A publication of the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge (AAC)
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advancing the arts in Lethbridge
NG I T O M O R P RTS T HE A T O T HE IT Y C OMMUN
W OR KING T O
SEE PAGE 19 MEMBERSHIP FORM
PR OVIDINGT IVE
IMPR OVE AR TS FACIL IT IE S IN LET HBR IDGE
A R O B A L L O C IES T I N U T R O P OP TS F OR ART IS
E N O N A H T R E T T E B MANY V OICES ARE
Organizations, individuals and businesses can support the arts in Lethbridge with an AAC membership!
AGM ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015
7:00pm
ATB Financial Community Room
Casa
Presentation of annual reports • Appointment of auditors Presentation of Bylaw revisions • Election of Directors Reception to follow
Please RSVP your attendance to info@artslethbridge.org
Publisher Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge 318 . 7 Street South Lethbridge, AB T1J 2G2 T: 403.320.0555 F: 403.320.2450 info@artslethbridge.org www.artslethbridge.org Publication date March 2015 Administration Suzanne Lint Executive Director Dawn Leite Assistant to E.D. Jana MacKenzie Finance Ashley Markus Communications Muffy McKay Projects
Programming Claire Hatton- Facility Darcy Logan- Gallery Diana Zasadny- Education Board of Directors PRESIDENT Kris Hodgson VICE PRESIDENT Dione Overes SECRETARY Greg Norman
S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 015
TREASURER Kristen Hood DIRECTORS Jennifer Babits Amanda Berg Ron Brown Michelle Côté Louise Drysdale Tweela Houtekamer Karla Mather-Cocks Mary Anne McTrowe Brian Quinn Don Reeves Jenn Schmidt-Rempel For additional copies contact the AAC office. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.
director’s
message
This issue of ArtsBridge is focused on emerging artists - the opportunities available to them in Lethbridge, the contributions they make to our community, and hopefully, the successes we will continue to celebrate with them well into the future. A recent conversation with fellow staff members revolved around how the arts scene in Lethbridge has changed. Many informal or loosely-based arts groups and events are no longer. People have moved onto other work, relocated or started pursuing their own projects. This seems to be part of a normal cycle in a community. What is important is that these groups and events, however temporary, exist. The connections made and the knowledge shared has an important impact on an artist’s career. Nowhere is this more important than in fostering the emergence and growth of new artists. We now have a new generation of young emerging artists who are contributing to, or are on the cusp of contributing to, our community. This is exciting and critical to the health of the arts in Lethbridge! Investing in our youth and young artists is key if we are going to keep these artists in Lethbridge rather than having them move to larger centers. We need to provide them with the tools they require to be created, including: facilities, mentors and resources. Since 1985, The Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra has provided an amazing opportunity to emerging artists through the LSO Young Artist Competition (pg 6). This competition allows provides an opportunity for young musicians to perform as guest artists with a professional orchestra; an experience which is sure to inspire them to continue in their development as artists. The Allied Arts Council (AAC) also provides opportunities for young artists. We are honoured to administer a scholarship on behalf of the Jolliffe family that supports young people who are involved in post-secondary theatre/tv design and management programs. This year, the AAC will be rolling out two new opportunities as part of our strategic goal to engage youth in the arts. Soar, an emerging
artist’s festival, is scheduled for June 2015 (pg 16) and will provide young artists with opportunities to present their work as well as opportunities for professional development. The Allied Arts Council Young Artist Award (pg 8) has been established by the AAC to recognize the creative work and community contributions of young professional artists in Lethbridge. We’ve already seen many successful projects arise because of the energy and dedication of young artists. One such example is the Love and Records music festival put on each September by a dedicated team of young artists associated with CKXU Community Radio out of the University of Lethbridge. The festival will be celebrating its fifth anniversary this year and we were pleased to talk to one of the organizers, Curtis Goodman, on the success of the festival (pg 9). Another successful example of emerging artists is TheatreXtra, the University of Lethbridge’s production program. This important program provides participants with practical skills that they can carry into their professional lives. The producers of TheatreXtra, two young theatre artists working in our community, offer their perspective on the program as well as information on the young emerging artists involved in the 2014/2105 season (pg 14). An important resource for emerging artists in Lethbridge is Casa. May 2015 will mark the second anniversary of the opening this important arts facility and we have provided an editorial on the building as well as share the story of one of the many emerging artists working in the Casa studios (pg 3). We hope you enjoy reading about the young artists in Lethbridge and encourage you to work with us to support these important members of our community.
Suzanne Lint Executive Director
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Art grows skillful adults By Michelle Côté, AAC Board Member
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What does it mean to be an artist? To be in ‘the Arts’? It’s a complex question to ask an adult. But if you asked a child if she were an artist, a singer or a dancer the answer would likely be something like, ‘Yes! I draw pictures. I sing songs. And I can spin really fast!’ Looking back on my own childhood, I recall the intuitive simplicity of creating things that were beautiful to me. I mashed keys on the piano, wrote and illustrated short stories in Hilroy notebooks and pressed flowers between the pages of books. I had no idea that for every painting, play-dough sculpture and pajama-party-choreographed dance routine I created, I was developing set of skills that would serve me throughout my life.
board blog
a substantial inventory of work that, for a variety of reasons, will likely remain so for some time. Let’s just refer to it as Van Gogh Syndrome, though few if any will ever gain that artist’s posthumous fame.
