Gabriola Home and Garden Tour

On Sunday June 27th People for a Healthy Community are hosting the 12th Annual Gabriola Home and Garden Tour. This self guided tour of island homes and gardens has been a great success in the past and this year looks to be even better. Ten outstanding homes and gardens are being opened to the public for viewing. The weather has been excellent for gardens and everything is in full bloom. See ideas for decorating, green building and spectacular coastal living.

The tour starts at 10:00 am and goes until 5:00pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on Gabriola at Artworks, Lockwood Garden, Wheelbarrel Nursery and the Wild Rose Garden Centre. Tickets are also available in Nanaimo at Buckerfields at Southgate and Dig This on Metral Drive. Gabriola is one of the Gulf Islands that boasts scenery, views and wildlife. Check ferry schedules at http://www.bcferries.com/ and make a day of it.

Tickets are also available on June 27th at PHC locate on the lower level of the Commons, 675 North Road on Gabriola. Drop by and see our community gardens, displays and information about People for a Healthy Community along with sales of art cards and light snacks.

A blind auction for a beautiful giclee print of “His Garden” by artist Sylvie Milman as well as framed photo by Liz McKnight and a painting by award winning artist Jeff Molloy will be available for viewing at various sights on the tour.

This is a fund raising event to benefit the programs and services offered on Gabriola Island by People for a Healthy Community (PHC). PHC is a non profit organization that provides social services to Gabriolans in need. PHC operates the food bank, soup socials, community gardens, children’s grief programs, housing advocacy, a Christmas bureau, emergency funding and a holiday Spirit Feast.

A trip to Oz…

Well firstly, I have to start off by stating that this is all about being an Auntie, which gives me HUGE bragging rights, which will be apparent in this blog…

Last weekend, at the home Tina & I grew up in on Gabriola, we celebrated by neice Bianca, and nephew MicGill’s birthday party and WOW, what a spectacular celebration. Our friends & families came to take a walk on the yellow brick road where they met Oz, the wicked witch of the East (aka Tina my sister), the good witch, Tin Man, and hosts Dorothy (B) and Lion (M). Along the journey their were games to keep the munckins busy and it truly felt like we had left Kansas and ended up in the magical world of Oz (Gabriola).

Guy stole the show, as the Tin Man who kept telling everyone he only wanted a heart, but he couldn’t resist blurting out to our local Dr. that he also wanted his spleen back!

Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate, and to our hostess Dorothy(Bianca), and Lion (MicGill) – I am SO proud to be your Auntie, you guys are both amazing kids!

Happy Birthday!

XOXXO Your Auntie, Jen

Ever thought of Joining the Circus???

Well today on Gabriola the New Old Time Chautauqua came to the island with its crew of 61 performers to give Gabriola Islanders a full day of circus events…

The musical vaudeville circus in its 28th annual summer time tour, came through the Village in full costume and musical instruments, and I mean through the Village leading the parade… Everyone was welcome and there were many familiar faces in the crowd, mostly behind big red noses… No sooner did they enter the parking lot at the Folklife then the parade carried on through Village Food Market, gaining yet more unsuspecting shoppers who soon became lured by shiny instruments, and the vibrant costumes. In front of Artworks they did a teaser of what’s in store for their big performance at 7:00 tonight at the Commons, and tickets are available right at the Entrance to the Commons.

But before the show these merrymakers led the parade, first through the office & out the back window, back to the Commons. All those who had ever thought about joining the circus were welcome by the performers both adults & kids had the opportunity to learn a variety of skills including juggling, acrobatics, mask making, clowning, etc.

For those that can’t get enough tonights “Big Show” is going to inspire – bring a blanket or a chair, the performance take place on the lawn...

The New Old Time Chautauqua is a non profit organization, whose mission is to nurture and build community through laughter, entertainment and education. They present family-oriented events in diverse communities, especially to rural and under-served populations. The traveling troupe partners with local organizations and service groups, with the intention of inspiring creativity and supporting community.

This summer Aqua Chautauqua will travel by boat and bus to maritime communities in Canada and Washington State. The merry band of performers and educators will create community events with colorful
Parades, creative and informative workshops and vaudeville shows with all the bells and whistles.

This show will benefit the fund raising efforts of the Commons to reduce carrying charges for the mortgage and enable renovation projects to get underway sooner. Thus the motto at "The Commons... a Place For Everyone" can be truly implemented!

