Comox Valley Arts

Slow Stich Series
2025-01-16 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | #4-420 Fitzgerald Ave., Courtenay, BC, Canada
Jan 16 – Jan 30
If you find yourself seeking a chance to slow down, to deepen your relationship with your garments and with your self, this 3-4 week series is an opportunity to do just that.
Join costume maker and artist Lori Kenney for a deep breath and many small stitches.
The practical side of this course is one of basic sewing skills many of us are missing, taking care of our clothes to make our wardrobe last longer.
The artistic side of this course will help you add character and understand traditional textile art practices from around the world, connecting you to the way humans have worked with fibres through history.
The meditative elements of this series will help you slow down, connect to your breathing and the rhythm of stitching.
Take inspiration from global textile traditions such as Kantha
techniques, mending and darning, and Japanese Boro, which focuses on re-purposing old textiles, re-piecing fabrics and building texture with stitch. Bring awareness to the calming repetition of hand stitch rhythms and discover the simple pleasure of making.
There will be time in this class for connection with each other, and portions of silence and breath.
The goal is to leave this series with a set of skills and abilities you can carry with you to calm your heart in times of need.
Please bring some worn and loved garments, as well as any scraps you would like to incorporate.
We will include materials to use, and have additional supplies available for purchase to bring home.

Inspirational Mandala Art Play
2025-01-11 13:00 - 16:00 | Silver Bowerbird Gallery, Back door 479 4th St., Courtenay, british columbia, V9N1G9, Canada
Join Margaret for a relaxed workshop creating your own inspirational mandala to help raise your energy to a new level.
Uncover your inspiration, wishes and vision for 2025 – and beyond – in this meditative mandala class. Enjoy the art of zen-dooodles and watercolour, a simple art technique that produces amazing imagery with your story embedded withn it. No art experience needed and all materials provided.
The venue is in the studio at Silver Bowerbird Gallery, home to local west coast artists’ rotating exhibitions. Enter from the back lane of 479 4th St. Downtown Courtenay. Some parking available beside the studio and on Fitzgerald Ave..

Adult/Teen Intro To Crochet
2025-01-10 18:30 - 20:30 | #4-420 Fitzgerald Ave., Courtenay, BC, Canada
Jan 10 – Jan 24
Ready to get crocheting? You will love this three-class session! This class is for Teens (14+) and Adults!
Starting with some simple stitch trials,you will gain experience and confidence in crochet, and then make this adorable cat plushy!
Learn to work in rows, circles and make a granny square!
All materials are included, with a range of colours to choose from.
You will be able to bring the project home to work on between classes, and keep your new crochet hook and yarn!

Lenses & Layers
2025-01-07 10:00 - 2025-02-01 16:00 | Pearl Ellis Gallery, 1729 Comox Ave, Comox, BC, V9M 3M2, Canada
The Pearl Ellis Gallery is excited to begin 2025 with Lenses & Layers: Exploring Photography and Digital Art, an exhibition showcasing the innovative possibilities within digital and photographic mediums. Running from January 7 to February 1, 2025, the exhibition features a diverse range of works by talented artists who are redefining the boundaries of creativity and technology. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, January 11, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, and the public is warmly invited to attend.
The exhibition explores how artists use technology to create captivating visual experiences. From imaginative digital creations and conceptual photography to works that merge digital and traditional techniques, the collection celebrates the vibrant intersection of art and innovation. Visitors will also encounter textile and mixed media pieces that challenge conventional artistic practices.
Lenses & Layers offers a unique opportunity to experience art that pushes boundaries and reimagines what is possible through digital and photographic mediums. Admission is always free, and all are welcome to visit the gallery Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm at 1729 Comox Ave. For more information, visit www.pearlellisgallery.com

CVGBs New Year's Dance Party w/ Drama Queen, Devours, & Avro
2024-12-31 20:00 - 2025-01-01 01:30 | Comox Valley Curling Centre, 4835 Headquarters Road, Courtenay, BC, V9J1P2, Canada
Local music and art cooperative CVGBs is proudly presenting it’s first ever New Year’s event, an inclusive dance party featuring three diverse live acts & DJs. Co-headlining will be two acts that have caused multiple long line-ups to see them play at Cumberland’s Woodstove Festival: Vancouver’s Devours, and Salt Spring Island’s Drama Queen. Opening the show will be a solo set from Denman Island’s Avro.

