Company Announces New Assistant to the Artistic Director

Kelowna Actors Studio is pleased to announce James Long as Assistant to the Artistic Director, effective immediately. Under the supervision of the company’s artistic director, Randy Leslie, Long has completed a nine-month, full-time internship and as a result has been hired into this newly created full-time position. “In addition to defining a company's creative direction, the artistic director directly influences the business operation of the company,” says Leslie. “During his internship, James proved to all of us that he’s got what it takes to move forward in this difficult and demanding career path.” Long is no stranger to Kelowna Actors Studio. He has performed virtually every function at the theatre, including acting, stage management, and has been assistant director to Leslie on several of the company’s productions. “James has been involved with the Actors Studio in some capacity since he was fifteen years old. At 20, he is eager to pursue a career in theatre management, and this new position is a means for him to accomplish this goal. We are thrilled to welcome James to our team.” “This has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember,” says Long. “I’ve learned so much in the past nine months and I look forward to learning more and to continuing my pursuit of an artistic career. I’m grateful to Randy and the entire Actors Studio team for this incredible opportunity!” Kelowna Actors Studio is the only licensed dinner theatre in the Okanagan Valley. With a season subscriber base of close, their mandate is to provide quality theatre and education, which showcases and fosters Okanagan talent.

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James Long, Kelowna Actors Studio’s new assistant to the artistic director is welcomed by Randy Leslie, the company’s artistic director. High resolution image available upon request.

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25 Nov 2008

Saturday, November 29th - 1 to 4pm


 
Writer and Journalist Devon Muhlert installs her books and CD's

1PM - Readings
Join us from 1 to 2pm for readings by many of the writers involved in the exhibition. Local writers Kerry Trevelyan, Barbara Shave, Virginia Dansereau, Howard Brown, and many more will be sharing their stories and poems. Admission is free. Everyone is welcome.
 
2PM - Book Signing:
A book signing will be held from 2 to 3pm. This is your chance to meet and chat with the writers among us, and to have books signed, either for your own collection, or as a personalized gift.
 
3PM - Story Circle for Children
At 3pm, we will have a children's story circle with local children's authors reading stories from their collections.
 
Hot mulled cider and goodies will be served all day. Come enjoy the festivities!
 
Gallery Vertigo is pleased to announce that we are also sponsoring a group exhibition of books this month in Gallery Two. We hope to make this exhibition an end-of-the-year tradition. The event is designed to offer gallery visitors a warm festive atmosphere in which to enjoy books of all kinds. We have paperbacks and hardcover books by local writers, broadsheets and comics, chapbooks and journals as well as some interesting found books, book works and even CD's. It's a great opportunity to purchase books by local writers. Or, just drop by to browse and enjoy some interesting books and meet some interesting people.
 
The exhibition of books will run until December 13th. 
 

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24 Nov 2008

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In Praise of Patronage

THE PAST IS PROLOGUE
» Thursday 27 November 2008 | 5 pm
» The Bohemian Café, 524 Bernard Avenue
An informal afternoon hour showcasing people and ideas featured in Okanagan ARTS. Join us as Myles and Stephani Bruckel, Tiffany Bilodeau and Birgit Bennet share their insights and experience of the role of patronage in the development of the arts.

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» This is a free event. Refreshments will be available at a modest cost.
» Seating is limited, please reserve yours HERE

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Inspiring Stories of Community Arts Support

Few blink an eye when sports teams boast about their high profile backers. It's the kind of thing sports does - get everyone into the game. But the same can hold equally true for the arts - all it takes is vision and commitment.

On Thursday, November 27 at 5 pm, the Okanagan Institute Express series hosts In Praise of Patronage as part of its continuing The Past Is Prologue series at the Bohemian Café, this time examining the growth of the arts in the Okanagan with the very personal story of a family that puts its heart and soul into the arts.

Myles and Stephani Bruckal set their sights on the development of ballet in the Central Okanagan after their daughter Carly took up dance at the age of four. Successful in the business community, they have used their acumen to support the arts and expand its potential for growth.

Not ones to take their role as simply backers, they brought one of the "players" into their home. Ballerina Tiffany Bilodeau has since become part of the Bruckal's extended family.

Rounding out the event will be Ballet Kelowna's new president Birgit Bennett, who has spent years working behind the scenes in a variety of cultural organizations.

Myles Bruckal obtained his Bachelor of Commerce and Business Administration Degree from UBC in 1976. He has spent 30 years owning and operating a wide range of small to medium size businesses in Canada and the U.S. Bruckal Properties provides capital and leadership skills to enhance existing businesses. Myles' diverse career gave his family the opportunity to move to Colorado in 1992 and to Kelowna in 1996. Myles has been involved in several community service clubs and has held positions at the Board level in organizations in Kelowna such as Prospera Credit Union, Okanagan Innovation Fund, Economic Development Commission and was the founding President of Ballet Kelowna.

