Shelley Penner’s show is only around for another week. This exhibit features Shelley’s picture perfect paintings of her favorite animals, birds. From hummingbirds to owls, Shelley captures their true expressions. Titled, A Brush with Nature captures Shelley’s love of nature, stating “creativity is her religion”. Shelley’s art exhibit will run until Oct. 11th.
Next art exhibit
Our next art exhibit will be featuring two local artists, Elspeth Watson and Norm Nicholson. This exhibit will showcase the many new and exciting works from potter Elspeth Watson and water colours by Norm Nicholson. Elspeth has put a Japanese spin on this exhibit; pottery is not just utilitarian, but beautiful and graceful. Norm’s watercolours are soothing to the eye, with his beautiful blending of light and colour. This is Elspeth’s first exhibit in more than 30 years, so mark your calendars. This exhibit will start Oct. 16th and run until Nov. 15th.
Adult drawing classes for beginners
You have asked us for an art class and the Rollin Art Centre has listened. Local artist Cynthia Bonesky will be teaching tis class to people who have little or no experience with drawing, but are keen to try but also benefit those with some drawing skills who want to improve. Cynthia will cover the basics of learning to draw using various techniques such as contour drawing, shading, and negative drawing and so on. Classes run every Tues., starting Oct. 14-Dec. 9, 7 – 9 p.m. Cost $140 for 8 classes, supply list available when you sign up. Please register at Echo Centre.
First pumpkin carving contest
It’s time to get all your ideas ready for the Rollin Art Centre’s FIRST annual Pumpkin Carving Contest, October 25th. Carving of the pumpkins will take place, Sat. Oct. 25th from 11-4 p.m. at the Rollin Art Centre outside terrace, and then place your finished Jack-O-Lanterns in the gardens. You must register that day; pumpkins will be supplied, in age appropriate categories. 6 Categories available, for ages: 4-6 yr. olds, 7-10 yr. olds, 11-13 yr. olds, 14-17 yr. olds, 18+ adults and groups. Registration will be $5 with partial proceeds going towards BC Children’s Hospital. Viewing and voting of your favorite lit Jack-O-Lantern will be Fri. Oct. 31 from 4-7 pm. Vote as many times as you like for your favorite pumpkin, $2 each vote. Winners in each group will be announced in the paper, with prizes awarded. Please come in costume and stroll the gardens then carry on with your trick or treating.
Tables still available for McLean’s Mill 2014 Christmas Market
This year’s McLean’s’ Christmas market will be back again with its ever-loved Light up. Yes, this wonderful light-up will take place for two weekends, Dec. 6-7th and Dec. 12-14th. If you are interested in renting a table in the main building or one of the heritage buildings, for one weekend or two, there is still room. Events have been planned along with the train arriving at set times. For more info or to register for this magical event, stop by the Rollin Art Centre for your application, or call 250-724-3412.
Alberni Valley community band seeks members
The Alberni Valley Community Band (a concert band) meets Wednesday nights in the E J Dunn band room from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. We are currently a small group but would like very much to grow in numbers. Our members have diverse backgrounds and range in age from 14 to 76 years. Players of all ages and instruments are welcome. We perform a number of times each year around the community. We give younger players an additional opportunity to practice and perform outside the school environment. For more info please contact Manfred Baron (250) 724-6780 or Cory Miller (250) 723-1285.
Melissa Martin is the Arts Administrator for the Community Arts Council.