ArtsBridge Winter/Spring 2016

WINTER/SPRING 2016 A P U B L I C AT I O N O F THE ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBRIDGE

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ART LINES

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An Unofficial Chronology of Independent Artist-Directed Initiative

SOUTH COUNTRY FAIR

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Innovative Tradition Down by the Stream

NEW WEST THEATRE

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allied arts council

Holding Tight to the Core

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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 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2016

7:00pm

ATB Financial Community Room

Casa

Presentation of annual reports • Appointment of auditors 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 January 2016

Administration Suzanne Lint Executive Director Dawn Leite Assistant to E.D. Jana MacKenzie Finance Kelaine Devine Communications Muffy McKay Projects

Programming Claire Hatton - Facility

director’s message Adapt: to adjust oneself to different conditions One of the universal characteristics of true artists is that they respond to the world around them. They tend to be adaptable individuals; open to the happy accidents that are intrinsic to the creative process.

Successful arts communities and arts organizations also share this special ability to respond and adapt to the world around them.

This issue of ArtsBridge, which explores the concept of adaptation, is also an example of adapting. Perhaps you noticed the new ArtsBridge masthead. The AAC published its first rendition of the ArtsBridge publication in 2003. This publication was a single two sided newsletter. Through the ensuing 12 years ArtsBridge has morphed from a three times a year AAC Newsletter into a multi-page magazine that was being published in March and October. It is time for an update. Commencing with this edition, ArtsBridge will be published twice annual in early January and July with the new masthead and the addition of a new feature – Bridges (pg 18 ) which highlights the important relationships between various stakeholders in the art world. A continuing feature of ArtsBridge is the Board Blog column which provides an opportunity for AAC Board Members to share their musings. This edition’s Board Blog (pg 3), penned by AAC Board Member Louise Drysdale, reflects on her experience of relocating to another country and the role arts and culture played in helping her to adapt to a new home.

Darcy Logan - Gallery Diana Zasadny - Education

Winter/Spring 2016 Board of Directors PRESIDENT Jenn Schmidt-Rempel VICE PRESIDENT Amanda Berg SECRETARY Greg Norman TREASURER Kristen Hood DIRECTORS Jennifer Babits Ron Brown Michelle Côté Louise Drysdale Tweela Houtekamer Mary Anne McTrowe Don Reeves For additional copies contact the AAC office.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

Coincidentally, that first AAC newsletter introduced a refreshed AAC logo. The AAC has once again gone through a number of processes to refresh their community presence and Logo-Identity-Adaptation (pg 2) introduces a refreshed AAC logo and a new name and logo for the AAC gallery program that is housed at Lethbridge’s community art centre, Casa.

The adaptations which the AAC has made in its branding are small changes directed at keeping our brand current. Sometimes adapting means a total change. Darcy Logan, The Gallery at Casa Curator, shares a chronology of artist collectives (Art Lines, pg 4) that have appeared in Lethbridge since the 1980s. Each of these organizations were formed to address a particular need of the community at a particular time. They emerged and disappeared as the environment and conditions changed.

We have also included articles on arts organizations that are actively working to adapt to changing conditions while ensuring that they remain true to their mandates as well as an article on modifying a new event so that it has continued success. New West Theatre (Holding Tight to the Core, pg 12) and South Country Fair (Innovative Tradition Down by the Stream, pg 8) will endure because their leadership is aware of their circumstances and open to new opportunities and modifications to the AAC’s second annual Soar Festival (Soar Adaptation - Year 2, pg 14) will ensure it will continue to grow and thrive.

Change is not an easy thing, but nature has taught us that survival depends on an ability to adapt. We hope enjoy our stories about the amazing, adaptable arts community in Lethbridge.

Suzanne Lint Executive Director

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Logo

Identity Adaptation

There is a desire for a logo to be classic yet simultaneously current.

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Logos are tricky things, as they have to express many ideas in the simplest of ways. A logo, an identity marker for an organization, plays a part in the branding message and sets a tone that speaks to many different stakeholders.

There is a desire for a logo to be classic yet simultaneously current. Visual language, just as in oral languages, subtly shifts through fashions, technology and time. Logos can become dated and may not accurately reflect the group that they symbolize. Yet, a completely new logo can be disconnected from the history and ‘good will’ that an organization has built over time. Couple these two factors with a visually literate audience and a re-brand can be an organizational disaster.