It can be said without reservation that most visual artists (at least the ones I know) certainly don’t make art for financial gain. Thus, it could be said that the issue of whether a community supports its artists or not is moot. That would be approaching the whole matter from a completely wrong perspective. Let’s, instead, view it from the community point of view. In some ambiguous way there is a symbiotic relationship that exists between visual artists (and probably other 2
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As an adult, I’ve learned the importance of mindfulness, emotional intelligence and selfawareness—and how these things play a part in stress reduction. I didn’t make the connection at the time, of course, but I was learning these essential skills as I experienced the arts as a child. When I sketched or wrote a poem, I was able to focus and make sense of what I was feeling. Creating crafts (everything from wooden Kleenex-box covers to beaded bandanas) in Brownies and Girl Guides allowed me to build strategic thinking and fine motor skills. Looking back, I can see that it was about much more than creating a finished product I could gift to a friend or family member. It was the process—the doing—that was important. Fine Arts are celebrated by many in Lethbridge and are a valuable part of the education curriculum in Alberta. Research has shown that art, drama and music instruction are every bit as valuable as an academic education, revealing that children who study the arts demonstrate stronger overall academic performance.1 This is not surprising to me, as the arts give way to a place where learning can come together in a meaningful way and provide unique channels of communication and expression. As for the ‘doing’ of the arts, it’s about much more than appreciating a piece of finished artwork or enjoying a choir performance. The very creation of the work (the process) can be transformative to someone engaged in that process. It encourages the development of an incredibly valuable and diverse set of skills. It reinforces and reframes knowledge gained elsewhere. It creates a sense of purpose and belonging. Fortunately, the positive effects experienced by taking part in the process of art aren’t dependent on the mastery of a particular art form. They’re found in the activity of creation and in the concepts being taught. As a visual artist today, I look back at every opportunity I had to create and express myself as a child with deep gratitude. I’m thankful for every paintbrush, recorder and costume purchased by my family, schools and community. These experiences have impacted my personal and professional journey in so many ways: appreciating diversity, communicating complex feelings and ideas, organizational and analytical thinking, collaboration, following instruction, receiving constructive feedback, coping with trauma, memory, risk-taking and self-esteem. The arts have been essential to my history. Through creating or appreciating the work of others, the arts continue to educate and nourish me as an adult. My hope is that youth continue to enjoy opportunities to create art in our community and experience the growth that unfolds with the process. Document published in 2009 by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) in collaboration with the Arts Education Partnership (AEP). Critical Evidence: How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement, via Canada Council for the Arts (online) at http://canadacouncil.ca/council/resources/arts-promotion/arts-promo-kit/part2.
INVESTING IN OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE THE ARTS AND IN ARTS EDUCATION, ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH, IS A NOT WASTE OF MONEY. AN INVESTMENT IN THE ARTS IS AN INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURE.
COMMUNITY ARTS SUPPORTING ALL Lethbridge’s new community arts center, Casa, will be celebrating its second anniversary this May. And unfortunately, we continue to receive negative comments. We receive the criticism that building Casa was a “waste of money” for the City of Lethbridge and taxpayers. Preposterous and inaccurate numbers are often thrown out when people talk about the cost of building. The total construction cost of Casa was just over 20 million dollars. Of that amount, the City of Lethbridge contributed only $200 000, with the rest of the funds being provided from provincial and federal grant programs. Grants that most likely would have gone towards the cost of constructing a facility in another City if not used in Lethbridge. Staff members are still being contacted by individuals remarking that the building is “under-utilized”, that the “parking lot is empty” or that there is “nothing going on”. What many people don’t realize is that the building is buzzing with activity that may not be visible from reception area or by peering in from the outside. Behind the doors of the classrooms there is always something happening: kilns are being fired, musicians are rehearsing, tapestries are being woven. Casa has approximately 100,000 visits per year. People of all ages and abilities have learned how to create everything from paintings to pottery; stained glass to weaving. Casa has hosted music, theatre and dance performances, film screenings, lectures and workshops, art and craft sales, fundraisers, corporate meetings, weddings, family celebrations and the 2014 Moonlight Run. The gallery has shown the work of hundreds of local and regional artists and the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music has offered music education programs to approximately 1100 students per week. In a nutshell, Casa has provided a gathering place for the community and opportunities for the citizens of Lethbridge and area to enrich the quality of their lives through the arts. We cannot deny the enrichment that music, dance, theatre and art provide in our lives. So much of what our culture values has its roots in the arts. Since the beginning of time artists – storytellers and writers, musicians and painters have shared the human story, past and present. Artists entertain us and provide a distraction to our day to day lives. Think of TV programs such as American and Canadian Idol, Dancing with the Stars, The Voice, or America’s Got Talent. These programs appeal to a large audience of viewers who may not realize that these are all art forms. Many of the people in these shows were educated in the arts, possibly at a
community arts centre similar to Casa. Artists are creative and critical thinkers and problem solvers. Numerous studies have been completed that indicated that involvement in the arts enhances student performance. Investing in opportunities to experience the arts and in arts education, especially for children and youth, is a not waste of money. An investment in the arts is an investment in our future. Building Casa was also an investment in the future of our youth and the community. We hope that all members of the community will make an effort to visit Casa and experience what the facility has to offer. The staff at Casa are happy to provide a tour of the building for those that may not be aware of what goes on at Casa and we welcome any and all that are curious to take a look.
PROFILE: Casa Artists in the Community
Giselle Peters, Sculptor Local clay artist Giselle Peters is a good example of someone that has beneďŹ ted from the building of Casa and has also contributed to our community.
AB: Tell us a little bit about your artistic/educational background? GP: I am a sculptor from Saskatchewan and I work primarily in ceramics. I have my Bachelor of Fine Arts from ACAD in Calgary, and it was there that I decided to focus on ceramics as a material.
After
traveling
a bit after school, I went to Concordia University in Montreal, where I completed a Bachelor of Psychology. The plan at the time was to continue into Art Therapy in grad school. I taught ceramics classes in Montreal and have been teaching here in Lethbridge as well. I have since decided to continue in a grad program in Fine Arts and I have just applied for entry for this fall. 4
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“CASA HAS GIVEN ME TEACHING EXPERIENCE WITH DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS AND ABILITIES. IT HAS ALSO PROVIDED A VERY SUPPORTIVE GROUP OF OTHER ARTISTS AND CREATIVE PEOPLE TO BOUNCE IDEAS AROUND AND GET FEEDBACK ON MY WORK.”
