– by Gillian Crowley –
From “smelly goats” to fibre interpretations of Canada, we’ve got it covered in May’s arts column.
Jubilee Storytelling Celebration
As part of North Saanich’s year-long Jubilee celebration, the community is invited to enjoy storytelling by long-time residents of the District. The inimitable Anny Scoones, former owner of Glamorgan Farm, will tell about “Old Smelly Goats and Pig Cookies.” She’ll be joined by Wally du Temple, Bernard Horth, Terry Melville and Colleen Jewel who will relate some of their memories. Meet Mayor Alice Finall, see a video on the community’s history and enjoy dessert too. RSVP dgould@northsaanich.ca or 250.655.5459. Free. May 5, 5.30 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney.
Canadiana Fibre Exhibit
Canadiana is a travelling exhibition of 30 works exploring a sense of place in Canada by members of the Fibre Art Network, a co-operative of Fibre Artists in Western Canada. Participants were asked to explore, in fibre, their sense of place in Canada, considering its history, environment, the people, culture and its uniqueness. The exhibit made its debut in Palmerston North, New Zealand in January 2015. It will travel for two years in Canada with the first showing at Tulista Gallery in Sidney. May 1- 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. Free Admission and Free Parking. Other art shows coming to Tulista Gallery during May: Rodger Garbutt’s Retrospective May 11 – 17 (watercolours), Donna Jean and Friends Show May 18 – 29 (acrylics).
Last of the Red Hot Lovers
Neil Simon’s play, first presented in 1969, still elicits uproarious laughs today. Middle-aged and married, overworked and overweight, Barney Cashman wants to join the sexual revolution before it’s too late. Somehow, his three choices for seduction don’t turn out quite the way he envisions. The Peninsula Players is presenting the play at two locations over six days. Tickets through Mary Winspear Centre. Berwick Royal Oak: May 8 & 9 at 7.30 p.m. and May 10 at 2.00 p.m. Charlie White Theatre: May 15 & 16 at 7.30 p.m. and May 17 at 2.00 p.m.
Village Gallery
This month the Gallery features award winning floral artist Sandy Terry, and Canadian West Coast painter Keith Levang. Terry is well known for her large, bold florals and simple elegance in the curve of a leaf. Levang captures specific moments on the West Coast in his representational style of painting. New to the Gallery is Simeng Wang’s Cloisonné porcelain vases and celadon ceramic designs. Open Mon – Sat 9.30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. 2459 Beacon Ave., Sidney.
Swing into Spring
The 35-member Sidney Concert Band will have you tapping your toes with their lively tribute to the season. This community band attracts musicians of all ages. Sunday May 24, 2 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre. Tickets: 250.656.0275.
Next Red Brick Readings
Hear award-winning local authors read from their works in a fundraiser to support the Sidney and Peninsula Literary Festival to be held Oct. 2 – 4. Pamela Porter is well known for her four collections of poetry, two verse novels, and a novel and picture book for children. Her verse novel, The Crazy Man, won the 2005 Canadian Governor General’s Award. Monique Gray Smith’s first published novel, Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience, won the 2014 Burt Award for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Literature. This reading series has proved to be well supported by the community. Get your tickets early! Friday June 5, 7 p.m. (doors open 6.30) at the Red Brick Café, 2423 Beacon Ave., Sidney. Tickets available May 10, Tanner’s Books, Sidney and Munro’s Books, Victoria. www.sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.
