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Lively City: Choral celebration, artists' call, Garden Gals and more

Local choral fans, don’t miss your chance to hear from one of the city’s great young ensembles. VanDeca is holding a winter concert on Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church in New Westminster.

Local choral fans, don’t miss your chance to hear from one of the city’s great young ensembles.

VanDeca is holding a winter concert on Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church in New Westminster.

“Christmas time can feel hectic and overwhelming, which is why we have chosen to hold our winter concert in January,” a write-up notes. “So come settle down from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.”

The concert, In Our Element, showcases pieces that represent all the elements: water, earth, fire and air.

“We will also be in our element as we perform a wide variety of genres: from Canadian folk songs to passionate choral pieces to funky disco songs,” the write-up says.

Knox Presbyterian Church is at 403 East Columbia St., in Sapperton. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Children 12 and under are free.

For more information, check out www.vandecachoir.com.

 

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Local artists, would you like a chance to display your work in a central New Westminster location?

The New Westminster Public Library has announced a new selection process for its art shows, and artists working in two-dimensional media of any kind are invited to apply.

Starting Feb. 1, the library is accepting applications for one-month showings from April through to December. Artists are asked to submit samples of their work, along with an artist statement, by email.

The call for submissions will run throughout February, and artists are encouraged to look up all the guidelines on the library’s website at www.nwpl.ca starting Feb. 1.

You can also email [email protected] if you have other questions.

 

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Here’s another opportunity for artists to get some high-visibility profile in the city.

The City of New Westminster is inviting artists to submit designs for consideration for the city’s community banners public art program. The banners will be located along Sixth Street, from Columbia Street to Fifth Avenue.

The city is suggesting themes of streetcars and trains, maps, streams and hills, industrial heritage and material culture. Both emerging and established artists who live and/or have a studio practice in New Westminster are invited to apply.

The submission deadline is March 15. See www.tinyurl.com/NWStreetBanners for the full details of how to apply.

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The Community Art Space at Anvil Centre will soon be celebrating the gardens of New Westminster.

The Garden Gals arts group is offering up a new show, Boulevard Gardens of New Westminster, from Feb. 1 to April 1 at the gallery space.

An opening reception is set for Friday, Feb. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The show features the work of local artists Merril Hall, Brenda Fairfax, Linda Cant, Susan Tamkin, Terry Rammell, Silvana McNulty and Carolyn McLaughlin.

The Anvil Centre is at 777 Columbia St. Call 604-527-4640 or see www.anvilcentre.ca for more details.

 

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Queensborough kids are being invited to get arty and crafty this winter.

The Queensborough Community Centre offers a variety of arts and crafts programs for kids, and some of them are coming soon.

Five- to 11-year-olds can take part in Pottery, Carving and Pastels, a program that gives them a chance to work in three different mediums and create kiln-fired pottery projects in celebration of Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and spring. It runs Wednesdays at 3:15 p.m. starting Feb. 3.

On Friday, Feb. 5, five- to 11-year-olds can also take part in a Minion-inspired craft session, with snakcs, running from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.

Five- to nine-year-olds can get into the kitchen for Valentine’s Day Baking for Kids, running Saturday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Call 604-525-7388 or check out the Queensborough brochure at www.newwestpcr.ca for all the details.

 

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Here’s a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in glamorous style.

Damask Burlesk is returning to New Westminster for a special Hearts and Garters performance at the Columbia Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 13.

The show is described as a “fun, funny and romantic burlesque romp for Valentine’s Day. A perfect night out with your loved one in a glamorous showroom with amazing performances.”

The lineup includes such performers as Cherry on Top, Audrey Hipturn, Hella Tang, Ruby Slickeur, Mr. Yoyothrower and the ladies of Damask Burlesk – Minnie Peron, Luna Essence and Diamond Minx.

Advance tickets are $30 for VIP or $20 regular. At the door, tickets can be bought (regular only) for $25.

 

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Love to knit? You may want to check out Social Knitwork at the New Westminster Public Library.

The drop-in knitting group welcomes people of all ages and skill levels to drop in for knitting and conversation on the first Wednesday of the month. The next session is set for Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Participants should bring their own yarn, needles, scissors and supplies.

You can register at 604-527-4667 or email [email protected].

 

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Fans of crime and mystery writing, take note.

You’ll want to set aside some time on the afternoon of Feb. 20 to stop by an author reading at the New Westminster Public Library.

The reading features three authors who are members of the Crime Writers of Canada: Allan J. Emerson (Death of a Bride and Groom: A Honeymoon Falls Mystery), Donald J. Hauka (Pizza 911: A Mister Jinnah Mystery) and Cathy Ace (Cait Morgan Mysteries and WISE Enquiries Agency Mysteries).

Books will be for sale by the authors – cash only.

The reading is set for 2 p.m. at the library’s main branch, 716 Sixth Ave. Call 604-527-4660 or see www.nwpl.ca for details.

 

Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected].