original country music, to the jazzy blues of Andrea Smith and much more – but we will also be proudly showcasing our magnificent home-grown talent as well!
Here’s a complete line up of touring artists coming to town;
Don’t miss the Michael Wood Band who plays Youth Orientated Pop/Rock Band on June 12 – joining us as the local opening act will be Subhadra Morris-Nelson.
June 26 will feature Arlen Park with his own soulful styling of original country music songs and some awesome covers. Local songstress and multi instrumentalist (ukulele/fiddle and guitar) Llynn Kellman will open.
On July 10 get your soul boots on for the Jackie Treehorn Band with local opener, Nadine Davenport. Look forward to a high energy mix of folk, funk and soul.
The Mark James Fortin duo plays on July 24. Mark is a Folk Singer Songwriter who plays acoustic guitar with his wife Lorna on cello. Our local opener that night will be the newly formed world/folk fusion band Salmagundi.
On Aug. 14 hear the sweet soul/blues sounds of the Andrea Smith duo. Andrea is a velvet-voiced blues, roots, rock and jazz singer falling somewhere between Bonnie Riatt and Kathleen Edwards with hints of Eva Cassidy. Karla Cummins will be our local opener.
Our last show of the season will feature the Benny Walker Band, on Aug. 28. Benny plays an effortless blend of blues, roots and acoustic folk. His intimate, eloquent song-writing is complemented by a rich, soulful voice. Our local opener will be the lovely Jennifer Ferguson.
Look for posters around town and take home one of the small handouts that will be available at local retailers. Also check out www.windingriversarts.ca for info on all the upcoming artists and their music. So bring a chair, a blanket, a picnic dinner or buy dinner from one of our food vendors. Pass-that-Hat donations encouraged. Come early – the park fills up fast.
Grease is the word this Friday night!
The Village of Cache Creek presents another fun Family Movie Night at the Cache Creek Community Hall. To celebrate Graffiti Days, the feature movie this month is the movie musical Grease starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John.
Bring the whole family to see this wonderful movie on Friday, June 7. Admission at the door. Doors open at 6:30 pm, movie starts at 7 pm. There will also be a kids animated short film to go along with our ‘car’ theme and some awesome door prizes as well.
Grease is a fun, heart-filling movie about two senior high schoolers who run in different circles and meet to form the movie of ALL times! You’ll feel like you’re back in high school in the T-bird gang or in the Pink Ladies. Popcorn and goodies are available for purchase at the concession supporting Cache Creek Elementary School’s Parent Advisory Council. No outside food or drinks, please. Children must be supervised and remain seated and quiet during the movie please.
Adult Sock-Op dance in Cache Creek
Escape back to the 50’s and 60’s as Cache Creek comes alive for the famed Graffiti Days nostalgia weekend. This annual event started in 1987 and attracts competitors and spectators from across the Pacific west coast. The Sock-Op is one of many events taking place June 7-9! See pages 8-9 of The Journal for the complete schedule.
The Adult Sock – Op Dance will be held on Saturday, June 8 at the Cache Creek Community Hall. Doors open at 9:30 pm. 1950’s style dress preferred. No Minors. Tickets in advance ONLY and available at: Cariboo Jade Shop, Cache Creek Husky and at the park during the Show & Shine on Saturday afternoon.