Yet, standing still is not an option for an adaptable organization. With these factors in mind, the AAC recently looked at our existing logo and felt that some tweaks were in order to accurately reflect our growing organization. This was not a ‘rebrand’ but a ‘re-fresh.’ It was important to not sever the logo from the long history of the Allied Arts Council in Lethbridge. To this end, some elements remained and others were changed.

Our new logo is more square than the previous rectangle shaped logo. Notice how the stylized AAC letters now touch the edge of the container representing the growth and expansion of the Allied Arts Council. There are transparent fills inside the counters, (the inner space of letters), that add a modern design element to the new logo. The font is a modern sans serif that is open and engaging. While these are technical elements of the logo, it is hoped that rather than seeing just the parts that the whole of the symbol captivates and provides a fresh look.

Visual language, just as in oral languages, subtly shifts through fashions, technology and time.

The Allied Arts Council has also commissioned a new logo and brand identity for our Public Gallery Program. This was a long process in which meetings were held with gallery stakeholders and supporters to discuss naming and the gallery’s purpose. The Public Gallery Program moved from the Bowman Arts Centre to Casa in 2013. Although housed at Casa, it is an independent program which warranted its own unique brand.

THE GALLERY at Casa

It was felt that this program needed to have stand alone branding that could travel with the program if it were to ever relocate.

To this end, an official name was given to the Public Gallery Program: The Gallery with the tag line at Casa. With the new name in mind a logo was devised. The design had to be complimentary to Casa’s logo but also separate and stand-alone. The font is a sans serif with an authoritative x-height, (the height of the letters in proportion to the letter X), that commands attention. The location signifier ‘at Casa’ is more diminutive than the ‘The Gallery’ and will be a changeable element if The Gallery undertakes initiatives beyond the confines of Casa. The line elements of the logo have a relationship to similar elements of the Casa logo but have their own weight and shape. This logo will be used in signage, media releases and opening invitations, to better grow the program and reflect the quality of programming at The Gallery. Should the program’s location change again in the future the program name will forever be The Gallery.

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Louise Drysdale

board blog Adaptation in the Arts Adaptation can mean many different things to many different people. One definition is ‘a change or the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment’. As a newcomer to Canada, I wonder how or when I might become better suited to dealing with the cold weather. Somehow, adapting to the heat is a lot easier!

I moved to Lethbridge, from my hometown of Inverness, Scotland in 2011 to take up an exciting new job offer with a local architecture firm. Moving home has never been an easy thing to do and moving thousands of kilometers to a place you have only viewed on Google Street View is a whole other challenge.

I have always been lucky enough to live in communities rich in culture and focused on the Arts. I believe that a strong and inclusive arts community is fundamental to the well-being of a society. Before moving to Lethbridge, I spent 11 years living in Galway, a city of similar population to Lethbridge, located on the west coast of Ireland that a vibrant and dynamic local arts scene. As an enthusiastic consumer of the arts, I was quite anxious about leaving 1 all that behind for this new adventure.

I arrived in mid-June and was immediately struck by how Lethbridge was so community oriented. It was straight into the ATB Financial Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival followed by the Canada Day festivities. There was a cultural event taking place almost every weekend throughout the entire summer in the city. It was wonderful to see, as a newcomer, such displays of arts and culture put together so devotedly by performers and volunteers alike. I knew very quickly that I had made the right choice in moving here. I knew that my fears about what the arts community in this city might have to offer were no longer a concern.

As quite an introverted personality, my process of adapting to Lethbridge was to push myself out of my comfort zone and seek the cultural stimulation I needed to be able to settle into life here. One of the first things I did was to join both the SAAG and the Lethbridge Public Library. Through these and many other fantastic local organisations, I attended a number of events and was able to meet and get to know some great people in our community.

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I am currently into my second year as a board member of the Allied Arts Council and feel very honoured to be a part of Lethbridge’s magnificently energetic and culturally vibrant arts community. I think that in order for us to feel like we’re part of something special, we have a responsibility to contribute to those aspects of our lives that are important to us. For me, starting off as a newcomer to becoming an insider in the Lethbridge arts community is especially exciting, as I learn about all of the excellent work that has been done over the years by so many, and seeing the progress that has ensued, I want to be part of the future of this important aspect of my life and our community.

