Arts and culture

The Islands Folk Festival will be back this summer at Providence Farm in Duncan on July 23, 2022. (Citizen file)

Islands Folk Festival back in Cowichan boasting big lineup

Festival coming Saturday, July 23

 

The 39 Steps with Aidan deSalaiz, Felix LeBlanc, Caitlin Driscoll and Alexandra Brynn is on stage at the Chemainus Theatre April 22-May 22. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Review: Fast-paced Chemainus Theatre show just plain funny

The 39 Steps will have you guffawing at regular intervals

 

Renowned Canadian writer, Margaret Atwood speaks after Canada Post unveiling of a special stamp in her honour in Toronto on Nov. 25, 2021. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)

QUIZ: How much do you know about poems and poetry?

April is National Poetry Month in Canada

 

Pharis and Jason Romero headline the Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival to be held at Laketown Ranch in Youbou on June 17 to 19, 2022. (Laureen Carruthers photo)

Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival back in June

Headliners Pharis and Jason Romero, The Lonesome Ace Stringband and more

Pharis and Jason Romero headline the Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival to be held at Laketown Ranch in Youbou on June 17 to 19, 2022. (Laureen Carruthers photo)
Lindenthaler and Brown wanted to start a business together for a while, when Brown noticed a potential gap in the market for topographical maps. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)

Vancouver Island couple carving wooden maps of anywhere in the world

The process combines computer science and woodworking to make custom maps

Lindenthaler and Brown wanted to start a business together for a while, when Brown noticed a potential gap in the market for topographical maps. (Bailey Moreton/News Staff)
Wu Tang Clan are considered by many to be the best hip hop or rap group in the world. Facebook

Wu-Tang Clan, The Glorious Sons, Arkells and more headline Laketown Shakedown 2022 in Cowichan

This is the first year back for the festival since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020

Wu Tang Clan are considered by many to be the best hip hop or rap group in the world. Facebook
Kathleen Darby is leading a nation-wide project called Cultural Resilience: Using Innovation to Stabilize in Times of Crisis, which showcases the arts and culture sector’s innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo courtesy of Kathleen Darby)

Vancouver Islander leads nation-wide project showcasing innovation

Project highlights resilience in the arts and culture sector during pandemic

Kathleen Darby is leading a nation-wide project called Cultural Resilience: Using Innovation to Stabilize in Times of Crisis, which showcases the arts and culture sector’s innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo courtesy of Kathleen Darby)
Anne Cateaux released her debut novel, Shimmy, after a decade of working on getting it published. (Photo courtesy of Anne Cateaux)

Ladysmith author explores love and friendship in debut novel

Shimmy answers ‘where do pets go when they die?’

Anne Cateaux released her debut novel, Shimmy, after a decade of working on getting it published. (Photo courtesy of Anne Cateaux)
A rendering of the proposed new art gallery from the Ingram Street perspective. (Submitted by the Cowichan Public Art Gallery)

Group strikes deal for downtown Duncan property to build ‘world-class’ art centre

Intention is to create 30,000 sq. ft. gallery and education centre

A rendering of the proposed new art gallery from the Ingram Street perspective. (Submitted by the Cowichan Public Art Gallery)
FILE - A man, wearing a protective face mask to prevent the spread of coronavirus, is tattooed at Paul and Friends tattoo parlour in downtown Brussels, March 26, 2021. The European Union is imposing restrictions on the inks that tattoo artists can use as of Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. The EU says it is a necessary move to protect the health of consumers because thousands of chemical elements now in use can cause anything from allergic reactions to cancer. The tattoo industry complains it is unfairly targeted and is losing an essence part of its art. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File)