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.

Gabriola's First Theatre Festival - August 21 - 23rd, 2009

What a weekend it's going to be... 7 main stage productions, the launching of a young peoples theatre company & so much, much more! With so much local talent on display, you'll want to get your tickets early so as not to be disappointed - ticket information as well as information on the festival and the 7 main stage shows can be found by visiting: www.gabriolatheatrefestival.ca .

Alongside the productions to be found on the main stage, the weekend will be jam packed with additional activites in the Village area including;

Razberry's Jazz Cafe - in between theatre shows look for the open stage between Rasberry's & Artworks where you'll find a variety of local musicians and entertainers.

The Gabriola Lions - legendary pancake breakfast will be served on Saturday the 22nd between 9:00 - 11:00 am.

Street Art - come by and be enthralled and inspired by the work of more than 50 local island artisans who will be displaying their work.

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.

The Empty Bowl Project

This weekend, as a fundraiser for Gabriola's Emergency Food Depot, People or a Healthy community are once again holding their annual fundraiser, and your chance to, make a bowl for hunger.

On Saturday, May 30th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Sunstone Pottery studio's open it's doors, to all those interested in creating a bowl for Hunger. June 2nd is National Hunger Awareness Day and PHC welcomes your awareness and action to alleviate hunger on the island. Potter extoridnaire, Graham Sheehan and colleagues will be there to guide your talents in creating a bowl. A small fee of $5 is required to participate. Love your bowl??? During the week of June 18th - 24th the bowls will be displayed at Artworks, where you can bid on your own bowl or your favorite bowl. Note: Wear clothes suitable to play in the clay…have fun!!! You can register at PHC or on May 30th when you arrive at Sunstone. All ages welcomed!

Sunstone Pottery – 520 Argyle Lane, Gabriola

Exploring the Gulf Island and BC's West Coast

Over the past weekend I had some clients from out of province and one of our discussions on the tour of properties was about the BC Ferries Experience Card which allows you to get a significant discount when you travel on the Nanaimo - Gabriola route and other routes as well.

The clients I was out with had purchased a 4 consecutive day SailPass which allowed them to travel from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay and through several of the gulf Islands and returning to Vancouver for a cost of $189.00 for two adults and a car. This is a great way to explore Island Living and is a unique way for Islanders to travel locally.

There are many other options to consider when you are planning your vacation or exploring a route for commuting, one is the Assured Boarding Passes which are available for the three major Vancouver Island/Mainland routes or you may consider making reservations. To find out more about the specials and trip planning visit : http://www.bcferries.com/travel_planning/ . Submitted by: Tina LYNCH

We’re so proud!

“The Kerplunks” are a fantastic 4 piece band that have been recognized for their amazing talent and ability to engage kids getting them singing along and joining in on all the action…

This Gabriola based band has been nominated for children’s album of the year, the Juno awards will take place this weekend (March 29) in Vancouver. Gabriola will be on pins and needles awaiting the results.

Clearly the Kerplunks are already winners in our hearts and we hope they win the hearts & ears of the rest of Canada as well.

Coast Realty (Gabriola Village) Ltd. is delighted to have the Kerplunks playing at our annual Free Community Easter Egg Hunt at noon on Sat, April 11th, where there set to get the kids moving before the great hunt!

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.

Something out of this WORLD

Something out of this world, is happening this weekend (feb 19/20/21)at Jupiter Ranch (http://www.jupiterranch.com/) on Gabriola Island. While this island is renowned for the number of artists it attracts, Sylvie Milman, the owner of the Jupiter Ranch B&B, is keeping the arts community on its toes.


Bringing in new inspiration and opening her beautiful studio as a classroom, she has a guest artist Dominik Modlinski here to teach beginner and intermediate painters who wish to expand their knowledge of acrylic painting techniques while enhancing their perception and creative visualization. Dominik will introduce colour exercises based on three primary colours and white to introduce students to colour mixing and achieving unlimited colour harmonies. Randi is signed up to attend, and we're hoping to see some colorful canvases at the end of the weekend. Sumbitted by Tina Lynch.

New Shiatsu Studio on Gabriola

A new Shiatsu Studio has opened on Gabriola... I was very excited to receive a gift certificate to a full hour of relaxation - what a treat!

By gentle manipulation and pressure of certain acu-points and stretching, Olirach was able to re-establish a smooth flow of energy - so much so that I drifted off in a light sleep. The techniques used by Olirach are based on Chinese medicine and tailors the treatment to the unique individual needs of the client.

