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| Connecting people to the arts and culture of the Cowichan Valley,
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Welcome To The Cowichan Valley Arts Billboard!
The Cowichan Valley Arts Billboard contains Vancouver Island arts information of interest to the general public and artists in particular.
Post your art events information on the Cowichan Valley Arts Billboard now!
If you've got a concert, festival, art show, or outdoorsy engagement happening, now is the time to request a billboard post.

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Scroll down to see Billboard postings of upcoming arts events.
Welcome practitioners of different forms of art, patrons, and supporters! |
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The Digital Arts Expo |
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Kaatza Art Show & Sale |
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St. Michael's Presents |
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"A Wonderful Trip to the New World"
At 2 pm on Sunday, May 27th, in the intimate setting of 1891 heritage St. Michael's Church, The DieMahler String Quartet will take us on a wonderful trip to the New World featuring Dvorak’s "American" String Quartet (Op. 96) as well as works by George Gershwin, Scott Joplin, Samuel Barber and Leonard Bernstein. Come and enjoy the masterful playing of these four very talented musicians! Following the performance, stay for a delicious "Meet the Artists Reception"!
Tickets ($15 in advance or $20 at the door) are available at Valley Vines to Wines (Mill Bay), Ten Old Books (Duncan), Ocean Soul Book Café (Crofton), Salamander Books (Ladysmith), the Chemainus Festival Inn or by calling 250-748-8383. You may also buy tickets at Toad Hall Emporium (Chemainus) at the advance price of $15 until one hour before concert time!
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Sounds of Delight |
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Judi Pedder at Pearl Ellis Gallery |
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Hello Everyone!
I'd be so pleased to invite you and your friends to my show "The Magic of Watercolour" at the Pearl Ellis Gallery, 1729 Comox Avenue, Comox - That's right opposite the Comox Mall, on the main street where the library used to be.
The new gallery is larger, lighter, and a lovely space for showing off paintings! Parking is easy and the gallery is wheel chair accessible, plus seating is provided too.
Dates: Starting Tuesday, May 15, last day: Sunday, May 27
Times: Tuesday-Saturday 11:0 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 - 4:00 pm only
Closed on Mondays.
I plan to be at the gallery every afternoon from 1:30 - 4:00 pm and can be there at other times upon request.
There are plenty of new paintings to see! People often remark "you can't change watercolour" and "I never knew you could do some much with watercolours" so I've arranged a little contest appropriate to the theme of the show.
OPENING RECEPTION: SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Remember, gallery members will have 10% deleted from the cost of their purchases!
Looking forward to seeing you again.....
Judi Pedder
250-339-7081
See my art work here: www.judipedder.com
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Maiwa Foundation |
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The Tzouhalem Spinners and Weavers Guild invite you to join us for Jane Stafford's presentation on her fascinating trip to India with the Maiwa Foundation.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012, from 10 til 2
St. Peter's Anglican Church
5800 Church Road
Duncan, BC V9L 5M3
Suggested Donation: $5
Proceeds to the Maiwa Foundation
Hope to see many of you there!
Contact: Barbara Dowd, 250-743-4116, b-wdowd@telus.net
In January of 2011 Jane Stafford travelled to India for one month with the Maiwa Foundation and had the great privilege of observing some of India's finest Sari weavers and block printers.
During her trip she took over 3000 pictures trying to capture as much information as she could about these wonderful people and their work. On May 22nd she will share a few of those slides
and stories giving us a glimpse at some of the most amazing craftspeople on the planet. Jane is also bringing along a trunk show of pieces from the Maiwa store on Granville Island that will be for
sale after the show. 100% of the proceeds from this event will go to the Maiwa Foundation. The Maiwa Foundation was established in 1997 by Maiwa Handprints Ltd. as a private trust to help fund practicing and re-emerging artisans in the craft sector. The fund is to support work that develops higher level skills or to sustain existing skills and has carried out numerous charitable activities for the benefit of artisans and craftspeople in developing nations.
