The exhibition Coastal Lives showing work by Sherry Cooper, Sheila Page and Michaela Cochran opens this week with an artists' reception on Saturday, July 24, at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery (GPAG) from 2 to 4 p.m.
Page will show paintings that explore the stories behind her family album, Cooper shows mixed media inspired by research into an immigrant family, and Cochran shows her keepsake boxes for precious items. Watch for forthcoming events such as the Aug. 9 to 13 children's art classes and the second annual Art Stroll in the Landing with an opening reception on Aug. 18.
The gallery is located at 201 - 287 Gower Point Rd. Call 604-886-0531 for hours.
Seaside show
Artist Gigi Hoeller is showing her paintings at the Seaside Centre in Sechelt this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also showing will be the woodturning art of Bob James, better known as Plumb Bob. All are welcome to browse.
This weekend
Sea Cavalcade hits Gibsons this weekend. Check out the street dance on Saturday evening at its traditional location on Gower Point Road. Sophie Heppell, recently returned to the Coast after graduating from music school, performs with Consonance - a funk/soul/fusion combo. Dance Works Academy presents their brand of hip hop and jive. Also don't miss The Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives' presentation of the heritage and hand-crafted wooden boat festival on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Holland Park. It features new and vintage small wooden craft from the Coast.
William Stock
An artist remembered by many on the Coast, William P. Stock, passed away last week. He was a wonderful photographer, said Leighdon Gallery owner Jane Richardson. While he lived on the Coast, he was known as Billy Art, volunteering his services to the Coast Cultural Alliance occasionally. He was also one of the artists listed in the recently released book, Artists of British Columbia: Volume I.
His work is being exhibited now until the end of July at the Leighdon Gallery. To view Stock's photography, visit the gallery at 190 West 3rd Ave., Vancouver, during business hours, Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
New play
Author Robert Mac-Donald, who wrote and produced Home Care: A Love Story in 2009, has written a play entitled The Writer. David Short will be directing this play that calls for three men and one woman in their mid-40s. It will be staged at the Heritage Playhouse Nov. 11 to 13. If you are interested in auditioning, give MacDonald a call at 604-886-3888.
House concert
John Lussier, who has occasionally held house concerts with musical guests, sent in this item. Last week, Gulf Islands recording artist Mae Moore played to a very appreciative and sold-out audience in Halfmoon Bay. Well-known for such hits as Bohemia, Red Clay Hills and Genuine, the performer showcased songs from her upcoming new album Folklore, set for release in early 2011. Her powerful presence and gentleness of spirit, combined with her insightful storytelling and dynamic guitar and dulcimer playing, made it a most memorable evening.
Talking Heads
I hope you managed to see one of three performances of Talking Heads at the Heritage Playhouse last week. The sketches, by playwright Alan Bennett, are tightly scripted monologues with humorous overtones. Nest Lewis played the engaging Rosemary Horrocks in Nights in the Gardens of Spain, who stumbles unwittingly into a neighbourhood crime of passion. During the piece, Lewis was transformed from a detached observer to a caring woman who discovered a big piece of life's puzzle. Colleen Elson kept up the good fight in Soldiering On. As the recently widowed Muriel whose son wants to lay hands on the family money, she gave a powerful and poignant performance in a demanding role.
Balma show
Roberts Creek artist Donna Balma is showing her work in a group show called Ordinary Miracles at Slaughterhouse Space in Healdsburg, Calif. The show takes a wide look at artists who have worked with birth or infants as a subject and Balma is featuring her Conjoined Twins portrait. The exhibition has an impressive list of women artists, including Judy Chicago. This particular gallery will dedicate their next year of programming to a celebration of women. The show is on view until Sept. 5.
For the newspaper of July 30, email editor Ian Jacques at [email protected] with your arts events before 5 p.m. on Tuesday as I will be away on vacation. The column covers events one day to one week ahead only.