There website at http://www.olirach.com/ has lots of additional information including a free upcoming workshop on Introduction to Mind & Body Well-Being: tools for living. As well as information on how to book their Valentine's Day February special: where during February only they are offering 'Buy one Shiatsu get one Free' specially for couples.

Discover the benefits of a relaxing, rejuvenating Shiatsu Massage. Submitted by: Randi Lynch.

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

Gabriola Dance Classes - For Children & Adults

Gabriola has a new Dance instructor who is offering a variety of courses catering to both children & adults. The classes start this Saturday at the Agi Hall and this Saturdays classes are free! There is a variety of different classes listed below, including Pilates for teens & adults...

Adult classes on Sat. & Thursday.
Kids’ classes are on Saturdays and include a dress-up or storytelling session at the end for younger children. In class recitals on last day. Young children should wear comfortable clothing. Girls over 5 should wear tights, leotard and ballet slippers if possible. Boys should wear black shorts and white shirt and slippers.

Parent and Tot- You are welcome to accompany your 2 ½ to 4 year old to this class. In this class Children play with music as they learn simple choreography and explore their own creations. Emphasis is on creativity, music appreciation and listening skills. An in class recital will be held on the last day. Saturday 9:15-9:45 $40.00

Creative Dance for pre-schoolers. In this class girls and boys will wiggle like spaghetti and leap like a dolphin while learning the fundamentals of dance technique. For even more fun, each class will conclude with dress-up or storytelling. An in class recital will be held on the last day. Saturday 11:30-12:30 $60

Kinderdance- Specially designed for your kindergartener, this class introduces the young dancer to their first real steps. Time will be spent both at the Barre and in the Centre. The dancer will begin to learn the artistic vocabulary associated with dance while they create their own choreography. For even more fun, each class will conclude with dress-up or storytelling. An in class recital will be held on the last day. Saturday 12:45-2 $65.00

Creative Dance-6-9years old- In this class, children will begin to explore the world of dance on a deeper level with the focus on fun! Barre and Centre work will focus on alignment and body awareness. Some basic anatomy will be taught as well. For even more fun, each class will conclude with dress-up or storytelling. An in class recital will be held on the last day. Saturday 2:15-3:30 $65

Creative Dance –10-12 years old- Dancers in this class will be taught at the Barre, in the Centre and across the floor with a focus on strong technique. An emphasis on artistry will be fostered through fun creative choreography, lyrical dance and storytelling. An in class recital will be held on the last day. Saturday 3:45-5 $65

Teen Ballates-This fun class is a combination of the core strengthening techniques of mat pilates and the artistry of ballet technique. Participants will develop a strong body and keen technical skills that will benefit them in any other dance form or sport. Contemporary and classical music will be used for centre choreography. Musical suggestions are welcome for the creative dance section which wraps up the class. Sunday afternoon at The Gathering Place 247-8020 for info

Pilates- Mara is a BCRPA certified pilates instructor. The beauty of Plates is that exercises are adaptable to suit seniors with medical concerns as well as to suit the most fit of atheletes. In this class, participants will learn the basics of Beginner Mat Pilates including correct breathing, pelvic, spinal, shoulder stabilization and how to strengthen the core and back muscles. The benefits of this practice include firm abdominals, realignment of posture, stronger back, increased strength & flexibility and the alleviation of aches and pains. Please bring a towel or mat. Saturday and/or Thursday 5-6 $70 for one class a week. Save 20% on your 2nd adult class, 30% on your 3rd class and 40% on your 4th class. Teens also welcome to register. Drop in’s welcome -$13

Adult Ballet – Don’t worry-it’s not scary! These lighthearted classes help the beginner and advanced dance student to explore the art of dance in a safe and challenging environment. Mara will guide you through a traditional floor warm up, ballet barre, centre and stretch emphasizing correct placement and encouraging flexibility, while building strength, coordination and musicality. While the execution of skills is the outwardly appearance of dance, a truly skilled dancer understands that dance is an art form. Mara infuses this philosophy into her classes so that dancers gain an understanding and appreciation of their relationships to dance. Saturday 10-11:30 and Thursday 7-8:30 $80 for one class a week. Save 20% on your 2nd adult class, 30% on your 3rd class and 40% on your 4th class. Teens also welcome to register. Drop in’s welcome-$15.