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Graphic Communication of the Ice Age |
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Bringing Stories To The Street |
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Writer's Retreat with Richard Wagamese |
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Call For Entry |
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Greetings Artists and Art Groups,
Vancouver Island's newest summer event. This event will take place on Friday evenings from June 22 – August 31st in Chemainus. Each night will be full of artists, musicians, dancers, food and shopping.
Please find our Call for Entry submission form and more details on our website at www.cvcas.com
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Outdoor Painting Workshop with Peter Spohn |
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Celebrating Summer Light
An Outdoor Painting Workshop in acrylic and oil with Peter Spohn
Date: June 15th to 17th 2012
Place: Sacred Mountain Studio and the Affinity Guest House
Cost: $150.
Description:
Friday night from 7:00pm to 8:30pm I will give a slide presentation of my work and the landscape artists that have influenced me the most. This will include the contemporary landscape paintings of Richard Diebenkorn and David Alexander whose paintings I have recently studied and visited.
Saturday at 9:00am we will meet at the Affinity Guest House and work on thumbnail sketches until lunch. The emphasis will be on making small drawings with clear shapes and values. After lunch I will give a demonstration of how to do a monochromatic under painting in oil and acrylic. You will have the rest of the afternoon and evening to do your own under painting on a small canvas. I suggest working small.
Sunday at 9:00am we will meet to do a finished painting on top of an under painting.
We will finish the workshop with a celebratory barbecue lunch on the patio of the Affinity Guest House. I will provide an organic soup and salad for everyone and you can bring something to barbecue. Let's make it fun!
*If we have a gray and rainy weekend, the workshop will be postponed to the third weekend in July
How to register:
Send a $50. check before June 8th to 1529 Khenipsen Rd. Duncan, B.C. V9L5L4. Maximum enrollment is twelve and the minimum six so don't wait until the last minute. Your checks will be returned in the event we have rain.
What to bring:
Send me an email at spohn@telus.net for a list of suggested equipment and supplies
To see examples of my work go to: www.peterspohn.com and click on "gallery"
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This month at Imagine That! |
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Featured Artists from April 30 to June 2
Come and see enamelling by John Agg and Margot Page and kimono by Sandra Greenaway.
John Agg was born in Whitby Ontario in 1928. He took his art training at Northern Secondary School and became what was known in the business then as a Commercial Artist. He was the Art Director of Ontario Ladies' College before moving to Toronto where he spent all his time painting.
The first Anniversary of the Japan earthquake and tsunami has come. The stunning devastation is imprinted in our minds...
Margot Page's enamelled artwork is inspired by the tiny Geisha she saw on the streets of Tokyo. Proceeds of her sales from the May window, will be sent to Japan via: Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.
Sandra Greenaway's pieced kimono were made in the spirit of the Japanese quilting method called yosegire, which means "to sew together". Yosegire originated in the 16th century, but sewing together bits of precious fabrics into garments dates back long before that.
Imagine That! is an artisan-run co-operative store in Duncan in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, B.C.
Imagine That! Artisans' Designs, 251 Craig Street, Duncan, BC V9L 1W2, 250-748-6776
For more information visit www.imaginethatartisans.com
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CHEMAINUS MUSIC IN THE PARK 2012
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Thursday Night Jazz at the Bay Pub |
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We are starting our 4th year with the Thursday night jazz gig.
If you're ever down at the bay drop on in. Guinness is on tap!
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Call to Artists |
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We are a consignment gallery in Cowichan Bay, this is our 5th year in operation and we are a part of Ocean EcoVentures Whale Watching.
"The Salish Sea Gallery in Cowichan Bay is looking for new artists to consign with us for the spring, summer and fall months. Please contact us at 250 748 3800 if you are interested or would like more details."
Here is a link to our website - www.salishseaartgallery.com
Thanks for your time!
Warmest Regards, Simon Pidcock
www.OceanEcoVentures.com
Local - 250 748 3800
Toll Free - 1 866 748 5333
1721 Cowichan Bay Road
Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island
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Fingerweaving Untangled |
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Photography Workshop |
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Artist Trading Cards Meet |
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A.T.C. Meet*
*Artist Trading Cards Meet
Open invitation to anyone interested in making and/or trading these mini artworks.

