Time really does flyIt's been two and a half years since I first put pen to paper for this column. With this, my last contribution to Art Beat, I realize so many topics remain.
I wanted to let people know about Learning Through the Arts (www.ltta.ca) - one of the largest public education initiatives in the world, currently in operation in 170 schools in Canada, the United States and Europe. LTTA is a dynamic arts-based educational program that provides teachers with creative tools to engage all students in math, science, language, history and geography.
I wanted to write about an Alzheimer's patient who, though barely able to communicate, found a voice through familiar songs.
I wanted to mention the Ukelin I've inherited - an instrument from the 1900s that's a combination of a bowed psaltery and zither. Does anyone else own one?
Or, how when I was a teenager, my mother cat used to jump up on the old upright piano while I practised and walk across the keys. Nose to nose we communicated. No words were necessary. Now, I'm not a musical therapist, but if cats can respond to music, how much more so children, and people of all ages?
I think I'll stop there, while the going is goodThanks, Tim, for the opportunity.
Al Simmons, the flipper-footed, rubber-faced, quick-witted vaudevillian, just got more affordable. Howe Sound Arts Association (www.hsaa.org) will offer a price break at $15 and $10 to see one of Canada's most beloved and zany performers.
Show time is Friday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Eagle Eye Theatre. Tickets are available from Mostly Books, Billie's Bouquet and Highland Video.
Wild at Art is heating up. Saturday, Feb. 28 is the day to invite all your friends to the day-long, multicultural arts festival in downtown Squamish. Activities - indoors and out - feature artists, musicians, ethnic food and much more.
Presented by the Select Committee on the Arts, the festival aims to highlight the unique cultural flavour that Squamish has to offer. To cap off this fantastic February festival, the public is invited in the evening to Totem Hall, where Art & Soul 2 - the second fundraiser for the Squamish Skateboard Park - takes place at 8 p.m.. Dancers, artists, and the Rhythm Method band perform throughout. If you have any items for the auction, contact Richard Trann at 604-892-6355 or Kathy Daniels at 604-892-5796.
During the month of February, the Foyer Gallery at the Squamish Municipal Library showcases Alice Phillips' Fabric Art in Felt and Jane McDougalls' pottery.
Brackendale Art Gallery is the place to dine and later kick up your feet. It's a Blue Grass, wing ding dinner dance featuring favourite local entertainers. The date is Saturday (Feb. 7) at 7 p.m. Phone 604-898-3333.
The SMART Exchange (Squamish Music and Art Exchange Society) presents photographer Blair M. Polischuk during the month of February at the Newport Gallery.
The show is called, "Archetypes - Impression of an Island" and features Blair's finely crafted silver photography prints. Hornby Island is the inspiration for much of his work.
Squamish Municipal Library is looking for poetry (from adults and children) to fill the poetry board. Speak to anyone at the front desk if you are interested.
It is not to early to start thinking about Hot Jazz and Tapas 3 on Mar. 5 at the Eagle Eye Theatre. The theme this year is Jazz for Lovers and features Kate Hammett-Vaughan, Steve Maddock and NiteCap (Capilano College's jazz group). The Capilano College Cooks Training Program will again provide the tapas.
Tickets are available at the College for $25. All proceeds go the Linda Carney Bursary Fund.
Under the direction of Adriane Polo, Squamish Youth Theatre - whose mandate is to foster and support local youth involvement in the performing arts - presents its inaugural performances Mar. 24 to 27 at the Eagle Eye Theatre. There will also be a Saturday matinée.
The Chief thanks Joanna for her excellent work in covering the arts for the past two years and welcomes Tamsin Miller, who will take over the column starting next month. Watch for Tamsin's first Art Beat column and a new format in The Chief on Friday, Mar. 5.
