Summer Open Studios in the Okanagan - A Self Guided tour to visit flourishing artists in your local area
                   Aug. 8-10
                   10:00am to 5:00pm
                   Summerland to Vernon

Okanagan artists invite you to witness art in the making, and to explore the workings of their studios. Step inside a potter's wet room, discuss carving with a stonemason. Learn where artists find inspiration and why they do what they do, and what makes them so passionate about their craft. For visitors, we open our doors to you.
   
Visit the open studios page on okanaganarts.comfor more information and directions to the artistsí studios.
Artists are listed by geographical location. Each section details the artist's work, venue, opening days and times. Please be aware that some artists require you to call for an appointment, to ensure they're at their studios when you are able to visit. Enjoy the journey.

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09 Aug 2008

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Aboriginality

WOMEN AND CULTURAL COLLABORATION
» Thursday 14 August 2008 | 5 pm
» The Bohemian Café, 524 Bernard Avenue
An informal afternoon hour showcasing people and ideas featured in Okanagan ARTS. Join us as five talented, outspoken and engaging women discuss the power and promise of collaboration across cultures in the Okanagan. Our featured speakers are:
» Gayle Liman Curator, Writer and Artist
» Lee Claremont Artist and Teacher
» Roxanne Lindley Writer, Activist and Artist
» Dona Sturmanis Writer, Artist and Editor
» Dorothy Tinning Artist

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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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Five Women Share Stories of Cross-Cultural Collaboration

Five talented, outspoken and engaging women from diverse backgrounds are coming together to share their experiences of working on a wide variety of projects which demonstrate the power and promise of collaboration across cultures in the Okanagan, and specifically that of the aboriginal community.

The continuing Okanagan Institute Express series of public events presents Aboriginality: Women and Cultural Collaboration at the Bohemian Café in downtown Kelowna on Thursday August 14, 5 pm.

Westbank First Nation research curator Gayle Liman hosts Mohawk Nation artist Lee Claremont, who now makes her home in the Okanagan, Westbank First Nation cultural expert and artist Roxanne Lindley, Dorothy Tinning - a Similkameen woman who has devoted her artistic attention to the Okanagan aboriginal community, and Dona Sturmanis who is currently working on an anthology celebrating the cultural imagaination the Okanagan Nation.

The event marks the first in a series of sessions - Aboriginality - designed to explore the influence and diversity of Okanagan Nation cultural identity.

Lee Claremont was born in Woodstock, Ontario. She is of Mohawk and Irish ancestry and is a member of the Grand River Iroquois Six Nations in Oshweken, Ontario. Lee received her BFA (Honors) from the University of British Columbia and now resides in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in BC. Lee has a strong commitment, enthusiasm and passion for her community, family and friends. She recently won an 'Angel Award' for the "largest individual creative contribution in the visual arts in the Okanagan Valley." She is a well-respected instructor at the En'Owkin Centre, an internationally recognized Aboriginal Educational College.

Gayle Liman is an independent curator, researcher, writer and artist who is working with the Westbank First Nation on developing a future Cultural Centre. She has taken her passion for Firsts Nation issues into numerous ventures including representing the Kelowna Museums at the United Nations Forum on Indigenous Issues in 2006. She has curated several international and local exhibitions at various venues including the Kelowna Art Gallery where "In the Spirit of N'ha-a-itk" aka., Ogopogo, won the British Columbia Museums Association's Award of Merit. Liman has travelled extensively through Mexico, Guatemala, Central and South America and has collaborated on several local and international Indigenous projects. She was the recipient of the Honour in the Arts Award from the City of Kelowna in 2007.

Roxanne Lindley is a member of the Westbank First Nation and has served her people in many leadership roles including Cultural Coordinator, Manager of Archaeology and Culture, Intergovernmental Affairs, Archaeology Monitor and Liaison on the W. Bennett Bridge project and liaison for collaborative cultural projects between cultural venues in the City of Kelowna and WFN. An artist and writer, Lindley takes a holistic approach to art-making revealed in her aerial sculpture depiction of N'ha-a'itk, created from garbage washed up on the shore of her land on Okanagan Lake. She currently lives near Cherryville where she plans to lead workshops and classes in holistic approaches to creativity.

Dona Sturmanis, BFA, MFA, is currently working with members of the Okanagan Nation to compile a aboriginal cultural anthology to be published as a special issue of Okanagan Arts magazine. A lifelong collector of First Nations art from around North America, she is also a professional writer and editor and believes in the coordinated power of women to complete projects in a concise and sensitive way.