When - the last Sunday of each month.
Time - 1 to 3 pm create, tea and trading afterwards
Where - the Studio "down by the Bay"
2288 Cowichan Bay Road in Duncan BC
More information or directions call 250-748-4492 or email beverlee_mcleod@yahoo.ca
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Crofton Art Group Show and Sale |
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Crofton Art Group Show and Sale of original art work and handcrafted jewellery at Crofton Seniors' Centre, 1507 Joan Ave., Crofton (beside the ferry terminal) from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. on May 11th & 12th. Refreshments served.
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Equis Art Exhibit |
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CURRENT THREADS 111: RE-SURFACING |
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Vancouver Island Surface Design Association Presents:
A major fibre arts exhibit will be opening at the Slide Room Gallery; Vancouver Island School of Art, 2549 Quadra St., Victoria, running from May18 to 28th, 2012. Reception May 18th, 4-7pm. The show is open 9am to 5pm Mon.-Sat.
CURRENT THREADS 111: RE-SURFACING is being presented by twenty-one Vancouver Island Artists who exhibit as members of VISDA (Vancouver Island Surface Design Association).
With artists originating from a variety of backgrounds across North America, this unique Vancouver Island exhibit is highly creative and insightful. It features weaving, embroidery, screen printing on fibre, dyeing, discharging colour, stitching, felting, tapestry, wearable art and embellishing with beads, metal, paper and threads.
Visit: www.surfacedesignvi.org.
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Kaatza Lakeside Players, Mending Fences |
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Kaatza Lakeside Players Present:
Norm Foster's "Mending Fences" directed by Dena McPhee
May 3, 4 and 10, 11 @ 8:00 pm (doors @ 7:00 pm)
May 5th Matinee only @ 2:00 pm (doors @ 1:00 pm)
DINNER THEATRE SAT MAY 12th only @ 6:00 pm (doors @ 5:00 pm; show @ 8:00 pm)
Lake Cowichan Centennial Hall, 309 South Shore Rd
Tickets: Duncan - Portals@Island Savings Centre; Lake Cowichan- Footwear Centre & Curves
Adults: $15 Member / Student / Senior $12.50
Dinner Theatre $30: (Catered by the Cow Café)
Visit: www.kaatzalakesideplayers.ca or email: kaatzalakesideplayers@gmail.com
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Need Art Supplies from Opus?
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The Language of Landscape in Watercolour
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DALE LAITINEN NEW!
5 Day Workshop
May 28 – June 1, 2012
The Language of Landscape in Watercolour

Great design leads to great paintings. Dale will present lectures and demonstrations daily that will start you on the path to finding your own visual language. In this intensive but exciting workshop we will start from the ground up with instruction in drawing for painting, maintaining your own visual inventory through sketching, and working with design principles.
Using the wash on wash technique of transparent watercolour (or acrylic) along with layering and mixing we will find the key to beautiful, luminous paintings. A bonus feature of this class for watercolor painters is the use of opaque watermedia using gesso.
Dale will demonstrate a different design format and subject each day. Paint representationally along with Dale or have him assist you with methods of abstraction on an individual basis. Bring your own reference photos and paint rocky shorelines, waterfalls, mountains, reflections or whatever you prefer. Complete up to 5 paintings during the week!
Our workshops fill quickly …. register now.
Check out Dale's feature in April Artist's Magazine...

Inspired by Line. This article focuses on the use of line with watercolor wash on hot press watercolor paper. Beginning with a graphite construction line drawing, Dale integrates line throughout the painting using ink pens, watercolor line, or scratching techniques.
Dates: Monday, May 28 to Friday, June 1, 2012 ( 5days)
Tuition: $495.00 plus HST
Medium: Watercolour (or Acrylic)
Experience: Some experience with watercolour techniques recommended.
Location: Cedar Hall, Cedar BC (15 min. from downtown Nanaimo).
www.vancouverislandartworkshops.com
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Call for Entry: 30 Murals for 30 Windows |
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30 Murals for 30 Windows
Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 5, 2012
Please read all information below before applying. If you have questions, please contact Suzan Kostiuck at 250-748-3326 or Jill Thompson at 250-748-4713.
