Art lovers are being given a chance to check out the work of the Burnaby Arts Council's new artist in residence.
Janet Wang is holding an exhibition at the arts council's Deer Lake Gallery from Sept. 16 to Oct. 4.
A press release notes that the exhibition, Discerning Nature, references the tradition of landscape painting and the Romantic practice of framing nature as a sublime entity.
"The natural sanctuary of Deer Lake Park is in fact part of a larger city plan, and is thus nature in the shape (or negative space) of the larger urban development," the release explains. "In the same way, our experience with nature is more often mediated, framed and carefully filtered through pathways, signage and the ubiquitous recording via smartphones and social media."
An opening reception for the exhibition is set for Saturday, Sept. 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Ave.
Check out www.burnabyartscouncil.org or call 604-298-7322 for information.
*
Fans of the written word can find plenty of local connections at the upcoming Word Vancouver festival.
The longtime festival got its start in 1995 as Word on the Street, and it's remained an annual celebration of all things literary - with workshops, discussions, readings, kids' activities and entertainment happening at seven locations over five days.
Burnaby poet Diane Tucker is featured in the Poetry On The Bus sessions happening on the main festival day - Sunday, Sept. 28 at the main branch of Vancouver Public Library. The bus will be parked on Homer Street.
Tucker is scheduled to read from her new work Bonsai Love at 12:15 p.m., and she's also part of a Poetry in Transit session at 4 p.m.
Catherine Owen - who grew up in Burnaby and now lives in New West - is also featured in Poetry on the Bus, reading from Designated Mourner at 12:45 p.m.
Doretta Lau, a Burnaby native who now splits her time between Burnaby and Hong Kong, is featured in the Canada Writes sessions, also happening on the main festival day at Vancouver Public Library. She'll be appearing at 11 a.m. to read from her debut short story collection, How Does a Single Blade of Grass Thank the Sun?
Check out www.wordvancouver.ca for all the details about the festival.
*
Artisans, take note: The Burnaby Arts Council is calling on crafters to take part in the 43rd annual Deer Lake Craft Festival.
The festival runs Friday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Nov. 23 at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.
It's been presented by the arts council every year since 1971, giving visitors a chance to check out the work of B.C. artisans - glass blowers, potters, sculptors, clothing and jewelry designers and more.
The application deadline to take part is Sept. 30.
For details, call Teen at the Burnaby Arts Council office at 604-298-7322 or email [email protected].
You can also check out the website at www.burnabyartscouncil.org.
*
Do you love music?
The Clef Society of Burnaby is holding an annual general meeting and opening recital for its current season on Sunday, Sept. 28.
The meeting starts at 1 p.m. in Room 103 at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, with the recital starting at 2 p.m.
The society holds monthly concerts at the Shadbolt Centre, featuring a variety of talented local performers, which are free to members of the society.
A press notice from the group says this annual general meeting is a "crucial meeting at which the future of the society is to be determined." A decision on future monthly recitals will also be made.
If you're interested, then be sure to turn out at the Shadbolt to get involved.
*
Are you a fan of mystery and crime writing?
The librarians at Burnaby Public Library's Metrotown branch will share some of their favourite ideas at an upcoming Librarians' Choice night, set for Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Librarians will present fast-paced reviews of recommended books for mystery, crime and suspense. They'll also offer ideas of some titles that are not traditional mysteries but that have appeal for mystery readers.
Refreshments are included.
The Metrotown library branch is at 6100 Willingdon Ave. The event is free, but space is limited, so register online at www.bpl.bc.ca/events, call 604-436-5410 or drop in to the first-floor information desk to sign up in person.
*
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