Dorothy Tinning is a Penticton artist, and member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. In the mid-1990s she took art education courses through the University of Victoria. In recent years her work has played tribute to Smoker Marchand who was commissioned by the Osoyoos Indian Band to create impressive steel sculptures honouring the Okanagan Native people. An opening of her art exhibition was held at the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre in 2008 during the Spring Wine Festival.

Aboriginality: Women and Cultural Collaboration is a free event, and takes place at the Bohemian Café. This marks the 53st 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, animator and filmmaker Jim Cliffe, architect Jim Meiklejohn, and others from a variety 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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The Okanagan Institute is a group of creative professionals that have 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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09 Aug 2008

Theatre Kelowna Celebrates BC's Birthday with:
"BC Follies-150 Years of Fun & Frolic"
Cabaret Style musical comedy variety show
Black Box Theatre (behind Kelowna Community Theatre)
Sept. 18-Oct 5
Ticketmaster.ca  860-1470
Box Offices Town Centre Mall & Rotary Centre for the Arts
$18 student/senior  $20/adult (plus service charge)
Evenings 7:30PM  Weekend Matinees 2PM
Come join us for laughs, drinks and munchies!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BC!!
info: 250-862-8673

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08 Aug 2008

AFRO-CUBAN DRUMMING (Beginner)*
Tues 7:00-8:00pm, Sept.9th-Dec.16th 2008 (no class on Oct. 21st)
14 week course
Location: Kelowna Drum Studio
Conga drums provided, No experience required
Course will include Afro-Cuban folkloric rhythms and some popular Latin rhythms.
Cost: $175 or Drop-in $15/class

AFRO-CUBAN DRUMMING (Advanced)*
Tues 8:00-9:00pm, Sept.9th-Dec.16th 2008, 2008 (no class on Oct. 21st)
14 week course
Location: Kelowna Drum Studio
Conga drums provided
Basic drum skills required (Clave, 6 Bell, Marcha etc.)
Course will include Afro-Cuban folkloric rhythms and some popular Latin rhythms.
Cost: $175 or Drop-in $15/class

*Register and pay before Sept 1st to save $25

MIDDLE EASTERN DRUM WORKSHOP
Saturday October 11, 10:30am-3:00pm with lunch break
Location: Kelowna Drum Studio
Workshops are for drummers/dancers of all level who would like to gain some experience and knowledge of the Doumbek and Riq. This course will focus on the rhythms and techniques used in creating the beautiful sounds on these unique instruments. Learn to unlock the mystery of these ancient rhythmic patterns that have intrigued generations since antiquity. Topics include Rhythms, Nomenclature, Finger Exercises, Combinations, Improvisations, Fills, Positioning, Basic Notation and Dance accompaniment.
Cost $50 Pre-registration required

For information on any course call Trevor at (250)763-3951 or see
www.trevorsalloum.com

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08 Aug 2008

Kelowna Actors Studio is pleased to announce Fall education programs with opportunities in acting, comedy, musical theatre, TV and film, dance and physical education. Classes range from after-school day camps to workshops for a variety of age groups, from children to adults. Children’s classes include TV & Film, Improv, a musical theatre experience for younger actors of The Wizard of Oz and a teen performance troupe. The High School Musical performance troupe was a huge hit last year for teenagers. This Fall, the 23-week performance troupe will tackle the incredible energy of the 60’s with Broadway’s smash hit, Hairspray. “Our classes culminate in a full theatrical production,” says the company’s artistic director, Randy Leslie. “Our students journey through acting, technical & dress rehearsals until the big show! Actors Studio supplies the costumes, a light and sound technician, stage manager, music and a fully functional 190-seat theatre.” There are also adult classes being offered, including the ever-popular improv class, a Broadway dance class and morning Boot Camp workout. “We are constantly getting requests for adult classes and are happy to include the improv class,” says Leslie. “We are also very excited to add Tracy Ross to our team of instructors. She’ll be teaching classes in Broadway dance and will be facilitating a boot camp, Actors Studio style!” KAS’ goal is to give students a learning experience that will have a positive, long-lasting impact and encourage not only future performances but also the opportunity to develop social skills and learn valuable life lessons. Classes are taught by qualified instructors and are appropriate for all experience levels. All rehearsals begin with a warm up involving vocalization, movement, improvisation and fun theatre games. Throughout the entire process everyone works together for the greater good, encouraging collaboration and community. Students learn the importance of listening to each other speak and they take positive risks and conquer fears while building self-confidence. “We do not assess our students with grades or marks, but most of our classes end with an on-stage performance for parents and special guests,” concludes Leslie. ”Assessment is instantaneous in the audience’s applause and laughter.”

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About Kelowna Actors Studio: Kelowna Actors Studio is the only licensed dinner theatre in the Okanagan Valley. Their mandate is to provide quality entertainment, education and enrichment through the performing arts. For more information about KAS classes, or to register, call 250 862 2867, or visit KelownaActorsStudio.com.

KAS students rehearse a scene from Peter Pan. (High resolution image available upon request.) FALL CLASSES ANNOUNCED FUN for KIDS of ALL AGES September 22 to December 1 (10 weeks) “Get Into The Act” - FILM, STAGE & GAMES! Ages 7-11 Mondays 4 – 6 pm Come “GET INTO THE ACT” and see where your special talent shines!  Students will experience Improv, Theatre Games, Acting for Stage, Audition Techniques and Acting for Film using scripts from your favourite stage plays and movies. The class culminates in a final performance ON STAGE in the theatre! September 23 to February 17 (20 weeks) Hairspray – Performance Troupe Ages 12-17 Tuesdays 4 – 6 pm A Feel Good Romantic Comedy – pulsating with musical Excitement - Big Hair.  Big Heart.  Big Hit! It’s 1962 - the '50s are out and change is in the air! Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion -- to dance on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show" Her dream becomes a reality and Tracy is transformed overnight from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. With Songs Like Mama I’m A Big Girl Now, I Can Hear the Bells,  Good Morning Baltimore, You Can’t Stop the Beat and many more!!  These celebrities will give a final on stage performance. October 1 to December 3 (10 weeks) Stage Struck Teens – FILM, STAGE & GAMES! Ages 12-17 Wednesdays 4 – 6 pm This class is geared toward the “teenage actor” with an in-depth study of techniques needed for auditioning, acting for the stage and ON CAMERA using scripts from your favourite plays and movies.  Students will get a chance to try their hand at improv and theatre games as we explore the fundamentals of acting. The students will give a final performance in the theatre. September 20 to December 13 (12 weeks) THE WIZARD OF OZ Ages 7-12 Saturdays 9 – 11 am The Wizard of Oz is everybody's cherished favorite, perennial fantasy musical .  All of its images (the Yellow Brick Road, the Kansas twister), characters (Auntie Em, Toto, Dorothy, the Wicked Witch), dialogue ("Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!", "We're not in Kansas anymore," "Follow the Yellow Brick Road," and  the film's final line: "There's no place like home"), and music ("Over the Rainbow", “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”) have become indelibly favourites.  Join us for this musical adventure as Dorothy, a lonely Kansas farm girl, dreams of a better place free from torment against her dog Toto from a hateful neighbor spinster. She plans to run away but during a fierce tornado, she is struck on the head and transported to a land 'beyond the rainbow' … September 26 to December 12 (12 weeks) Broadway Dance with Tracy Ross Ages 13 to Adult Fridays 4:30 – 5:30 pm Whether you need to hone your skills for that special performance, are looking to get into better shape, or just want to have some fun, Tracy Ross will put you through your paces. This class encompasses all ages and ability levels and touches on  dance movements from jazz, tap, modern, theatre, hip-hop and more. October 20 to December 8 (8 weeks) Adult Improv! Ages 17 to Adult Mondays 7 – 9 pm One of our most popular classes! Whether you have taken an improv class before or you are a “newbie,” Mark Reinelt always makes it fresh, fun and exciting. Think outside the box and play with comedic improvisation from story structure and acceptance, to playing both simple and complex games and wide open scenes, limited only by both your and the audiences imaginations. Class includes ensemble improvisation and scene work, character level, styles genre and political and social satire with creation and performance. (Participants must be able to LAUGH!) September 15 to December 12 (12 weeks) KAS Morning Boot Camp Workout Ages 13 to Adult Mon, Wed, Fri 7 - 8am To help you get into great shape, reduce stress, lose weight, increase energy, build confidence and form new friendships. Why spend time shut indoors, sweating on that treadmill while staring at the world outside when you could be outside getting fit, losing weight, and having fun? This is an opportunity to slim down a size, end the effects of stress, and set into motion you goal to get into top shape this year.

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08 Aug 2008