"STAMP" Art Show opens THURSDAY June 30

Join us this thursday at the Artworks annual object show. Each year Artworks gives out 30 "objects" as a starting off point for artists working in various mediums, every year the pieces are vibrant, stunning and diverse. It's amazing to see the way that 30 people view the same object in such unique ways. The show opens at 7pm @ Artworks (on Gabriola) this Thursdsay June 30. The three Lynch gals have all done a piece for this years show "STAMP" and we hope to see you there! Submitted by : Tina Lynch.

Spring into ART on Gabriola!

The Gabriola Arts Council is offering a fantastic opportunity to "try out" some art classes during the weekend of April 9 &10th, 2011. There are a variety of classes to choose from, if you want to make fairy wings, learn acrylics, ballroom dance, try out watercolors or acrylics, juggle, make masks or felt with your child. Check the local Sounder for a list of the events and times, then head on up to the Coffee Bar at Artworks to sign up. Many of the courses are offered either for free or at a nominal cost (I didn't see any over $15), and are taught by our local artists. Last year, I signed up for the two day course with Karen Aaker for the introduction to Mosaic, it got me hooked and shortly after I signed up for one of her courses. During the course that I did with her, I made this fish backdrop for my husband and let me tell you, I really learned how much work goes into mosaics and that they are worth every penny they cost.
It's a great way to spend the weekend, one of the keys to happiness is to learn something new, why not give it a go next weekend.

Atworks - Just in time for Valentines

The annual Erotica show opens up this Thursday on Feb 3 at 7pm at Artworks in the Folklife Village on Gabriola. It's always a bit of a risque show with lots of on the edge art and its all about Valentines. You'll see some racy art, lots of skin and may want to partake in the wine tasting going on. It's a good time, they do warn that parental discretion is advised (I"d have to agree). If you get a chance to go, check out my piece "she liked to play dress up", she's the first doll I've made and she's ready for some fun.

Submitted by : Tina Lynch

The Artists of Gabriola & the upcoming STUDIO TOUR!

The 14th annual Thanksgiving Studio Tour is just around the corner and the artists on Gabriola are working away getting their art and studios ready for you. The Gabriola Arts Council helps to facilitate this successful event which will feature the work of at least 39 Island Artists. The Tour is held on October 9-11th 2010 from 10am -4pm, pick up a map/guide at Artworks (in the Village) and see some of the artists work on display.

To kick off this event, we will be featuring a few artists from the tour on our blog during the next two and a half weeks, hope you are tempted !

GABRIOLA GETS A BIT OF DRAMA

On August 20,21,22 the Gabriola Theatre Festival will be in full swing on Gabriola and there is a lot to offer everyone from chuckles to tears. Street Art takes place this weekend- so you can pick up some local art between performances, Lochnivar lane will be closed to vehicle traffic as 50 artists set up there booths and display there stunning works of art. I just bought tickets for two of the plays from the kiosk located right in front of Artworks (which will be open everyday until the festival), and saw that a few of the plays have already sold out. Mara Brenner is busy training up some of Gabriola's youth to do a dance performance on stage during the festival, they will be dancing to the beat of "Broadway Baby" on Saturday at 11:30 and Sunday at 4:15. It'll be a great weekend to celebrate the"drama" of this creative island!

Working Silver

I love jewellery and I love to make things, so I was thrilled to get the newsletter from workingsilver.com letting me know of some irresistible upcoming classes being offered in Gallery 223 (downtown Nanaimo). I'm definitely a beginner and a little shy of power tools and things that I could possibly get to explode (propane makes me nervous at times), but this is fantastic. There is something for everyone, whether you want to learn how to enamel, make some Christmas presents (in which case, I'd love to be on your list) or learn how to texture metal. You can arrange to have your own private class, which you can even do as a fundraiser, or go to the drop in studio once you have some basics down. Kathy Brandon from Gabriola Island is offering many of the courses and currenlty has pieces on display at Artworks.

Gabriola - Island of the Arts

Gabriola is well known to many as “Isle of the Arts,” with a great Arts Council which supports many artistic adventures. In addition Artworks is a hub for the many artists on Gabriola to exhibit their work, and for tourists and islanders alike to come and gather in this energetic gallery.

Thursday night, Canada Day, from 7 – 9 pm marks the beginning of the summer shows, one that the Lynch’s are very excited to be a part of. “Measure Up” will run from July 1st – 14 featuring mixed media works of 30 artists each given a ruler to transform into a masterpiece. Randi, Jennifer & Tina were thrilled to each be able to contribute a piece to the show and invite you to come check it out!

