It’s stirring in the Creek again — the third annual explosion of creativity known as the Roberts Creek Arts Festival (RCAF).
It’s a showcase of art, music and culinary delight from local and international musicians, visual artists, film/videographers and foodies that takes place during the long weekend, May 16 to 18.
“The 2014 festival will give new meaning to RCAF,” said organizer and visual artist Lee Roberts of Goldmoss Gallery, noting that the name has nothing to do with the air force, but more to do with contemporary coastal life in a vibrant arts community. Roberts regards his Creek home as a rare gem in the world. He supports having international artists as well as locals appearing during the festival.
“We are international artists in the Creek,” he said. “It makes it more interesting for the local scene to invite others. I want people from Germany, for example, to visit and tell others ‘I’m going to this crazy little festival in the woods!’”
Eight venues will offer an array of art, music and food at seven local studios featuring more than 100 participants, all situated around Roberts Creek. Dreamberry Studios will present two nights of live music at the Creek Community Hall.
Lynx will be appearing — currently from Portland, Ore., a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist and beat boxer. Local artists include Matt Watson, rock music singer and songwriter who performs with Janet Panic.
Award-winning film-maker Adam Bradley shares screen time with a film made in Roberts Creek, The Clearing, by Mira and Derick Hunter.
A group getting a lot of media attention will launch at the Roberts Creek Hall on May 16. The Sea to Seed tour is a group of musicians, farmers, filmmakers, writers and photographers who will set off on a month-long sailing trip through the islands of B.C. on an experimental mission to collect and share the stories of the farming communities sown along the coast.
There’s art at almost every venue including the work of renowned Canadian Aboriginal artist Shawn Hunt and local artist Marleen Vermeulen, large-scale landscape painter.
The RCAF likes to eat locally and offer food from local farmers. Look for Mediterranean tapas and barbecue skewers with live music and a glass of organic wine from Pyramid Winery, along with local produce, plants, teas and artisan baked goods.
Organizers encourage festival-goers to cycle to venues — a two-wheel prize from Spin Cycles is on offer to prove it. Two buses will shuttle folks around every 20 minutes throughout RCAF’s two main days Saturday and Sunday. Camping is also available (at venue 4, Mise En Place) for a nominal fee.
Apart from ticketed events (Friday and Saturday evening), entry to the festival costs $5. Festival-goers can roam from venue to venue simply by showing their festival wrist band.
Festival highlights, a map and camping and shuttle bus information are at www.robertscreekartsfestival.com.
