Students at Purpose Independent Secondary School will be displaying their artwork at RiverFest.
“During term four of the last school year, the students in my art class had the opportunity to work directly with Lennart Osterlund, a Canadian Federation artist,” Heather Hancock, a teacher in the PREP program, said in an email to The Record. “With the theme being the Fraser River, the students produced many successful pieces of art.”
The students’ artwork will be displayed at Fraser River Discovery Centre on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Four students form Purpose secondary will be presented with certificates and cheques from the Federation of Canadian Artists: Janey Eang,who is pursuing post-secondary education in visual arts; Ashley Bateman, who has moved on from the PREP program to regular courses at Purpose; Eli Ventura,who was the school valedictorian and developed his pastel and painting skills during the course; and Jessica Smith, who hopes to work in the film industry doing special effects makeup.
“There are also paintings being displayed from all of the other students that were in the class,” Hancock said. “A book has been produced that showcases their artwork, art from other students in the Lower Mainland and that of the Canadian Federation Arts. An exceptional poem from a Grade 10 Purpose student is also included.”
If you’re at RiverFest – always a fun family event – be sure to drop by Discovery Centre and check out the students’ works.
Sharing beauty
A local couple is excited about sharing their images with the community.
Photography buffs Kathleen and Richard Klyne are displaying a collection of their photographs at the VanCity branch on Sixth Street. The display of about 20 photographs runs for two weeks starting Sept. 22.
“We were talking to the receptionist at the booth. She said, ‘sure, why not,’” Kathleen said, requesting to display the photos. “I feel great.”
The photos are primarily scenic shots and images of flowers taken in New Westminster and Vancouver. Along with the two-week run at the local financial institution, the couple will be displaying their photos at RiverFest on Sept. 27.
Literary night
A number of heavy hitters on the literary front will be visiting the new Anvil Centre Theatre.
Annabel Lyon, Marilyn Norry, Kathryn Para and JJ Lee are featured in War Stories, a one-night-only literary event taking place Friday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.
Biliana Velkova, the city’s arts coordinator, said War Stories was conceived by local author Diane Haynes from the Royal City Writers and produced in partnership with the City of New Westminster and Douglas College. It’s one of a number of events being planned as part of the Wait For Me, Daddy war commemorative.
Calvin Wharton, author and chair of the creative writing department at Douglas College, will moderate the event that will feature readings by the four authors reflecting on ideas, themes and emotions inspired by the Wait For Me, Daddy photograph, as well as a panel discussion and dialogue/Q&A with the audience. The reception afterward will feature musicians from the Douglas College music program and a cash bar hosted by Truffles.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors, students and children, and are available at 604-521-5050 or through the link at www.newwestpcr.ca.
Fall fun
Realtor Derrick Thornhill will be trucking hundreds of pumpkins into Queen’s Park for his annual pumpkin patch.
Thornhill is once again hosting a pumpkin patch in support of Monarch Place, which supports women and children fleeing domestic violence. This year’s event is taking place on Saturday, Oct. 18 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Queen’s Park picnic shelter.
Community members are invited to drop by and pick a pumpkin, while enjoying hot chocolate, coffee and timbits compliments of the Tim Hortons community cruiser. Other highlights include pumpkin carving, a colouring contest, popcorn and grab bags.
Kids are invited to wear their cutest, scariest or most original costume, as prizes will be awarded and complimentary photos will be taken.
Thornhill’s pumpkin patch event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated in support of Monarch Place.
Do you have an item for Around Town? Send ideas from around the community to Theresa McManus, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @TheresaMcManus.