Thanks again to Kathy R. and her amazing staff at Artworks for all the work they do in making Gabriola such a vibrant community!

Fill the tummies of Gabriola Students

If you have a child that attends the Gabriola Elementary School, then you are likely familiar with Carmen Mattes. Carmen runs the LUNCH program at the school and ensures that there is the opportunity for every child to be nourished with a meal that's wholesome and filled with lots of nutrients. This program needs the support of the community, there are many ways to support this program, helping Carmen cook in the kitchen, donating food or helping to fund raise. If you're looking to contact her you can leave a message for her at the school, 250.247.9342.
Attend "The Trashformation" community art show on Thursday (April 22) at 7pm at Artworks and you can donate to one of Gabriola's many non-profit groups. Throw some money into this garbage can (part of the "shake your can"event), and it will go to filling up the tummies of Gabriola Students- it's so much easier to learn when you're not hungry.

Shake your cans, Gabriola !

The Gabriola Art Council has been working hard to change the way you see Garbage day. Up until now, it was a time to take out your trash, but after the "Shake Your Can Event", it will become the day where you sit your art piece by the curb .Non-profit groups are invited to participate in this fundraiser by painting a trash can—and the public is invited to donate! The decorated trash cans will be on display (and collecting donations!) throughout the Trashformation Show at ArtWorks. On Saturday, May 1st, the Arts Council will host a special Shake Your Can drive in the village. Community groups will quite literally shake their cans to encourage shoppers to toss money into their cans. Then at the Mother’s Day Brunch, all involved non-profits can display promotional material while the trash cans are sold in a live auction at the Surf Lodge. All proceeds from the auction of each can will go to the organization that painted it. $25 registration fee. Info gabriolaartscouncil@shaw.ca. Let's make the roads of Gabriola full of art on recycling/garbage pick-up days!

Spring Break on Gabriola

Spring Break is in full swing on Gabriola this week. There is plenty to do for those that are taking the week to relax or that want to fill it with fun activities. Here’s just a few things that might help make your spring vacation a memorable one for all of the family:
- Have a bonfire
- Go for a beach walk
- Make a fort
- Play at the school
- Camp in your living room
- Go to story time at the Gabriola Library from 3:15-3:45 on Thurs March 11
- Do a day trip to Nanaimo and go bowling, or skating & swimming
- Have a “family movies” night and look through your photo albums
- Attend Artworks $250 show on Thurs night (mar 11) at 7pm
- Geocache
- Play soccer
- Have a potato bag race
If you’re planning your outdoor activities with some sunshine, your best days are likely to be Thursday, Saturday or Sunday. Check the weather network for an updated forecast.

Gabriola helps Haiti (Island to Island)

I think we all felt a huge sense of compassion and sympathy for all of those in Haiti when we heard the news about the Earth Quake. Within days of hearing about the event, the Gabriola community had already organized a fundraiser, including a fantastic array of musicians, snacks and a silent auction. The “Help Haiti” fundraiser will take place at the Gabriola Community Hall tomorrow night starting at 7:30pm, I think I’m going to stretch my kids bed time so that they can see the value of a community pulling together to help those in desperate need.
I’ve included the paintings that my 6yr old daughter and I donated for the silent auction, let’s hope there’s a good turn out for another Island that needs our help. (submitted by: Tina Lynch)
Tickets are $20 at Artworks.
UPDATE: We attended the fundrasier and when we arrived it was standing room only, over $14,000 was raised (which will be matched by the gov't). I'm so impressed that Gabriola could achieve this so quickly !

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.

The Empty Bowl Project Part Two

On May 30th, we took the opportunity to drop into Sunstone pottery, on Gabriola to create our bowls for Hunger in support of People for a Healthy Community's Emergency Food Depot.

On walking into the pottery studio, we felt fortunate to have the talent if many exceptionally tallented local potters who came out to lend their support and guide us in molding, creating & glazing our bowls for hunger. We spent time sculpting, creating & re-creating the bowls - trying to get them just right, only to look at Emma & Jane (4 years old) and realize who had created the master pieces!

The bowls are now finished, thanks to Potter Graham Sheehan and his colleagues, and will be on display at Artworks from 18 June to 24 June, 2009. The bowls are up for silent auction, so you can bid on your favorite bowl (or for those who just want to donate bid on bowls 37 to 40 - they may not be beautiful but they were created with joy!)