Stephani Bruckal received her Music Therapy Accreditation in 1992 and gained work experience at the UBC Hospital in Geriatrics and the VGH Palliative Care Unit, Parkholm Extended Care and in Private Practice working with Autistic Children and children placed in Foster Care. As a musician, Stephani's background is musical theatre and vocal ensembles. Since moving to Kelowna in 1996, she has performed with MASK, Encore and is currently a member of the music team at the Kelowna Centre for Spiritual Living. Stephani has volunteered over the years at schools, churches, hospitals, Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Cancer Centre. She is a founding member of Ballet Kelowna and served on the Board for five years.

Tiffany Bilodeau trained in Fort St. John and at the Edmonton School of Ballet and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Tiffany is founding dancer in the professional division of The Okanagan Summer Dance Intensive 2008 program where she was featured in Brian Macdonald's "A Little Brahms" as well as "Paquita" and "Le Corsaire". This is Tiffany's fifth season with Ballet Kelowna. She has performed in "The Nutcracker" and "Romeo and Juliet" with The Royal Winnipeg Ballet and appeared in "The Toy Castle" as the China Doll. With Ballet Kelowna she premiered the leading role in Simone Orlando's "I Remember You" and has performed repertoire from "Swan Lake", "The Nutcracker","The Sleeping Beauty" and "Le Corsaire".

Birgit Bennett attended Ballet Kelowna's inaugural performance six years ago and was absolutely mesmerized. She has served in various community capacities including Co-Honorary Chair of Evergreen (the Rotary Center for the Arts fundraising gala), Co-Honourary Chair of the new Central Okanagan Hospice House fundraising campaign, and spent four years on the Kelowna Art Gallery board.

In Praise of Patronage: The Past Is Prologue is a free event, and takes place at the Bohemian Café. This marks the 68th event the Okanagan Institute has held since the Express series got underway in July 2007. Since that time, the series has played host to many Okanagan luminaries, including former deputy secretary general of Amnesty International Derek Evans, artists Lee Claremont and Gary Pearson, BC Book Award nominee Don Gayton, CBC Literary prize winner poet Harold Rhenisch, distinguished editor and author Jim Taylor, poet and professor John Lent, animator and filmmaker Jim Cliffe, architect Jim Meiklejohn, broadcaster Marion Barschel and others from a wide range of creative fields.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER ONLINE CLICK HERE


Where Enquiring Minds Gather. Okanagan Institute at the Bohemian Café A hearty feast of lectures, presentations, workshops and showcases celebrating our culture and community. Produced by the Okanagan Institute in association with Wheat King Publishing magazines: Okanagan Arts and Okanagan Home. Express is sponsored in part by the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan, Wood Lake Publishing, UBCO-FCCS, and in support of Project Literacy Kelowna.

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Don't forget to join us for this important upcoming event:

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» For more information, click HERE.
» This is a free event but seating is limited, please reserve yours HERE

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The Okanagan Institute is a group of creative professionals that has gathered around the goal of providing events, publications and services of interest to enquiring minds in the Okanagan. We partner with individuals, organizations, institutions and businesses to achieve optimal creative and social impact.
Our mission is to ignite cultural transformation, catalyze collaborative action, build networks and foster sustainable creative enterprises. We invite the participation by all members of the creative community.

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22 Nov 2008

In Gallery One: Picasso's Cupboard

Picassoâs Cupboard, our 3rd annual silent auction, is a month long event held each year to raise funds in support of exhibitions and programs at Gallery Vertigo. Thanks to loyal support and generous donations from our members, volunteers and friends of the arts, each year we fill the gallery with all kinds of unique treasures for this fun event. A month long silent auction begins immediately. Place your bids!

It may not be a Picasso, but we have everythinng under the sun, right down to the proverbial breadbox! Objects of art, both weird and wonderful have filled the gallery and are ready for bidding. We have exquisite Venetian glass and beautiful one of kind blown glass pieces, an electronic keyboard, exotic stuffed animals, a tabletop fountain, a Bradford Exchange collector plate, original paintings, drawings and prints, picture frames, delicate figurines, unidentifiable found objects, jewellery, candlesticks, art books, unique blankets, pottery, framed mirrors, unique hand sewn clothing and tote bags, wooden furniture and rugs, an antique Singer sewing machine, just to name a few of the many items. Our popular toonie table is set up again as well and is well stocked with small treasures and books.

Auction items will be on exhibition between Nov. 18th and Dec. 13th. Hot mulled cider and cookies will be served throughout the event and we'll have gentle holiday music on. Enjoy shopping for a unique gift in a relaxing environment. Enter our free draw once every time you visit for a chance to win a beautiful picnic hamper filled with wine glasses, Okanagan wine, boxed chocolates and other goodies. Gallery hours are: Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 4pm daily.

