A New Westminster poet is being recognized for her service to the arts.
Writers International Network Canada is presenting its People's Laureate Award 2012 to Ariadne Sawyer, a New Westminster resident who's the president of the World Poetry reading series.
"This award is designed to bring recognition to the most deserving person, who is often an unsung hero and works hard day after day to create opportunities for those who otherwise may not have a chance to avail themselves of those occasions," a press release explains.
The award will be presented by Ashok Bhargava, founder of the Writers International Network, during a special event at the Richmond Cultural Centre and Library on Saturday, March 24 from 12: 30 to 4: 30 p.m.
ART AT THE LIBRARY
Art lovers, you still have some time left to catch the latest exhibitions at the New Westminster Public Library.
The library has two shows underway until March 31.
In the reference department, you can check out the work of local photographer Gabor Gasztonyi, who's displaying some of the results of his sevenyear project to photograph people in their homes in the Downtown Eastside.
Gasztonyi has also gathered his photographs in the book A Room in the City.
On the ramp gallery, you can enjoy watercolours by Shirley Hargreaves, with still life, florals and landscapes.
Pop in at any time during library hours at 716 Sixth Ave.
EXHIBIT AT MARKET
Another one for the art lovers - be sure to stop by the River Market for this one.
The New West Artists group is presenting a fourperson exhibition at the Network Hub, on the second floor of the market.
The exhibition, What To Do Next?, focuses on why artists choose to create what they do.
It features work by Judith Copland, Norm Coridor, Rob Fee and Irene LaCharité.
An opening reception is set for this Friday, March 23 from 6 to 8 p.m., and the exhibition runs until April 21. Check out www. newwestartists.com for more details.
POET HONOURED
An award-winning poet from New Westminster is being fêted at the next World Poetry Night Out event.
The event, set for March 28 at the New Westminster Public Library, will celebrate Jacqueline Maire being named as the winner of the World Poetry Lifetime Achievement Award. She's the first such winner from the Royal City.
The event will be hosted by Ariadne Sawyer and Anita Aguirre Nieveras, with readings by Maire's family and a welcome and tributes by other World Poetry Lifetime Achievement Award winners. Also on hand will be Danielle Jones, the World Poetry New Westminster Youth Ambassador, and Tony Antonias.
There will be music by Enrico Renz and a open mike session for poems dedicated to or for Maire.
As always, the fun also includes refreshments and a book raffle, and it's all free.
Call 604-526-4729 for more information, or pop by the library at 6: 30 p.m. on March 28 to join in the fun.
FESTIVAL COMING
Local music students are being invited to take part in the annual Festival on the Lake at the Shadbolt Centre in Burnaby.
The registration deadline is March 24 for the festival, which runs from April 30 to May 3, May 14 to 16 and May 28 to 30.
The festival - formerly known as the Music Man Festival - is designed to foster the love of music in a non-competitive environment, giving musicians a chance to experience master classes by world-class adjudicators.
All participants receive verbal and written comments, and top participants in each division will be invited to perform at a final concert.
Scholarships and awards are also presented to support the most outstanding and promising young artists.
For more information, call festival coordinator Donna Fishwick at 604431-6700 or email festival [email protected].
LAUGH FOR PRIDE
The Laff Riot Girls are lending their comedic power to a good cause.
The comedy troupe is presenting its third annual comedy fundraiser March 29 for Royal City Pride.
The Pretty, Witty and Gay Show is on at Lafflines, 530 Columbia St., at 8 p.m.
ARDELL BROPHY
Fitzpatrick and LeeAnn Keple will be joined on stage by Amy Wilding, Marlene Swidzinski, Wanda Roberts, Robyn Edwards, Erin Graham and some surprise guests.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20, and there will also be a live and silent auction as part of the fun.
Call 604-525-2262 to reserve, or 604-544-4725.
SONG AND DANCE
Is there a young person in your house who loves to sing and dance?
Children and teens aged nine to 19 are invited to apply for the Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! summer musical theatre program that runs at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver.
Young performers will get instruction from a variety of industry professionals, including musical director Wendy Bross Stuart, director Chris McGregor, choreographers Isabelle Maheux, Jason Franco and Laura Krewski, set and costume coordinator Jay Havens and musical director Lonnie Delisle.
The first session runs July 3 to 26, the second from July 30 to Aug. 23. Both sessions run Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Applications are due by April 2. Call 604-257-5111 or see www.theimpresario. ca/gottasing.html.
Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, jmac [email protected].
