Although Powell River has been designated the cultural capital of Canada, I can't believe the lower Sunshine Coast can be far behind. As usual this past weekend, there were events galore to attend. Galleries to see, museums to visit and performing arts to appreciate were just some of the offerings available.
Because I think culture is what defines a community, I try to attend as many functions as possible. This past weekend was a stellar one.
On Friday I had the good fortune to be invited to the latest offering from the Driftwood Players: I'll Be Back Before Midnight. The play is a thriller. And thrill it does. If, after you see it, your heart doesn't beat a little faster, see your doctor - you just might be dead. The set is amazing. Complete with furnishings from the Sally Ann, it looks just like a rundown farmhouse should.And while all four of the actors deserve kudos for their performances, Melina Cassidy, who plays Jan, merits special mention. She manages to make an angst-ridden woman believable. Your heart goes out to her character, unless, of course, you really are dead. There's still an opportunity to see community-staged drama at its finest, and this fine company should be playing to a full house. Go. I guarantee you'll not be disappointed.
On Saturday afternoon, it was Sechelt's turn to shine. The tems swiya Museum played host to a weaving open house. Featuring storyboards outlining the historical significance of the mountain goat to the Sechelt Indian Band as a backdrop, the highlight of the show were colourful examples of contemporary weaving.
Most of the clothing was done in the traditional tunic style. The use of the various patterns and colours brought the elegant garb into the 21st century.
One of the pieces that caught my eye was a bright turquoise tunic crafted by Candace Campo. It's lovely and right in style. Another of my favourite items was a dress-length tunic with a matching shawl created by Fran Nahanee. Although I know we're not supposed to covet, that commandment went out the window when I saw Nahanee's creations. She politely ignored all my no-so-subtle "I want it" hints. Although I think band elder Teresa Jeffries will have better luck with her hints. She loved Nahanee's art too.
And while most of the weavings were wearable, artist Dionne Paul had an unusual take on the medium.
She took strips of canvas, hemmed and dyed them and then interwove the strips into a large hanging. Paul isn't done with the piece yet. Next she's going to use another of her talents and paint a picture on the unique background. Paul's hanging has gone to Granville Island to be part of a show she now has at Emily Carr. She's promised to let us know when the completed picture is back in Sechelt. I can hardly wait to see it. What a talented young woman. Beautiful, bright and gracious, she's a star in the art world.
The only missing piece of the puzzle at both these outstanding events was the lack of young people. While the middle-aged and seniors were well represented at the play, and the same groups plus children patronized the museum, there were no teens or 20-somethings present. Too bad - they would have gained much from seeing their contemporaries in action.
And I still say Powell River should share its title with us.