AB: How have you made use of the facilities/Studio access pass program at Casa? GP: Initially, when I first arrived in Lethbridge, I made use of the clay studio at the Bowman Arts Centre. I was told about the plans for Casa and a big part of my decision to stay here was to use the studios at Casa to make work that I could include in a portfolio to apply to grad school. I have been using the studios at Casa to put together my portfolio and narrow down what I would like to focus on during a grad program. It has given me the opportunity to try out some ideas and experiment with some different processes. In my sculptural work, I have been experimenting with making the human skeleton out of clay and using these pieces as building blocks to create other creatures. I have also been creating functional pottery to refine my technical skills and surface treatment.
AB: How have the facilities at Casa helped your artistic practice? GP: Casa has really been supportive for my artistic practice. It can be difficult as a ceramic artist to find facilities and at Casa, I have had access to a well equipped ceramics facility at a really affordable price. I have had sales opportunities at Casa through the showcase windows and through their Christmas and Spring sales so I have been able to make extra income through my art. And Casa has given me teaching experience with different age groups and abilities. It has also provided a very supportive group of other artists and creative people to bounce ideas around and get feedback on my work.
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StheeMiozmeent Lethbridge Symphony’s
Young Artist Competition By David Shefsiek, Executive Director, Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra
In 1985, the Lethbridge Symphony established the biennial Young Artist Competition to provide the province’s finest aspiring professional musicians with an opportunity to perform as a soloist with a full symphonic orchestra. The program began with support from the Helen Johnson Memorial Fund, an endowment established in memory of a longtime symphony subscriber and supporter. The LSO Young Artist Competition provides the opportunity for young artists to compete with their peers, with the ultimate opportunity to perform with the Lethbridge Symphony. The award helps establish linkages for future participation
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opportunities for youth with the LSO. “Performing as a soloist with a symphony orchestra is a rite of passage into the professional world. It is a magical moment for audiences when they see and hear a young artist rising to the joyous responsibility of this starring role,” notes LSO Music Director Glenn Klassen. On alternate years, musicians currently enrolled in advanced study through an accredited school, conservatory or post secondary institution may apply for just such an opportunity. With their application, they are asked to submit recorded performances and indicate the
de Montréal and has performed with
work that they intend to play with the orchestra. An independent panel is asked to select
orchestras and opera companies in France,
the finalists, usually four to six players. These musicians are then invited to perform from the
Germany, the Czech Republic and China.
selected concerto with piano accompaniment in a live competition with an entirely different
Other recent winners include Marlie Grant
panel of esteemed artists. The winner is selected, and along with a cash award, receives the
(‘01), french horn; Matt Groenheide (‘11),
opportunity to perform with the LSO during the upcoming season. This season, the finals,
percussion; and Eleanor Yu (‘13), violin.
which are open to the public, will be held on Sunday, April 19 at 3pm in the newly refurbished University of Lethbridge Recital Hall.
The opportunity of catapulting
Concert pianist and educator Glen Montgomery has seen the impact of this competition
oneʼs dreams into the experience of
firsthand. “Throughout the past few decades the LSO Young Artist Competition has been a
playing with a symphony orchestra
keystone for the development of many excellent musicians. The opportunity of catapulting
has been significant and inspiring
one’s dreams into the experience of playing with a symphony orchestra has been significant
for numerous young musicians.
and inspiring for numerous young musicians.” Each of the following got their first big break through this event: Mayron Tsong (’87);
The Young Artist Competition receives
Magdalena von Eccher (’03); Graeme Roset (‘05); and Matthew Blackburn (’09), to name just a
additional major support from Mark and Bev
few of the pianists to win this award. “The abstract idea of a musical career became a concrete
Bellamy, who strongly believe that the LSO
one for these individuals playing with the orchestra, working with an excellent conductor and
Young Artist Competition showcases and
performing in a legitimate concert series for an enthusiastic and supportive audience” notes
celebrates excellence in individual music
Montgomery.
performance. “Our interest and passion for supporting this event has grown from
The personal satisfaction and professional development opportunities they received from learning about the dedication and hard work that that goes into live performance is very valuable.
observing our own children’s experiences. The personal satisfaction and professional development opportunities they received from learning about the dedication and hard work that that goes into live performance is
Magdalena von Eccher, who went on to receive a graduate degree from the University of British
very valuable. Our vision for the LSO Young
Columbia, has performed with the Festival of the Sound and is a leading piano instructor in
Artist Competition is for it to grow in scope,
Southern Alberta adds, “Performing with the LSO was an opportunity I have appreciated
support, participation
immensely. It was important in my development as a pianist and musician, contributing
to become a leading competition for
to my ability to translate my love of music from a very personal experience to one that I
individual youth music performance in
could effectively share and communicate with an audience. Learning how to engage and
Western Canada.”
and
reputation
interconnect with audiences as well as other musicians was invaluable and key to my decision to pursue a professional career as a pianist.”
For more information on the competition, visit the Lethbridge Symphony at
While pianists are often strong competitors, it is not only keyboard artists who go on to take
www.lethbridgesymphony.org
the prize. Aaron Au (‘95) is now a member of the Edmonton Symphony’s First Violin section. Mezzo-soprano Emma Parkinson (‘07) completed the prestigious Atelier Lyrique of L’Opéra ARTSBRIDGE
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� ����� award
The Allied Arts Council Young Artist Award is a new award established to recognize up and coming Lethbridgebased artists. The award brings recognition to outstanding artists in the early phases of their career. The award has a value of $1000 and is intended to support and encourage artistic work. The award was established by the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge and the inaugural award will be presented at the Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts on Thursday, September 17, 2015. We welcome young artists aged 18-35 based in the Lethbridge area who have a passion for, and are deeply involved in the Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Cinematic Arts, Literary Arts, Architecture and Design to apply. The deadline for complete applications is 5:00 pm on June 15, 2015. Individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by peers, mentors or colleagues. For more information or to apply, visit the Awards & Scholarships section of the AAC website: www.artslethbridge.org/aac-initiatives
Ray Jolliffe
RJ
Memorial Scholarship The Ray Jolliffe Memorial Scholarship was established by the Jolliffe Family in 2008 to recognize the contribution of Mr. Ray Jolliffe in the field of theatre production in the Community of Lethbridge. Ray Jolliffe was an active member of the Lethbridge Theatre community for more than 40 years and his work backstage was instrumental in bringing untold productions to life. Ray was willing and able to handle many aspects of creating the magic of theatre. His work was a wonderful example of how the commitment of working behind the scenes is as rewarding as being on stage. The Ray Jolliffe Scholarship is a legacy of Mr. Jolliffe ’s contributions to the arts.
