If you can dream it, you can build it and the entries at this year’s Lotsa LEGO show hosted by the Cowichan Valley Arts Council prove just that.
The theme of this, the third annual LEGO extravaganza hosted by CVAC, is: “The Ideal Home” and contributors did not disappoint.
All told, there were 19 entries this year, ranging from seaside homes with underwater scenes, a Mount Washington getaway, and a motorhome with pull-out living areas.
“At Christmastime we always like to have a lighthearted family art show such as gingerbread or, for the last three years, LEGO,” explained Susan Down, managing director of the Cowichan Valley Arts Council. “We chose the theme The Ideal Home because it was broad enough to inspire lots of different approaches.”
Individual outstanding entries were submitted by Moses Heffring, with his project dubbed “Elevate”, Lydia Schultz, with her project called “Living on the Road” and “The H House” by Zebastin Borjeau. Outstanding family entries included: “Town Somewhere” by the Tennents, “Our Home” by Eastman, Owen and Ben, “Shangri-La” by the Ronald-Jones family.
“Creativity is expressed in many ways, and LEGO just happens to be the medium for this show,” Down said. “Encouraging kids to express themselves and presenting the entries like a fine art show with labels and display plinths, really earns respect. The kids who visit the show have thoughtful comments.”
Sponsored by The Red Balloon, the LEGO is up for viewing until Dec. 18 at the CVAC gallery space on the main floor of the Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan.
All CVAC shows are free to the public, though donations are accepted.
Th Lotsa LEGO show is on at the same time as the Teeny Tiny Artworks show.
“This is a very different looking show in the gallery, with perfect small art pieces and jewelry for sale just in time for Christmas,” Down said.
Every day from noon to 2 p.m. during the Teeny Tiny Artworks show, there will be demonstrations by artists.
Carolyn McDonald is slated for Dec. 2, with Pauline Dueck and Jack Duckworth on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 respectively.
Also appearing are: Ria Lewis (Dec. 7), Diane Brinton (Dec. 8), ceramicist Tony Mochizuki (Dec. 9), Skye Starling (Dec. 10) and collager Wilma Millette (Dec. 11).
And finally, on Dec. 13, portrait artist Kaye Smillie will be on hand to do pencil sketched portraits for minimum $5 donations.
“Kaye created the painting that became the 39 Days of July poster this year,” Down noted. Reserve your 20-minute spot by emailing: manager@cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca
Both are on until Dec. 18 at CVAC, which is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
sarah.simpson@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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