What: Vancouver TheatreSports® League When: April 20, 21, 24 Where: Schools Vancouver’s institution and worldwide phenomenon, producing and staging some of the most daring and innovative improv in the world. Award-winning performers, TV celebrities and international personalities such as Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie and Nancy Robertson have filled out the ranks of VTSL’s fast-thinking players. Students from Pender and Saltspring Islands, and Nanaimo will enjoy this award-winning show. ArtStarts in Schools
What: Grupo América Tour When: April 20-24 Where: Schools This Latin Dance show specializes in dances from the Americas from the US to Chile; they combine energetic routines with breathtaking traditional numbers. Students from Madeira Park, Halfmoon Bay, Sechelt, Roberts Creek and Gibsons will witness this spectacular dance show. ArtStarts in Schools
What: SAM2 by Scrap Arts Music When: April 20-24 Where: Schools SAM2 re-invents musical performance from the ground up. Thrown away material becomes the foundation for a new generation of sound and visual discovery. Students from Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, Denman Island, Nanaimo and Ladysmith will be shocked with this highly charged performance of transformation! ArtStarts in Schools
Bamfield
What: Kitty House Decorating Contest When: April 19-25 Where: The Kitty Feeding Station on the Boardwalk This project will permanently enhance Bamfield's picturesque oceanfront boardwalk. A joint project with the Bamfield Community Kitty, the feral cat caring organization. Bamfield Art Council 250-728-1260
Campbell River
What: Paint a Banner! When: April 19-25, 12 noon - 4 pm Where: Larwood Plaza in Willow Point The community is invited to paint a Banner for the annual Arts Council Banner Program. Banners are hung throughout the city over the summer. Campbell River Arts Council
Courtenay
What: Art Exhibitions: Opening Reception When: April 24 at 7pm, shows run April 25 - May 23 Where: Comox Valley Art Gallery, 580 Duncan Avenue PUBLIC GALLERY & WINDOW GALLERY: This years graduating class from the North Island College/Emily Carr external Bachelor of Fine Arts program.
ARTS & CRAFTS GALLERY: Formations of Focus - photography by Jade Metz and glasswork by Mark Roth
GEORGE SAWCHUK GALLERY & GROUND LEVEL STUDIO: Mayworks Festival 2009 features an international mail art show with over 100 artists from around the world and a display of T-shirts displaying logos and slogans used by workers to voice their concerns
Cowichan Bay
What: Fine Arts Showcase When: April 23, 1:45 pm Where: Bench Elementary School The Choir will perform a musical on Earth Day involving the entire school. In addition, students will have an art display set up for family and community members to view and enjoy. The 'Save the Somenos Marsh Project' will be on hand to spread their message via their educational DVD. Contact: Contact: Margaret St. Cyr at (250) 743-5552 (See also Mill Bay performance)
Duncan
What: Spring Talent Show When: April 22, 10:00 am Where: Quamichan Middle School This year, the school is hosting three events: individual and group acts will include vocals, magic show, rock band, instruments, dancing, (including First Nations Dancers), drumline, and a jazz band. Contact: Thea Carter
Duncan
What: Music of the Pacific Rim When: April 20-22, 9 am Where: Tansor Elementary School Our theme in music this year is "Music of the Pacific Rim"! In April, students will be studying the music of Mexico. During Arts & Culture Week, we will be combining visual arts and music in a clay pottery macacas making project. Contact: Deborah Sumner
Gabriola Island
What: Melody Makers Preschool Final Party When: April 22, 1-2 pm Where: Community Hall The Melody Makers Preschool, the brainchild of Dinah D and Tina Jones, spawned the now -popular The Kerplunks. On April 22nd Dinah and Tina welcome the community to celebrate the last day of Melody Makers Preschool with performances from some of Gabriola's best-kept musical secrets and do some dancing, playing and musical activities!! Gabriola Recreation Society
Gabriola Island
What: Roots Community Art Show When: April 23-May 3 Where: Gabriola Art Works The Community Art Theme Show is an annual art exhibition that encourages community members of all ages and abilities to submit their artwork in any genre. This year, the Gabriola Arts Council selected “Roots” as a theme for the show. Gabriola Arts Council 250-247-9882
Gibsons
What: Wine Tasting and Art Auction When: April 25, 6:30 - 9:30 pm Where: Sunnycrest Mall Live and Silent Auction with appetizers and entertainment, art auction items include works from Greta Guzek, Kim Lefave, Josefa, Motoko, Morley Baker and Todd Clark Gibsons' Rotary and Co-op Artists
Hornby Island
