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A&E column: Take in the art, music, and enjoy a drink in Cowichan

Art shows taking Cowichan by storm, along with two concerts

The Cowichan Valley Arts Council Annex will feature a group art show called Beyond the Path from Oct. 11 to Oct. 15.

“The artists in the Beyond the Path show have taken a turn on their artistic journeys and along the way found their own artistic voices,” says a press release for the show. “The result is an unusually diverse show from local artists Neil Fatin, Carmen Stanek, Astrid Notte, Bonnie Leighton and Brenda Isaak Takao, who will be presenting work in digital photography, painting (oil, acrylic and mixed media) and metal and felted sculpture.”

All of the artists have moved away from what is expected in their chosen mediums.

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Also on at the gallery at the Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan this month is a show of the work of Roger Jackson, from Oct. 13 until Nov. 3.

He will also host demonstrations of his work on Oct. 27 and Nov. 3.

“His love of old-world architecture is prominent in Roger’s paintings, transporting the viewer into history, other times and places. His use of bold colours and sense of perspective enhances the illusion of being there,” says a press release for the show.

Jackson specializes in painting boats and their surroundings.

“I feel that as an artist, it is my responsibility to capture an image and paint the boat reflecting the accuracy of its lines,” he said. “I paint because I love the process and the challenge of a blank canvas and the sometimes unpredictable, yet exciting, outcome.”

He sees painting as telling a story.

Jackson paints in oil and acrylic, and also conducts workshops and teaches painting for groups such as Elder College, CVRD Recreation Program and the Cowichan Valley Arts Council.

He has previously exhibited and had his work become part of private collections across Canada and the U.K.

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The Cowichan Folk Guild has two concerts coming up in October.

The first is a coffeehouse on Oct. 8, featuring Charbonneau, Cutler and Walsh, dubbed “Cowichan’s newest folk trio”.

“Three accomplished singer-songwriters, taking turns singing lead and leaning heavily into gorgeous three-part harmonies,” a press release describes.

They also meld guitar, piano, accordion, and bouzouki with Irish, bluegrass and pop.

The show takes place at the Duncan United Church Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for non-members.

The second show is a Chapel Concert at Providence Farm on Oct. 22 featuring the Daniel Cook Trio.

Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members and are available online at islandsfolktickit.ca.

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There’s more artwork on display in Duncan, too.

The new window displays for the month of October are going up at Imagine That! Gallery.

The first window showcases the work of Massimo Pintus with Gaia Tone Art.

Pintus works in the Cowichan Valley as an artist, musician, and teacher.

“He creates metal musical instruments, deepening his experiences with sound-creation and increasingly connecting his work to the healing resonances of the earth,” says a press release for the display. “Massimo keeps his passion for music improvisation alive by undertaking creative initiatives with various artists and healers, and occasionally offers sound journeys and sound healing meditations. Massimo will demonstrate his bells and gongs each Saturday during his showcase, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Shop the Duncan Farmer’s Market, then stop for a listen.”

The second window features folk art by Robin Millan.

Millan uses a variety of media to create her work.

“She makes paintings and prints, and often uses papier mache to create three-dimensional animals,” says the release. “She hand-paints reclaimed furniture, creates totes from fabrics, and keeps people chuckling with her humorous art card series.”

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You’ll be able to drink in the Cowichan Theatre.

The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre in Duncan dropped us a note to let us know that it is extending its liquor licence this fall to include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in the auditorium during performances.

Previously, drinks were only allowed in the lobby.

“We are back in full swing this year at the CPAC and want to give our audiences the best theatre experience we can offer,” says Kirsten Schrader, the CVRD Arts & Culture manager. “Licensing our house is something that we have been working towards for some time after receiving valuable feedback from our patrons over the years. We are very proud to extend our services offered for our audiences that have been especially supportive in making the CPAC a premier performing arts venue in the Cowichan region.”

An updated menu at the bar will also include more local beverages including Red Arrow Brewing, Rathjen Cellars, Westholme Teas and The Mindful Mouthful.