The Cowichan Valley Arts Council has a number of workshops coming up for both kids and adults.
On Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. there’s a workshop for adults titled “Cubism: An Art Revolution”.
Attendees are invited to learn about, you guessed it, the Cubism art movement and then practice drawing and fragmenting your own work. Sheila Karrow is the instructor.
The course is $45 for CVAC members and $50 for non-members.
Then on Nov. 9 there’s a totally different workshop for adults titled “Drawing Cats and Dogs”.
The workshop runs from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Penny Boden leads this course in learning to draw pets.
The course is $45 for members and $50 for non-members.
Then on Nov. 25 there’s a workshop on making seasonal crafts for youth aged nine through 13, scheduled for the school district’s professional development day.
The course runs from 9 a.m, to 12:30 p.m. and materials are provided with the $35 registration fee.
CVAC says it has also planned art camps for the rest of the districts pro-D days as well.
In other news for youth, CVAC is running a new art space program for teens at the studio at the Cowichan Community Centre every Thursday.
From 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. students can explore art and share their works with others. This is a free program. For more information, contact education@cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca
And don’t forget that on Nov. 23 to Dec. 16 CVAC’s popular Lego art show is back.
This year’s theme is What Goes Around Comes Around. Register online for free as a family, school class or individual under the age of 16.
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The Clay Hub Collective Society is holding their one-day Christmas pottery sale on Nov. 5.
The sale is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hub at Cowichan Station.
All of the vendors are students, instructors or members of the CHCS, and there will be a wide variety of items for sale.
A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Clay Hub studio and to the Cowichan Station Area Association.
The Hub is located at 2375 Koksilah Rd. For more information go to www.theclayhubcollective.com.
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While you’re wandering around checking out downtown Duncan shops for Christmas gift ideas, don’t forget to check out the new window displays at Imagine That! gallery.
Up now until Nov. 25 the windows feature the works of Veronica Scott and Patti McNeice.
Scott specializes in mosaics.
“The act of transforming little pieces of disparate glass into a ‘painting’ strikes me as magic,” she said in a press release. “Stained glass offers a glorious colour palette and an equally wide range of textures. I am especially drawn to the reflective nature of glass, the way it creates movement and a feeling of ‘aliveness.’ As an avid gardener, the colours, textures, and shapes of the flowers in my landscape intrigue me, particularly the impact of light and contrast.”
McNeice makes imaginative pottery pieces.
“My grandmother and my mother root my curiosity. Our three spirits dance when I create,” she said. “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 move clay and colour around, then add curiosity with bling and bits.”
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Well-known author Jack Knox is headed to the Cowichan Valley on Nov. 10.
Volume One Bookstore is hosting an event at the Duncan Showroom with the humourist, who is on tour with his new book Fortune Knox Once: More Musings from the Edge. It is his fourth collection of humorous essays.
His two previous books were both nominated for the Leacock Award for Humour, Canada’s biggest humour award for books.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
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Riot Brewing in Chemainus has a bunch of shows and events coming up.
On Saturday, Nov. 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. it’s the duo Woodstick.
“These talented musicians will blow you away with their technical prowess and fun interpretations of folk and rock classics,” says a press release for the show.
On Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. they are hosting The Thirsty Barbershop on site, where folks can get a hair cut courtesy of Vancouver Island Barber Co. along with a beer of their choice for $25.
All proceeds go to Hope And Health. Call to reserve your appointment.
On Friday, Nov. 18 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. it’s Bullwinkle Live with what’s described as yacht rock.
“Our favourite duo masterfully delivers classic after classic, giving you that peaceful, easy feeling,” says a press release for the show.
Then on Friday, Nov. 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Clanna Morna takes the stage for “East Coast music on the West Coast”.
“Energetic and captivating, Clanna Morna are inspired by Irish, Scottish, and English traditions, bringing you spirited and artfully crafted songs to shake your kilt to,” said a press release.
And finally on Friday, Dec. 2 from 5:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. it’s Mark Crissinger.
“Blending traditional themes, clever lyrics and modern arrangements, Mark performs original blues and roots music that reveals his singer-songwriter soul and the blues in his heart,” says a press release.