MELISSA MARTIN
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS
The people of Port Alberni have spoken, and the winner of the “People’s Choice” award for our Climate Change exhibit goes to artist Judy Schmidt.
Schmidt’s piece “Beach Bum Art Gallery” is an incredible sculpture, created from her many beach walk finds, that demonstrates self-sustainability at its finest.
Thank you to everyone who came to show their support and vote for their favorite piece at the Grove Art Gallery. It was a great success, and we are so happy to be able to support local artists by displaying such amazing works. Another huge thank you to the anonymous donor for the $500 prize.
Please stop by the gallery to take one last peek at all the amazing submissions before the exhibit is over. This exhibit runs until May 26 at the Grove Art Gallery (#7-5440 Argyle Street, Harbour Quay). Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CALL TO ARTISTS
“Back in Time” is the title of our next open art exhibit, showcasing local artists at the Grove Art Gallery. Inspiration was taken from historical photographs, taken at the turn of the century in the Alberni Valley, with special thanks to the Alberni Valley Museum archives for supplying these images. Registered artists will select a “blind” envelope, containing random images.
If you are interested in taking part in this unique art exhibit, please register at the Grove Art Gallery or call 250-724-3412. This exhibit will run in the gallery from Aug. 29 to Oct. 27. Artists can submit up to three pieces, at $10 per submission. Drop off finished artwork on Saturday, Aug 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register today to get started and to give yourself plenty of time to complete your piece.
GRAD @ THE GROVE
Help celebrate budding young artists with our next art exhibit at the Grove Art Gallery, featuring a celebration of Grade 12 visual artists from Alberni District Secondary School. The Community Arts Council will be offering another cash prize for first, second and third place, sponsored by the Port Alberni Toy Run, so please pop by the gallery and choose your favourite!
This exhibit begins June 1 and runs until June 23. Join us in the gallery on Saturday, June 3 from 1-3 p.m. for refreshments and an opportunity to meet these budding young artists.
SOLSTICE ARTS FEST
Join us on Saturday, June 17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Harbour Quay for the seventh annual Solstice Arts Festival.
This is a new location, where we can spread out with better accessibility to all and celebrate art and music. Admission is free. With more than 25 local artists on display outside, and great music, you won’t want to miss this family-friendly event.
There are a few spaces still available for artists to display. The cost is $30. Call 250-724-3412 to register.
SUMMER ART CAMPS
The Community Arts Council is looking for two dynamic individuals between the ages of 15 and 30 years to design, create and implement our summer children’s art programs in July and August. If that sounds like you, please contact the Grove Art Gallery for more information.
WORKSHOPS
Acrylic painting instructor Susan Schaefer will be offering two different workshops in Port Alberni this summer.
June 10 is “West Coast Trees” and July 15 is “Sunflowers.”
Space is limited, so call 250-724-3412 or register online at www.alberniarts.com.
ALBERNI DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Celebrate with the Alberni District Historical Society and the Alberni Valley Museum on our 50th anniversary on Thursday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at the Echo Centre. Displays of reference materials and a live demonstration on the cleaning and preserving of old records will occur, along with guest speakers. This is a free event and everyone is welcome.
Melissa Martin is the Arts Administrator for the Community Arts Council, at the Harbour Quay (#7-5440 Argyle St.) and writes for the Alberni Valley News. Call 250-724-3412.