Drama Queen, is the lush, nostalgic, bejewelled synth-pop band that your pelvis never knew it needed. Reminiscent of Heroes-era Bowie and Kate Bush, their music will confuse, delight and alight your feelings and your senses. Give in to the emotional pop-star paradise soundtrack that is Drama Queen. Drama Queen is a synth-wave band, and the latest invocation from Knick Tomlinson formerly of “Superfeather.” The group consists of Knick on Synthesizer, Pierre Vincent Forgues on Synthesizers, Harley Dunn on bass guitar and Ben Frey on Drums. Effortlessly channeling the essence of the past while crafting a sound distinctly their own, Drama Queen weaves a tapestry of neon melodies and pulsating rhythms. They transcend the ordinary and envelope listeners in a vibrant sonic journey reminiscent of an electrifying ’80s dreamscape dancehall.https://www.instagram.com/drama.queen.band/

Devours (they/them) is the DIY electropunk project of Vancouver-based musician Jeff Cancade. Across four acclaimed underground albums, including the recent Polaris Prize-longlisted Homecoming Queen, Devours has written confessional and confrontational electronic music about masculinity, body image, gay politics, and inner-city queer existence. They have toured Canada and the US, received coverage from Vice, CBC, Exclaim, and the Globe and Mail, and have performed at festivals such as SXSW, Treefort Music Fest, Up Here Festival, Purple City, Vancouver Jazz Fest, and more. Their anticipated fifth record will be released in March 2025.https://www.facebook.com/devoursvancouverhttps://www.instagram.com/devours.ufo/https://linktr.ee/devourshttps://open.spotify.com/artist/1naaQv78Dwzc6iwCNRUWTb…

Denman Island’s is an electronic pop group from Denman Island. Influenced by synthpop, classic new wave / cold wave, minimal techno, and with a pinch of post punk. Their New Year’s eve set will be a solo set of new material from leader Adam Percy.https://www.facebook.com/thisisavrohttps://avromusic.com/https://www.instagram.com/avromusichttps://open.spotify.com/artist/1H85Rkd1aCTHK0vFdZYBBS…

The CVGBs New Year’s Dance Party will take place at the Comox Valley Curling Centre’s recently renovated Rotary Banquet room, a growing cultural and community space.
DJs to be announced!
Produced with support from Comox Valley Pridehttps://www.facebook.com/comoxvalleypride2016

Comox Valley Songwriters Circle
2024-12-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Artful the Gallery, 526 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C7
The circles are a place for both new and experienced songwriters to come share new songs they are working on, or to dust off some old ones that may need some practice.
We take turns going around the circle sharing one song at a time, and each artist can decide if they want others to jam or singalong to their tune.