BIOGRAPHY: Miss Mara grew up in Montreal where she began to dance 30 years ago. After training in the Danish Ballet technique and teaching ballet for the City of Montreal she moved to Bowen Ialsnd where she has been a dancer, choreographer and ballet teacher for 10 years. Her view of ballet as an art form resonates with honesty and passion. Now living on Gabriola, she promises to create ballet and pilates programs for children, teens, adults and seniors that encourage the development of strong technique, body awareness, poise, and grace. It is her hope that students will be given opportunities to perform in community based events and eventually hold their own full scale productions. Dance is a joyful, kinetic experience that encourages skill building, focus, creative thought and an appreciation for one’s self and the arts. Mara’s classes are designed to provide an enriched dance experience in a supportive and safe environment, while also ensuring dancers of every age develop a love and appreciation for dance that lasts a lifetime.


Mara Brenner 250-247-8538

A Valentine's Day weekend writing workshop with Linda Solomon on Gabriola Island

Linda Solomon and Kathryn Molloy invite you. Relax into a structured, encouraging atmosphere, enjoying the guidance of an experienced mentor, while writing about love in any of its infinitely varied forms. There will be plenty of chocolate and amazing stories.

The workshop will take place at Kathryn's home, a short walk from the ocean. There are six spaces available at Kathryn's for out of town guests to stay for two nights free. These are available on a first come first serve basis. There are also a number of lovely bed and breakfast options near Kathryn's home for those who would like more privacy.

When: Begins Friday February 13 at 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Saturday February 14, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday February 15, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Cost: $125.00 per person
Experience Required to Attend: Life

Other Requirements: You must be mentally, physically and emotionally prepared to enjoy the experience of writing, listening to the stories of others, and reading out loud.
What to bring: A pen, a notebook, or your laptop computer. A sense of humour. Memory. Tears. Laughter. Willingness. A dash of bravery. Your truth. Your heart.

To reserve your space, please send your nonrefundable deposit of $60.00 to Linda Solomon by February 1.

Linda's mailing address:
1501-2628 Ash Street
Vancouver, BC V5Z4L2

BIO - LINDA SOLOMO

Linda Solomon is editor-in-chief of The Vancouver Observer. She also writes for The Tyee. Linda has written for publications such as The International Herald Tribune and the LA Times. She has won awards for public service and investigative reporting from United Press International and has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. She has received a grant from the Fund for Investigative Journalism and two of her newspaper series led to US senate hearings and legislative change. She was nominated for a CBC award last year in the short story category and her story on a Vancouver psychotherapist who was refused entry to the US was the inspiration for a Colbert report and was nominated by The Tyee for a Jack Webster journalism award in 2007. Linda's short stories have been published widely in North American literary magazines and she has a work of literary nonfiction coming out this spring in Geist.

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Linda has lived and worked in Paris and Manhattan, where she was a web pioneer, co-founding and writing for one of the first web soap operas, thecouch.com, a serialized comedy about six New Yorkers in group therapy. The New York Daily News called thecouch.com "The New Yorker meets Rent in cyberspace." She taught journalism and creative writing at the Women's Institute for Continuing Education in Montparnasse in Paris and was a workshop leader at the Emerson College Writer's Retreat in Holland. Linda has produced stories for WBAI public radio in New York and written for magazines such as Yoga Journal, New Age Journal, Orion and The Utne Reader. She was the co-author of Hollyhock Cooks: Recipes For the Body, Mind and Soil, a BC bestseller.

Following 9/11, Linda immigrated to Cortes Island, where she lived for five years. In 2006, she moved to Vancouver with her two young sons and founded the Vancouver Observer.
Gifted at bringing forth the literary talents of others, Linda offers writing workshops through Hollyhock Workshop and Retreat Centre in Vancouver and on Cortes Island. Linda also offers hands-on editing and mentoring to new writers on a private basis. Through the Vancouver Observer, she works with interns from local universities to help launch their journalism careers.

Linda has an MFA from Vermont College and a BA in American Culture from Northwestern University. She studied French at the Sorbonne.

Linda Solomon
linda@thevancouverobserver.com

Mark your Calender!

It's that time of year again, when our friend & well known Gabriola artist, Sheila Norgate will be opening her studio for her annual sale.

Make sure you mark it on your calender, it's an event that you won't want to miss....

