The first-ever Art Throwdown organized by the Coastal Art Gallery at Sunnycrest Mall in Gibsons blossomed on March 18. Nearly a dozen artists dedicated two hours to depict a floral arrangement, which gleamed iridescent under a ceiling skylight.
Each of the resulting works is available to bidders through a silent auction that will conclude on Sunday, March 26 at 4 p.m.
Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army, 30 per cent to contributing artists, and 20 per cent will benefit the Coastal Art Gallery to cover its expenses.
Participating painters are Julia Neale, Lorena Rut, Doris Biddle, Jan Poynter, Kevin Hennessy, Sandra Sharkey, Tina Komandat, Carol Anne Almquist, Bette Chadwick, Roseann Janzen and Jude Pelletier.
Kids’ lit guru shares write stuff
At an upcoming workshop at the Gibsons and District Public Library, author and editor Kallie George will explore the craft of writing a children’s book and getting it published in the world of children’s literature.
The workshop, geared for adults, takes place on Saturday, March 25 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Participants will engage in a writing activity to begin a children’s book or develop one already in progress.
George’s book The Secret Fawn was reviewed by the Coast Reporter upon being shortlisted last year for the Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize. She holds a Master’s Degree in Children’s Literature from the University of British Columbia, and is the editorial director of Greystone Kids Books.
The in-person workshop is free but space is limited. Register via the library’s website at gibsons.bc.libraries.coop or call 604 886-2130.
Sechelt summons all artists
The District of Sechelt has announced two unique opportunities for artists on the Sunshine Coast to share their work.
The 2023 Artist Roster is an opportunity best-suited to illustrators, designers and photographers (but visual artists working in two dimensions can also apply).
Applicants to the roster join a pre-qualified list of artists that are selected for community art projects as they come up throughout the year.
Sample opportunities include designing banners for lamp posts, and creating art wraps for hydro utility boxes. Also, all visual artists can apply to showcase their art at the Rockwood Heritage Lodge during the annual Sunshine Coast Art Crawl. Sechelt offers the main floor and ground floor for artists in need of a display space during the Art Crawl. The facility includes picture rails on the walls and tables for display.
Application instructions are available online at sechelt.ca.
Like film buffs to honey
The 2021 Albanian-language film Hive will be shown at the Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt on Saturday, March 25 by the Sunshine Coast Film Society. The matinee screening starts at 2 p.m.
This 84-minute drama, directed by Bierta Basholli, was Kosovo’s official entry to the 2022 Oscars.
It portrays the true story of Fahrije Hoti (played by Yllka Gashi), whose husband, along with all other military-aged men in her village, has been “disappeared” for seven years.
Tickets are $10. Membership is required and can be arranged online via scfs.ca.
Emily & Elspeth in Davis Bay
Author Catherine McNeil will launch her new book of poetry, Emily & Elspeth, at an event organized by the Sunshine Coast Writers and Editors Society on March 26 at 2 p.m.
The event takes place at Mission Point House in Davis Bay.
Copies of the book will be available for sale (cash only) at the free gathering. All members of the public are invited to meet the poet — and to experience a bracingly intimate chronicle of longing, love, and fulfillment.
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