Alberni Art Rave and Shaw TV Port Alberni have teamed up to showcase Valley artists with a behind-the-scenes look into their lives.
Rave on the Arts is a semi-new Shaw TV community program that typically runs for 10 minutes, give or take, on Shaw TV channel 4 and is available on Shaw TV Port Alberni’s YouTube channel
“It’s artists talking to artists, so our mandate is to promote the arts in our area,” said Jillian Mayne, chair of Art Rave Society who was approached by Shaw TV to work in cooperation on the project.
“[Shaw Cable] invited us to be a community programmer, which we knew nothing about,” Mayne said. “Basically... special interest groups have an opportunity to produce a cable show that focuses on their area of interest.”
Rave on the Arts takes viewers inside the homes and studios of local artists to showcase their artwork and what a day in their life might look like.
“I don’t think a lot of people know the number of artists and the calibre that we have in the Valley. So that’s what we’re trying to do is demonstrate that,” Mayne said. “I think people might find it interesting, even if you don’t like art. It’s just sort of interesting to see.”
The first artist featured was Gordon Dick, owner of Ahtsik Gallery.
“[Dick] was a wonderful first subject because he has many wonderful stories to tell and a lot of great visuals,” Mayne said. “I got a sense of the importance of his traditions.”
The next showcased artist is Allison Tremain, a printmaker based in Ucluelet, whose feature was aired on Oct. 3.
“We chose her because her work is superb,” Mayne said.
Also in the works is a feature on Port Alberni painter and printmaker, Chris Doman, that will air the first Monday in November.
In addition to revealing the Valley’s art scene, Rave on the Arts aims to include footage of the Valley and surrounding areas to help promote Port Alberni’s natural beauty.
Filming the segments are Nancy Wilmot and Darren Hamelin from Shaw TV while Mayne does most of the interviewing and editing herself.
With only limited editing skills, Mayne gives thanks to Wilmot and Hamelin for their patient instruction and great work.
Mayne said she is currently keeping an eye out for sponsors and that anyone who is interested would get mention and promotion in the Rave on the Arts films.
For those who are not Shaw customers, all Rave on the Arts videos will be available on YouTube.
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