– by Gillian Crowley –
It couldn’t be easier to select artistic and handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list and support Island artists at the same time.
ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOWS GALORE
A Touch of Saltspring Christmas Show continues a tradition started on Salt Spring Island in 1991. See what over 230 B.C. and Alberta crafters and artisans are offering at this popular event. Check out the website for parking and shuttle bus information. http://www.atouchofsaltspring.com or call 250-655-0967. Dec. 4th (10-8), 5th and 6th (10-5); $5 for a three-day pass. Panorama Recreation Centre, 1885 Forest Park Drive, North Saanich.
Last Chance Christmas Craft Show gives procrastinators a chance to find unique gifts by Island artists and artisans. Here’s a chance to connect with the person who lovingly created your gift item. $4 for weekend entry. Free parking. www.firstandlastchance.ca. Dec. 12th (10-5) and Dec. 13th (10-4) Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney.
Artisans Gift Gallery at Tulista Park will charm with its eclectic display of locally created jewelry, glass, pottery, turned wood, children’s clothing and toys, fibre art, wearables, photography and holiday décor. The show ends December 23rd. Presented by the Community Arts Council – Saanich Peninsula. Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays), 10-4. Free parking and admission. Tulista Gallery,
9565 Fifth St., Sidney.
KEN LAVIGNE & GUESTS
The Island’s internationally-renowned tenor, Ken Lavigne, will present a Christmas Old Time Radio Roadshow that takes the audience back to a 1940s Christmas. He’ll be joined by a talented group of performers, including the Company “B” Vocal Trio, whose tight harmonies echo the sounds of the Andrews Sisters. Just like the radio shows from that era, the show will delight with Christmas songs, stories and drama. Tickets: $38. Dec. 7th at 7:30 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney.
RIG-A-JIG FUN
Known for playing upbeat Celtic music, Rig-a-Jig is a fixture of Victoria’s contra (folk) dance scene. Their vocals are backed up by fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass and washboard rhythms, making it a fun evening for everyone. Presented by the Deep Cove Folk Music Society. Tickets at the door. Dec. 11th at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30) St. John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Rd, North Saanich.
PENINSULA PLAYERS’ FAMILY FUN
Allan Haynes and John Watts have extended the traditional Jack and the Beanstalk story into an entertaining musical play for all ages. Jack loses the money from the sale of Buttercup the cow to the local giant’s enforcers, Woolly and Bully. How will his family pay the rent? Will Jack rescue Buttercup? Come to cheer on the hero and find out what happens next. Dec. 18th, 19th and 28th at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 20th, 26th and 27th at 2 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre – advance tickets at box office or at the door.
ARTISTS & ART
Len Collins – encaustic artist and graphic designer – will demonstrate the tremendous versatility of the encaustic medium, and share the tools and basic techniques on a few prepared boards. Encaustic is one of the oldest art forms, painting with molten beeswax mixed with pigments and resin. Presented by the Saanich Peninsula Arts and Crafts Society. Dec. 7th at 7 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre,
Activity Room 2.
Village Gallery is offering its first feature of original small works through December. See over 100 new pieces of original art. Perhaps choose a gift for yourself? 2459 Beacon Avenue, open weekdays 9:30 – 5:30.