Just in Time Choirs Fall 2024 Concert "River"
2024-12-07 15:00 - 17:00 | Northgate Church, 1640 Burgess Road, Cpurtenay, BC, V9N 5W8, Canada
Join the Just in Time Choirs for their Fall Concert, “River”, at a new location: Northgate Church, Burgess Road, Courtenay on Saturday December 7th 2024. Matinee – 3:00 pm, evening performance – 7:30 pm.
In keeping with the “River” theme, songs have been chosen for their reference to rivers, but also because they reflect how our journey through life is like a river meandering, sometimes rushing, discovering what’s around the next bend.
These choirs are known for their versatility and their performances cover a wide spectrum of musical styles from jazz, ballads, folk, swing, soul, and contemporary pop to classic rock. You’ll hear “Take me to the River”, classic rock by Al Green, jazz standards like “Moon River”, the folk classic, “Shenandoah”, Tina Turner’s iconic version of “Proud Mary” and contemporary pop like James Bay’s “Hold Back the River”, just to name a few of the great river themed songs on the setlist.
The concert finale brings all three choirs together to perform a few pieces, including Carly Simon’s anthemic “Let the River Run”.
All songs have been chosen by Just in Time’s founder and choral conductor, Wendy Nixon Stothert. “I love how the river can be a metaphor for so many life experiences like change and renewal, comfort and solace, and so much more, for cultures all around the globe.” says Nixon Stothert. “Living on the Puntledge River, I get to witness all the seasonal stages of the river and the role it plays in nurturing our environment. This setlist is like a love letter to the river, an ode of appreciation.”
Approaching their 20th year, the Just in Time Choirs organization comprises three ensembles: Unplugged (everyone welcome), and the smaller auditioned groups, the Jems (treble) and Vocal Minority (mixed). These renowned local contemporary choirs will be joined by talented musical collaborators: Sean Mooney on piano, Britt Bowman on bass, Beau Stocker on drums, Arlo Fleenor on guitar. The infectious joy that all three choirs project in their presentations is uplifting and entertaining and has the audience tapping their feet and singing along.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children 12 & under. There is also a live stream option for $25 per household, and we are again offering a limited number of Community Supported Tickets at $15 for those under financial constraint. Tickets and full details available online at justintime.tickit.ca or the Just in Time web site www.justinetimechoirs.ca. Tickets may be purchased at the door, subject to availability, but patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets early as performances regularly sell out.
The choirs look forward to sharing the joy of singing with you and welcoming you to the show!

David Braid - Composer. Improviser. Pianist.
2024-12-07 14:00 - 16:30 | York Place Musical Salon, Courtenay, BC, Canada
Acclaimed Canadian composer, improviser and jazz pianist David Braid is visiting Vancouver Island in December 2024 following his tour in Denmark, Poland and the UK. It is our good fortune that he can join us in the Salon to perform selections from his own compositions for solo piano, as heard on some of his Juno award-winning recordings.

Combining harmonic intricacies fundamental to European classical music and the spontaneity of American jazz, Braid’s original music engages audiences with melodic lyricism and rhythmic pulses that do not conform neatly to any one musical genre. For lovers of jazz and the piano, and for folks who like to be adventurous in their musical taste, do not miss this performance!

Gumboots in the Straits Author Reading
2024-12-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Artful the Gallery, 526 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C7
Join Jeff Hartbower and friends reading from their contributions to the BC Bestseller “Gumboots in the Straits”. Joe Ziner will be the bandleader for some fiddle music to round out the session. Artful is currently hosting “Capt. Jeff “, a 25 year retrospective of the work of folk artist and sculptor Jeff Hartbower.

Film Screening - Singing Back the Buffalo
2024-12-03 19:00 - 21:00 | North Island College, 2300 Ryan Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 8N6
Singing Back the Buffalo (99 min) 2024
Filmmaker: Tasha Hubbard
Driven to the point of extinction in the 19th century, the buffalo is proving more resilient than once feared. Tasha Hubbard’s rhapsodic documentary weaves personal reflection, animated tales, interviews with land stewards, observational reportage and gorgeous nature footage. Ultimately, we can see that the long-awaited return of this totem to the North American plains is closely related to the strength of the Indigenous peoples, whose cooperation and coordination has been indispensable in a remarkable ecological revival.
Admission by Donation
FMI: Janet 250 650 1885

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xshtMcU6fZE

Live Lecture: A New Look at the Dinosaurs of British Columbia
2024-12-03 19:00 - 20:00 | the Courtenay and District Museum, 207 4th St, Courtenay, BC, COURTENAY, BC, V9N 1G7, Canada
Time and Date: 7:00 pm, Tuesday, December 3rd (doors open at 6:30 pm)
Speaker: Dr. Victoria Arbour
Dinosaur fossils are rare in British Columbia compared to places like Alberta or Montana, but new research by the Royal BC Museum’s palaeontology team is uncovering the stories of BC’s dinosaurs from all corners of the province and through over 40 million years of geologic time.
Royal BC Museum Curator of Palaeontology Dr. Victoria Arbour will share updates on the new discoveries the team has made over the past few years. Victoria is an expert on the armoured dinosaurs called ankylosaurs and is excited to be able to work in British Columbia and further our understanding of the dinosaurs of BC.
Tickets: $5 for Historical Society members; $6 for general public. Advance tickets are recommended. Tickets can be purchased over the phone by calling 250-334-0686 ext 2.

