A New Westminster artist is featured in the next exhibition at the Gallery at Queen’s Park.
The Arts Council of New Westminster is presenting Happenstance, a solo exhibition by Robert Fee, from Feb. 3 to 28.
Fee is an artist and musician, originally from the Okanagan, who now lives in New West.
A press release notes that after he completed an art degree, he spent five years playing jazz and blues in clubs all over B.C. He moved to Vancouver in the late 1990s, first studying jazz at Capilano College and then completing a bachelor’s degree in art education.
“Robert Fee approaches painting in a similar way to jazz improvisation,” the release says. “The idea of creating a solo, starting from basic structures and developing them in new an unexpected ways, could also describe how he works with paint.”
An opening reception is set for Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m.
As a complement to the artwork, Fee will also present a Sunday afternoon series of jazz duo concerts, at 2 p.m. on Feb. 7, 14 and 21.
Check out www.artscouncilnewwest.org for more details.
WINTER ESCAPE
A New Westminster actor is featured in the Langley Players’ new winter play.
Enchanted April is onstage at the Langley Playhouse Jan. 21 to Feb. 20.
The cast includes Sue Sparlin of New Westminster as Mrs. Graves, one of four English women who venture off to a villa in Italy in 1922.
“This timeless story takes the audience on a journey from darkness to light and from repression to freedom, promising new discoveries along the way,” says director Marko Hohlbein in a press release. “Life for many women in 1922 was very restricted. Escaping to the Italian Riviera sounded like an impossible dream to a woman faced with an empty marriage and the dreary drudgery of day-to-day life.”
Sparlin is joined by Sheila Greentree, Margaret Dyck and Breann Grainger as the other British escapees, with Dann Wilhelm, Raymond Hatton and Tomas Gamba as the men who throw a wrench into their plans. Irene Rowe rounds out the cast as the Italian housekeeper.
The show runs Thursdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. It’s on at the Langley Playhouse, 4307 200 St., and tickets are $15 (or $10 for previews on Jan. 21 and 22).
See www.langleyplayers.com for all the details and to buy tickets.
FOR THE KIDS
Do you have an artistically inclined youngster in the house?
ArtStarts is returning to River Market for its weekend workshop series on Sunday, Jan. 31.
This month, families can enjoy a printmaking workshop by Julie McIntyre called New Impressions: Making the Common, Exceptional. The workshop is designed to help families use basic equipment and ordinary materials around their homes to create professional prints.
There are two 45-minute sessions, at 11 a.m. and at 1 p.m. It’s aimed at ages five and up, but everyone is welcome. The workshop is free, but if you’re interested, it’s wise to be early – it’s a popular program.
Check out www.rivermarket.ca for the details.
MORE ARTS COUNCIL NEWS
And a couple more tidbits from the Arts Council of New Westminster.
The Gallery at Queen’s Park is holding its next Gallery Sessions performance on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m., featuring Dasha Sekatcheva. She’s joined by opening act Judith Bartlett.
The live music sessions are on a pay-what-you-can basis, with a suggested donation of $3 to $7.
And, if you’re a movie fan, don’t forget that the arts council’s Last Mondays at the Movies series continues at Massey Theatre on Monday, Jan. 25 with Learning to Drive, starring Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley. Tickets are $10, or $8 for students and seniors, and you can buy (cash only) at the door. The screening starts at 7:30 p.m.
Check out www.artscouncilnewwest.org for all the details.
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected].
