There’s something new coming to the Cowichan Public Art Gallery, as it presents “Eloquent Silence - Subtle subversion in Soviet-era Poland” starting Nov. 10 and running until Jan. 20.
On display will be an exhibition of Polish movie posters from the 1960s to the early 1990s from the collection of Norm and Peggy Aylsworth Levine of Oregon.
What’s it all about?
“In the 1960s, Polish artists had to follow the dictates of Soviet Realism, bolstering a totalitarian regime, or be excluded and virtually silenced,” explains a press release for the show. “Several artists circumvented Soviet restrictions by creating posters for motion pictures that were haunting, surreal, sad, sometimes funny, but always outrageous. Their silence was eloquent.”
After Poland regained independence, these posters became popular with collectors, including Norm and Peggy Aylsworth Levine, the release said.
“In a time when books are being banned, art is being cut from curriculums, and libraries as well as teachers are being directed to limit what they can provide, these posters are poignant reminders that even in difficult times, artists always find new avenues of expression.”
The gallery is located at 126 Ingram St. in Duncan. Exhibit hours are Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery will be closed Dec. 25 through Jan. 1. In January it will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
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Two free concerts are coming up for Canada Music Week in Cowichan.
About 50 students of piano, voice, harp, cello and violin, ages six to 86 will perform works by Canadian composers and arrangers on Saturday, Nov. 18. The first show is from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. with the second show running from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St.
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The Cowichan Vocal Collective is getting ready for Christmas.
This mixed voice chamber choir started in 2019 and is made up of nine Cowichan musicians. They will present Welcome Christmas in two fundraiser concerts.
The first show is scheduled for Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at Sylvan United Church (985 Shawnigan Lake-Mill Bay Rd.), and the second is scheduled fro Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s Anglican Church (5800 Church Rd.).
“Join us for two concerts of a variety of choral Christmas favorites including traditional, jazzy and classic Christmas songs,” said a press release for the event.
Admission is by cash donation at the door, with a suggested donation of $20 per adult. Proceeds will go to the Cowichan Hospice Society.
“This passionate group has significant choral experience, including several members with degrees and certifications in music and music education,” the release said. “Collectively, the singers have performed in many advanced and professional choirs across Canada, including Vancouver Chamber Choir, Elektra Women’s Choir, Encore! Women’s Choir, Phoenix Chamber Choir, University of Victoria Chamber Singers, Chor Leoni, University of Alberta Concert Choir, and many more.”
For more information, check out their Facebook page Cowichan Vocal Collective.