Fireworks are in the air!

We have absolutely loved the tradition of going to the Gabriola Sands Provincial Park (the “twin beaches”) on Halloween to watch the Fireworks since Jennifer and I were about 4 years old. This is a great community event, where the kids can get some treats, the firefighters serve hot chocolate, there is a large bonfire (well under control), and a fantastic display of fireworks to delight the eyes. The Gabriola Volunteer Firefighters have been treating islanders to this event for over 30 years. It’s always been a strong family tradition for us to attend, and with youngsters in the family we will surely continue to attend for years to come. If you’re looking for Jen on Halloween, she’ll be “dressed up” in her firefighting gear helping out at the Fireworks.Saturday, October 31. Fireworks start at 7pm.

Working with Glass

I had the opportunity of taking a fantastic Mosaic workshop offered by Karen Aaker (www.purpledoormosaics.com ) through Artstart on the weekend. She had the supplies & equipment well organized, and taught two classes with 12 in attendance. I choose a fairly simple design, and became excited about the possibilities of this art form. Well, I'm now hooked, I'm signed up for one of her courses that she's offering on Sundays from 11-1, November 8-29. My goal is to make my Christmas gifts this year, and this will help me take one off the list.

350.org

Gabriola Elementary School took part today for 350.org, an international day of climate action. Students of all ages had been preparing with letters, power point presentations, a song, & coming up with ways that each of us can reduce our carbon footprint, which they presented in a very powerful assembly that the community was invited to.

The teachers, students, parents & volunteers did an amazing job in pulling this together… It provoked thinking about our environment and the effects of climate change.

The 350.org website shows 4457 actions taken in over 172 countries to take a stand for a safe climate future. It’s also a great resource to help fascilitate conversations with kids, with activities that they can do. We chose to do a project on “Icelandic Butterflies” which we created with the kids and submitted on the 350.org website. The Butterflies created will be in the display gallery as of October 24, 2009 – the International Day of Climate Action. Mor-more, kept busy this week painting 3 kids shirt with the 350 logo - they looked fabulous...

The embracing of 350.org in our community, and especially by the school just shows that there is hope!

The Marathon.

It's now been almost two weeks since I ran my first marathon, a goal I've held for as long as I can remember. This year, I knew that this would be the year for me to do it. I've realized over the past few years that life can change in an instant, and I knew that I was in a time of my life when I had the physical ability to complete it.

I joined the Running Room in Nanaimo and completed my first half marathon in the Spring of 2009 and continued the training for the Victoria Marathon.

Some weeks of training went better than others, and there were a few little challenges that would pop up (limited sleep,work,young children, sunshine, camping, life, etc). I really enjoyed the process, and for me the nerves built as October 11 drew nearer, I was lucky enough to have the pressure of creating enough paintings for the Gallery Tour to distract me. On Saturday night, Lesley Standerwick, Keli Stapp and I packed up the car, left Gabriola and headed for Victoria.

My anxiety hit as we we're driving and I realized that I was in the car with two personal trainers- what was I thinking ? I started to relax as they brought out a two pound bag of jelly beans for the drive and told me that we we're going to have dinner at 9 when we got to Victoria, this was more my style.

The three of us completed our first marathons on October 11th. I couldn't imagine going through the process on my own and was so pleased to share this experience with such supportive and knowledgeable friends. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, there was no wind, and we had friends and family there to cheer us on along the way. (Submitted by: Tina Lynch)

Art Start: Fairy Wings Worshop

Perfect timing… Halloween being just around the corner and the Art Start weekend featured a “fairy wing” workshop. For those who haven’t seen the stunning wings around the island, at many events, the wings are hand crafted by a very talented young group of ladies on the island or participants of their workshops.

From start to finish Hayden & Genny, (wing creators extraordinaire), led the workshop with 12 eager participant of all ages. In three hours, the wire frames that sat at the tables to start were hand shaped, covered with nylons, vividly painted on & decorated with glue, flowers, and of course glitter. The results were amazing! Gabriola has 12 more sets of wings, thanks to the Arts Council & everyone for putting on this spectacular workshop.

Coast Realty - Future Focus Group

Last week, Jennifer and I went to Coast Realty's head office in Nanaimo to take part in a future focus group. This group included 17 Coast Realty Representatives from all of our offices. We're looking at helping our company to come up with a strategic plan and a clear vision for the future, and ensuring that we stay up with technology. We feel that by participating in this process we can help to ensure that our company continues to meet the expectations of our clients, and that our company can support us in the level of customer service we strive to provide. If you, as our clients, have any input that you would like us to bring forward, please let us know.

