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A&E column: Art both finished and in the works, plus lots of music at Riot

What’s going on in Cowichan arts and entertainment
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Sandra Greenaway’s work in fabric will be featured in the window at Imagine That! gallery in downtown Duncan through August, 2022. (Sandra Greenaway clothing)

Artists, pick your poem!

The Cowichan Valley Arts Council invited 12 well-known Vancouver Island poets to compose works on the themes of interruption, isolation and invigoration. They’re now looking to pair the resulting poems with artists, who will create a work inspired by the poems.

Only four artists will be allowed to create a work for each poem and artists can choose a maximum of two poems, so those interested should get reading and make their choice.

The 48 pieces of art that come out of the pairings will be included in a print catalogue and displayed in an art show called Ekphrastic Reversed, which is scheduled for April 3 to May 1, 2023 at the CVAC gallery in Duncan.

The writers include former poets-laureate from Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Tofino and Victoria (John Barton, Kamal Parmar, Naomi Wakan) and well-known names such as Lorna Crozier and Richard Osler.

Stumped by “ekphrastic”? It means “description” in Greek, hence an ekphrastic poem is a colourfully written description of a piece of art. In this case, since the poem came first, the show is “reversed”.

The deadline to enter is Aug. 31. Read the poems and sign up at https://cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca/event/ekphrastic-reversed/

Cost to enter is $30.

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Celebrating local artists and the beginning of Imagine That!’s 29th year as an artist’s cooperative, the gallery on Craig Street in Duncan will have two new window displays starting July 29 and running until Aug. 26.

In one window, Sandra Greenaway will display her Summer Collection.

“Sandra’s creations are a blend of contemporary and vintage fabrics, piecing techniques, an artful eye, and couture sewing,” says a press release.

“She is inspired by traditional Japanese kimono design to create garments with elements of that tradition — simple lines, quilting, piecing of fabrics, and creative use of colour and texture.

“It is the fabric — its beautiful colours, exotic motifs and quality of weave — that attracts us. Clothing as an art form is more relevant today than ever. With the availability of mass-produced products in the world, we long for things unique and personal.”

The second window will feature Lana McQueen’s work Capturing the Moment.

“I started my photographic journey some 12 years ago, and it is very spiritual and rewarding for me. I enjoy experimenting with double exposure, macro, and zooming in on the secret moves of a subject,” said McQueen.

“My greatest joy is in ‘capturing the moment’. Be it an animal, bird, flower, or insect — that moment is a split second. I wonder what may be going through the subject’s mind, what instinct for survival is kicking in. Is there danger? What is available to eat? Is it attracting a mate, or just enjoying quiet solitude? Patience on my part, is the key. I also derive pleasure from sunsets, landscapes, or seascapes. All subjects have their own challenges.”

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Riot Brewing in Chemainus has a lineup of entertainment on the schedule for the summer.

On Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m., Game Show Night with Ryan Barmegeddon promises to bring the house down with “hilarious and inventive” pub games. Admission is free.

On Friday, July 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Amanda Movio brings some soulful jazz fusion, then on Saturday, July 30 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Downtown Brown & The Hitch Outlaw Country brings music they describe as having roots in rockabilly and honky tonk.

On Friday, Aug. 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. it’s Clanna Morna with East Coast music inspired by Irish, Scottish and English traditions. On Saturday, Aug. 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Jay Gavin brings his signature “guitar, three chords and truth”. It’s a fusion of country, folk and bluegrass in an “unmistakable voice soaked in emotion.”

Then on Friday, Aug. 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. duo Woodstick head to Riot Brewing with “folky, rootsy and fun…laid back tunes.”

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The Cobble Hill Events Society is drawing hundreds of people each week to its Music in the Park Thursday night concerts.

There is no admission charge for these events that run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Cobble Hill village at The Commons Park.

Upcoming bands are The County Line on July 28, Caleb Hart Trio on Aug. 4, Black Angus Full Band on Aug. 11, The Prowls on Aug. 18, Whisky Business on Aug. 25 and Born Reckless on Sept. 1.

There is also an arts and crafts tent for children hosted by Cowichan South Arts Guild.

The concerts are averaging about 700 people apiece in this fifth season for the series.