Artful : The Poets features Kim June Johnson
2024-12-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Artful the Gallery, 526 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C7
KIM JUNE JOHNSON is an award-winning singer-songwriter and poet living on the unceded territory of the Komoks First Nations. Her fifth recording project, “Songs For a Quiet Day” is a collection of small poem-songs praising quiet things, and will be released in the spring. Her poems and short essays have appeared in Room, Prairie Fire, TNQ, Best Canadian Poetry, FOLKLIFE and elsewhere. She hosts an online writing community called “Cozy Sunday Write-Ins” and lives in a draughty house beside a creek with her teen daughter and an assortment of animals.
www.kimjunejohnson.com
Sign up at the door for the open mic (5 minute spots) to follow Kim June Johnson hosted by Dan Kirk

Film Screening - Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story
2024-11-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Stan Hagen Theatre, 2300 Ryan Road, Courtenay, BC, V9N 8N6, Canada
A lost Rhythm & Blues star who eclipsed Etta James and Little Richard, trans soul singer Jackie Shane blazed an extraordinary trail with an unbreakable commitment to her truth. Forty years after vanishing from public view, this 20th century icon finally gets her second act.

Blending her music with taped phone conversations and soulful animated re-enactments, Any Other Way brings Shane back to life in her own words, finally providing the recognition she so rightly deserves and introducing her to a generation fighting for their right to be their true selves.

“Any Other Way reveals a talent so striking you’ll be amazed it remained forgotten for so long.” Denis Harvey, Variety Magazine
Many awards including Special Jury Award, HotDocs 2024

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnlvygHhqrM

Pearl Ellis Gallery Presents 'Joy' – A Celebration of Art and Community to Close Out 2024
2024-11-26 10:00 - 2024-12-21 16:00 | Pearl Ellis Gallery, 1729 Comox Ave, Comox, BC, V9M 3M2, Canada
Pearl Ellis Gallery invites the community to experience “Joy,” a members’ show that embodies warmth, creativity, and celebration. This final exhibit of the year, running from November 26 to December 21, showcases works by talented local artists, offering a vibrant blend of artistic expressions reflecting each artist’s personal interpretation of joy.
From heartwarming landscapes to dynamic abstract pieces, “Joy” features diverse styles and mediums, capturing moments of happiness and the creative spirit. Visitors will have the chance to explore a variety of unique artworks—perfect for adding a touch of local artistry to their homes or finding a special gift for loved ones.
“We are excited to share this gorgeous show with our community,” says Teresa Kachanoski, president of the Pearl Ellis Gallery’s board of directors, “and to celebrate the work of our members as we close out another wonderful year.”
Visit The Pearl for the opening reception on Saturday, November 30, from 1 to 3 pm, to meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments. As always, admission to the Pearl Ellis Gallery is free, and everyone is welcome
The Pearl is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Located across from the Comox Mall at 1729 Comox Ave. Admission is always free.

Capt. Jeff
2024-11-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Artful the Gallery, 526 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C7
Jeff Hartbower is a long time Comox Valley resident and he has been a central figure in the arts community here over the past 25 years. Jeff is most famously known for his folk art wood sculpture and assemblage pieces. He has found inspiration in everything from local politics, cultural anomalies and local artists. He frequently collaborates with other artists creating sculptures in response to their work, both as a form of homage and expansion of their ideas. Jeff has organized many exhibitions over the years, bringing Comox Valley artists together to elaborate on his themes. Some memorable exhibitions have been the “Merkin & Codpiece Show”, “The Jar Show” and “Spinal Tap”.