2531 Tyee Drive, Gabriola Island

Saturday 13 December 2008

11- 5

For those over in Vancouver, Sheila also has an exhibition currently open at the Atelier Gallery...

SHEILA NORGATE
Mixed Bag: New Work
December 4 – 24, 2008
Opening reception: Thursday,
December 4, 6-8 p.m.
(Artist in attendance)

The Atelier Gallery is pleased to present a small solo exhibition featuring new work by Sheila Norgate. This latest series of text-based paintings sees her menagerie of birds and dogs continue to be a central theme. Working primarily in acrylics, each canvas delivers a narrative stamped with Norgate’s signature wit.

“Over the years there have been what you would call recurring motifs appearing in my work. Hearts and birds have pretty much been there all along, but the dogs are a more recent addition. I’d love to be able to attribute this to some more exotic phenomena, but truth be told, it is a simple case of art imitating life. We adopted a small Maltese-poodle cross in 2001 and life has never been the same.”

Sheila Norgate is a long time resident of Gabriola Island and a prominent member of its vibrant arts community. Despite roots firmly planted on an isolated and idyllic Gulf Island, Norgate exhibits in numerous galleries across North America and attracts a large and enthusiastic audience. Mixed Bag: New Work, will be on display from December 4 – 24, 2008.

Image information:
Sheila Norgate, The Heart is a Fervent Songbird, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 36 inches, 2008

ATELIER GALLERY
2421 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC
V6H 3G5
604-732-3021
info@ateliergallery.ca
www.ateliergallery.ca

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!

Gabriola Studio Tour 2008 - October 11, 12, & 13

It’s hard to believe that it is coming up to that time of year again, where for the Thanksgiving weekend the island is a buzz as the artisans open their studios to the public.

As you open your homes to family & friends visiting, it is a great opportunity for them to explore all the talent on this island, and with 1/3 of the artisans being new on the tour this year, it is also a great chance for islanders to go and meet their new neighbors!

This year, over the long weekend, 96 local artists will participate - you will see them creating their work, including furniture, oil, water colour, acrylic, and encaustic paintings, mixed media constructions, pottery & so much more…We have found that the artists are happy to answer questions, share techniques, and a few even do demonstrations to highlight their skills. You will have the chance to view and buy work from each artist.

Tour head quarters is at Artworks, the perfect place to pick up your coffee before heading out on the self guided tour. They will also be featuring a variety of the works so that you can pre-plan your trip. If you stop into Artworks make sure to thank Kathy for all her amazing hard work that she does all year long in prepping, not only for the tour, but celebrating and sharing the works of art & the artisans in our community.So, please join us in enjoying the beautiful fall weather while discovering the wealth of talent that lives and works in our community. Admission is free.

Your participation supports local artists, and is a great opportunity to learn more about their work. Studio hours for the weekend are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., there is a great opportunity to meet the artists this year before the tour on Friday October 10 at the Surf Lodge.

See you on the tour!

Avian Apparition

As the sun set & the skies cleared on Friday night, Degnen Bay was alight with flocks of geese lanterns scattered throughout the Bay. Part of the Elements Festivals celebration of nature in performance, this was truly a spectacular performance.

In the week prior, several Gabriola islanders & tourists took opportunity to learn to create the exquisite geese lanterns at the Commons. On Friday night as it turned to dusk the lanterns were lit and the geese were gracefully scattered by canoe throughout the waters of Degnen Bay. Complete silence fell over the crowd that hugged the Gabriola shoreline gathered to hear the soundtrack that echoed from all corners of the bay including instruments to generate a bird like soundscape.

The evening was magical, and the scenery amazing! A kudos to the many volunteers it took to put this event together!

Artworks “Keyed Up”

It seems like only days ago (although I know weeks have passed) since Tina & Randi walked into the office and put a key on my desk. I knew exactly what was up, they had gone for coffee at Artworks, and Kathy had given us a key for the group “object” show.

I pondered, for far to long, what I was going to do with my key, when the idea struck me! My nephew is infatuated with pirates; I have a new fascination with sock monkeys so I was going to incorporate the two into a “monkey” project.

Thursday, June 26th marks the opening of this show, it will be a great evening with 29 artists work (and one wanna be artist) on display. If you haven’t been an opening show for Artworks on Gabriola, this definitely one of the social outings on the island not to be missed. Mark your calendar for Thursday evening 7:00 – 9:00 & we’ll see you there!