Comox Valley Arts

Bag Making With Lorraine
2024-10-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | #4-420 Fitzgerald Ave., Courtenay, BC, Canada
Oct 8 – Oct 22
Join Lorraine for this great bag-making class!
You will use the Traverse Bag by Noodlehead Patterns, with a small modification to make it even more beginner-friendly.
Choose from two sizes!
This class is a great way to keep practicing those straight lines, sewing zippers, and making accurate measurements and cuts. You’ll learn how to use bag patterns, rotary cutters, and hardware.
For your convenience, we have included all the hardware, straps, zippers (with a few colours to choose from) and interfacing, so all you need to buy is your fabric. Use a lovely canvas or even a linen!
The only prerequisite: Basic knowledge of the sewing machine (Foundations, Get to Know your sewing machine class or Fundamentals are a great start.). If you are still beginner, Lorraine can help set up your machine, but there isn’t time to explain how to thread the machine, in order to keep the class focused on bag making!

Intro To Quilting- A Simple Sampler
2024-10-09 10:00 - 12:00 | #4-420 Fitzgerald Ave., Courtenay, BC, Canada
Oct 9 – Nov 13
Feeling intimidated about quilting? It can feel scary, but a calm and compassionate teacher with a plan will help you work through the step to succeed! Enter Lorraine! Please read the complete description before registration!
This multi-week class is a great primer, encompassing the basic skills you need for almost any future quilt.
Prerequisite: Students should have some experience on a sewing machine (within the last year or so), some comfort with straight line sewing.
You’ll learn about fabrics, colours, print and how many different ways you can make something look great!
You’ll gain confidence with measuring and cutting with the rotary cutter and learn chain-piecing and pressing.
You’ll learn the tips and tricks to make 4-squares look great, how to make log cabins and the essential- half square triangles!
The pattern we’ve created for this class is somewhat modular- if you want to play with the design, you may. However, if you know yourself to be indecisive or perfectionist, we invite you to make it as designed to take that pressure off you, and to spend your energy learning, not thinking!
Next, you’ll construct your whole quilt top, quilt and bind it.
Some people (like Nicole) love piecing quilts but don’t enjoy the actual quilting part- so you’ll have the option to have it long-arm quilted by Lorraine (for a fee), and then you’ll bind it!
The thing about quilts- they are infinite. One design can be made so personally and so uniquely time and again!
Batting and thread is included in the cost of the class, but fabric is not. We know many people have their own fabric they want to use, and using the collected stash is a great way to get started!
You can use as few as two fabrics for a very graphic look, or 50 for a scrappy look.

Comox Valley Community Fibre Crafts
2024-10-10 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

Art Writers Ghost Collective One Day Pop-up Art Exhibition
2024-10-12 13:00 - 17:00 | Artful the Gallery, 526 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C7
Just two weeks following a lymphoma diagnosis in October of last year, Courtenay artist Josh Klassen wanted a low-key, but creative way to connect with friends and family for his birthday. The first group painting party kicked off a project that would last through the next several months of treatment. A loose collective was formed, and a body of work emerged. The Art Writers Ghost Collective gathered most Sundays between November 2023 and March 2024 for brunch and a collaborative painting.
The core group of artists includes Anna Rambow, Josh Klassen, Olivia Klassen, Marcelle Wheeler, and Dave Miklos, but the attending participants are fluid with a range of people contributing towards each painting.
Often using up-cycled canvases, the pieces are usually large enough to cover the dinner table. The artists rotate around the canvas and spin the painting throughout the afternoon. The process begins with a colourful abstraction which is then detailed with a final inking. An intention of letting go, non-attachment, trust in each other and no wrong answers sets the tone for the journey through each session.
The first showcasing of work by the Art Writers Ghost Collective takes place for one day only at Artful: The Gallery in Courtenay. All are welcome to join us on October 12 from 1pm until 5 pm. There will be an interactive painting for those interested in participating, set to the experimental music soundscape of David Miklos and Jesse Gentes duo ZEK. The open house exhibit marks the one year anniversary of Josh’s cancer journey, and a celebration of his remission. All are welcome.