Beauty beneath the waves: Diving on Gabriola

It’s a different view when you explore what lies under the surface, can you believe that another world exists so close to us ? It seems so easy to miss this, until you see photos of the beauty below. Shannon Poirier & Don Knowles came to the Island as dive enthusiasts, quickly they decided to buy property and began building their home. They now have a company called Ocean’s Blue Diving which offers diver training from beginner to Divemaster. As someone that’s a bit reluctant to learn all the technical components of diving, I was excited to see that they offer a discover snorkeling course for $50, for me this is the perfect introduction to the world below. They also offer wreck diving, deep diving, night, navigation, drift diving, dive gear rentals and compressed air. Enjoy life at a different level and gain a new prospective.

Art : The Local Buzz

Well, if you we're out on the Gallery Tour during this past weekend you will have noticed that a lot of studios had a great energy buzz happening. After a 6 year break from being on the tour (2 children born during this time), I was excited and nervous to go back on. This is what my studio/living room (#14 on the tour) looked like for the weekend. If your looking at coming to the Island to immerse yourself in the arts and develop your own artistic endeavours, then I'd have to say this is the right place to do it. The tour was great, I met a lot of people, had a great time, appreciated the feedback and made some sales. I have a lot to be thankful for and I'll be back on again next year.

My 6 yr old daughter, displayed a few paintings and made 4 sales, proof of the supportive community here.

It's preview night at ARTWORKS !

Ok, it's time to grab your gallery tour map and head to ARTWORKS at 7pm tonight. You'll get to view artwork from numerous studios that will be on the tour this weekend. It's a great way to make some decisions on which studios to visit if your time is limited, and it's also a great way to see the diversity of local artistic talent.
You'll also see the stunning work of Corry Lunn And Darryl Nygaard, their burnished clay, Raku and found objects are absolutely amazing. If you want one of these pieces, you better plan on being there when the doors open.

Get stARTed !

The Gabriola Arts Council has a fantastic program called “ArtStart” which will be held on the weekend after the gallery tour (Oct 17 &18). For all those that get hit with inspiration on the tour, this is your chance to try a new art technique – and for only 10 bucks (under 18 is free).
Look at the list, choose your workshop and run to the artworks coffee bar with your cash to get you name on the list before it’s too late.

Saturday, October 17th
** "DRAWING FOR FOLKS WHO THINK THEY CAN'T DRAW" with Gerrit Verstraete ** www.gverstraete.com
A special workshop for people who "can't draw" but who are about to discover they do have talent. All under the capable supervision of Gabriola artist Gerrit Verstraete and with the help of some jelly beans. "Back in my commercial studio days," Gerrit says, "I once challenged a Toronto taxi driver that I could teach him to draw in one session. I won." Bring your enthusiasm and leave your fears at home. Some may remember hearing about his infamous "jelly-bean" method of cartooning - one of the simplest ways to learn to draw. So c'mon down.
TIME: Saturday, 10am to Noon LOCATION: The Commons (Maximum 20 participants Ages 8+)

** "WATERCOLOURS WITH MELINDA" ** ` www.melindawilde.com
Let's take it from where we left off last year. This will be a slightly more intermediate workshop so if you are a painter, come on along and if not, I will mentor you through....what have you got to lose? We'll splash paint around and have a good time exploring where it takes us. Materials provided.
TIME: Saturday, 10:30am to 12:30pm LOCATION: Rollo Centre (Maximum 18 participants Ages 12+)

** "THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF MOSAICS" with Karen Aaker ** www.purpledoormosaics.com
Join Karen Aaker of Purple Door Mosaics for an introduction to mosaics. Learn to create a beautiful mosaic using our tools, vitreous glass, porcelain, and other materials (supplied).It’s a lot easier than you think, Karen will show you how to cut and transform the colourful pieces into your own mosaic art! Bring safety goggles if you have them, and rubber gloves for the Sunday grouting session. Start a piece on Saturday afternoon. Complete it on Sunday morning. Most materials provided, bring safety goggles and rubber gloves.
TIME: Saturday, 2 to 5, Sun 10 to 11 LOCATION: Agi Hall (Maximum 12 participants Ages 14+)

** "WANNA PLAY IN MUD? " with Simone Bell ** (Maximum 6 participants Ages 12+)
Get your hands dirty making a decorative or functional hand-built item out of clay. Discover texture, form and color... the possibilities are limitless! Start a piece, then return for an hour two weeks later (Simone will set a time that works for the group) to glaze/paint your piece for the final firing. Materials provided.
TIME: Saturday, 2 to 5pm LOCATION: Simone’s studio at 390 Tamarack (247-0166)