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1997

1990

1989

1986

Radish Factory 1986 – 1990 Trianon Gallery 1989 – Present

Art Lines

Gallery Potemkin 1997 – 2004

An Unofficial Chronology of Independent Artist-Directed Initiatives in Lethbridge Darcy Logan, Curator & Gallery Service Manager, The Gallery at Casa

When I meet visitors to Lethbridge, they are invariably surprised and excited by our city. They talk at length about the overwhelming number of cultural events that occur daily. On any given evening, one has the option to attend art galleries, live music, theatre productions or dance events. They express amazement that there is, literally, not enough time in the day to take in everything. Perhaps their astonishment is a result of having their preconceptions shattered once they arrive; a mid-size city in a rural, agricultural region, situated in the heart of Canada’s most socially conservative provinces, couldn’t possibly have a thriving arts and culture community - could it?

Radish Factory 1986 - 1990 The Radish Factory was an early artist run centre in Lethbridge, formed by artists Melissa Malkas and Elizabeth Ginn.

It was focused on providing exhibition opportunities for local artists.

Having lived in Lethbridge for 15 years, our amazing city no longer surprises me rather it makes me proud. With the sheer number of creative and dedicated individuals, there is an expectation of an elevated level of artistic expression. I am rarely disappointed. As a visual arts professional, I am specifically interested in how groups of artists and creative producers have generated their own opportunities in our community and the number of galleries, co-ops, and collectives that have manifested through the decades.

Some burned brightly for a short time and some are still presently active.

Galt Archives, circa 1985

I just give them a knowing smile.

What do you call an art gallery named after a vegetable packing warehouse, and now

The Lethbridge community has 3 major institutions that have historically provided a professional visual arts infrastructure. The Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG) has been exhibiting national and international artists in our city since 1976. The University of Lethbridge both educates new generations of visual artists as well as maintains a strong curatorial program at its gallery.

Finally, the Public Gallery Program of the Allied Arts Council that has been exhibiting the work of local, regional and national artists since the 1960s (first at the Bowman Arts Centre and now at Casa). Growing among the interstices of these organizations, unique ‘artist-directed’ initiatives have blossomed.

This is a brief historic overview of smaller visual arts initiatives that have given members of the community opportunities to exhibit their work or have focused on engaging the public through unique events. During my research, I was able to talk directly with many of the personalities involved but in many instances was forced to consult old newspaper and website archives.

situated in an old hardware storehouse—why— the Radish Factory, of course. The Radish Factory is an ‘artist run’ gallery that has been open since May. It is funded by donations, and there are no gallery commissions or criteria for exhibiting. Its primary purpose is to promote a vehicle for Southern Alberta artists who might not otherwise get an opportunity to exhibit their work. Gallery assistant, Melissa Malkas, explained that the Radish Factory was set up for local artists who feel intimidated by art galleries, or felt that they weren’t good enough, or who cannot afford to do single art exhibits. The Radish Factory is geared towards works from large groups of artists.

David Kozbial, Meliorist, Nov 6, 1986

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2015

2014

2013

2012

2010

2007

2006

2005

2004

4 Trap\door Artist run Centre 2004 – Present (

)ette Collective 2004 – 2006

Potemkin Collective 2005 – 2013 Parlour 2007 – 2013 NAAG 2010 – 2013 Fourth Wave Freaks 2012 – 2015

Trianon Gallery 1989 - Present

MAVSKY 2014 - Present

The Trianon Gallery is a unique inclusion to this time-line. This exhibition space was not started by artists but rather by an arts supporter. John Savill, owner of Savill Group Architecture, transformed a part of his second story office space into a large exhibition/gallery space. In the years since it’s opening, the Trianon has become a vital component of the local arts community.

Photograph by Henriette Plas

Gallery Potemkin 1997 - 2004

Our Office is located in the historic Hudson’s Bay building in downtown Lethbridge. It is perhaps best remembered as the Trianon Ballroom which is operated from the 1930s 1960s.

Gallery Potemkin was founded by artist Robyn Moody as “Lethbridge’s only speak-easy artist run centre.” This informal exhibition space, on the second floor of the Oliver Building on 5th Street, provided a venue for students and emerging artists to exhibit. Innumerable solo, group and thematic exhibitions were mounted at the Gallery Potemkin.

Since 1989 it has been the home of Savill Group Architecture and the Trianon Gallery (also operated by John Savill).

