From making monoprints at the Vernon Public Art Gallery to a concert by an Armstrong-raised, and widely-known jazz vocalist, citizens and students across B.C. are getting involved in arts activities that connect them with their local communities.
Now entering its 12th year, Arts and Culture Week in B.C., which starts Sunday and continues all next week, highlights the vital contribution that arts and culture make in learning and in life.
“Arts and cultural activities are at the heart of communities – they make communities more attractive places to live, they help bring a community to life, they define a community’s unique characteristics, they attract tourists and they help communities compete economically around the world,” reads a quote from the Canada Council for the Arts.
Hundreds of arts councils and schools across B.C. will be participating in the week-long celebration of the arts.
Each year, more than 20,000 artists, young people, educators and community members host and participate in performances, art walks, exhibitions, workshops, and public art projects.
Here in the North Okanagan, a number of activities are planned that will highlight the week:
• The Vernon Public Art Gallery will host a hands-on art making session, with a monoprint workshop April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m.
• The Vernon Community Arts Centre (VCAC, located in Polson Park) has a number of events planned including free drop-in art sessions all week long, and all regularly scheduled drop-ins will also be free of charge.
– The Free Bird is the Word exhibition will take place in the VCAC’s Centre Gallery, and artist submissions are still being accepted.
– An open house reception happens at the VCAC Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Meet the VCAC’s artists and instructors; get to know them, see their work and ask questions. Enjoy tea and biscuits and peruse the artwork, make new friends and sign up for classes.
– A free scavenger hunt will also take place at the VCAC from Monday to Thursday, noon to 4 p.m., with the winner announced at the centre’s open house.
– Free Naked Raku demo (which isn’t what it sounds like and is totally family appropriate) happens at the VCAC Tuesday, starting at 11 a.m.
“Hot pots plus smoke plus fire plus horsehair equals dynamic and exciting art,” said the centre’s executive assistant Sylvia Vandekerkhove. “It’s guaranteed to get your heart rate up. Come watch the potters work their magic.”
• Part of the ArtStarts school tours, a performance by The Matinee will take place at Vernon Secondary School.
The roots-rock band will open students’ eyes to the challenges of a life as an independent musician. Between performing their original songs, band members will discuss the steps it takes to make a music career.
• An artist who has succeeded in the music business, Pleasant Valley Secondary School graduate Flora Ware is performing a jazz concert in Enderby presented by the Enderby and District Arts Council.
Nominated for best jazz artist of the year at the B.C. Interior Music Awards in 2008, Ware’s voice has been described as silky, seductive, powerful, yet intimate. She approaches music with a mature and sensuous touch that moves and delights listeners. This breadth of experience is reflected in her live concerts, which have drawn comparisons to Diana Krall, Norah Jones, and Alicia Keys.
In 2009 she was featured on two CBC radio shows: Hot Air with Paul Grant, and North by Northwest with Sheryl McKay.
Highlights from 2010 include her concert at Edmonton’s prestigious Yardbird Suite, with award winning musicians Rich Rabnett, Simon Fisk, and Sandro Dominelli, as well as her showcase performance at the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival.
Accompanied by Loni Moger on guitar, Bernie Addington on bass, and Richard A. Graham on drums, Ware will perform at the Enderby Drill Hall (901 George St.) April 15.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 7:30. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youths. Children 12 and under will be admitted free.
For more information on B.C. Arts and Culture Week, visit www.bcartsweek.org.
