With the number of arts events happening, Sidney is fast becoming known as not only a scenic town to visit but also one which offers a rich assortment of arts events to enjoy.
There is a delightful show on for the month of May at Tulista Arts Centre entitled, Small Expressions. Under the direction of arts council director Dale MacEwan, the call went out to artists to produce pieces in any medium 12 by 12 inches. The resulting show has an interesting variety of work, pottery, fabric, painting and sculpture. Dale was pleased with the artist’s response and hopes to repeat it next year. Visitors to the centre seem equally charmed and have left comments expressing their enjoyment.
The annual Spring Studio Tour is coming up on June 11 and 12. The Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula first organized this tour 17 years ago, and it was one of the first on the Island. Organized by Richard Julien, newly elected president of the arts council, it is now a very popular spring event. The tour allows visitors to see artists working in their studios and to understand more about their processes. It certainly brings a greater understanding to a creation when one can actually see and talk to the artist. Always popular are the Pleasant Street Artists where you can watch Wendy Pierson Diamond using a torch to form the glass beads for her jewelry or see whimsical people and animals emerge from recycled materials at Gord Langston’s studio. The map will be available at the end of May at book stores and at Tulista Arts Centre.
Entry forms for artisans summer gift gallery at Tulista are now available. This is a prime opportunity for weavers, potters, quilters, woodworkers, jewellers and artists to display their work to visitors over the summer. From the knitter who only produces a few lovely scarves to the experienced potter who crafts practical as well as imaginative pieces, the Artisans show displays their work in a gallery setting. It is a cooperative event where artists volunteer time and are able to interact with fellow artists and prospective buyers. Forms are available at the arts centre or call 250-656-7400.
The Sidney Fine Arts Show’s reputation is such that every artist in the area (and further abroad) is eager to be able to say they have participated in the show.
Because the competition is so keen, this year’s deadline, as was the case last year, is July 15 or when the arts council has received 1,250 entries — be sure to get your forms in early. They are available at the arts centre or online at www.sidneyfineartshow.com.
A large number of volunteers are needed for the show, both during the jurying process in September and at the show itself Oct. 14, 15 and 16. Call 250-656-7400 if you would enjoy being involved by volunteering a few hours.
An added feature to Sidney’s art scene is the expanded event taking place this fall. The ArtSea Festival will run from the weekend of the Fine Art Show until the Fall Studio Tour weekend Oct. 22 and 23. A joint effort by the arts council and the Peninsula Celebrations Society, the organizing committee is hard at work arranging venues and the program. We can look forward to a variety of visual, literary and musical events.
Dianne Cross is the past president of The Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula.