What: Working with Wire - From Whimsy to Wrath When: April 19-20 Where: Hornby Island Community School A series of workshops to be presented to the students of the three multi-grade classrooms to introduce wire as a scuptural medium. Hornby Island Arts Council 250-335-2070
Lasqueti Island
What: Arts Centre Grand Opening When: April 20 - 25, 12 noon - 4 pm Where: Isalnd Art Centre, Main Road Five days of "sprucing up" our Arts Centre, with work projects (i.e. interior painting,replacing siding, landscaping, installing new lighting)during the days, culminating in a Saturday evening "Open House" event with local music, a $50 art sale, and a False Bay students display of illustrations of haiku poetry. Lasqueti Island Community Arts Council
Madeira Park
What: Coco Love Alcorn When: April 18, 8 pm, doors @ 7 pm Where: Cultural Centre Singer/Songwriter Coco Love Alcorn is part folk troubadour, part jazz improviser, and part revolutionary, who weaves a hypnotic blend of R&B, Jazz, Pop and folk in her sensual alto voice. Daughter of jazz artist John Alcorn, Coco's uniqueness has caught the attention of various artists, including Ani DiFranco, who asked Coco to open for her USA tour, Burton Cummings, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Jesse Cook. Coco's extraordinary voice and fearless spontaneity promise a concert to remember. www.penderharbourmusic.ca Pender Harbour Music School
Mill Bay
What: Earth Day When: April 22, 10:45 am Where: Thrifty's store in Mill Students of Core Choir (from Bench Elementary School, Cowichan Bay) will perform a musical entitled 'Earth Day' at the Thrifty's store in Mill Bay in conjunction with the Bench School Make a Difference Club and Save the Somenos Marsh Project and Earth Day. This is a free public event that will raise public awareness regarding crucial earth issues. Contact: Margaret St. Cyr at (250) 743-5552
Mill Bay
What: Kelsey Art Show When: April 3-24, 9 am Where: Frances Kelsey Secondary School A visual arts display of students' work featuring scratch board, water colours, and acrylic paintings. Contact Dave Aris or Mark Jackson for more information at (250) 743-6916.
Nanaimo
What: Voices of Nature When: April 23, 7:00 pm Where: Port Theatre, 125 Front Street Students from North Oyster Elementary, Ladysmith, and Winchelsea Elementary, Parksville, join with the Artist Response Team to sing songs about nature and the environment and our role in maintaining our environment for the future! The show will be held at the Port Theatre, 125 Front Street, Nanaimo. For tickets, call 250-754-8550
Nanaimo
What: Celebrating Writers - Writing Fiction When: April 23 Where: Oliver Wood Community Centre / VIU The Nanaimo Arts Council in cooperation with Vancouver Island university will host the Nanaimo Short Fiction awards. Nanaimo Arts Council 250-729-3947
Nanaimo
What: Art Show / Auction When: April 20-23 Where: Wellington Secondary School Wellington's annual art show is an opportunity for students, teachers, families and community members to view & celebrate artwork created by Wellington students. Back by popular demand, a silent auction will take place, where many of the art pieces will be sold to the highest bidder. All proceeds raised through the auction will support this year's students' council project to build a school in Kenya. Contact: Michele Ney
Nanoose Bay
What: Art Walk and Talent Showcase When: April 28, 12:30 Where: Nanoose Bay Elementary Students will celebrate Arts Week via a performing arts showcase including various dance styles, musical performances and theatrical skits. Contact: Cheryl Dunfield
Parksville
What: SD69 First Nations Cultural Group When: April 23, 1 pm Where: April 23: Oceanside Middle School Students from Grade one to Grade Six, performing traditional First Nations dances and drumming for their school. Oceanside Middle Schools 250-248-4662
Port Alberni
What: Natural Elements: Earth, Wind, Water and Fire When: April 21-25 Where: Rollin Art Centre Artist Joan Constable will have an exhibit of her recycled paper art in the Rollin Art Centre Gallery, starting April 21st. On Saturday, April 25th, Joan will demonstrate her art form from 1 - 3 pm in the gallery- at no charge to the public. Since April 25: the gallery will host three local spinners/weavers, where they will explain & demonstrate how the wool leaves the sheep's back and ends up on your back in the form of a sweater, vest etc. Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley 250-724-3412
Powell River