The open space and the open philosophy of the Trianon have allowed, and almost demanded, a creative response from the community. We have hosted workshops, plays, dances, musical events, fundraisers and a wide variety of art exhibitions. Nationally and Photograph by David Hoffos

internationally renowned artists as well as students of all ages have shown their work and shared their energy to help make the Trianon Gallery a very positive celebration of life and art in Lethbridge.

Excerpted from http://www.savillarchitecture.com

Trap\door Artist Run Centre 2004 - Present Trap\door is an example of an artist directed initiative that continues to add to the cultural vibrancy of our community.

It was started with the intent of providing emerging contemporary artists with an opportunity to exhibit.

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(

)ette Collective 2004 - 2006

The ( )ette Collective (pronounced blank-ette) was a feminist art collective that engaged with the broader community. It was started by Loralee Edwards, Kim Grift, Jen Rogan and Cayley Sorochan. Sometimes exhibiting their own works in bus shelters and art galleries, they also invited participation from the broader community in thematic group shows and film festivals.

Formed in 2004, this is an art creation-collective (although they have also participated in artpromotion) with a membership of three to five women. In 2004, the collective wrote (

)ette Statements. The collective describes themselves: Through bracketing, we are

uncovering the unmarked norm – the male (white, hetro, middle class) position, which is not universal but is a gendered position. Art is one discourse among many in which these issues can be brought into the realm of public debate. The focus within contemporary art on issues of representation makes it a valuable outlet for sparing critical thought in relation to language and meaning. Collective Members: Kelly Andres, Loralee Edwards, Kim Grift, Jenna Montgomery, Sylvia Power, Jen Rogan, Cayley Sorochan.

Loralee Edwards, founding member of (

)ette.

Call for Submissions. Courtesy of Loralee Edwards

Potemkin Collective 2005 - 2013

Photograph by Jeanne Kollee

Photograph by David Hoffos

The Potemkin Collective was a group of artists who met during a tenure at the communal studio space attached to the original Gallery Potemkin.

They organized open-call thematic exhibitions in alternative sites (including borrowed spaces and abandoned buildings) that would often elicit the participation of a diverse cross-section of over 40 or more community artists.

The Potemkin Collective was a loosely organized, non-hierarchical group in Lethbridge, Alberta. They were committed to organizing open and inclusive theme exhibitions in alternative and ad hoc spaces throughout the city. The concept of the collective was to nurture the gallery space as a site for creativity, play and to break down the schisms and divisions that polarize art-styles and disciplines. To this end, the Potemkin Collective refused to jury its shows. It was proud to exhibit work from children, students, hobbyists, academics and professional artists in all media from the traditional to the experimental. Sometimes the themes asked artists to reflect on serious motifs; sometimes the exhibits were tongue-

Parlour 2007 - 2013 Parlour was a large window gallery, developed by David Hoffos, that provided opportunities for emerging artists to present their works.

in-cheek. Eventually, the Collective opened a permanent space from 2012-13 and shortly thereafter, disbanded.

Parlour was an informal store-front window

Frater Tham, one of many Potemkin Collective organizers

space founded and programmed by David Hoffos from 2007 to 2013. Each year, four or five site-specific projects were presented

The drive of artists to create their own unique opportunities has been an integral component of the Lethbridge art scene. Over the decades, these individuals and groups have woven the unique threads of their artistic practices into a vibrant tapestry and mark by mark paint a vivid picture of Lethbridge. This does not even begin to speak of the countless Independent alternative galleries, like Blueprint Gallery, Geomatic Attic Gallery or Owl Acoustic Lounge that have made their contributions over the years.

at two successive street-level locations in Lethbridge’s “Chinatown” (310 – 2nd Avenue South and 407B – 2nd Avenue South). The mandate of this non-funded program was to provide emerging and recently-graduated local artists exposure and exhibition opportunities – and often

I am curious and excited to revisit this list in the future, so we can applaud the new generations of artists who, armed with energy and enthusiasm, will be continuing to evoke creative wonder and curiosity.

Editorial note: This is in no way a complete and exhaustive list of the artist initiated activities that have taken place in Lethbridge. We value these stories and hope that we can continue to collect more historical documentation of these activities with time. If you know of other alternative groups and collectives that we should investigate, please feel free to email communications@artslethbridge.org

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their first public shows. Artists included Shanell Papp, The Cedar Tavern Singers aka Les Phonoréalistes, Wednesday Lupypciw, Arianna Richardson, Len Komanac, Collin Zipp, Megan Morman, and Corinne Thiessen Hepher, among many others.