The scholarship provides financial support to a student pursuing study in the field of“Theatre Production Design and Management” and/ or “Television Production and Design” at a recognized Canadian post secondary educational institution. Application for the scholarship is open to Canadian students who were born, raised or are presently residing in the geographic area from the County of Warner, west to the British Columbian border and Vulcan County south to the United States border.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS MARCH 31, 2015: For more information or to apply, visit the Awards & Scholarships section of the AAC website: www.artslethbridge.org/aac-initiatives 8
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Shout Out Out Out Out photo credit: Ashley Markus
LOVE & RECORDS:
A Labour of Love
By Ashley Markus, AAC Communications Coordinator
AS LOVE & RECORDS APPROACHES THE FIVE YEAR MARK, WE WERE CURIOUS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS POPULAR FESTIVAL, WHICH HAS SKYROCKETED OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. WE SPOKE WITH CURTIS GOODMAN, ONE OF THE FOUNDERS AND EVENT MANAGER OF LOVE & RECORDS, ABOUT THE DEDICATED TEAM OF YOUNG ARTISTS AND ORGANIZERS WHO GOT THE FESTIVAL STARTED AND HAVE KEPT IT SUSTAINABLE SINCE 2011.
AM: CG:
HOW DID THE FESTIVAL START? In 2011 we were brainstorming ways to stage a fundraiser for the CKXU Community Radio station (broadcasting out of the University of Lethbridge)– Evan Van Reekum (of Fist City) was our Fundraising Committee Chairperson, Aaron Trozzo (of Lustre Creame) was/is our Executive Director/Station Manager, and I was then president of the Board of Directors – by July we had not held any major fundraisers and we turned the pressure on to come up with something that would raise some money as well as increase the station’s profile. Evan, who is an avid record collector, suggested the idea of a record fair as similar events were being staged in Edmonton and Calgary. CKXU had a tonne of old records that had been stored in boxes for years and because of a shortage of space at the station headquarters, we believed that we may never have the shelf space for some of those records. So we decided to get them back in rotation by inviting a bunch of record collectors, bands, vendors, and the general public for an outdoor show at Galt Gardens. We planned the first show in a matter of a couple of months, making it up as we went along, and invited everyone we knew. On September 17, 2011 everything went off without a hitch and over 500 people showed up for the first ever Love & Records! I remember the day vividly – there was an energy among the crowd that made it necessary to try again. Since the beginning, Aaron Trozzo, Station Manager/Executive Director, was really supportive of the initiative and agreed that all funds raised by the festival would be reinvested into the festival for the foreseeable future. This commitment to growing the festival by maintaining its financial base was essential as it allowed us to draw from a bigger pool of saved money every year. We agreed that we would re-evaluate where we were at after year 5 and make decisions from there on the future of the festival.
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HOW HAS THE FESTIVAL HAS GROWN OVER THE YEARS?
CG:
After all the excitement of the first Love & Records had passed and all the pennies counted, we found we sense to reinvest the profits and try to make the festival bigger and better for next year. So I started to work on a business plan, write grant applications, seek out sponsorship and encourage CKXU members to get involved with the planning and execution of Love & Records 2012. Once we had Downtown Lethbridge on our side, we were able to leverage their support to attract more external sponsors and grants. Shortly after, we had the support of the Heart of Our City Grant Committee, Andrew Hilton Wine & Spirits and Big Rock Brewery. In all reality, the early supporters provided just enough for us to get going – this seed money took enough pressure off the committee to find money and really focus on building the festival experience. The second year of the event was all about us proving we could do it again, but better. The third year of the event was about showing the community just how well we could hold a festival. It was the third year where people really started to take notice of what we were doing – that third attempt hit every note, from the vendors who travelled from as far as Langley, BC, to the Juno-nominated Five Alarm Funk who got the entire crowd dancing! After the third year there was a real shift within the organization where a lot of people “bought in” and wanted to be involved in the planning process early on. We went from a three-person organizing crew in the first year to a 20-person organizing crew in the third year. We went from raising $2,500 in the first year to raising over $30,000 in the third year! We also grew from one stage in Galt Gardens to multiple live-music venues in the downtown core – allowing us to reach more people and present more genres of music. It was as we were planning for the fourth year that things started to click for us. We had a foundationaldocument (the business plan that guided our strategic approach to holding the festival), we had amazing sponsors who continued to stand by our side, we had interest from vendors from across Western Canada, and we had increased interest from bands from across Canada (we were receiving about one submission per week from interested musicians). We started to recognize the tremendous opportunities available for our humble campus-community radio station. We applied for Alberta Culture Community Initiatives Project (CIP) funding and received support. We applied for Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) funding and received support. We applied to the Community Radio Fund of Canada (CRFC) and received the maximum support available. We had the support of six partner stations from coast-to-coast who had agreed to simulcast all or parts of the mainstage Love & Records performances. Going into the fourth year of the Festival we had over $60,000 to cover expenditures for everything from holding the festival to producing a limited edition nationally-released (in February 2015) compilation LP of the mainstage performances.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE PEOPLE BEHIND LOVE & RECORDS.
