Skip to content

A&E column: Fundraising for the arts and more; whimsical windows

Two fundraisers and the latest at Imagine That!
23135536_web1_201029-CCI-AandE-column-Oct29-Imagine-That_1
Patti McNeice shows off her ceramic creations in the window of Imagine That! in Duncan through November, 2020. (Submitted)

The Warmland Foundation for the Arts is holding donor dinner events to honour their major contributors to their capital campaign.

These dinners feature a unique five course meal with a show.

Space is limited as these will be properly socially distanced events, and organizers say your business will have a private table with a minimum of two and maximum of 10 guests. There are just four donor dinners each year on southern Vancouver Island, and the next one will be held Nov. 19 at Brunch on Third in Duncan. Further dates are Feb. 14, May 22 and Aug. 14, 2021 with locations to be announced.

This will be a black tie event with a red carpet experience.

Warmland Foundation for the Arts describes itself thus: “Support for the arts and culture sector is more important now more than ever during this difficult time. Warmland Foundation for the Arts remains committed to their mission to support access to youth and adult arts training opportunities through our scholarship programs, and providing grant funding for arts productions on Vancouver Island.”

To book a table email warmlandfoundation@gmail.com. For more information about the organization see www.warmlandfoundation.org

•••

Do you get excited by the idea of more than 100 bargains to browse?

Then the Rotary Club of Duncan has just the online event for you.

Over the past several years hundreds of local young families have benefited from the support of the Rotary Club of Duncan through two programs, the Rotary Club said in a news release. The first is a meat and egg program facilitated through the Margaret Moss Health Unit. This program provides meat and eggs to expectant mothers to ensure that they get the protein needed for a healthy baby. The second program is The Dolly Parton Reading Program which delivers a book a month to children from the ages of one to five.

“Both of these programs have been made possible with money raised through fundraising events,” the Rotary Club explained. “However, these traditional events are not possible during the COVID crisis. This has created a large shortfall in the ability of the Rotary club to continue to find funds.”

So how did the club respond?

“When times get tough, creative plans are needed,” they said.

So they’ve collected 150 items for a virtual auction. This auction is running from Thursday, Oct. 22 until Oct. 31, so there are just a few days left for you to dig for treasure. Browsers, bidders and buyers can view items through the Duncan Rotary club web site https://portal.clubrunner.ca/672/.

“We hope that the community will make some generous bids to maximize the money raised for these two great community programs,” the Rotary Club said.

•••

Imagine That! has announced their window displays for Oct. 30 through Nov. 27.

In the first window you’ll see Veronica Scott: Making Magic.

Scott works in mosaic.

“Mosaic is one of the earliest forms of art dating back to Roman times,” said Scott. “It is a technique that uses small pieces of coloured tile or glass to create a whole image. For me, transforming little pieces of glass and bone china into artistic compositions feels like magic. I have been creating mosaics for almost 15 years and still love it! I am especially drawn to the reflective nature of glass — the way it creates movement and a feeling of life.

“Each piece of glass is individually glued on to hardboard. The finished picture is then grouted. These wall hangings range in size from 3 by 5 inches to 22 by 24 inches and are ready to be hung. I particularly enjoy creating flowers of every kind, birds, and small scenes of the Cowichan Valley.”

In the second window Parri McNeice presents Ceramic Assemblage.

“Patti makes imaginatively detailed, primarily decorative pottery pieces,” said Katie Daniel of Imagine That!

“My grandmother and my mother root my curiosity,” McNeice said. “Our three spirits dance when I create. It is a magical time; somewhat addictive, I must confess. I am inspired by pattern, textures, and the mystery of seeing something for what it is not. There are no artistic rules in my studio. Things happen by chance, without intention or influence. I let my passion and distractibility guide me. I move clay and colour around, then add curiosity with bling and bits. Every piece is one-of-a-kind.”

Imagine That! is located on Craig Street in Duncan.

23135536_web1_201029-CCI-AandE-column-Oct29-Imagine-That_2
Veronica Scott is Making Magic, in the window of Imagine That! in Duncan in November, 2020. (Submitted)


Andrea Rondeau

About the Author: Andrea Rondeau

I returned to B.C. and found myself at the Cowichan Valley Citizen.
Read more