All proceeds from this event go to Gabriola's Emergency Food Depot - so it's a great cause, & helps our community locally.

Artists in the Village

Saturdays is a busy place in the Village, as people come out to the Farmers Market on Gabriola, and then proceed to the Village to finish up shopping, have a cup of coffee with friends, or perhaps pick up a fishing rod – for the afternoon. Well in the summer, there’s another reason to stop by the Village. The Gabriola Art’s council is featuring a different two artists each Saturday through until 5th September. It’s a great opportunity to come and meet some of the islands local artists who will display their art under the tents.

The Gabriola Arts council will also be selling art, by some very talented islanders, on magnets, ready to grace any metal surface in your home, and a great island keepsake. This year, there is a choice of 5 different magnets from artists such as; Dianna Bonder, Rick Cranston, Tammy Hudgeon, Rohana Laing & Sheila Norgate. If your not able to make it there on Saturday, they are also available at Gabriola Artworks. Cost is $5 each or the full set for $20 (receipt for charitable donation available). The funds will enable the Arts Council to continue to support artists and bring art to the Gabriola community.

Roots Show

Be prepared to be dazzled as you enter the ROOTS show, hosted at Artworks in the Village, there are still three days left to treat your eyes to this community art event.

This years theme really challenged the artists... We were very impressed with the creativity that was invoked by this show and the ages and diversity of the participants.

If you have a chance to go, have a look at Melinda Wilde's painting as it tells a very interesting story about family in a beautiful way. Another piece that I found intriguing is Donna Zakreski's quilt, she has a very artistic approach to quilting. Of course, I need to mention the family members who also have their pieces in the show, Randi's "14 carrots" incorporates her love of quilting into an amazing fiber art piece, and Bianca, my 6 year old niece for her brilliant painting entitled Hungry, after her neighborhood rabbit - who gave grief to her garden! (Congratulations B. on the sale of your very first piece- with her family roots I'm sure it's the first of many more to come...)

There is also a silent auction which has numerous items; from the beautiful driftwood coffee table, to tempting jewellery, island services & so much more, it's a great place to stock up on gifts for friends and family, while supporting the Gabriola Arts Council.

This Community has "Roots"

The Gabriola Arts Council has come up with another theme for this years Community Art Show. This year they have chosen "Roots" and I can see that the community is gearing up for the fun filled event. Those wanting to participate this year will need to fill out a registration form (available by email from gabriolaartscoucil@shaw.ca) and have their art piece ready for Monday, April 21 by 4pm.

You'll see a range of artistic interpretations of the theme, mediums, sizes, and ages of the artists. It's pretty fulfilling for anyone to have an art piece hanging up in a Gallery and this is your chance. In the past, I have participated in the heart, star & off-the-beach shows. I've always come away from the shows amazed by the diverse art pieces that are created on the Island.

The"Roots" community art show opens with a reception at Artworks on 23 April 2009 at 7:00 - 9:00 pm, and the show runs through until 3 May.

Home Made Valentines Cards

Being a bit of a romantic, I find that valentines is one of my favorite holidays... I love the cards - both the ones that are home made, and the kids cartoon cards - that just seem to get cuter each year!!!

So when Valentines was around the corner, I started my search on the Internet where there were hundreds of great ideas for making home-made Valentines cards. I cam across a website that had some simple ones to make that I thought might be fun to craft with the girls, for their Gabriola Preschool Valentines Party...

Originating from w. skiptomylou.org these fun lollipop lilies -were a hit, and relatively simple to make!

The flower patterns are available online at: http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/flower.pdf , then just print them (ideally onto a colored card stock paper. Cut around the dotted edges, punch a whole in the middle of each - to put the lollipop through and let the kids decorate away... For simplicity we just used sparkle glue and did around the petals, which gave them a nice shimmer & looked a lot like fairy dust (a girls favorite thing!)

Next we tackled the leaves, which again the pattern is posted online at: http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/leaf.pdf , again you'll want to print them onto colored card stock, green is nice, but the flowers can also have a purple leaf! We carefully cut around each of the leaves, and again just put even more sparkle glue on them just the edges... Then it's time to put the name of the lucky recipient on the front of the leaf and the card creator on the back!

On a whim we slightly altered the cards and punched a hole in the leaves and pushed them up the lollipop stick until they reached the wrapper, which made them stay... For displaying them we took a foam lined basket filled it with moss and stuck all of the flowers in - ready for giving!