AM: CG:
In the same way that CKXU is made up of members of the community and university, so too is Love & Records. We have grown from a small group of people wanting to hold an outdoor concert in Downtown Lethbridge to a relatively large group of people wanting to create magic in the Downtown core! The organizing meetings have between 20 and 30 people show up for each and every meeting starting in January. The real diehards start meeting immediately after L&R winds down in September. L&R is definitely a youth-driven festival – (almost) everyone on the team is under the age of 40 and are certainly youthful in nature – although many are students on the committee there are just as many community members who have a family and a “real job”. This makes a big difference because the members of the organizing committee know the importance for youth of having quality entertainment
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IN THE SAME WAY THAT CKXU IS MADE UP OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND UNIVERSITY, SO TOO IS LOVE & RECORDS.
actually turned a profit! In fact, it was one of the largest one-day fundraisers CKXU had ever held! It made
WE ARE AN ESTABLISHED FESTIVAL, WITH FOUR SUCCESSFUL YEARS TO OUR CREDIT, AND WE HAVE AN EAGER CREW WHO KNOWS WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE ...
AM:
A Labour of Love
Wet Secrets photo credit: Chantel Goodman
abour of Lov
come through Lethbridge as well as having a relatively large street festival that is accessible. Often times similar-type festivals become corporate, with Mega-Brand-X as the sponsor and a $200 ticket attached to attending to see the next mega-band. Our “youthful ideals” have mandated that the L&R Mainstage will always be free and that we will not sell out just to bring in a “big name” act. We would rather focus our attention on bringing in quality entertainment (that you may not yet be aware of ) that is sure to connect with our attendees and ensuring that we have a family-friendly environment that offers something new and fresh every year. These ideals also have ensured that the festival is giving back to the community (not just in hosting a free family event) by donating a portion of the cash raffle proceeds to a different local non-profit organization (NPO) every year – we donated $1,000 to the Lethbridge Girls Rock Camp in 2013 and $750 to the Last Chance Cat Ranch in 2014. We are now seeking another local NPO to benefit from 2015’s cash raffle.
AM:
WHAT’S IN STORE FOR YEAR FIVE?
CG:
As we plan for year five, we are in the best position we possibly could be! We are an established festival, with four successful years to our credit, and we have an eager crew who knows what needs to be done and by when. Going into year 5 we hope to double festival expenditures, produce another nationallyreleased limited edition LP, and bring on more partner stations across Canada to simulcast the main stage performances. And we will finally sell our own record at our record fair! Love & Records 2014 Live Compilation LP will be released in April 2015, distributed nationally and will be available in select record stores in Western Canada. We are in the final stages of taking main stage performances from last year and combining them with interviews from the day of and producing episodes for national syndication for Love & Records Radio (stay tuned for release details!) Shortly after Love & Records 2014, the festival was nominated (and won) the Festival/Event of the Year by Chinook Country Tourism’s Southwest Service Awards. This year, Love & Records will run Saturday, September 12 in Galt Gardens and Downtown Lethbridge.
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Art Journaling
Words and Art Together on the Same Page
i am
not l abel led 12
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By Halli Lilburn Teens face conflicting pressure every day making it very difficult for them to understand themselves and their place in the world.“The teenage years are at a developmental period where their bodies and brains are screaming at them to be individuals and forge a unique path which is at odds with varying competencies and a very definite need for support and care,” says child psychologist, Sean Larsen. Pop culture and other media flood society
ART JOURNALING PROMPTS TO TRY: Favourites Everyone should be aware of what they enjoy and why. Prepare yourself with resolute answers to these questions.
and contribute to the confusion. How is any young person supposed to find their own identity? Search for and find a passion that you can express in your own way. Zachary Levi defined
Heroes The talents of others reflect the potential within. What you strive for you can become.
the word “nerd” as a person whose unbridled passion for something defines who they are without fear of other people’s judgement. This is not a passive process. You cannot let others dictate it, you must constantly earn it. Vi Hart says, “your greatest creation is yourself. Like any great work of art, creating a great self means putting in hard work, every day, for years.
YOUR GREATEST CREATION IS YOURSELF. LIKE ANY GREAT WORK OF ART, CREATING A GREAT SELF MEANS PUTTING IN HARD WORK, EVERY DAY, FOR YEARS. One of the key ways to express your passion is called art journaling. Expression can be very difficult for teens. Giving them an opportunity to communicate with no rules or
Ethics and Morals What do you truly believe in? Social Issues Our actions can contribute to social change just as our inactions can lead to injustice. Fantasies Legal or scientific laws, monetary desires, myth and legend are all aspects of what restrict us or support us. Think big. Remove the controls and see what happens.
regulations can be a gateway past the barriers and allows them the freedom they need. If words alone can’t express opinions, then use art. If the art is too abstract to convey an idea, explain it with words. Together on the same page words and art can create a dreamlike partnership that will reveal a personal story on multiple levels. Neil Gaiman says, “When things get tough, this is what you should do: Make good art. I’m serious. If someone thinks what you’re doing is stupid or evil or it’s all been done before — make good art. Make it on the bad days; make it on the good days, too. Do what only you can do best: Make good art.” Grant yourself the right to interpret your world and make it your own. Take possession of the stimulus around you and channel it into a power that you control. Through various techniques and multi-media collage turn your art journal into a method of self-discovery and interpretation of your world. Joss Whedon says, “because you are establishing your identities and your beliefs, you need to argue yourself down [or] somebody else will. Somebody’s going to come at you, and whatever your belief, your idea, your ambition, somebody’s going to question it. And unless you have it first, you won’t be able to answer back, you won’t be able to hold your ground.” Throw traditional norms and views away. You cannot get your own art journal wrong. Neil Gaiman says, “If you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re doing something.” You cannot get a bad grade. This art is for you. Even if you never share it, you are still collecting your thoughts, improving communication skills and enhancing your self-
METHODS TO USE: Surface treatment Material and application of them can create the most wonderful textures. From stamps to stencils, knives to sponges, filling in the background is as intricate as the focal point. Multi-Media Like a giant mash-up, it’s time to try your hand at new media. Ink, oils, gels and wax can be applied with brushes, trowels, fingers or rags. Collage can be any format, any composition, and any opportunity. Found Objects Piecing together mementos, paraphernalia, and embellishments gives your art historical significance. The object itself multiplies in meaning when presented as art rather than scrap. Text Some stories can be told in a short phrase, a quote or even one word. Some text can be illegible to represent the artist’s confusion or indifference. Everything has meaning.
awareness. You might discover new things about yourself that will enable you to progress through life on a higher plane of existence. Halli Lilburn has taught at various schools and conferences for children and adults. Halli is also a published author of several short stories, articles and novels.