David Hoffos, founder of Parlour

Fourth Wave Freaks 2012 - 2015

NAAG (Northside Autonomous Art Group) 2009 - 2013

Photograph by Drama Nutz

NAAG was a studio/production space that also hosted exhibitions, film screenings, and concerts.

Over the years it operated, it housed not only artists but other alternative artists like punk band Fist City and the zine SCUM.

Courtesy of Kristin Krein

Fourth Wave Freaks was a feminist zine collective that invited community participation. To launch their publications, they would host inclusive art exhibitions and concerts.

Fourth Wave Freaks was an intersectional, feminist art collective that curated zines quarterly, threw art shows and held release parties. The collective was formed in 2012 and our first self-published magazine was released February 2013. This collective was formed out of coming to terms with activism, art,

The NAAG (Northside Autonomous Art Gallery - poking fun at the SAAG ;) was a multidisciplinary, artist-run studio and gallery operated by Andy Davies from 2009 to 2013. During this time, the NAAG hosted many artists, events, and happenings - both as a production space and venue. The NAAG supported all visual arts, live music, improv theatre, sound editing, photography, film production and screening, a zine, textiles, great parties and the alternative arts community as a whole.

Andy Davies, founder of NAAG

self-expression and ultimately, combating the patriarchy. We had a dream of creating 10 zines, it took us almost three years but this past June 2015, we disbanded after reaching our goal. Fourth Wave Freaks won a zine award in New York. Our Instagram project “Menstruation Barbie� was featured in BUST magazine though also banned and deleted from social media currently.

We have all come a long way since becoming involved with art activism.

This could not have been possible without continued support; we received financial funding from Drunken Sailor, LPIRG, Womanspace, CatWalk and had over 150 different contributors locally and around the world. We will never stop creating, never stop learning and fighting for equality and social justice. Art and people evolve and we are excited to be doing new projects into this next year and the rest of our lives.

Kristin Krein, Managing Director FWF

MAVSKY 2014 - Present

Courtesy of Courteny Creator

MAVSKY is the most recent iteration of this artist-directed ethos of which I have recently become aware. This collective of cultural producers turn their homes and domestic spaces into temporary exhibitions and artistic happenings.

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Photo courtesy of Doug Mitchell

South Country Fair Innovative Tradition Down by the Stream Chase Campbell, Environment Co-ordinator, South Country Fair For twenty-nine years now, in a park, by a stream, people from near and far have gathered on the third full weekend in July for an outdoor festival that encompasses a diverse mix of music, spoken word and performance art known as South County Fair. This is a unique combination of the arts and outdoor camping that creates a rare summer folk festival experience. An experience that leaves you wishing you had just one more day and a sense of anticipation for next year.

South Country Fair has been referred to by Trent Moranz, SCF luminary, as having “become an institution of sorts” and it has certainly become more than just a once-per-year event.

So how did South Country Fair make it, to the ripe age of twenty-nine, with a healthy heartbeat, feet firmly planted and ready to keep on going into the future?

Certainly, it takes an extreme amount of dedication, planning and hard work. However, an important part of South Country Fair’s sustainability comes from an ability to adapt to changing circumstances while still remaining true to its mandate.

It is said that Rome wasn’t built in a day, well neither was South Country Fair; an immeasurable load of hard work and dedication on the part of volunteers make it possible. Our 98% volunteer base creates the amiable atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year. They are the force that makes the fair possible. It is paramount to SCF’s success to not only seek out and retain a fantastic volunteer base but to also have them ‘rowing’ in the same direction during the weekend. Thanks to April Blackmer, SCF Volunteer Coordinator, we have increased volunteer numbers from about 100 to well over 400 in the last six years. Volunteers of 2015 are pictured in the photo included courtesy of Doug Mitchell. The volunteer experience that is generated keeps fireball-rocket people coming back year after year. As one of our volunteers for 2015

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Leslie Lindballe put it, “Volunteering at SCF is the best eight to twelve hours I have ever put into a festival. This must be the feeling of being a queen... the work is light, the gold is plentiful and that lovely feeling of being uber-important just keeps you waving!”

The South Country Fair is piloted by what has been described as a close group of real folk roots warriors or lovingly as ‘freaks’ according to Hospitality Co-coordinator and Official Positive Vibe Dristribution Emissary, Lise Schulze. The organization operates as a unilateral group, each coordinating their own areas of expertise, with group input on major decisions. The proficiency of our group derived from the results of 1000+ hours of combined trial and error in festival production. With the surplus of day-to-day operational tasks filling most of our meetings there is generally little room for future planning.

