It’s never too early to nurture a love of literature.
The Royal City Literary Arts Society is holding another edition of its Children’s Chronicles series on Saturday, June 24 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Author Gary Pryke will lead the session, which combines storytime, writing and discussion for kids aged eight to 12. It’s taking place in the Island Room at Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave. It’s free, but sign up ahead. Check out www.rclas.comor email [email protected] for details.
ARTSTARTS RETURNS
Here’s some more fun for the kids, courtesy of the ArtStarts workshop series at River Market.
The series continues on Sunday, June 25 with sessions at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This month features the Red Fox Healthy Living Society, bringing a drum workshop in recognition of National Aboriginal Day.
It’s open to all ages, and each workshop runs for 45 minutes. It’s free, and you don’t have to sign up ahead – but do turn up early, since the workshops are popular.
See www.artstarts.com/events or www.rivermarket.cafor more details.
CANADA 150 ART SHOW
Here’s a heads-up for art lovers.
The New West Artists group is holding a Canada 150 exhibition on July 1 and 2.
The exhibition will feature work in all mediums, on a Canada/New West/heritage theme.
The show will be on at 52 Sixth St., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both the Saturday and the Sunday.
For more about New West Artists, check out www.newwestartists.com.
KIDS AND ART
Kids are naturally creative creatures – and the Arts Council of New Westminster is helping to nurture that creativity.
The arts council is offering a series of ongoing ArtsToGo workshops, featuring a variety of different artists and art projects.
Upcoming sessions are set for Sunday, July 2 and Sunday, Aug. 6 at Royal City Centre. Both sessions are set to run from noon to 3 p.m.
ArtsToGo workshops are always free and open to all. For all the details, see www.acnw.ca.
CALL TO ARTISTS
100 Braid Street Studios is looking for artists to take part in a special anonymous show in honour of International Artist Day this October.
Artists are invited to submit canvases, 12 by 12 by 0.5 inches in size, ready to hang, on any subject of their choice. The catch? They must not be signed on the front or sides, only on the back, so that the art remains anonymous.
“The anonymous nature of the show will ensure that all the art will be treated equally; however, we expect that the excitement of the unknown will add a special anticipation and excitement to the venue,” a write-up about the show says.
All the art will be priced at $150, regardless of the artist, and $100 per painting goes back to the artist when sold.
Entry fee is $25 for up to three pieces.
A gala opening night will be held Oct. 25, with a public show from Oct. 27 to 29.
A portion of proceeds will benefit Camp Kerry, which specializes in grief and bereavement assistance.
Submissions will be accepted until Sept. 29. Check out www.100braidststudios.comfor all the details.
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST COMING
Calling all photographers: If you have wonderful images of the natural beauty of our city, you’ll want to take note of this contest.
The city has issued a call for submissions to its Naturally New West photography contest. The contest opens July 1 and closes on Aug. 31 at 4 p.m.
“We welcome images of nature, play in nature, or any Naturally New West program. Preference is given to images that reflect the natural beauty of the City of New Westminster,” the call for submissions says.
Selected works will be featured on four digital city billboards in the city.
The contest is open to new, emerging and professional artists, as well as members of the New West community. There’s no age or submission limit, but those entering must live or work in New Westminster.
Entries will be shortlisted by a jury panel, and five shortlisted submissions will be put to an online community vote. The winning selection will be displayed on the city’s electronic billboards for one month.
Note that you can’t start to enter the contest until July 1 – entries sent in ahead of time won’t be accepted. Your entries can be shared on Facebook or Twitter or emailed in to [email protected]. For all the rules, check out www.tinyurl.com/NWPhotoContest2017.
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment information to Julie, [email protected]. You can also find her on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