Jeff has been generous with his artistic output, creating trophies for exhibitions, keepsakes for volunteers, as well as display cases and plinths for CVAG in its early days. He was a regular at the Muir Gallery, and one of the first brave souls to walk through the door at Artful : The Gallery when it opened in the early days of the pandemic.

It is no surprise that the community has embraced the concept of this exhibition, conceived of by Peter Polsen. The recipients of Jeff’s generous spirit have come forward in droves to supply the work for Artful to mount this retrospective of Jeff Hartbower’s art and contributions to the Comox Valley art community. Together, the 80 pieces in this exhibition have created an environment best described by Jeff as, “Walking in to a life-sized cabinet of curiosities”. Exhibition runs till Dec 21st, Gallery hours Weds-Sat 12-5pm. Artist reception Saturday, Nov 23, 7-9pm.

Comox Valley Singer Songwriters Circle
2024-11-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Artful the Gallery, 526 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C7

Elasmosaur’s Birthday at the Courtenay & District Museum
2024-11-16 11:00 - 14:00 | the Courtenay and District Museum, 207 4th St, Courtenay, BC, COURTENAY, BC, V9N 1G7, Canada
Courtenay’s Puntledge River elasmosaur, now BC’s provincial fossil emblem, is turning 80,000,036 this November! You’re invited to the party on Saturday, November 16th from 11:00 am – 2:00. While you’re here celebrating, check out the Dinosaurs of BC exhibit from the Royal BC Museum, now on display! There will be a complimentary cake, and Amy from Magical Faces will be at the party to paint faces for a $5 cash fee.

Art Studio Clearance Sale
2024-11-16 00:00 - 2024-11-17 23:59 | Lion’s Den, 1729 rear, Comox Ave, Comox, BC, V9M 3M1, Canada
Eight local artists will be offering original works of art at greatly reduced prices, up to 70% off. And 10% of sales will be donated to the Comox Valley Food Bank.
This sale runs Nov. 16-17 from 10-4. It is in the Lion’s Den, downstairs from the Pearl Ellis Gallery (entrance off of Nordin Street). Note that Giftables sale at the Pearl Ellis Gallery will also be running on the Saturday (Nov. 16th).
Come early to get the best selection!

YQQ + CVA Art Show Opening Event
2024-11-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Comox Airport (YQQ), 1250 Knight Road, Comox, BC V9M4H2
You are cordially invited to the grand opening event of the 2024-25 YQQ + CVA Arts & Culture Program show: Regeneration!

The opening will be held at the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) on Thursday 14th November from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.

Join us as we gather to celebrate the artists and take in their amazing work curated according to the this for this year’s program, Regeneration!Regeneration embodies the essence of renewal, transformation, and resurgence in a multitude of contexts. This theme encourages artists to explore regeneration beyond the natural world—delving into personal and collective renewal, creative innovation, and the reimagining of materials and ideas. It’s about embracing the transformative power of change and the exciting potential that arises from it.

We hope to see you there.

Comox Valley Community Fibre Crafts
2024-11-14 18:00 - 19:30 | BC
Drop-In on 2nd Thursdays (Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9, Jun 13, Jul 11, Aug 8, Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 14 ) from 6 – 7:30pm at the Courtenay Library Multipurpose Room.

Bring your fibre crafts (knitting, crochet, spinning, etc.) and spend time with community members at the CV Community Fibre Crafts evenings at the Courtenay Library. Drop in, no registration needed.

Do you want to learn how to spin sheep’s wool into yarn? We’ll have spindles and fleece you can try working with! Some supplies and mentorship available.

