By MELISSA MARTIN
Special to the AV News
Beginning Nov. 14, the Grove Art Gallery will be all decked out for the holidays with our annual Mistletoe Market.
Artists and artisans will feature one-of-a-kind gifts on the walls and shelves at the Grove, 7-5440 Harbour Quay. This is a holiday favourite, and one you won’t want to miss. Mistletoe Market runs from Nov.14 to Dec. 23.
LEARN TO DYE WITH JANET FINCH
The community arts council along with the Alberni Valley Fibre Guild, are hosting an afternoon of creativity at Harbour Quay on Saturday, Nov. 25. Join instructor Janet Finch for a three-hour scarf-dyeing workshop, 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the Grove Art Gallery.
Come and learn how to dye silk and rayon Devore scarves using two dyes together, one for each type of fibre. Participants will have an enjoyable time getting to meet others interested in dyes and fibres and join in starting up the new fibre group in town.
Supplies are included in the fee, which is $50 per person. Please bring your own rubber gloves and an apron. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT-UP RETURNS
Celebrate the official start of the holiday season at the Harbour Quay on Friday, Dec. 1, with the annual lighting of the grand Christmas tree. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. and the official lighting of the tree will be at 6 p.m. Music by ADSS student musicians starts things off at 5:30 p.m., then sing along with Timbre! Choir after the tree light-up at 6 p.m. Santa Claus will be on site and available for pictures (bring your own cameras, by donation) Harbour Quay shops will be open until 8 p.m.
ARTS COUNCIL APPRECIATION
If you hold a current arts council membership, you’ll want to make a note of our annual membership appreciation days at the Grove Art Gallery. Please join us at the Grove, aka Mistletoe Market, on Friday, Dec. 1 (open until 8 p.m.) and Saturday, Dec. 2 where you will receive special discounts, hot apple cider and some treats. This is also a great time to renew your memberships for 2024, at 2023 prices.
HOLIDAY GNOMES WORKSHOP
Join instructor Cheryl Frehlich on Friday, Dec. 8 at the Grove for a gnome workshop, from 5–7:30 p.m. Frehlich will help you create a Christmas Gnome. Cost is $60, all supplies included. Register by calling 250-724-3412 or stop by the gallery Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7-5440 Harbour Quay.
WEAVING EQUIPMENT NEEDED
The Alberni Valley Fibre Guild is looking for donations of fibre-based equipment, such as looms and spinning wheels. Since storage is limited, guild members are requesting lap or table-sized looms for now. Equipment will be used for teaching and learning purposes. If you have equipment you would like to donate, please email: WestCoast-Fibre@proton.me.
SPONSORSHIP SOUGHT
The arts council is looking for people who would like to support local artists by sponsoring prizes for upcoming art exhibits. These would include prizes for “best in show” or artists’ receptions for the 2024 open art exhibits. For more information, call Melissa Martin at the Grove Art Gallery, 250-724-3412. Tax receipts are available for sponsorships that are $100 and more.
Melissa Martin is the arts administrator for the Community Arts Council, at the Grove Art Gallery, Harbour Quay (7-5440 Argyle St.) and writes for the Alberni Valley News. Call 250-724-3412, email admincac@shawcable.com.