Application Exploring different techniques can add vivid messages. Splatters, drops, stamps, scribbles all bring value to the life of our work. ARTSBRIDGE
13
By Baz Skinner and Cameron Lomon
Behind the Scenes with Theatre Xtra 14
ARTSBRIDGE
XTRA When you sit in the theatre, waiting for a show to start, there’s a good chance you take a few minutes to look through the program the ushers gave you. While there’s bound to be someone you know, it’s more than likely there are quite a few people in those programs that you don’t know. Baz Skinner and Cameron Lomon, the Artistic Producers of TheatreXtra, want to introduce you to the people behind those names, specifically, the student artists.
TheatreXtra is a student-centric theatre production program at the University of Lethbridge - students put almost the entire show together. It’s a big process that not a lot of people outside of the Department of Theatre and Dramatic Arts know about, but it’s a really exciting opportunity for students at the University. Perhaps a student is interested in putting on a play that they love, a play that they wrote, or maybe they just want to create something without a script. Maybe they don’t care what the play is, they just want to design something, direct something, act in something, or help create something. TheatreXtra is the place for those students! We encourage every student interested in being involved in theatre to propose their ideas to us. It is then our responsibility as the artistic producers to select a season of shows based on artistic merit and help our peers produce them. It’s a fun process choosing a season; when Cameron reads a proposal, he reads it with his actor/director hat on, and when Baz reads a proposal she reads it with her stage manager/playwright hat on. We both bring different thoughts and ideas to the table, so when we talk with potential candidates about their proposals, there is such a diverse range of ideas and questions it makes the process really involved and exciting. A lot of students who propose are just excited about an idea they have, and we get to help them craft that idea into a tangible and workable piece of theatre. Often the students who apply don’t understand all the work that goes into a piece. Performance isn’t the only focus; there are a lot of technical components and financial limitations that students need to work with. In addition to teaching skills and gaining experience, we are helping prepare a team of artists to develop a piece of theatre that they can produce again outside of the University.
Brianna Diodati (left)
and Wade Galbraith (right)
in “Endgame”. Photo credit:
Caroline Weigum
This season of shows display such a huge spectrum of diverse artistic
The last two shows rounding out the 2014-2015 Season were both
ideas. The first show that TheatreXtra produced in the 2014-2015
new plays by University of Lethbridge student playwrights, Czarina
season was a creation piece called “Inhabited”. It was proposed to us
Zoleta and Greg MacArthur. Zoleta’s very first production “In Another
by fourth-year Drama major, Erinn Watson who then created a 45-
Life” was also the winner of the 2014 Play Right Prize and ran January
minute piece of theatre with her performers about the trans-figurative
22 – 24, 2015. MFA candidate, Greg MacArthur presented his creation,
nature of life. It wasn’t performed in a conventional theatre space, but
“The City” from February 26 – 28, 2015, as part of his pre-thesis project
rather in the Dr. James Foster Penny Building Gallery in downtown
in the Master of Fine Arts program.
Lethbridge. Our second show was one of Samuel Beckett’s famed scripts,“Endgame”, proposed by Ben Waudby, a set and lighting design
We hope the next time you open a TheatreXtra program, you
student, who wanted to tackle the strict rules Samuel Beckett applies
remember that almost all of the actors, directors, designers and crew
to his work. It is an absurdist play that carries the audience on a funny
are emerging artists. No one is getting paid for their hard work, they
but arguably aggravating journey.
are simply putting together a piece out of pure passion and love for theatre.
Ben Goodwin submitted a proposal last semester that was filled with passion and excitement. He wanted our help to workshop a piece of his own creation called “Jizz Sock”. With Jenna Schwartz at his side to direct his creation, and with the support of drama faculty member Jay Whitehead, they created a hilarious workshop performance that sold out the theatre at Club Didi.
A lot of students who propose are just excited about an idea they have, and we get to help them craft that idea into a tangible and workable piece of theatre. From Left to Right: Zoe Capaldi,
Shyla Bruvall, Nick Bohle,
Braedan Pettigrew, Brandon Eyck and Mary Chisholm in “Inhabited”. Photo credit:
Erinn Watson
ARTSBRIDGE
15
June 3 - 7, 2015 val i t s e f emerging artist
www.s oa r fe s ti v a l .c a
An exciting new festival is on the way for young and emerging artists! Soar Emerging Artist Festival takes place from June 3 - 7, 2015 and is a 5 day, multidisciplinary arts festival of new work and professional development opportunities by and for emerging artists. Held in conjunction with the Lieutenant Governor Distinguished Artist Awards, the inaugural year will see theatre, dance, media art, music, visual art, photography, ďŹ lmmaking and more. Soar encourages emerging artists to explore interdisciplinary work, multi-media, and new technologies. Built in 2 parts, Soar will feature 3 nights of cabaret style showcases and host a series of speakers, panel discussions and professional development workshops. From Wednesday June 3 to Friday June 5, emerging artists will be given the opportunity to produce and present their work at Casa and audiences will enjoy a program each night of dance, theatre, ďŹ lm, visual art, music, spoken word, performance art, or a combination of any and all of the above.