About the HUB - important information!
At the heart of a strong community is a hub: a central place for people of all ages to come together for social, economic, health and environmental benefit. For almost a century, the Cowichan Station School played this central role for the community, until its closure in 2007. The Cowichan Station Area Association, in partnership with the CVRD and School District 79, proposes to transform this historic building into "The HUB": a vibrant community centre serving the needs of a vibrant, growing population.
The Cowichan Station Area Association is inviting artists in the Cowichan Valley to participate in an upcoming fundraising event. 30 panesl of wood will be transformed by local artists into creative works of art. Each of these panels will be installed over one of 30 boarded-up windows at the HUB during the month of June, and will then be auctioned off July 7, 2012 during the Cowichan Station Summer Festival.
Requirements and Important Dates:
*All completed works of art must be ready to hang and fully varnished to withstand an outdoor space. Acrylic paint is the suggested medium, although artists are to use their discretion for medium, as long as the completed work can be displayed outdoors.
*All artists must submit a one page artist statement along with a completed application form (below) by Thursday, April 5, 2012 to participate. Applications are to be dropped off in person c/o Suzan Kostiuck at Portals in the Island Savings Centre or emailed to info@cowichanstation.org. Artists will be selected on a first come, first serve basis, and will be notified within two days of their application as to whether they have been selected to participate. Participants will also be notified of the dimensions of their painting surface.
*Wood panels are provided and will be available for pickup on Saturday, April 14th 2012 at the HUB, or by arrangement with CSAA (Jill Thompson) before that date.
*Completed murals must be dropped off on Saturday, May 26th at the HUB, between 10am and 2pm, or before that date by arrangement with CSAA (Jill Thompson).
*All work must be titled, dated and signed by artist on rear of panel.
The HUB at Cowichan Station
c/o Cowichan Station Area Association
2375 Koksilah Road, Cowichan Station, BC
info@cowichanstation.org / www.cowichanstation.org
CSAA Charitable Registration # 80770 6155 RR0001
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Call for Entry: Duncan Centennial Vignette/Plays |
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Duncan Centennial Vignette/Plays for Duncan Days 2012
Attention amateur and professional theatre groups in the Cowichan Valley
As part of the Duncan Centennial celebration, The Duncan Business Improvement Area Society (DBIAS) and the Cowichan Valley Arts Council (CVAC) are seeking indications of interest for the July 2012 production of up to five, short historic plays for the annual Duncan Days celebration. The short plays would be performed on the outdoor, Duncan city-centre stage on Saturday, July 14, 2012. In addition successful applicants will have the rights to produce the play at any time and at any venue of their choice during the period of June 22 - Sept 22, 2012. The production stipend for each of the plays is $500. Groups may apply to produce 1or more of the 5 of the short plays.
Download the vignette/plays at www.scribd.com/downtownduncan
Indicate your interest via email dbia@downtownduncan.ca
or in writing to Duncan Centennial Vignette/Plays for Duncan Days 2012, Suite 203, 111 Station Street, Duncan, V9L EM8.
Include:
- the name and location of your theatre group
- the contact information (including phone number and email) for your spokesperson
- an indication of the vignette/play(s) which you are interested in producing
Deadline for expression of interest: April 6th, 2012
Final production groups will be announced on April 23rd, 2012
For further information contact the DBIAS office at (250) 715-1700 or email us at dbia@downtownduncan.ca
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Empowerment Through Performing Arts |
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EMPOWERMENT THROUGH PERFORMING ARTS
Local performing artist Bianca Sirianni is passionate about making theatre that
empowers and inspires the audience and performers alike.
Born and raised in Melbourne Australia, Bianca was always drawn to the magic
of the stage. The excitement, stories, costumes and songs enchanted Bianca
from a young age. The passion ignited then continues to grow after decades of
work in the performing arts.
Bianca’s studies focus on "community theatre", a practice she describes as
“making theatre with and for a specific community”. Sometimes the work is a
collaboration between professional performing artists and community members
with little or no experience. Other works are devised and performed only by
professionals, but the work always has a purpose, which is often to bring light
and awareness to an issue effecting a particular community or demographic.
