Jazz is joining forces with art at the Gallery at Queen’s Park.
Artist Robert Fee, whose solo exhibition Happenstance is on at the gallery from Feb. 3 to 28, is presenting a series of Sunday afternoon jazz duo concerts in connection with the exhibition.
Along with his visual art work, Fee is also a jazz saxophonist, and he’ll be teaming up with other musicians for the three Sunday afternoon concerts.
On Sunday, Feb. 7, he’ll be joined by bassist Jodi Proznick. On Feb. 14, guitarist Bill Coon will be featured, and on Feb. 21, it’s saxophonist Mike Allen.
For Fee, his art and his music have been increasingly overlapping over the past few years. He notes in an artist’s statement that the processes he uses in both art forms have been following a similar path.
“The idea of creating a solo, starting from basic structures and developing them in new and unexpected ways could also describe how I work with paint,” he says in an artist’s bio. “ I work in a simple and direct way, trying to express honestly.”
All the concerts are set to run from 2 to 3 p.m., and they’re all happening in the gallery – located in Centennial Lodge, Queen’s Park.
Check out www.artscouncilnewwest.org or call 604-525-3244 for more details.
EKPHRASTIC POETRY
I love getting event notices that send me to the dictionary – and I have the Royal City Literary Arts Society to thank for this one.
The society and the New Westminster Public Library are teaming up to present When Poems and Paintings Entwine: Ekphrastic Poetry, on Tuesday, Feb. 9.
In case it wasn’t obvious, yes, it was “ekphrastic” that sent me to the dictionary (and then to Google, since my Canadian Oxford sadly fails to recognize such a concept). The word, for those who didn’t already know, refers to a form of writing in which the author describes another work of art. Usually, it’s poetry describing visual art – and that’s exactly what this session will focus on.
Royal City Literary Arts Society president James Felton will explore how visual art has inspired poetry, from Keats and Auden on up to the current New West literary scene.
The session is set to start at 6:30 p.m. To register, call 604-527-4667 or email [email protected].
ARTISTS CALLED
Here’s one for local artists and art groups.
The Community Art Space at Anvil Centre is accepting group proposals for its 2017 exhibition schedule. The space is open to emerging and established artists who live in New West or have a studio practice in the city, working in two-dimensional media.
Groups of three or more artists are invited to make their proposals for a two-month exhibition in 2017. Exhibitions can also include a chance for outreach programs, such as artist talks and workshops.
Submissions are chosen by a jury, and the deadline to submit is March 7. For full details, check out www.tinyurl.com/AnvilCentreProposals.
VALENTINE'S BURLESQUE
Looking for 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.
SOCIAL KNITWORK
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].
ART FROM THE WATER'S EDGE
Art lovers should be sure to wander by the New Westminster Public Library to check out a new exhibition in February.
New West artist Barbara Webb is showing her work for the month in an exhibition called Water’s Edge.
Webb, who has a certificate in fine art techniques from Emily Carr University, works in acrylic, charcoal and pen and ink, as well as photography.
You can find out more about her at www.artistbarbwebb.com, or stop in to the library at 716 Sixth Ave. to check out her work any time.
ART AROUND TOWN
And yet another one for the art lovers: the Arts Council of New Westminster is opening two new exhibitions at its satellite galleries starting Feb. 1.
The community art space at the Vancity community branch uptown will feature the work of Susan L. Greig, running from Feb. 1 to March 31. Greig is well known around town as the owner of 100 Braid Street Studios and Gallery (www.100braidststudios.com), and she’s also a contemporary landscape painter who paints life along the Fraser River and on the West Coast.
Meanwhile, the arts council’s satellite gallery at the Seniors Services Society will feature the work of Tony Durke from Feb. 1 to April 30. Durke (www.tonydurke.blogspot.ca) is a Vancouver Island-born artist who works primarily in wood, mostly recycled or upcycled.
The arts council’s satellite galleries are run in partnership with local businesses and community organizations to give artists a chance to showcase their work in venues around the city.
Check out www.artscouncilnewwest.org or 604-525-3244 for more information.
ART FOR KIDS
Got a budding artist in your house?
Artists in the Boro are hosting an Arty Afternoon for Queensborough kids aged five to nine.
The session is set for Saturday, Feb. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m., and it will give the young artists a chance to get their hands on a variety of art projects. Art materials and snacks will be provided.
The session takes place in the Port Royal Room at Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave.
To sign up your child, call [email protected].
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