What: Arts Mosaic 2009 When: April 19-25 Where: Town Centre Mall, Marine Ave. Art Walk The Malaspina Art Society and local merchants will launch an ArtWalk along Marine Ave. on April 19. Thursday through Saturday (Apr. 23-25) will see a display and performance showcase at the mall. Will include visual arts, locally published literary arts, local musicians, film makers, and other performers recordings, There will also be an interactive display "Life Before Plastic" and entertainment activities "Life before Broadcast". Expect local musicians, short story readings, the youth fiddle orchestra, highland dancers, and preview excerpts from Far Off Broadway. Powell River Council for Arts, Culture & Heritage 604-483-9345
Qualicum
What: Voice of Nature When: April 23, 7 pm Where: Winchelsea Elementary Winchelsea Elementary will be performing with "Holly Arntzen's The Dream Band" at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo. Holly will be rehearsing with the students from Apr. 20-23, followed by an evening concert. Tickets are available through the school or Port Theatre. Contact: Sheila Spendlove
Qualicum Beach
What: Two Italian Artists and a Poem When: April 19-25 Where: Biscotti Di Notte Caffe/Galleria, 707 Beach Road Showcasing the works of two Italian artists, Elena Trevanut and Adina Barugolo, who paint in acryilcs and oil, as well as a poem entitled "The Biscotti That Took Forever To Bake" by Mirella Trozzo.
Roberts Creek
What: Earth Day When: April 19, Noon - 6 pm Where: In the Heart of the Creek, Roberts Creek Road A wonderful array of local entertainers as well as a number of vendors and food vendors. Many environmental and community service groups will be represented. Cyclists are invited to receive a free bike tune-up at our bike tune-up booth. Bring in a well-loved yet little-worn toy or book and exchange it at the Kids' Trading Post. Bring healing vibes and instruments of good will to celebrate the Planet. Roberts Creek Community
Saanich
What: Senior's Paint-in and Tea When: April 21, 1:30-3:30 pm Where: Goward House View an exhibition of paintings by George Fraser, hear Bette Geisreiter on the harp, check out the Open Studio Paint In and sit down to tea and treats. Tea is $8 for visitors and $5 for members. District of Saanich (250) 477-4401
Saanich
What: Eight 2 Eighty: Intergenerational Coffee House When: April 17, 6:30 - 9:30 pm Where: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre Fashion Show, Improv, Live DJ, musical performances, poetry, refreshments & more. Free admission.Call 250.475.5462 for information. District of Saanich 250-475-5557
Saanich
What: Celebration of the Arts Opening Reception When: Friday, April 24, 7-9 pm Where: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre Celebrate the contributions of artists and the arts to Saanich with music and refreshments. See the Saanich Studio Tour Exhibition in the Gallery Cafe and meet the artists. Silent Auction. Free Admission. For information call 250.475.5557 District of Saanich 250-475-5557
Saanich
What: Carnival of the Arts When: April 25, 11 am - 2 pm Where: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre Local performers, magicians, stilt walkers, interactive arts and crafts activities and the youth banner exhibition make this a family friendly event. Free Admission. District of Saanich 250-475-5557
Salt Spring Island
What: Dance Workshop with Josh Beamish When: April 19, 1-3 pm Where: Cats Pajamas studio, 104 Langs Road Multi generational dance workshop with choreographer Josh Beamish, artistic director of MOVE: the company. 250-537-5681 Sponsored by Made in BC - Dance on Tour, ArtSpring and Cats Pajamas Studio. Open to all ages & levels. Please pre-register. Cats Pajamas
Salt Spring Island
What: Electronic Series When: April 20, 8 pm Where: ArtSpring Theatre, 100 Jackson Ave, SSI Dance performance with MOVE: the company. Sponsored by Made in BC - Dance on Tour, ArtSpring and Cats Pajamas Studio. Ticket contact: 250-537-2102 ArtSpring
Salt Spring Island
What: Dance Workshop with Josh Beamish When: April 21, 12:50 pm Where: Saltspring Island Middle School This year, students will literally be 'moved' by dance choreographer Josh Beamish. As artistic director of Move: the company, Beamish is a local Vancouverite who will host three dance workshops. Contact: Lee Sigmund
Sechelt
What: Artesia Coffeehouse When: April 24, 8 pm, doors @7 pm Where: Sunshine Coast Arts Centre A lineup of four 25-minute sets of quality live music, yummy goodies, delicious friends, slideshow and fantastic artwork surrounding the performing artists each month. Last Friday of the month. Doors 7pm, come early for a good seat and check the www.suncoastarts.com for more details. Coast Cultural Alliance
Sechelt
What: Arts & Culture Open House When: April 18 Where: Seaside Centre Celebrating the arts, culture and heritage of the Sunshine Coast. Meet the people behind the organizations and learn about the amazing array of events, festivals, workshops and other creative endeavors to be enjoyed on BC's Sunshine Coast - Creative Naturally! Sechelt Arts, Culture & Heritage Advisory Comm.
