– by Gillian Crowley –
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
~ Anne of Green Gables
Crisp weather, bright pumpkins and tons going on in the arts. Here is just a taste of local events.
Annual Sidney Fine Arts Show
Now in its 11th year, this quality juried art show attracts serious artists and supporters of the arts. Each year a dedicated jury adjudicates approximately 1,250 pieces of art and selects close to 400 of the best to show. See artist demonstrations daily and meet the artists Saturday, October 18th from 7 to 9 p.m. Event presented by the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula.
October 17th and 18th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. October 19th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre, phone 250-656-0275 or visit www.marywinspear.ca. Admission $6 or $10 for a three-day pass. Free parking.
George Canyon
Celebrate an evening of music with award-winning Canadian country music star, George Canyon, and his band. Songs from his latest album Decade of Hits will highlight the show complemented by stories about Canyon’s career so far. In 2004 his wife convinced him to audition for Nashville Star, a TV performance competition, where he succeeded as a popular runner-up and his music career soared. Get out those cowboy boots and enjoy!
Saturday, October 18th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $45. Mary Winspear Centre, phone
250-656-0275 or visit www.marywinspear.ca.
Fall Studio Tour
Take in the fall beauty while visiting some of the Saanich Peninsula’s finest artists during CACSP’s popular Fall Studio Tour around North and Central Saanich and Sidney. See how artists create their works of art in mediums of bronze, paint, pottery, wood and more. The brochure and map for this free self-guided tour can be found at most Sidney coffee shops and businesses. Also available online at www.cacsp.com/events.
October 25th and 26th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ArtSea Gala: Arts in the Schools Fundraiser
At the time of writing, the impasse between public school teachers and the government was still ongoing. Perhaps even more reason to support this fundraiser for “Arts in the Schools.”
Celebrate art and children with locally-crafted wine, chocolate, music and dance. All proceeds go towards arts enrichment in our local school district. Last year, through fundraising efforts such as this, the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula was able to grant $10,000 to hire practicing artists in the community to enhance children’s arts education in School District 63. Over 4,000 children benefited from this program in 2013. Tickets include one glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage and one truffle: $15.
Friday, October 24th at 7 p.m. at the Mary Winspear Centre, phone 250-656-0275 or visit www.marywinspear.ca.
Deep Cove Folk Concert
Gord Carter and Kybor Tyler are back in response to audience demand. Cumberland’s Carter is a gifted songwriter who connects with his Island roots, social justice, everyday working people and Canadian history. Tyler is a multi-instrumentalist (guitar, banjo, dobro) and talented sideman. Doors open at 7:20 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. (first hour open stage followed by one-hour feature set).
Friday, October 10th. St. John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Road (north of Wain Road). Admission at the door: $7.
