As we come to the end of another year, we all naturally seem to reflect on the past 12 months, and our thoughts turn to the possibilities for the upcoming year.
What did we accomplish in the past year? What resolutions did we keep from this time last year? And, which resolutions did we break?
Probably the most common resolution we all make and break is in regards to personal fitness and weight loss. But, this column is about the arts — not health and fitness, so there’s no judgment from me if you didn’t keep your exercise resolutions. Neither did I!
Personally, I’m making a resolution for 2017 to support and attend more live arts events and activities in our community.
In these long, cold winter months we may think that there’s nothing interesting happening in our local arts scene, so we tend to stay at home, warm and cozy on our couches, waiting for spring to arrive.
However, the arts scene is just as vibrant in the winter as in the summer. Proof of this took place recently at the Cleland Theatre, with two moving tribute shows to the life and songs of the late Leonard Cohen.
Read more: Photos and review: A world-class, homegrown tribute to Cohen
Here are just a few upcoming arts events in and around Penticton that I encourage you to take in:
• The Penticton Art Gallery (199 Marina Way) — The Art Gallery rings in 2017 with “A New StART,” a swingin’ 1960’s themed New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 31. (Tickets available at The Book Shop — 242 Main St. and at Eventbrite.ca). The Tony Onley exhibit continues until Jan. 15, followed by the Kitchen Stove film, Marguerite, on Jan. 19.
• Tumbleweed Gallery (452 Main St.) — Crossing Lines is an exhibit of new works by the collective of artists at this fantastic little gallery. Although the show officially opened in late November, it’s worth a second look, or a first look if you haven’t already seen it.
• The Dream Café (67 Front St.) — A great line-up of entertainers is planned for the café’s grand re-opening in February, including Ben Waters, Kobo Town, Eric Bibb, Dave Sinclair & Keith Bennett and local band The Screen Doors.
• The Shatford Centre (760 Main St.) — Jan. 25 screening of Alive Inside, a documentary about the power of music to awaken the consciousness of people trapped in the terminal stages of Alzheimer’s.
• Saint Germain Café & Gallery (449 Main St.) — Short Stops is a collection of portraits of local Pentictonites by photographer Christopher Millin. The exhibit continues through to Feb. 9.
• The Penticton Arts Council presents comedienne Cathy Jones’ one-woman show, Stranger To Hard Work, at the Cleland Theatre on Feb. 1. Tickets available at Leir House Cultural Centre (220 Manor Park Ave.) and online at Eventbrite.ca.
In addition to these upcoming events, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention The Penticton Arts Council’s State of the Arts Penticton Music and Arts Festival, happening in late September 2017. We’ll be bringing you updates on that festival in future Arts Matter columns found only in the Penticton Western News and www.pentictonwesternnews.com.
Timothy Tweed is the President of the Penticton and District Community Arts Council’s Board of Directors. If you would like to get in touch, please email president@pentictonartscouncil.com.
