Did you know that every year in Canada, books are banned or censored? Complaints range from objections to the homosexual content of a children’s book about two male penguins who raise a baby penguin (And Tango Makes Three), to adaptations of Antigone, to the works of W.P. Kinsella. In fact, much censorship revolves around questions of age-appropriateness.
The library hosts two events in February in conjunction with Freedom to Read. The first one is on Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. when the library hosts an open mic and readers are invited to share a five-minute excerpt from a banned or censored book. (There are many to choose from through FreedomtoRead.ca.) Check out the event on the Gibsons Public Library Facebook page. It will be hosted by Janice Williams. Register by calling the library at 604-886-2130. (Sign-up to read at the time of event only.)
Watch for more details later about a second event that will focus on children’s books on Feb. 27.
Joe in Mad Park
Joe Stanton is back at the Mad Park Bistro (12808 Madeira Park Road). Hear his smooth, laid back tunes and guitar picking from 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17.
GPAG
A new show opens at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery and runs from Friday, Feb. 16 to Sunday, March 11. Figures, Freaks and Spirited Beaks is an exhibition by Jane Hennessy and Shelley Rothenburger. Drift is an exhibition by Sheila Page with an opening reception for both on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. In Figures, Freaks and Spirited Beaks the artists have worked together for years in many ways. Their aesthetic is similar and their love of the human form and the human face drives much of their work.
Page writes about her show, Drift: “To drift, to float, with a gentle current can be delightful. I explore that seductive feeling in this series of works but add a sharp reminder of what we are doing to our oceans and the marine life … letting ourselves drift in the face of environmental destruction.” Viewing times are Thursday to Monday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except Feb. 15). For further information, call Michael Aze at 604-886-0531.
Nutcracker Casino Night
Casino Night is a Vegas style fundraiser for The Nutcracker, the lavish production of the popular ballet. You are invited to play on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Seaside Centre, Sechelt. Admission fee of $35 includes $50 casino bucks, drink ticket, appetizers and live entertainment. Call 604-989-6050 or find tickets at Pretty Natty Duds, Lucky’s, Strait Coffee, Giggle n’ Bloom and Peggy Sue’s.
Year of the Dog
Try Chinese calligraphy, write spring couplets and meet others in your community to celebrate the Year of the Dog at the Gibsons Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Crafts, tea and snacks are provided, including red envelopes with chocolate money for the kids. This event is open to all ages, families and singles. Children under six must be accompanied by an adult. Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 16, and the Spring Festival lasts until March 2. This event is free.
Sunday Films
The Salt of the Earth, the award-winning documentary on the photographer Sebastiao Salgado and his work, is the first in the Sunshine Coast Arts Council’s Sunday Film Series that will take place Sunday mornings at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre. Once a month from February through to May, they will be screening a documentary film focusing on a different aspect of the arts. The Salt of the Earth (2014), directed by Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, was nominated for best documentary feature at the 2015 Academy Awards. After the film guest speaker, anthropologist Pat Feindel will be on hand to discuss the film. The film screens on Sunday, Feb. 18 at the Arts Centre, corner of Trail and Medusa, Sechelt. Showtime is 10:30 a.m. with doors opening at 10 a.m. Coffee and muffins are available for free, courtesy of The Bakery, sponsor for the film. Admission is by suggested donation of $10.
Rumble Film
Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World is the title of a film that shows a missing chapter in the history of American music: the Indigenous influence. Featuring music icons Link Wray, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Jimi Hendrix, Robbie Robertson, Redbone, Randy Castillo and Taboo, to name a few, this film shows how these talented musicians helped shape the soundtracks of our lives. Join the Sunshine Coast Film Society on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. at Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt or Monday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons for this outstanding documentary. More info at scfs.ca
Milne Fund
Friends and vocalists remembered the late Sue Milne at a joyful and lengthy concert at the Chatelech Theatre on Feb. 10. Milne had been a leading light of many Coast choirs as well as the Sunshine Coast Music Society. The Sue Milne Memorial Fund has been set up to promote vocal and choral excellence on the Sunshine Coast. Monies collected could go toward purchase of music, support for workshops, competitions and concerts. Those wishing to donate in Milne’s name may do so by sending cheques to Sunshine Coast Music Society, c/o 1610 Sunshine Coast Highway, Gibsons, BC, V0N 1V2.
Boudoir Rouge
The women from Boudoir Rouge Burlesque bring you the first Sunshine Coast Burlesque Festival, with over 30 performers. This classy event will include a red carpet reception with Boudoir Rouge dancers complete with photo ops, a complimentary beverage, and exclusive deals on merchandise on Friday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. with show at 8 p.m. at the Raven’s Cry Theatre, Sechelt. Tickets are $45. Bring out your ball gown, and leave your jeans at home. Burlesque continues on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. at the Roberts Creek Hall ($30) with women from the Boudoir Rouge show and dance.
Build a Set
Do you have a passion for art and/or theatre? Driftwood Theatre School is looking for creative and enthusiastic teens and adults who are interested in learning how to design and paint sets, props and backdrops for local theatrical productions. DTS is offering a free series of three weekend workshops with Bodhi and Mudito Drope on transforming bare stage and flats into breathtaking background and set pieces. Workshops run Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 24 and 25, March 3 and 4, and March 10 and 11. To register, contact Sandi McGinnis at registrar.dts@uniserve.com or see driftwoodplayers.ca.
Acrylic Painting
Tools and Techniques of Acrylic Painting is offered on Feb. 24 and 25 at the Arts Building, Gibsons (464 S. Fletcher). This course is for those who wish to develop or improve their understanding of acrylic techniques. This is a hands-on, technique-driven exploration of the painting process by teacher Rick Cepella. Sign up at arts
building.org.
Business of Art
How to Frame Your Work for Exhibition is the second in the Sunshine Coast Arts Council’s workshop series, The Business of Art. The workshop will be held Sunday, Feb. 25 from noon to 2 p.m. in the art studio at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre. Cindy Buis from Sechelt’s Artworks Gallery and Framing will lead workshop participants through the process, including what constitutes a great frame and how to enhance your work with the proper frame. Bring a piece of work for matting and Cindy will custom matt it for you during the second half of the workshop for an additional fee of $15. Pre-register on line at share-there.com or www.sunshine
coastartscouncil.com or drop by the Art Centre. Space is limited, but drop-ins will be welcome if there is space to accommodate.
Message Me
Send notice of your arts and entertainment events to jandegrass@dccnet.com or phone 604-886-4692. Items go into the Art Beat column one day to one week ahead only, depending on space.