Soar encourages emerging artists to explore interdisciplinary work, multi-media, and new technologies
The symposium component of the festival, held on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 will consist of workshops, panel discussions and artist talks all with the aim of providing guidance and practical skills to young artists. Young artists can hone their skills or learn new ones, participate in professional development workshops taking notes from a panel of experts in several disciplines. Soar will provide participants and audiences with an experience unlike any other offered in Lethbridge. As a showcase, celebration and collaborative opportunity, artists will have the space and support to workshop, create and develop work, and begin the transition to their professional artistic careers. Audiences and participants will have an unprecedented opportunity to see this artistic process in action.
For more information on participating in or attending Soar, visit the festival online at soarfestival.ca
16
ARTSBRIDGE
VISUAL ESSAY:
Connected
Ribbon
Connecting art to the community
through the act of skateboarding Later this year, the City of Lethbridge will welcome a new work of Public Art at Lethbridge’s SLP Skate Park. Cranbrook-based artists Paul Reimer and Nathan Siemens were the successful artists chosen to create a new piece of Public Art for the SLP Skate Park as part of the City’s Percent for Art Program.
The intent of the project is to provide a public artwork that recognizes the donors who made the construction of the much desired community facility possible while enhancing the urban environment adjacent to the well-used skate park.
The sculpture itself, entitled Connected Ribbon, will be created using centuries old Blacksmithing techniques to create a wavelike ribbon of steel. The form has the value of allowing the community of skateboarders to add their artistic voice to it daily in ever changing ways. The names and logos of the donors will be cut into the steel.
“Our philosophy is that a piece of art is an object that requires human interaction. Our intention is to incorporate the impact of the skateboarders’ use of the sculpture as part of the creative process, both physically and emotionally. Over time, the creativity of the skateboarders will enhance and become part of the creativity of the art-
Artists renderings of Connected Ribbon
work.”
ARTSBRIDGE
17
In Memoriam: Valerio “Val” Matteotti 1913 - 2014 Val Matteotti was a legend in Southern Alberta known for his strong work ethic, integrity, generosity and sense of humour as well as having an astute business acumen. There is not a single aspect of the Southern Alberta community, including the arts, that was not happily touched by the life of Val Matteotti. Many arts organizations, including The Allied Arts Council, The Lethbridge Symphony, Southern Alberta Art Gallery, and The University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts have benefitted from the generosity and support of Val and his wife, Flora. In 2009, Val and Flora were awarded with the Allied Arts Council Excellence (AACE) Award at the Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the arts in Lethbridge. Val’s presence will be missed at the numerous arts and community events he attended and supported.
Evan Gushul
1916 - 2014
During his life, Evan’s two main passions were music and photography. As a musician, he was one of the founding members of the Lethbridge Symphony, where he played violin and viola for some 14 years. As a photographer, he started by working in the family business, The Gushul Studio, in the Crowsnest Pass. After serving in the Second World War, he moved to Lethbridge in 1955 where he worked as head photographer for the Government of Canada Research Station until his retirement in 1977. Among his many recognitions, he was awarded the William V. Gordon Award for advancing biological science through photography, he earned the designation of RRP (Registered Biological Photographer), and an APSA (associate of the Photographic Society of America), an honorary title awarded for years of outstanding photography. Evan was also a key figure in the restoration and donation of the Gushul Photo Studio in the Crowsnest Pass to the University of Lethbridge. Evan was a great friend of the Allied Arts Council and we were honored to present an exhibition of his art portraiture and scientific images in 2005. To recognize a contributing member of the AAC family who has passed on, contact us at info@artslethbridge.org
MABNEYTTEVROTHICAENSONE
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ARTSBRIDGE
19
of events calendar of MARCH march
Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society International Peace Pow-wow & Festival February 28 - March 1, 10 am Daily Enmax Centre Casa Gallery Diana Zasadny: Notes from the Field March 7 - April 23 Donna Gallant: Close Up March 7 - April 23 Reception Openings: March 7, 7pm Empress Theatre Little Miss Higgins & The Winnipeg Five March 7, 7:30pm Empress Theatre, Main Street Fort Macleod Geomatic Attic Tim Hus & Steve Coffey & the Lokels March 21, 8pm Lethbridge Community Band Silver Band Spring Concert March 28, 7:30pm Casa Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra Chamber Series 4: Windsation! March 6, 8pm Southminster United Church Symphony Series 5: Opera’s Hit Parade March 16, 8pm Southminster United Church Playgoers of Lethbridge Chinook One Act Festival March 13 & 14, 7pm Sterndale Bennett Theatre Southern Alberta Art Gallery Graeme Patterson: Secret Citadel Antonia Hirsch: Negative Space February 14 - April 12
University of Lethbridge Art Gallery Selfies Until March 19 Main Gallery
Sharing Stories, Bridging Cultures Until March 27 Helen Christou Gallery University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music Lunch and Listen Concert Series: “Global Drums” March 6, 12:15-1pm ATB Financial Community Room, Casa
april APRIL