Thanks to our Artistic Director Jana MacKenzie, this year we were able to participate in a two-part visioning session with funds provided by the Canadian Arts Presenting Association (CAPACOA) Capacity Building Program. We met in March to discuss “where do we go from here” and again in September to “define our future actions.” It is imperative with an organization such as South Country Fair to keep the future in mind, notably passing on the knowledge that we’ve received over the years to new “freaks” willing to step-up to the plate. Thankfully, nobody truly retires but rather takes a semi-retired role to help those of us that haven’t been occupying this earth for as long as South Country Fair to ease us into our fair niche.

If you’ve attended South Country Fair for more than just a few years you’re bound to have noticed some of the improvements that have been made over time. There are too many to list including major improvements in sound and light technology over the past twenty-nine years. From a Franken-system of bits and bobs mis-matched together we have grown to the fully

professional system set-up by Wavetech. Consisting of LED lights, fully state-of-the-art controls and everyone’s favorite the BFL*; Wavetech has no trouble impressing the crowd.

Covering all that equipment is an SA-34 Arabesque awning purchased new from Warner Structures in 1997, overtop a secondhand stage purchased to match. This was major improvement over the flat deck trailer that was used for the first ten years of the festival. When left unblocked one year it threatened to drop all the lighting instruments onto the band Hookahman, during a particularly rowdy set. Over the years, we have also invested in numerous marquee tents, as well as more recently building a new box office and sound shack; both on mobile trailers. On the smaller side of infrastructure, we have also re-engineered our gatekeeping shelters and created fold-up units that allow our garbage truck, porta-potty truck and other emergency vehicles into the different areas. At the rate we are going, I cannot wait to see what is new for next year.

As more and more patrons make their way to South Country Fair, what first seemed like a space too large to fill is swiftly becoming smaller and smaller. With larger camping units and more of them on wheels rather than pegged to the ground, we have come closer and closer to reaching capacity. To increase space and create emergency access we have, in conjunction with the Fort Macleod Fish and Game Association, built a road for foot traffic and emergency vehicles towards the river. Also becoming a point of concern is the parking space and number of vehicles that accompany our attendees. In recent years, we have been able to balance our needs by organizing a more efficient parking lot. The growth of South Country Fair will continue to be a closely monitored concern.

Visioning South Country Style Jana MacKenzie, Artistic Director, South Country Fair The visioning session that the South Country Fair Association recently underwent was an important process for the collective whole, as well as for each individual that participated. In 2007, a similar process was undertaken by the Association which paved the path for the years that followed. While many of those who participated back then are still involved, various positions have experienced succession (a goal set out in the 2007 process); so it was felt that we needed to take another look into how the organization was functioning.

We will continue to provide diversity in our artistic presentation and have set out key goals for expanding our outreach to the broader community.

SCF is a volunteer run organization and our coordinators are scattered throughout Alberta and British Columbia, which makes it difficult to connect beyond e-mail communications. Our monthly meetings are generally spent discussing strategies for the following festival, with little time to think big and think far. Bringing an outside consultant that led us through the visioning process was essential and allowed us to freely imagine where we wanted to go. We came out of the process with several key goals that will continue to assist in our adaptation and growth as an organization.

South Country Fair is an unstoppable force and how could you argue otherwise? The combined mix of love pouring from the hearts of our volunteers in a thick river has a strong enough current to make it around all of the onerous obstacles in the way; creating in its wake all the nuances that make South Country Fair a festival people will talk about from the end to the beginning. *The BFL is a colloquial term used by South Country Fair afficianados when referring to an 80lb strobe lighting instrument -one of a mere dozen that exist in Canada -- that illuminates the night sky behind the main stage and can be seen for at least forty kilometers when conditions are perfect.

Including quotes from Trent Moranz referenced from: Campbell, Mark aka. Mark Boogieman (July 6, 2015) If You Organize It They Will Come, A Chat With Trent Moranz Of SCF. Random Thoughts At Random Times. Retrieved from https:// greetergrammer1.wordpress.com/2015/07/06.if-you-organize-itthey-will-come-a-chat-with-Trent-Moranz-of-scf/

We will continue to provide diversity in our artistic presentation and have set goals for expanding our outreach to the broader community. One of our main goals is to engage in more ongoing formal and informal dialogue with local governments, businesses and organizations. Our site coordinators were also able to work through different strategies to improve our process of site set-up and strike.

