The Children’s Chair Auction fundraiser for Sunshine Coast Grandmothers and Grand Others had to be cancelled in March with the onset of the pandemic. But the auction is back, and the wares are on display at Gibsons Public Art Gallery (GPAG), starting Friday, Dec. 4. Sixteen local artists have taken children’s wooden chairs and turned them into works of art (but they still do function as chairs). Bid anytime online until the end of the auction at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13. The local organization is part of the Stephen Lewis Foundation and raises money to help support grandmothers in Africa. Online bidding details are at the gallery.
Present Tense
While at GPAG, take in the annual gallery members’ art show, this year appropriately entitled Present Tense. Because just one work per artist is on display, there are dozens of unique pieces to see. Many gallery members – whether or not they call themselves artists – have a talented touch and the show is always a hit.
Craft fair news
New provincial health restrictions issued last month have prompted the cancellation of the Sunshine Coast Arts Council’s Winter Artisan Showcase at the Arts Centre in Sechelt. There were to be four different artisans at the centre every weekend until Dec. 12. Alas, safety first. However, there are other Christmas craft fairs that can still operate. Among them: the Sechelt Farmers’ & Artisans’ Christmas Market on Cowrie Street by the library, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; FibreWorks Studio & Gallery in Madeira Park on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; at Sunnycrest Mall, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Dec. 20. The annual Serendipity Christmas Craft Fair has gone online this year. Just check in at their Facebook page.
Forst Pottery Gallery at 1040 Chamberlin Rd. in Gibsons is holding its Christmas Open House Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Forst Pottery Club members are joining me this year with an array of wonderful pots,” Pat Forst tells us. Please mask up.
Some Kinda podcast
The podcast Some Kinda Woman, Stories of Us, by Roberts Creek performer and writer Caitlin Hicks, which has had more than 3,400 downloads, is celebrating its one-year anniversary. Hicks has filed 36 stories so far, many inspired by the lives of women on the Sunshine Coast from the 1930s to the 70s. To listen in, just follow the links at caitlinhicks.com
DITTO
The Off the Page play-reading series has stepped back from its in-person performances at the Heritage Playhouse for the time being, but the show will go on, online. At 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, it’s the play DITTO by Vancouver writer Melody Anderson. “Set in the near future, DITTO is a wry exploration of the nature of individuality and the ramifications of unbridled reproductive technology.” Anderson will be on hand for a chat after the reading. Get the Zoom link at the Off the Page Facebook page.
Due to the pandemic, all listed live events are subject to change. Check ahead. Space is limited in Art Beat but please let us know about your events at [email protected]