** "INTRO TO MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE" with Lynette Harper ** www.lynetteharper.harpfin.ca With her unique style, developed over 3 decades of teaching and performing Middle Eastern dance, Lynette will introduce the vibrant, sensuous and passionate rhythms and movements of Middle Eastern and Roma (gypsy) dance. Men and women welcome – in the Middle East, everyone takes part! Wear clothing that lets you move freely, bring a long scarf or decorative belt to wrap around your hips, and be prepared to have fun!
TIME: Saturday, 2:30 to 5pm LOCATION: Rollo Centre (Maximum 25 participants Ages 12+)
NOTE: The A-Frame Restaurant is preparing a special Middle Eastern meal on Saturday evening beginning at 6pm. Lynette will perform. All are welcome. Please reserve your table! 247-8224

** "SINGING FOR THE TERRIFIED" with Penny Sidor ** www.pennysidor.ca
You think you can't sing and you're scared to death of trying? Come to this workshop and get your feet wet in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. We'll breathe, make some noise, and start the process of turning those noises into music. It won't hurt a bit, and you’re guaranteed to have some fun!
TIME: Saturday, 3 to 5pm LOCATION: The Commons (Maximum 25 participants Ages 12+)

Sunday, October 18th

** " THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF MOSAICS " ** (This is a continuation of Saturday`s workshop.)
TIME: 10 to 11am LOCATION: Agi Hall

** " KNIT ONE, PURL ONE" with Noni Fidler **
Get ready for a winter of knitting with this introductory workshop. Noni will get you going on a cotton dishcloth that will introduce you to the basics – casting on, increasing, decreasing, basic stitches and casting off. Leave the session with some primer sheets and the skills to tackle a bigger project. Yarn provided; you may purchase needles at cost.
TIME: 10:30 to 12:30pm LOCATION: The Commons (Maximum 10 participants Ages 12+)

** "DRUMMING WITH VOODOO DAVE" ** www.voodoodave.com
Experience the profound effect that drumming can have on your life. Mudge Island’s Voodoo Dave is an experienced and enthusiastic drum circle facilitator and teacher. In a fun and relaxed atmosphere, Dave will take you through some hand drumming rhythms. Drums provided or bring your own along.
TIME: 11am to 1:30pm LOCATION: Rollo Centre (Maximum 30 participants Ages 10+)

** "HAPPY HOOKING" with Lois Anderson and Marilyn Geater **
Lois and Marilyn have been creating rugs from canvas and wool for many years. This demonstration and hands-on workshop will allow you to get started on your family heirloom right away. Canvas and wool provided; you may purchase hooks at cost.
TIME: 1pm to 3pm LOCATION: The Commons (Maximum 12 participants Ages 12+)

** "FROM FLEECE TO YARN" with Taylor Turrie ** www.alpacas-pif.com
In this ―hands on‖ workshop at Paradise Island Alpacas, learn how the fleece from the alpacas is turned into beautiful, soft and silky yarn. Try your hand at carding and colour sorting...then test your dexterity with a turn at the spinning wheel.
TIME: 1pm to 3pm LOCATION: Paradise Island Alpacas 785 North Road (Maximum 6 participants Ages 5+)

** "WINGING IT!" with Hayden Harvey & Genni Cooper **
Faeries, Dragonflies, Angels, Demons – this is the season for costumes! Create your very own pair of wearable wings! They make wonderful costumes, gifts or decorative art. We will play with wire, nylon, paint and faerie dust to create a unique and magical set of wings. Wings are fun for everyone! Materials provided.
TIME: 2pm to 5pm LOCATION: Agi Hall (Maximum 15 participants Ages 8+)

** "BEACH TREASURE SUNCATCHERS" with Kathy McIntyre **
Learn to shape wire to create a unique sun catcher that will show off your tiny beach treasures. Bring your found objects—beach glass pieces, shells, tiny pebbles, feathers and pieces of driftwood—to create your own one-of-a kind window charm. Other materials provided.
TIME: 2:30pm to 4:30pm LOCATION: Rollo Centre (Maximum 12 participants Ages 12+)

A fresh new look!

As fall approaches and more time indoors lurks around the corner, it’s a great time to transform your living space. Our past clients and good friends decided to hire a painter when they went away. It’s always hard to come home from a trip, but if Helene Tremblay has been there while you were out, you’ll find coming home to be a pleasant surprise. Jane and Jake are enjoying the spacious and fresh feel that the new coat of paint has given their main living space. If you’d like to have some painting done, we’d recommend calling Helene at 250.247.7513 for a consultation.