Supplies sponsored by the Comox Valley Community Foundation and the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program

Curated Comox Valley Winter Market
2024-11-10 10:00 - 15:00 | Native Sons Hall, 360 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2H9, Canada
Handcrafted artisan market featuring 40+ vendors from Vancouver Island

(Closing Nov 9th) Triple Vision: Three Artists, Mediums, and Visions of the McLoughlin Gardens
2024-11-09 08:00 - 17:00 | Pearl Ellis Gallery, 1729 Comox Ave, Comox, BC, V9M 3M2, Canada
Pearl Ellis Gallery proudly presents Triple Vision: Three Artists, Mediums, and Visions of the McLoughlin Gardens. In July 2022, three artists participated in a week-long residency at the McLoughlin Gardens, a stunning ocean-side retreat located just north of the Comox Valley. Using glass, fiber art, and photography, they captured their unique interpretations of the forest, ocean, and garden landscapes that define this beautiful location.

Join us for the opening reception on Saturday, October 19th, from 1-3 PM, where you can meet the artists and explore their captivating interpretations of this unique location.

The Pearl is located at 1729 Comox Avenue in Comox, BC. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM. Admission is always free, and everyone is welcome. For more information, visit www.pearlellisgallery.com.

The Great Canadian Craft Fair
2024-11-08 12:00 - 2024-11-10 19:00 | Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Avenue, Courtenay, BC, V9N 6C6
Immerse yourself in a uniquely Canadian craft fair experience, where maple leaves, cozy plaid patterns, and rustic charm come together to celebrate the rich heritage and creativity of Canada. From handcrafted artisanal goods inspired by the Great Outdoors, our event showcases the best of Canadian craftsmanship. Join us for a one-of-a-kind celebration of all things Canadian, where every booth tells a story and every product reflects the beauty of our diverse and vibrant country. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of a true Canadian showcase!
$5 entry for all three days. %20 goes to local charities
$200 every hour* in craft fair money awarded to a lucky winner
Kids Gnome hunt. Everyone is a winner.
Over 70 vendors to shop from
Fun decor

Live Lecture: Raincoast Chronicles: Fifth Five
2024-11-05 19:00 - 20:00 | the Courtenay and District Museum, 207 4th St, Courtenay, BC, COURTENAY, BC, V9N 1G7, Canada
Join writer, editor and publisher Howard White for an in-person talk based on the recently released “Raincoast Chronicles: Fifth Five” 7pm, Tuesday, November 5th at the Courtenay and District Museum.
Brimming with stories and images, this fascinating collection celebrates Harbour Publishing’s fifty-year commitment to recording the unique ways of life that have sprung from the West Coast. “Raincoast Chronicles: Fifth Five” includes stories of disasters at sea, scarcely believable bush plane feats, eerie events at coastal ghost towns and reminiscences of the Schnarr sisters who kept cougars as pets, along with pieces by some of BC’s most iconic writers.
Howard White was raised in a series of camps and settlements on the BC coast and never got over it. He started Raincoast Chronicles and Harbour Publishing in the early 1970s and his own books include Spilsbury’s Coast and Writing in the Rain. He has been awarded the Order of BC, the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour and a Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from the University of Victoria. In 2007, White was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Copies of “Raincoast Chronicles: Fifth Five” will be available for purchase ($60 plus tax, Harbour Publishing) and signing after the talk.
Admission to the evening is $5 per Historical Society member; $6 non-members. Advance tickets are strongly recommended. FMI or to purchase tickets over the phone call 250-334-0686 ext. 2.

Artful : The Poets Incubator Session
2024-11-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Artful the Gallery, 526 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C7
This month the feature poet spot will be shared by three island poets. The evening will be hosted by Natalie Nickerson and an open mic will follow the feature poets.
Elisha Almeida’s poetry is inspired by being with the river, trees, soil, and plant kin. She writes about heart and ancestral re-connection. She attempts to describe the journey of soul that is tender, intimate and evolving. She finds writing to be soul’s balm and is relieved when the words have found paper. She has been revelling in human connections lately, especially communal song spaces that bring her heart joy.
Author Micki Findlay is a long-time resident of Vancouver Island. She focusses primarily on writing memoir-based stories and poetry in hopes of helping others recognize their self-worth and find hope through difficult circumstances. She also writes to heal herself.
Micki’s writing has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Van Isle Poetry Collective, Black Press Media, various magazines including Oasis Life and EyesOnBC, and several anthologies such as, Back The Way We Came by The Memory Keepers, Crone Rising by Jazz House Publications, and Grateful by Quillkeepers Press.
Two of her poems received awards, and her story, Too Late, was a finalist in the Women on Writing 2024 non-fiction writing contest. Several of her poems were recently accepted for Poetry on the Big Screen at the 2024 Poetry Festival in Perth, Australia.
Micki is currently working on an anthology with her writing group and her own memoir-based, healing journal. Creativity, collaboration, and coffee are her love languages.
Erica Keen (she/they) is a multidisciplinary artist based out of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ territory (Ucluelet) and K’omoks territory (Cumberland). A recent graduate of SFU The Writer’s Studio, Erica writes poetry and creative non-fiction. Their work can be found in Sea and Cedar Literary and Arts Magazine, the Comox Valley Collective, and forthcoming in PRISM International.
​

