– by Gillian Crowley –
First Nations, Inuit & Métis Art Show & Sale
This is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the arts and crafts of indigenous peoples from across Canada. Participants include local Coast Salish artists, Northwest Coast artists as well as Métis, Mohawk, Blackfoot, Cree, Ojibwa, Navajo, Inuit and Chickasaw Nations. On display will be carving, weaving, prints, fabric art, drums, rattles, pottery, beading, leather work, painting, jewellery and more. Come and talk to some of the artists about their work.
The show has grown exponentially over the past 4 years and is important to the Town of Sidney in building community relations and understanding the spirit of the First Nations cultures. The purpose of the art show is to provide artists with opportunities to expose local audiences to an exhibition of their work and to nurture within the community an appreciation of the wide spectrum of visual and performing art crafted by our Aboriginal Artists. This function touches the very roots of the community reaching out to bridge gaps and promote understanding within our region.
August 7 – September 3, Mon – Sun, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney.
The Bills at Butchart Gardens
This renownd West Coast quintet will bring their instrumental virtuosity and lush vocal arrangements to the Gardens’ beautiful setting. Individual band members hold world-class credentials in folk/root, jazz, classical and world music and the band was voted Western Canadian Entertainer of the Year in 2006. The Bills are part of the entertainment held each evening during the summer at Butchart Gardens. Concerts on the Lawn are included as part of general admission.
August 12, 7.30 – 9 p.m.
Barry Tate Paint-In
Internationally recognized acrylic and watercolour artist Barry Tate will be painting live at the Village Gallery in Sidney. This is a rare chance to watch Barry’s unique interpretive style and bold use of colour unfold before your eyes. On sale will be originals and giclee reproductions of west coast scenes, island living and koi fish/feng shui art.
Saturday August 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Writing Contest Challenge
If you’ve been writing a lot of postcards this summer, you’ll be ready for this challenge. The Sidney and Peninsula Literary Festival organizers are holding a writing contest for those aged 19 and up. All you need to do is write an original mini-story or poem in 50 words or less. Local judges will select first and second winners to receive cash prizes at the October Literary Festival. Contest runs August 15 to September 15. More at www.sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
A Variety of Artists at Tulista Gallery
Landscape paintings and photography from the 2015 Canada odyssey of Jacqueline Austin and Gabriel Taschereau: August 2 – 8.
Photography by Lisa Scott and concrete garden sculpture by Heather Goulet show and sale: August 9 -16.
Still life, landscapes and portraits by Sam L. Boehner, a Victoria watercolourist and elected member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour and Federation of Canadian Artists: August 17 – 23.
See the Arts Council’s website for more shows: www.cacsp.com/category/events/
Free parking and admission.
