A show of work by Charles van Sandwyk titled The Land of Enchantment opens on Nov. 1 at the Landing Gallery with a reception from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14. Although the artist is unable to attend, some signed books will be available. Since 1986 the Vancouver artist has created enchanting illustrated books, every aspect of them meticulously executed, and they have won numerous awards for design and execution. He was commissioned to illustrate classics such as The Blue Fairy Book and The Wind in the Willows for the Folio Society of London. In 2016 a limited edition, 150-year anniversary Alice in Wonderland, will be published by the Folio Society featuring his design, etchings, watercolours and line drawings. The Landing show will feature original hand-pulled etchings and watercolours from his current trade editions and some earlier out-of-print ones. He draws from the Edwardian illustrators such as Arthur Rackham for inspiration and his animal characters remind us silly humans that the world can be gentle and compassionate. The Landing Gallery is at 436 Marine Dr. in Gibsons.
Chili fundraiser
The Arts Building in Gibsons and Huckleberry Coast Childcare Society are partnering to open a licensed part-time daycare at the Arts Building in 2016. The philosophy of care and approach to programming will be performing and fine arts based, so that three to five year olds will have ample time to experience and experiment with creative processes. They are having a family-friendly fundraiser dinner on Sunday, Nov. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Persephone Brewing in Gibsons called Chili for Childcare. It includes chili, live music and a puppet show. Tickets are at Giggle ‘n’ Bloom and the 1902 Tea Company in Gibsons. This event supports creative-minded daycare – arts education for our youngest community members.
Homesteading book
Michelle Catherine Nelson, author of The Urban Homesteading Cookbook, believes that no matter where you live, ethical eating is only a few steps away. She will be in Gibsons giving demonstrations and signing books at the Gibsons Library (470 South Fletcher St.) at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7. Nelson shares the things she has learned about Earth-wise consumption from her family history of backyard food production, her PhD in conservation biology, sustainable agriculture and trial and error. With over 80 recipes and gorgeous photos by Alison Page, this book offers an alternative to industrialized agriculture. For more information, see douglas-mcintyre.com
Baby Harry
Baby Harry Callaway sightings are becoming more frequent on the Sunshine Coast. He’s playing rock, funk and soul with King Nii at the Gibsons Legion on Nov. 7. Admission is $5 members; $10 guests with members. Doors at 7:30 p.m.
Ripple Illusion
Ripple Illusion, a funk rock band from Vancouver, will be playing on Nov. 7 at the Roberts Creek Legion at 9 p.m. It’s $6 for members, $12 for guests of members.
Fundraiser
The creative team of David Roche and Marlena Blavin are working to bring their educational video, Love at Second Sight, into the schools. The video transforms perceptions about appearance and encourages students to accept themselves and others, and it is based on an inspirational talk that Roche and Blavin have given to hundreds of kids. The 25-minute video is almost finished, but they need your help to complete it so they can share it with many more students. See Love at Second Sight on Facebook for more information or watch the trailer on YouTube.
Fractured Land
The Green Film series presents Fractured Land, a Canadian documentary by directors Damien Gillis and Fiona Rayher on Monday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Heritage Playhouse. Admission is by donation (suggested $10). Fractured Land follows Caleb Behn, a young Dene lawyer who may become one of his generation’s great leaders, if he can discover how to reconcile the fractures within himself, his community and the world around him. This film won the Best BC Film award at the 2015 Vancouver International Film Festival. It’s powerful and timely. The filmmakers will attend the Gibsons screening for discussion after the film.
In Gibsons, the film will screen at the Heritage Playhouse, Monday, Nov. 9 and in Sechelt at the Sechelt Indian Band Hall, Wednesday, Nov. 18. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the film at 7:30. Admission is by donation, free for Band members. For more information, see greenfilms.ca
GPAG
It’s the last few days of the current show at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery for artists Colin Righton (Dichotomy) and Ruth Rodgers (Flow). It’s well worth stopping by the gallery this weekend. If you can’t make it in person, then have a look at the video of Righton setting up the show – it’s available on YouTube through the GPAG website www.gpag.ca along with many other interesting videos of past shows.
Bernie and Red
Popular comedy and music entertainers Bernie and Red return to Gibsons on Wednesday, Nov. 11 as part of a special Remembrance Day programme. Not only is this a special Gibsons Legion event, it’s also part of Bernie and Red’s 50th anniversary tour. This Remembrance Day show has lots of music and comedy from the war time years. For more information, call 604-886-2411, or see www.bernieandred.com
Laughing for change
Comedy is coming to the Roberts Creek Legion on Friday, Nov. 13. Local funny girl Jenicahaha will host an evening of laughs with an open mike. You are encouraged to try out your best five minutes in front of a hometown audience in the comfort of the cozy Little Legion. In between acts Jenica will pull out some old material and try out some new gags as she works towards a one-woman show she hopes to launch in the spring. Come down for a great dinner before the 8:30 p.m. show and bring lots of change to throw in for the fundraising efforts. Be prepared to laugh the night away!
Circle Craft
Craft fair season is upon us and many local events are planned for this month. A huge fair, the Circle Craft Christmas Market, opens in Vancouver on Nov. 11 and runs to Nov. 15 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. Among the many exhibitors are four from the Sunshine Coast: Mikel Grant Jewellery, Earthly Creatures cast pewter, Sa Boothroyd whimsical art and home décor, and Suncoast Photography’s landscapes.