Casa Gallery Diana Zasadny: Notes from the Field Until April 23 Donna Gallant: Close Up Until April 23 Lethbridge Community Gold Band With guests Don Robb & Dr. Josh Davies, trumpets The Planets April 18, 7:30 pm College Drive Community Church Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra Chamber Series 5: Chamber Classics (with a twist) April 17, 8pm Southminster United Church 2015 LSO Young Artist Competition Finals April 19, 3pm University of Lethbridge Recital Hall Geomatic Attic Monkeyjunk & Cousin Harley April 15, 8pm Geomatic Attic Whitehorse April 18, 8pm University of Lethbridge Theatre University Of Lethbridge Conservatory Of Music Let’s Talk About Music: Ludwig van Beethoven & Franz Schubert April 14, 7- 9pm Penner Classroom, Casa
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ARTSBRIDGE
may
MAY
Casa Gallery Various Artists: Loose Leaves May 9 - June 18 Exhibition Opening: May 9, 7pm Chinook Woodturners Guild, Lethbridge Artists Club, Lethbridge Guild of Weavers, Textile Surface Design Guild, Lethbridge Society of Stained Glass Artists Spring Sale May 8, 5 - 9 pm May 9, 10 - 5 pm Casa Chinook Woodturning Guild Cindy Drozda Woodturning Session May 23, 9-4pm Casa Geomatic Attic Joel Plaskett Emergency May 10, 8pm University of Lethbridge Theatre Hatrix Theater Company Avenue Q the Musical May 5-9 & 12-16, 8:00pm Moose Hall, 1401 5 Ave N Lethbridge Folk Club Howlin’ Wolf Open Stage 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, 8pm The Wolf’s Den, 1502- 2nd Ave S Lethbridge Society of Glass Artisans & Oldman River Potters Guild Glass Art and Pottery Spring sale May 1, 11 - 9, May 2, 10 - 7 Westminster Community Centre Lethbridge Symphony Symphony Series 6: British Majesty May 4, 8pm Southminster United Church University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music Spring Sings – From Pop to Theatre May 1, 12:15 – 1pm ATB Financial Community Room, Casa Stringendo and Sinfonia Allegro Recital May 2, 2 pm ATB Financial Community Room, Casa
Conservatory of Music Choirs Recital May 2, 1pm Southminster United Church Peter and the Wolf May 14, at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm Southminster United Church
june
JUNE
Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Awards Dinner & Gala June 6 Yates Theatre/Lethbridge Lodge Soar! Emerging Artist Festival June 3 - 7 Casa Casa Gallery Various Artists: Loose Leaves Until June 18 Cabinet of Queeriosities- curated by Leila Armstrong June 27 - September 10 Giselle Peters, Mark Porcina, Jamie Hume: Clay: Nature & Technology, Ancient & Modern June 27 - September 10 Exhibition Openings: September 10, 7pm Lethbridge Centennial Quilters Guild Quilt Canada 2015 June 4-6 University of Lethbridge Lethbridge Community Band Evening at the Pops - Lethbridge Community Silver & Gold Bands June 7, 7:30 pm College Drive Community Church Lethbridge Folk Club Howlin’ Wolf Open Stage 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, 8pm The Wolf’s Den, 1502- 2nd Ave S University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music Bone Appétit June 5, 12:15 - 1pm ATB Financial Community Room, Casa
JULY
july
AUGUST august
SEPTEMBER september
Casa Gallery Cabinet of Queeriosities- curated by Leila Armstrong Until September 10
Casa Gallery Cabinet of Queeriosities- curated by Leila Armstrong Until September 10
Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts September 17 Lethbridge Lodge
Giselle Peters, Mark Porcina, Jamie Hume: Clay: Nature & Technology, Ancient & Modern Until September 10
Giselle Peters, Mark Porcina, Jamie Hume: Clay: Nature & Technology, Ancient & Modern Until September 10
Lethbridge Arts Days September 20-27 Downtown Lethbridge
Gail Brown & Janet Sheen 2’s and 3’s by the Two of Us July 2 - 31 Waterfield Gallery, Yates Theatre
Shakespeare In The Park Much Ado About Nothing August 6 & 7 Galt Gardens
Casa Gallery Cabinet of Queeriosities- curated by Leila Armstrong Until September 10
Shakespeare In The Park Much Ado About Nothing Thursdays Fridays, July 3 - August ? Galt Gardens 2 Saturday matinees Casa
Lethbridge Public Library Word on the Street Festival September 20 Main Library *Please note: changes to events may occur, check the AAC website for the most current information: artslethbridge.org
Giselle Peters, Mark Porcina, Jamie Hume: Clay: Nature & Technology, Ancient & Modern Until September 10 Barb Goodman: The Disassembled & Catalogued Portrait September 19 - October 29
South Country Fair July 17 � 19 Fort MacLeod Fish & Game Park
Everything that Rises September 19 - October 29 Exhibition Openings: September 19, 7pm CKXU Love & Records September 12 Galt Gardens Lethbridge Folk Club Howlin’ Wolf Open Stage 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, 8pm The Wolf’s Den, 1502- 2nd Ave S
Contact information for each event/organization: Allied Arts Council www.artslethbridge.org 403-320-0555
Lethbridge Centennial Quilter’s Guild www.canadianquilter.com 403-327-6144
Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society 403.327.6807
Lethbridge Community Band Society www.lcbs.ca 403-381-7822
Casa www.casalethbridge.ca 403-327-2272 Chinook Woodturning Guild www.chinookwoodturning.org CKXU www.ckxu.com Empress Theatre www.empresstheatre.ab.ca 403-553-4404 The Geomatic Attic www.geomaticattic.ca
Lethbridge Folk Club www.lethbridgefolkclub.com 403-381-2252 Lethbridge Public Library www.lethlib.ca Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra www.lethbridgesymphony.org 403-328-6808 Playgoers of Lethbridge www.playgoers.ca 403-329-4568
Shakespeare In The Park 403-329-4568 South Country Fair www.southcountryfair.com Southern Alberta Art Gallery www.saag.ca 403-327-8770 U of L Art Gallery www.ulag.ca 403-327-2666 U of L Conservatory of Music www.uleth.ca/musicconservatory U of L Faculty of Fine Arts www.uleth.ca/finearts 403-329-2126
Front Clockwise from top left: Cassandra Hueser demonstrating painting at Arts Days 2012, Brad Brouwer & Rebecka Johnston drumming at Arts Days 2014, Coral Short’s Flanerie at Arts Days 2014, and the Lethbridge Irish Dance Association performing during Arts Days 2013. Back clockwise from top: The Juarez band busking at the 2012 Alberta Summer Games, the New Weather Machine playing at Casa as part of Arts Days 2014, Jesse Northey busking at Arts Days 2012, and Jesse Plessis performing at Casa during Arts Days 2014.