Old Townsites Tour- Cumberland Museum & Archives
2024-10-12 14:00 - 16:00 | BC
1951 Comox Lake Rd #1888, Cumberland, BC V0R 1S0

Explore the rich history of Cumberland’s Japanese and Chinese Communities

Join us for a unique and immersive tour that delves into the intertwined histories of Cumberland’s Chinese and Japanese communities. This special tour, guided by local historian Dawn Copeman, combines the poignant stories of two once-thriving neighbourhoods.

Cumberland’s Chinatown: Begin your journey at Jumbo’s cabin, the last standing structure from Cumberland’s historic Chinatown. Walk through the main streets of Hai Gai and Low Gai, where, from 1888 to 1968, a vibrant community flourished with shops, churches, factories, clubhouses, bakeries, theatres, and family-run farms. Dawn will recount the lives of the ordinary and extraordinary people who made Chinatown a self-contained and thriving community nestled in the wetlands.

Japanese Community of No. 1 Town: Next, you will visit the site where thirty-one cherry trees stand as a tribute to the last families who lived in No. 1 Town. Here, you will see the remnants of old cement pillars, all that remains of a bustling Japanese Canadian community that came to work in the Dunsmuir coal mines. Despite facing unsafe working conditions and poor pay, these families found ways to thrive until their forcible removal in 1942, an event that forever altered the fabric of Cumberland. Dawn will share her extensive work with the families and descendants of this community, bringing their stories to life.

This comprehensive tour will take place on Sunday, August 18th, at 1 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with Cumberland’s rich cultural heritage through Dawn Copeman’s engaging stories and historical insights.

Reserve your spot today and step back in time to explore the enduring legacies of Cumberland’s Japanese and Chinese communities.

A Comox Valley Tribute To David Bowie
2024-10-12 19:00 - 23:00 | Comox Valley Curling Centre, 4835 Headquarters Road, Courtenay, BC, V9J1P2, Canada
10+ local musical acts each playing 12 minute sets of their interpretations of David Bowie songs.
Hosted by Patti Savard.
Including: Space Junk Removal Service, Captain Thunderpants, Macaque Attack, Wylie Marr, Captain Hofish, TV Dreams, sufferfools, Sonder, Avro and more.
October 12, 2024
Doors at 7pm music at 8pm
Comox Valley Curling Centre
4835 Headquarters Road, Courtenay
$25 at cvgbs.tickit.ca or Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1015884867987
All ages until 10pm – 19+ after 10pm
$10 for people under 19, but all minors must leave the venue at 10pm, even if the show is not over.
Raffle tickets will be sold for an amazing selection of David Bowie memorabilia (Backpack, lunchbox, songbook, playing cards, career retrospective CD box set, colouring book, playing cars, etc). Bowie raffle sponsored by Bartle and Gibson Plumbing and Electric.
All proceeds go to the Gukwa̱s sa Wagalus Rainbow House
A transitional housing project for 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth in our community. A partnership between Dawn to Dawn and the Pride Society of the Comox Valley, supported by Hereditary leadership and the K’omoks First Nation.

Comox Valley Songwriters Circle
2024-10-15 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. Suggested donation $10.

Cabaret
2024-10-16 19:30 - 21:00 | 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.

Ancestral Echoes Community Celebration
2024-10-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Stan Hagen Theatre, 2300 Ryan Road, Courtenay, BC, V9N 8N6, Canada
Date: Thursday, October 18thTime: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMLocation: Stan Hagen Theatre – North Island College (2300 Ryan Road, Courtenay)
Join us in celebrating the successful first season of the Ancestral Echoes podcast, an intergenerational storytelling project that paired Métis Elders and Métis Youth in the Comox Valley and aired on local community radio, CVOX.
We’ll be screening a short documentary on the making of the podcast and hosting panel discussions to explore key themes and stories shared by members of the Métis community during the recordings: Elders and youth featured on the podcast will be in attendance for this special evening!
This event is open to all, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to engage in important conversations and learn more about the rich culture and history of the Métis people.
To help us plan more effectively, kindly RSVP via this very brief Google Form linked HERE.

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

(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

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.

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.
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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.

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

(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.

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

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.

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!

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.

Comox Valley Singer Songwriters Circle
2024-11-18 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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!