Bianca has facilitated numerous community theatre events in the Cowichan
Valley, and is amazed at the transformations that occur through the work. Often
the greatest benefit is for community members who have little experience, and
discover hidden talents, learn new skills, make friends and contribute their ideas
to the greater community.
With these benefits as inspiration, Bianca is now offering drama classes for
children in the Cowichan Valley. She hopes that by offering a safe place for
children to express themselves, explore different ideas, and develop skills in
communication and movement that they can develop confidence and expression
of who they are and thrive in other areas of their lives too.
"I believe there is great power in drama classes, as they teach us crucial life
lessons. In class we are given opportunity to explore different parts of ourselves,
make bold choices, confront our fears and insecurities and develop our
strengths."
Bianca is also planning another community theatre project this summer, so if you
are interested in this, or taking some adult classes please contact her at
westcoasteartharts@gmail.com
If you are interested in enrolling your child
in drama, there are two classes coming up for different age groups and details
are included below.
DRAMA 4 KIDS
Island Savings Community Centre Duncan – Call for bookings 250-748-7529
5 to 8yrs - March 28th to May 2nd, Wednesday 5.30-6.30pm, 6 sessions/$75
9 to 12yrs - May 9 to June 13th, Wednesday 5.30-6.30pm, 6 sessions/$75
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Spring Workshops |
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Art supplies for sale |
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Sooke Fine Arts Show |
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Canadian Pickers |
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For more information or to APPLY to be on the show, please email Alexa D'Argenio, Producer for Cineflix Productions at adargenio@cineflix.com.
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Art & Photography in the Garden 2012
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Art & Photography in the Garden 2012
Interested in being part of one of the most spectacular art shows on the Island?
Milner Gardens & Woodland in Qualicum Beach holds its annual Art & Photography in the Garden on July 21st and 22nd, 2012.
The event is a chance to meet art enthusiasts and show your work while visitors stroll through the magical gardens and scenery. Please click on FAQs for more details on how the event works.
Art & Photography
Milner Gardens & Woodland
2179 W Island Hwy
Qualicum Beach BC
V9K 1G1
www.milnergardens.org
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Book Art Workshops |
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Cowichan Valley Arts Café |
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The Cowichan Valley Arts Café contains creative contributions from many poets, painters, photographers, writers and other artists on Vancouver Island probably living somewhere in or around the Cowichan Valley, British Columbia, Canada, but not exclusively so.
Read poetry, stories and profiles of artists, see artwork and hear related songs and video.
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Cowichan Theatre call to Artisans |
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Vancouver Folk Music Festival |
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Hello potential vendor!
Each year, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival draws more than 36,000 people over 3 days, providing our vendors an excellent opportunity to increase exposure and sell their works. Our Artisan Market, a long standing tradition within the Folk Festival gates, is a prominent and popular fixture among festival goers – thanks to the village of artists that come together to sell their unique wares to our diverse audience. This year we're looking to increase and diversify the number of locally made and handmade items being sold in our Artisan Market; we would like to extend an invitation to you to apply for a position as a vendor for the 35th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival taking place on the shores of Jericho Beach July 13, 14, and 15 of 2012.
Criteria and Selection:
The Artisan Market features artists and artisans who create their own handcrafted items; vendors that do not fill this requirement may be wait-listed, however, we encourage those vendors to apply for space in the Folk Bazaar to better the chance of securing a vending space at the 2012 Festival.
Applications for the 2012 Festival will be accepted and juried by Festival staff in two rounds:
- Early-bird applications must be submitted no later than February 15, 2012.
- Final deadline for application to the 2012 Artisan Market is April 30, 2012.
All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their application following each application round; successful applicants will be charged in full once accepted to the 2012 Artisan Market.
Download the 2012 Artisan Market Application Form HERE!
If you require any additional information or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me (contact information listed below).
We look forward to seeing you at the Festival this year; thanks for your time!