words + images
2024-11-03 13:30 - 16:00 | Artful the Gallery, 526 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C7
Join poets/multidisciplinary artists Carys Owen & Diana Kolpak to explore the magical intersection of found poetry and images. Poets and collage artists at all levels of experience are welcome.
The creative spark for the third instalment of words + images is: “into the dark…” Focusing on the use of rhythm and repetition of words, images, colour, shapes, and sounds, we’ll explore darkness’s many facets.
Each participant will create their own work, as well as contributing to a collaborative poem. All materials will be supplied but you are welcome to bring any special materials you would particularly like to use.

(Closing Nov 3) Molenaar Clouds, Landscape Workshop - 2 Sundays
2024-11-03 00:00 - 23:59 | Artsphere Studio, 4058 Haas Road, Courtenay, BC, V9N 9T4
Join renowned Dutch landscape artist Pieter Molenaar for an immersive workshop where you’ll learn the art of painting clouds and water in oils.
What you will learn:

Capturing the fluidity and beauty of clouds
Composition
Brushwork
Constructing your painting step-by-step

Unseen Mountains at Weird Church
2024-10-26 20:00 - 22:00 | Weird Church, 2688 Penrith Ave., Cumberland, British Columbia, V0R 1S0, Canada
Unseen Mountains is a free performance of live experimental film and music featuring the multiple reel to reel celluloid creations of Dr. Monotony on actual film projectors.

One year in the making due to postponements from two members’ overcoming illness, the performance will feature the cinematic improvisations of Air Above Mountains (Destanne Lundquist – analogue synth + mbira, Scott Bertram – electric guitar + effects, Jesse Gentes – drum set, Persian percussion + effects) and the ambient textures of Unseen Sight (Joshua Klassen – samples, electronics + objects, Dave Miklos – homemade instruments, effects, objects + clarinet).

Together with Dr Monotony’s filmic compositions the two bands form the multi-media project Unseen Mountains.

Admission to this performance is free and open to the public. The project is made possible through the Comox Valley Arts Incubator Microgrant program as a means to engage the public through innovative and experimental works with minimal social and financial barriers.

This will be an immersive environment for active listening and viewing. Audience members are encouraged to bring something comfortable such as a blanket or pillows to lie on the floor with. Seating will also be available.

October 26 2024 at Weird Church. Doors 7:30 pm, performance 8:00 pm

Cabaret
2024-10-19 19:30 - 21:00, 2024-10-19 14:00 - 17:00 | Sid Williams Theatre, 442 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2J2, Canada
Presented By: Three Legged Dog Productions

In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920’s draw to a close, a garish Master of Ceremonies welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the Cabaret. With the Emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, Cabaret explores the dark, heady, and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Cliff, a young American writer newly arrived in Berlin, is immediately taken with English singer Sally Bowles. Meanwhile, Fräulein Schneider, proprietor of Cliff and Sally’s boarding house, tentatively begins a romance with Herr Schultz, a mild-mannered fruit seller who happens to be Jewish. Musical numbers include “Willkommen,” “Cabaret,” “Don’t Tell Mama” and “Two Ladies.”

Content Warning: This event contains adult language, mature content, violence, and sensitive material.