Not only were great ideas and plans created, but our organization has become stronger and more dedicated to maintaining and expanding our presence within the community. Receiving funds through the Capacity Building program offered by CAPACOA was a straight forward application process and allowed us to bring in someone that was familiar with the festival experience as an objective consultant. All organizations need to have time to sit and think about who they are, what they are doing and why they are doing it.

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Visual Essay Signs of Adaptation Throughout Our Landscape Photos courtesy of Meghan MacWhirter

The visual language of the landscape in Southern Alberta is simultaneously both constant and flexible. Whereas the prairie sky, the outlines of the mountains to the west and the physical geography is somewhat static, our human interventions are ever changing and very adaptable. Signage scattered throughout Lethbridge and surrounding areas serves as veritable reminders of change and adaptation. The buildings on which they reside have changed hands, weathered the decades and seen many permutations of businesses and customers yet the signage endures throughout all these changes. The signs become landmarks in and of themselves and act as links between the past and present.

Meghan MacWhirter is a second year art studio major at the University of Lethbridge. Meghan often incorporates ideas of nostalgia and past decades into her work, as she is drawn to the history of architecture, advertising and vintage fashions. In her free time, Meghan runs a vintage style blog and works part time at local retro inspired clothing store, Drunken Sailor. In the future, she plans to curate her own vintage clothing shop, to apply her knowledge of art and design to her blog and to have a French Bulldog named Rosie.

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NEW WEST THEATRE

Holding

“All Spruced Up,” courtesy of New West Theatre.

Tight to the

Core

Kelaine Devine, ArtsBridge Editor

The New West Theatre has been a theatre staple in Lethbridge since its founding in 1990 by Brian Parkinson. It has produced hundreds of performances with thousands of audience members attending productions over the years. It is an organization that has gone through many permutations and adaptations throughout its lifespan. Despite this, New West Theatre has not strayed from the guiding principles of engaging audience and providing professional opportunities in our community.

Currently, each season, New West produces three original musiccomedy revues, one Canadian play and a Theatre for Young Audiences production. New West is currently based out of the Genevieve E. Yates Memorial Centre, a city operated facility with a 488-seat proscenium auditorium, a black box performance space, administrative offices, a box office and a production spaces. In 2011, a theatre school was established offering year round theatre education to students with an interest in performing arts.

New West’s management team has recently gone through a shift with the hiring of a new Artistic Director, Sharon Peat. Peat has been a director and arts educator for over 30 years. In addition to a new Artistic Director, New West has hired a new General Manager, Derek Stevenson. Stevenson has Bachelor degrees in theatre and finance and most recently completed his Masters in International Arts Management. He has been a part of the arts community in Lethbridge for over ten years. This infusion of new energy in the management team can be seen as an opportunity to look at mandates, values and further solidify New West’s place as a cornerstone in the Southern Albertan arts community.

New West is very focused on engaging a wide variety of audiences which is why they embrace such a diverse season each year.

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In the early days of New West Theatre, the company travelled beyond the confines of the Lethbridge borders frequently visiting towns like Fort MacLeod and performing throughout British Columbia. While forced to cut back much of the touring for a period of time due to financial restraints, the company is revisiting touring with its Theatre for Young Audiences productions.

This year the production of “Three Little Pigs” is being extensively traveled throughout Southern Alberta to small towns like Stavely, Taber, Nanton and Claresholm. These towns do not have the same opportunities for seeing professional theatre and it is a chance for New West to share the talent that they have honed.

Theatre for Young Audiences has always been a part of the core values of New West. There has been some element of TYA in the season from 1993. The newly appointed General Manager, Derek Stevenson, fondly remembers seeing an early New West TYA show “Beauty and the Beast” and then attending the Canadian play each season and looking forward to it. He and many other performing artists have grown up with the company. “Especially with my own training in theatre, I was always looking forward to what New West was doing. And then the musical revues are a tradition in Lethbridge. They are something that people come back to every year. Even if they have moved on from Lethbridge they come home for Christmas and they need to go see a New West show.”

Stevenson notes that it is partially strategic to develop audiences when they are young but that it is also part of the company’s core values. New West is very focused on engaging a wide variety of audiences which is why they embrace such a diverse season each year. The hope is to engage and broaden artistic experiences for Southern Alberta.