Kristi Tegg | Vendor Services
Vancouver Folk Music Festival - July 13-15, 2012
468-411 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1X4
p: (604) 602-9798 ex. 403 | f: (604) 602-9790
m: (604) 802-0914 | twitter: @VanFolkFest
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2012 Swartz Bay Marketplace |
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BC Ferries is seeking Expressions of Interest from local artists, artisans and vendors for its 2012 Swartz Bay Marketplace. The services required are described in the attached document found here. If possible, it would be appreciated if you could post this information for your members and/or forward it to individuals you feel would be interested.
Any questions can be forwarded to my attention.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Mireille
Mireille Tahiani
Administrative Coordinator, Terminal Operations
Swartz Bay
British Columbia Ferry Services Inc.
T: (250) 655-6101
F: (250) 655-3183
mireille.tahiani@bcferries.com
www.bcferries.com
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Fletcherfoto Gallery Rental
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Fletcherfoto Gallery Rental

Fletcherfoto Gallery in downtown Duncan is the perfect gallery for your next show.
Rates are available for both 2 week or 1 month shows. The gallery is small, the walls are empty and white, the location excellent and the lighting perfect. All forms of art encouraged.
Please call if you are interested in renting the space for a show. 250 732-0462 www.fletcherfoto.ca
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Long Beach Workshop with Paul Fletcher
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Long Beach Workshop
At long last I have finally confirmed the 2011 Long Beach 3 day weekend photography workshop for June 15-17. We will be staying at the Ocean Village Resort. Accommodations are double occupancy, so if you are not traveling with a friend or a partner, then we will double you up with a compatible person. The cabins are right beside the beach and have small kitchens if you want to eat in. Saturday night we will likely eat together at a local restaurant where we can share our days adventures. We will meet at the Ocean Village Resort mid afternoon on the 15th and leave mid afternoon on the Sunday. We will have a meeting room at our accommodation where we will be able to have a nightly review of our days work. We will be visiting beaches, the intertidal zone at low tide, the fishing village of Tofino and some rainforest trails. There will be lots of one-on-one instructional opportunities. Recommended equipment includes a DSLR camera with extra lenses, a sturdy tripod, and a dedicated flash. Cost of the workshop instruction and accommodation is $400.
Please let me (Paul Fletcher) know if you would be interested in attending this workshop at 250 732-0462 www.fletcherfoto.ca.
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Vancouver Island University
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Joy Through Music |
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A Gift of Music |
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Voice Lessons with Annette Lampson |
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VOICE LESSONS WITH ANNETTE LAMPSON
Uncovering the voice naturally while realigning your body-instrument with cosmic, enlivening forces. Classical Art song, world folk song. Therapeutic work also.
For group or individual lessons, and information about classes, contact annette.lampson@gmail.com
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West Coast Sculpture Association |
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The West Coast Sculpture Association is a group of artists dedicated to the development of Sculpture on the west coast of Canada. Their goals are to educate artists and the public about sculpture and sculpture technique, to provide resources, network with arts communities and other artists, and increase public awareness and appreciation for sculpture.
For details please go to their web site at www.westcoastsculpture.org.
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Cedar/Yellow Point Art Club |
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Cedar/Yellow Point Art Club
This art club will offer it’s members:
• monthly sketch group meetings
• presentations, demonstrations & workshops by professional artists
• group art shows and
• a place to meet and socialize with other artists in the community
This new art club will serve the region between Nanaimo and Ladysmith and is open to all artists, beginners, emerging and professional.
To register or add your name to our list serve please contact:
Pauline Hunt
Email: paulih@mac.com Phone: 250 245-2754
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Cowichan Valley Concert Band |
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Cowichan Valley Concert Band
We are in Duncan and need to grow the band. Dust off your instrument in the closet and get back into it or if you already play come on out!
We meet on Thursday evenings at 7:30-9:30.
We particularly need Percussion, Flutes, Saxophones, Bass Clarinet, Bass Guitar, French Horn & Oboe. If you play something else we still need you :)
We accept all levels to give people a chance to grow. Practice makes perfect!
Contact us!
Sabrina Francis 250-715-0689 or robsabcolton@gmail.com
And Tom Rothney: thomas_rothney@telus.net
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