A festive open house will be held on Saturday, December 6th from 11am to 4pm. Join us all day for goodies and music.

A gala closing reception will begin at 1pm on Saturday, December 13th. Enjoy the lovely seasonal harp music by Holly Smith while you place your lasst minute bids. At precisely 2pm, the silent auction will draw to a close. The door prize winner will be drawn at 2:30pm on December 13th. Please join us for complimentary refreshments.

In Gallery Two: The First Annual Vertigo Book Fair

Gallery Vertigo is pleased to announce that we are sponsoring a group exhibition and book fair this month in Gallery Two. We hope to make this exhibition an end-of-the-year tradition. The event is designed to offer gallery visitors a warm festive atmosphere in which to enjoy books of all kinds. It's also a great opportunity to stock up on signed copies of books by local writers and artists just in time for holiday gift giving.
 
The exhibition of books will run until December 13th. Okanagan writers, publishers and artists have submitted books, broadsheets, chapbooks, artist journals, book works, book illustrations, etc. This all-inclusive exhibition will feature books in all forms which are produced by publishing houses, small presses, self-publishers, and artists.
 
A Book Fair will be held on Saturday, November 29th from 1pm to 3pm. Join us from 1 to 2pm for readings by writers involved in the exhibition. A book signing will be held from 2 to 3pm. This is your chance to meet the writers among us, and to have books signed, either for your own collection, or as a personalized gift. At 3pm, we will have a children's story circle with local children's authors reading stories from their collections. Hot mulled cider and goodies will be served throughout the exhibition and book fair.
 
On the NOAA Featured Member Wall:  Amber Powell
 
Enjoy several recent mixed media drawings by Amber Powell from the Domestic Disputes series on the North Okanagan Artists Alternative Featured Member Wall.
 
In the Window Gallery:  I'll Tell You What I Want...
 
This month the Window Gallery features an impromptu installation by several studio artists at the gallery. Stop by to read what the gallery artists we are wishing for this year...
 
 
Kalamalka Vertigo:  Not with a BANG, but with an SUV
 
Not with a BANG, but with an SUV continues until the end of November at Vernon's Kalamalka Campus of Okanagan College. This exhibtion features works by North Okanagan Artists Alternative Members which address environmental issues.
 
Gallery Vertigo is a non-profit Artist Run Centre founded in 2002. The centre operates under the auspices of the North Okanagan Artists Alternative, a registered non-profit society. We are located upstairs at Suite #1, 3001 31st Street, downtown Vernon, in the historical Winnipeg Union Bank building across from Nolan's Drugs. Please use the side entrance under Krause Jeweller's awning. Hours of business are from 11:00am-4:00pm, Tuesday through Saturday. For information call Gallery Vertigo @ (250)503-2297.

Our website can be found at www.galleryvertigo.com.

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22 Nov 2008

Calling Writers, Publishers and Artists:
 
Gallery Vertigo is pleased to announce that we will be sponsoring a group exhibition and book fair this month in Gallery Two. We hope to make this exhibition an end-of-the-year tradition. The event is designed to offer gallery visitors a warm festive atmosphere in which to enjoy books of all kinds. It's also a great opportunity to stock up on signed copies of books by local writers and artists just in time for holiday gift giving.
 
The exhibition of books will begin on November 18th and run until December 13th. Okanagan writers, publishers and artists are invited to submit books, broadsheets, chapbooks, artist journals, book art, book illustrations, etc. This all-inclusive exhibition will feature books in all forms which are produced by publishing houses, small presses, self-published, and one-of-a-kind creations. Visual artists are invited to submit book works and book ilustrations for exhibition as well. Submissions may be for sale or for exhibition only. Please call the gallery for more information or to make an appointment to drop off your books. Phone (250-503-2297). Or, respond to this email (<mailto:judithjurica@shaw.ca>judithjurica@shaw.ca). Submissions for exhibition must be received no later than Saturday, November 15th.
 
A Book Fair will be held on Saturday, November 29th from 1pm to 3pm. Join us from 1 to 2pm for readings by writers involved in the exhibition. A book signing will be held from 2 to 3pm.
Hot mulled cider and cookies will be served throughout the exhibtion and book fair.
 
Gallery Vertigo is a non-profit Artist Run Centre founded in 2002. The centre operates under the auspices of the North Okanagan Artists Alternative, a registered non-profit society. We are located upstairs at Suite #1, 3001 31st Street, downtown Vernon, in the historical Winnipeg Union Bank building across from Nolan's Drugs. Please use the side entrance under Krause Jeweller's awning. Hours of business are from 11:00am-4:00pm, Tuesday through Saturday. For information call Gallery Vertigo @ (250)503-2297 or email: info@galleryvertigo.com. Our website can be found at www.galleryvertigo.com.

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10 Nov 2008