Art can heal, and art can unite.
That’s the philosophy behind the next exhibition at the Community Art Space at Anvil Centre, Unity of Spirits.
The exhibition features work on paper by participants from the Healing Through Art program that runs at the Union Gospel Mission’s resource centre in New Westminster. The program makes art accessible for people who face barriers such as homelessness, poverty and addiction.
A write-up about the show notes that the participating artists worked with artist Colette Lisoway and outreach worker Edith Tazumi to create original linocuts at the Anvil Centre’s studios.
“The works vary from pop art inspired imagery to geometric abstractions and playful landscapes,” says the write-up.
Artists whose work is in the exhibition include Myke Germyn, Roger Williams, Diane Baker, Beverly Grant, Kwaku Gaisie, Scott Lee, Lynette Perrault, Teresa Werth and Melissa Werth.
An opening reception is being held on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Community Art Space. It’s free, and everyone is welcome.
Unity of Spirits will be on display at the gallery until Jan. 27.
See www.anvilcentre.com for more.
GALLERY AT QUEEN'S PARK
Art lovers, if you’re in the neighbourhood, be sure to stop by the Gallery at Queen’s Park to check out the winter exhibition.
From now until Jan. 29, the Arts Council of New Westminster will be showing works from its permanent collection, by a variety of artists.
Take note: the gallery is closed for the holidays from Dec. 17 to Jan. 3, reopening regular hours on Jan. 4.
The gallery’s open Wednesday through Sunday – 1 to 5 p.m. daily, with late-night opening on Wednesdays until 8 p.m.
See www.acnw.ca or call 604-525-3244 for more.
LITFEST NEW WEST SHORT STORY CONTEST
Writers, get out those pens and boot up those laptops: it’s time to get writing again.
LitFest New West is presenting a short story competition this year, and submissions are being accepted until midnight on Jan. 15, 2017.
All stories must be fiction, and they must be set in New Westminster. The contest is limited to one entry per person, and stories must not have been previously published in print or on the web.
Prize money will be available for adult and youth writers. Youth prizes will be awarded in three age categories: 12 to 13, 14 to 15, and 16 to 18.
Adult entries must be between 1,200 and 1,500 words, while youth entries must be from 500 to 1,000 words.
Entry is free for arts council members, or $25 for non-members (or, better yet, become a member of the Arts Council of New Westminster and then enter for free).
You have to send in your entry to [email protected] midnight on Jan. 15, so you still have some time.
FOREVER PLAID CONTINUES
Looking for a fun family night out? Don’t forget that Vagabond Players’ Forever Plaid is playing until Dec. 18.
The musical – which tells the story of a quartet of male singers who make a detour en route to heaven to perform their first big concert – takes audiences through a roster of favourite pop hits of the 1950s.
It stars Allen Fraser, Bradley Dewar, Christopher Hall and Dann Wilhelm, and it’s directed by Wayne Nolan with musical direction by Julie Atchison.
It’s on Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Bernie Legge Theatre.
See www.vagabondplayers.ca for all the details.
SAVE THE DATE FOR MONDAY MOVIE
Film fans, save the date: the Last Mondays at the Movies series is set to continue in January with The Dressmaker.
It’s on Monday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Massey Theatre.
If you’re not familiar with the movie, it’s based on Rosalie Ham’s bestselling novel and stars Kate Winslet as a designer who has been working for many years in exclusive Parisian fashion houses and who returns to her small-town home in middle-of-nowhere Australia to right the wrongs of the past.
I’ve seen the movie and won’t give out any more of the plot – other than to say I guarantee the movie will make an impression. (Plus, it also stars Judy Davis and Liam Hemsworth.)
Tickets are $9, or $8 for students and seniors, and you can buy ahead at www.ticketsnw.ca or at the door (cash only) on movie night.
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected].