Tattoo artist anger over new European rules goes beyond skin deep

Commission says alternatives to the banned products do exist

FILE - A man, wearing a protective face mask to prevent the spread of coronavirus, is tattooed at Paul and Friends tattoo parlour in downtown Brussels, March 26, 2021. The European Union is imposing restrictions on the inks that tattoo artists can use as of Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. The EU says it is a necessary move to protect the health of consumers because thousands of chemical elements now in use can cause anything from allergic reactions to cancer. The tattoo industry complains it is unfairly targeted and is losing an essence part of its art. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File)
The canoe created by John Marston and Moy Sutherland hangs in the rafters of the gift shop and cafe at the Malahat Skywalk. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Master carver Marston’s work graces Malahat Skywalk

Canoe, sculpture indicative of the region’s culture displayed prominently at the tourist facility

The canoe created by John Marston and Moy Sutherland hangs in the rafters of the gift shop and cafe at the Malahat Skywalk. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Darius Rucker is the headliner for Sunfest 2022. (Photo courtesy of dariusrucker.com)

Darius Rucker to headline Sunfest 2022

Cowichan Valley also welcomes Dallas Smith, Billy Currington Hardy, Kip Moore

Darius Rucker is the headliner for Sunfest 2022. (Photo courtesy of dariusrucker.com)
Although it won’t be Samson pulling the train this year, the Christmas Express is back at the BC Forest Discovery Centre for 2021. (Citizen file)

Christmas Express train rides back in Duncan for 2021

Travel through thousands of twinkling lights at the BC Forest Discovery Centre

  • Dec 3, 2021
Although it won’t be Samson pulling the train this year, the Christmas Express is back at the BC Forest Discovery Centre for 2021. (Citizen file)
Kwakwaka’wakw and Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr. beside the unveiled design of the Salish Heron vessel. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)

BC Ferries unveils Indigenous design for next Salish Class vessel

Including Island artist Maynard Johnny Jr.’s artwork seen as meaningful act towards reconciliation

Kwakwaka’wakw and Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr. beside the unveiled design of the Salish Heron vessel. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)
(Contributed by Michelle Malan)

Sparwood seniors pose as firefighters in fundraising calendar

Funds raised will go towards the supported living facility

(Contributed by Michelle Malan)
editor@theprogress.com

LETTER: How about a bandshell for Somass Sawmill site?

Writer encourages Port Alberni to think about building an outdoor performance space

  • Sep 1, 2021
editor@theprogress.com
Ceramic artist Ed Oldfield kneels next to his current raku pottery display at the Qualicum Arts Supply and Gallery, July 5, 2021. (Mandy Moraes photo)

Hidden treasures: Artist encourages people to find his raku pottery pieces across Vancouver Island

Ed Oldfield currently has work on display at Qualicum Arts Supply and Gallery

Ceramic artist Ed Oldfield kneels next to his current raku pottery display at the Qualicum Arts Supply and Gallery, July 5, 2021. (Mandy Moraes photo)
A screenshot of the First Peoples Cultural Councils First Peoples’ Map. (First Peoples Cultural Council)

Online resource blends B.C.-Alberta’s Indigenous languages, art and culture

Advisor says initiative supports the urgent need to preserve Indigenous languages

A screenshot of the First Peoples Cultural Councils First Peoples’ Map. (First Peoples Cultural Council)
Annie Watts, centre, and her father Tom present San Group owner Kamal Sanghera with a carving of a Tseshaht First Nation canoe. Annie Watts gave the company a carving as thanks for a donation of red cedar blocks. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

Port Alberni’s Annie Watts is carving out a new niche in her creative journey

Tseshaht First Nation artist presents carving to San Group as thanks

Annie Watts, centre, and her father Tom present San Group owner Kamal Sanghera with a carving of a Tseshaht First Nation canoe. Annie Watts gave the company a carving as thanks for a donation of red cedar blocks. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)
Chemainus Theatre facilities manager Damion Knight at the spot inside the gallery and gift shop where thieves smashed a window and grabbed masks. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Unique masks valued at $1,000 stolen from Chemainus Theatre Gallery

Thieves smash a window and grab the goods early Monday morning

Chemainus Theatre facilities manager Damion Knight at the spot inside the gallery and gift shop where thieves smashed a window and grabbed masks. (Photo by Don Bodger)