Sooke
What: Family Fair When: April 25, 10 am - 3 pm Where: SEAPARK Leisure Complex Activities for the whole family including music, dance, acting, writing, and the visual arts. Free interactive demos and workshops. Sooke Community Arts Council
Ucluelet
What: Random Acts of Art When: April 19-25 Where: All over Tofino and Ucluelet Many emerging local artists -- and hopefully a good number of other residents -- will install or perform small, simple, surprising, largely anonymous and transient "ArtSpots" in unexpected locations throughout the towns. Pacific Rim Arts Society 250-725-4271
Victoria
What: Island Catholic Schools Scholarship Concert When: April 21, 7-9 pm Where: St. Andrew's Cathedral, 740 View St. This 21st annual event highlights and celebrates music amongst our seven schools on Vancouver Island. Proceeds from tickets sales help to fund music scholarships for students attending St. Andrew's Regional High School. Island Catholic Schools Tickets at door
Victoria
What: Fine Arts and Culture Open House When: April 23, 7 pm Where: Dunsmuir Middle School Join Dunsmuir Middle School for their 5th annual celebration of arts and culture. Students and family can tap their toes to the rhythm of the R & B band; view the talents of Dunsmuir's dancers, try their hand at art and applied skills demonstrations; and sample tasty treats from the Café International. Admission if free and silver collections is optional. Contact the school at (250) 478-0738.
Victoria
What: La Longue Nuit du Court When: April 24, 7 - 10 pm Where: École Victor Brodeur, 637 rue Head Le Festival de la Longue Nuit du court est un événement cinématographique denvergure qui met en avant scène le court métrage, et ce, à travers le pays. Depuis sa création en 2003, l'évènement ne cesse de prendre de l'ampleur et de solliciter l'intérêt et la curiosité du grand public. Lors de la dernière édition, en 2008, La Longue Nuit du court a dépassé toutes les attentes, et ce, au travers les 17 villes qui ont présentées une édition. *Ceci est une présentation EN FRANCAIS seulement. La Société francophone de Victoria
Victoria
What: 42nd Street When: April 24-25, 2 pm & 8 pm performances Where: The McPherson Playhouse The Canadian College of Performing Arts presents a classic tale of gutsy determination, romance and dreams of succeeding in show business. ""42nd Street" takes place after the crash of 1929 and offers exhilarating hopes, dreams and determination for everyone to make the best possible future," says CCPA Co-founder Janis Dunning. "It's timely, inspiring and filled with sensational songs and dances from top to bottom." Canadian College of Performing Arts
Victoria
What: Studio 30 Art Club Show and Sale When: April 20-26, during shopping centre hours Where: Mayfair Shopping Centre Our annual spring show and sale of original artwork and art cards. Watercolours, oils, acrylics and prints. Free draw for a gourmet gift basket. Studio 30 Art Club
Victoria
What: The Spoken Image When: April 23-29 Where: CACGV Arts Centre Gallery Victoria Poet Laureate Linda Rogers and artist Carol Rae present poets and artists (professional and students) in a collaborative event including 60 banners with collages and poems, poetry readings with images projected on a screen, the band "Lightsweet Crude" performing songs written from the featured poems, and dancer Lynda Raino. Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria 250-381-2787
