Arts
Cowichan Artisans is hosting an open studio tour weekend, June 5, 6, 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For locations go to www.cowichanartisans.com and download a brochure.
See the two-artists show, with works by Maple Bay Painters’ Bonnie Schmaus and Catherine Taron, Valley Medical Centre, 335 Jubilee St., from April to June.
Warmland Calligraphers meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m.-noon, Mellor Hall, Cowichan Exhibition grounds. Info: warmlandcalligraphers@shaw.ca or http://members.shaw. ca/warmlandcalligraphers.
Cherry Point artists weekly painting sessions (September to June), Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Cowichan Exhibition fairgrounds. Experienced and beginners welcome. Info: Jack 250-746-4795 or Olive 250-746-8020.
Cowichan Valley Artisans year round studio tour: 14 professional studios to explore. From Mill Bay to Ladysmith. www.cowichanvalleyartisans.com for details of each studio’s hours. Admission free.
Tzouhalem Spinners and Weavers Guild meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 5800 Church Rd., Duncan. Everyone welcome. Info: www.tswguild.wordpress. com or Alison 250-746-6330.
Basics of Soapstone Carving. The one-day course includes the soapstone, use of tools, approximately eight hours of learning, and you will take home your carved soapstone work. Shorter and advanced courses available. Courses usually run on one of the weekdays and Sundays. Call Brian or Linda 250-743-4155. brian clark@shaw.ca
Music
Cowichan Valley Youth Choirs auditions and registration for 2015-16 Thursday, May 28, 3:30-5 p.m., Providence Farm. Info: 250-597-0114.
Cowichan Consort Orchestra rehearsal Mondays, 7:30 p.m. Sylvan United Church. Come play with us. All strings welcome. Info: 748-8982.
Cowichan Consort Choir Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., Sylvan United Church. Come sing with us. Info: 743-7445. Chant Circle at the Art House (1756 Wilmot Ave., Shawnigan Lake) first Thursday of the month 7:30-8:30 p.m. By donation. Vocal experiments, techniques and world chants in a safe, sacred and playful environment to explore the power of the voice. Info: www.MoonDanceArts.ca Enjoy a jam of old time music every second Thursday at Twisted Sisters Tearoom, 9885 Maple Street, Chemainus. Info: Steve Heizer at 250-722-3115 or Peter Sussman 250-929-8226.
Chemainus Seniors Centre choirs: Men’s Choir, Mondays, 9-10:30 a.m., Ladies Choir, Mondays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., mixed choir, Fridays, 10-11:45 a.m. Jubilate Choir rehearses Monday nights 7:30 -9 p.m., St. John’s Anglican Church Hall, Duncan. Early and contemporary sacred songs, Eastern European, African songs and more. New members welcome. Info: 250-701-0687.
Dancing
Traditional Square Dances: come and dance with us to live music by Shady Grove Dance Band first Friday of every month. No experience or partner needed. Ages 12 and up, $5, at The Hub, Cowichan Station. Info: Peter 250-929-8226.
Learn to square dance. Lessons at Girl Guide Hall, 321 Cairnsmore St., Duncan. Info: 250-748-6056 or 250-748-9140.
Cowichan Valley International Folkdancers meet Mondays, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Mill Bay Community Hall, beside Kerry Park Arena. $5 drop-in fee, $80 yearly membership. First night free. Call Kate 250-743-5068 or Lyn 250-743-2686.
Cowichan Ballroom Dance Club welcomes all fellow dancers to regular 6:30 p.m. Wednesday night practices at Valley Seniors Centre. Info: 250-597-1132.
Cowichan Valley Scottish Country Dancers, 6:30 p.m. every Thursday at Chemainus Seniors Centre. Singles and couples welcome.
Cobble Hill Dancers 2011: Classes in country, latin and swing and social ballroom. Held in Cobble Hill or Mill Bay Masonic Hall. Info: Barry or Diana at 250-743-7915 or visit www.cobblehilldancers@shaw.ca