Gabriola Island Studio Tour

The Gabriola Island Studio Tour is a yearly event held over three days on the Thanksgiving Weekend. In 2008 the tour had 60 artists working with various mediums open their homes & studios from 10-4 for the three consecutive days. You'll find a chest full of treasure and talent inside the doors of these homes with a wide range of media including : chalk, fibre arts, metalwork, mixed media, painting, photography, pottery, and glasswork. For a glimpse of the temptations you may see on the tour visit http://www.gabriolaartscouncil.org/.

If you've recently moved to the Island or would like the chance to put your home on the tour, you have just a few days left to pick up your form from Artworks and hand it in as the deadline for the 2009 tour is on January 21st. It's been 5 years since I've had my home on the tour and I really enjoyed the experience, at that time I had about 500 people come through during the three day event and enjoyed meeting the guests (& having a few sales too!). I am just in the process of filling out my studio tour application and would love to invite you to come to my home during the 2009 tour. Hope to see you on Thanksgiving!

Submitted by: Tina LYNCH

December 1st - Countdown to the Holidays...

Living on Gabriola, known as the Island of the Arts there is never any shortage of great local gift giving ideas... With the holiday season approaching so quickly, here are a few more of our favorites...

Music CD’s – the Kerplunks http://www.thekerplunks.com/
Kerplunks: If you have kids on your list then the kerplunks CD is a great gift… The Kerplunks play fun and educational kids' music focusing on all the different musical instruments. Toot your horn and strum that bass, The Kerplunks really get you groovin'. The Kerplunks were recently Canadian Folk Music “Children’s Album of the Year”. You can visit their website online to hear a sampling of the cheerful and upbeat music of Dinah D and Tina Jones.


Jewellery @ Artworks
On display & sale currently at Artworks you’ll find a spectacular jewellery shoe featuring some of the islands most popular artists including; Paprika, Moonshine Studio, Yuma Designs, Kate Woods, Lindsey Godfrey & Maureen O’Connor. The stunning creations are sure to light up the face of your loved ones on Christmas morning!


Merrell Shoes @ Colleen’s located at: 580 North Road
Since the island is so full of places to explore a good pair of walking shoes are always appreciated… “MERRELL is dedicated to the outdoor journey of discovery -the search for self-knowledge, meaning, friendship, and fulfillment that links the world's people who enjoy the outdoors. Whether born on the mountain or raised in the city, enjoyment of the outdoor is independent of age, income, occupation or culture.” On the island where we love our time outdoors this may be the perfect gift of comfort & Colleen’s has lots of styles to choose from, in addition to her family fashions & home furnishings…


A Gift of Relaxation Registered Massage Therapist: 250-247-7667
How about an hour or a half hour massage from one of our islands registered massage therapist, Tammy Birch. Melt away your stress. Feel the tension just slip away as you experience a blissfully luxurious session…


Gabriola Elementary School Craft Fair December 6 @ Gabriola Elementary
This is an exciting opportunity featuring a variety of island artists so you can do your shopping all in one place! In addition to the craft fair the famous cookie walk is a great way to support school activities, while avoiding the Christmas baking – but be early the cookies disappear quickly & the doors open at 10:00 am. There is also the very popular silent auction table with all sorts of some of the best the island has to offer, and because the money is going to such a worthy cause, you can feel good about your Christmas shopping!

Happy Holiday Shopping!

Bling

I heard someone once say that they thought that in a past life they were a crow, I was intrigued to hear it was because in this life they were attracted to shiny objects.

My fascination with shiny objects usually is of the wearable variety, mostly jewelry and particularly necklaces. It started some time ago, by a piece I received from family back in Norway, I was so intrigued by the uniqueness that I found the designs online. I’d like to warn you before visiting this site that it is highly addictive, but absolutely beautiful quality pieces http://www.pilgrim.dk/Womens/en-GB/Home . I am amazed how many times when I wear these accessories I am asked where I found them.

Of course living on an island with so many fantastic jewelers, the collection gets rather large, as it’s nice to support all the local artists, a visit to Artworks on Gabriola will give you a sampling of the wide variety of offerings. Many of the jewelers on the island also have studio’s, at their homes that they open on occasion & some exhibit their works at the Farmers Market. A trip to the island isn’t complete without discovering the amazing talents of our local artisans.

With my deep attraction to shiny things, I also believe in my past life I was a crow!