Going Coastal, a new exhibition at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre, features the works of photographer Dean van't Schip and painter Andre Serin.
Van't Schip, who has been photographing the natural environment for more than 30 years, presents a selection of colourful images of the Sunshine Coast.
In his series of Coastal paintings, Serin focuses on undersea creatures and casts them as supernatural beings dripping with luxuriant colour. Visit the Doris Crowston Gallery at the Arts Centre Feb. 12 to March 16.The opening reception is next Saturday, Feb. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Felting
Fibre artist Ursula Bentz is offering felting work-shops in her studio in Gibsons on Saturdays, Feb. 8, 15 and22. For more info, please call 604-886-0248.
Theatre school
Actor/director/instructor Sally Williams returns to Driftwood Theatre School with a new six-week course for adults and teens (16-plus) that emphasizes the playful aspect of the expressive arts.
Classes are Fridays at St. Hilda's in Sechelt from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., starting Feb. 7. To register, contact Sandi McGinnis at 604-886-0143 orregistrar.dts@uniserve.com or seewww.driftwoodplayers.ca/dts.htm.
Elemental reading
Is your heart's desire poetry? Or perhaps a moving story about our friends in the natural world? Whatever your interest, you will find pleasure in Elemental, a new anthology of work by the Gibsons Landing Writers, six local authors. Come out to Windows on the Water in Sunnycrest Mall in Gibsons for a book reading and signing this Saturday, Feb. 8 from noon to 2 p.m.
Valentine event
This Saturday, Feb. 8 the Gibsons Public Library offers a Be My Valentine workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. All ages are welcome. Make your own card plus write your own poem with special guest Deborah from Family Matters.
Also at the library next Wednesday, Feb. 12, attend a local author's book reading and signing from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Lucky by Kathryn Para is a novel that goes behind the lines of war.
Moving documentary
The Sunshine Coast Film Society presents a documentary When I Walk. Jason DaSilva's world changed in December of 2006. While vacationing with his family, he fell on the beach and couldn't get up. In a matter of months, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. He turned his camera on himself, filming the slow, difficult decline of his body and the miracles along the way.
The film also screens on Sunday, Feb. 9 at the Sechelt Seniors Centre at 2 p.m. Members $5, single event $9. It screens again on Monday, Feb. 10 in Gibsons at the Heritage Playhouse at 7:30 p.m. Members $8, single event $12. For more information see www.scfs.ca.
Valentine-O-Gram
Once again, Arbutus Sounds Chorus is offering Singing Valentine-O-Grams on Friday, Feb. 14. For $30, members of the chorus will sing two love songs to your loved one, at home, work or leisure.Book now through Carol at 604-886-8573.
Banner auction
The remaining hand-painted banners that adorned Gibsons last season are up for silent auction at the Town of Gibsons office.
Starting bids are $40, with funds going back into the purchase of banner supplies for the next season. Bidding ends on Feb. 14. They will look great in your garden. View the banners and place a bid during regular office hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ACE Award
For the second year in row, Sunshine Coast resident Bobby Bruce (Nearly Neil) has been nominated for an ACE (Australian Club Entertainment) Award in the International Touring Artist category. He is being recognized alongside U.K. groups Hot Chocolate, The Searchers, as well as the U.S.A.'s Taylor Dane.
Currently halfway through his two-month tour of Australia, Bruce starts his second decade touring the Nearly Neil show. The 16th annual awards will be held at The Juniors, Sydney, Australia on Wednesday, March 19.
Love songs
Red Crab is proud to present anevening of (un)forgettable love songs with local band Manni Barrilow, featuring Barry Taylor on drums and percussion, Rodin on guitars and electronics, Liam Bryant on bass guitar and electronics, plus special guestGiorgio Magnanensi on gizmos. The evening's selections will feature improvisational performances, soundscapes and all-out weirdness. The show is next Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Gumboot Café at 8 p.m., with a $10 donation at the door.
Tuesday deadline
Send me notice of your arts events, one week ahead, for this column by Tuesday at 5 p.m. for Friday's paper to jandegrass@dccnet.com or phone 604-886-4692. Keep it brief, please.