Balancing tradition and evolving with change can be difficult for companies of New West’s age. As Stevenson notes, “There needs to be a balance as we need to respect some of that tradition and honour that going forward as we have built something that

“It is pretty exciting when someone who is in our theatre school today could be on our stage 10 or 15 years from now.” is unique.” New West is a unique institution functioning as the only professional theatre company south of Calgary in Alberta. This means paying technical staff and performers for the work that they do within the company. Ticket sale revenues cover a much larger percentage of production costs than companies in larger demographic areas such as Edmonton and Calgary. New West has always been proud of that facet of their make-up as it truly feels that they are community supported.

Stevenson further elaborates, ”Essentially, what I am saying is that you don’t need to re-invent the wheel but you also want to continue the vibrancy of theatre. You want to make changes in a way that respects the tradition but also recognize the need to develop new audiences and new artistic vision.” Each era of artistic direction and management at New West has a unique feel but still is in-line with Brian Parkinson’s original vision of a professional company set within the community. It is this focus on communities and core values that has allowed New West to ride out difficult times when the political climate was not as supportive of the arts.

This core philosophy guides them even now as they compete for audiences and eyeballs with television, cinemas, the internet and sports events amongst other types of entertainment.

Derek Stevenson, General Manager, courtesy of New West Theatre.

The future for New West seems bright, with a new political environment provincially and federally that is much more supportive of the arts.

It is hoped that New West can capitalize this political energy to build consistency and further solidify the foundation of the theatre company. Because of previous cuts to funding, New West has had to limit the production season in the past couple of years. Previously, two Canadian Series were produced each season, presenting acts were occasionally hosted and some seasons have had up to 8 shows. There is hope that this presenting capacity can be built back up again, thereby creating more opportunities for performers in Lethbridge as well as more opportunities for Lethbridge audiences to see a diverse range of theatre.

New West is a unique institution functioning as the only professional theatre company south of Calgary in Alberta.

“The Hudson Bay Epic,” courtesy of New West Theatre.

Rather than shirking from on-line technologies, Stevenson feels that social media, if used right, can be a huge benefit to an organization. For him, the secret is that is should be personalized and story-focused. “If you do that, audiences will connect more on a personal level. Social media is kind of a personal thing. If social media reflects who we are as a company by creating an individualized social media presence this makes us more accessible to the audience.” This is seen as an opportunity for the theatre company and already the tone of their on-line channels reflect Stevenson’s approach.

Another huge goal for Stevenson is to grow the theatre school and further cultivate talent on-stage. “It is pretty exciting when someone who is in our theatre school today could be on our stage 10 or 15 years from now.” New West is giving students the opportunity to be exposed to a working company and to develop professional skills early. This is in many cases auxiliary training for students who often are participating in secondary school programs and eventually pursuing post-secondary theatre arts education. By embedding a school within a working theatre company, New West is giving professional actors and technicians further career opportunities by ensuring that a pool of highly trained professionals is available to draw upon in the future. A succession plan that is already of great benefit to the organization.

Stevenson is definitely optimistic on what that future holds for New West Theatre. For him, it is about recognizing opportunities, being open to what is available in the greater community and what fits with New West Theatre’s mandate. “That is something that I feel really strongly about. Keeping my mind open to what exists.”

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Music

Performing Arts

Visual Arts

Film

New Media

Soar Emerging Artist Festival Propelling Emerging Artists into Professional Careers Muffy McKay, Projects Coordinator, Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge

l a v i t s e f tist emerging ar

One of the benefits of hosting the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artists Awards in June 2015 was the condition that Lethbridge create an ongoing legacy project, one that enriches the community in a lasting way. When the Allied Arts Council staff began talking about creating an emerging artist festival in Lethbridge, in conjunction with the Distinguished Artists Awards, we were very excited about the idea of creating opportunities for young artists.

Giving emerging artists reasons to stay in Lethbridge and developing their skills had been a frequent conversation. In fact, engagement with and developing opportunities for young artists is a part of the AAC Board directed mandate as outlined in our five year Strategic Plan. This gave us the perfect opportunity to go ahead with our goal of engaging with emerging artists in our city. What materialized after several meetings and brainstorming sessions was a festival in two parts: The first part presentation in nature, giving the opportunity to present new works by providing space, budget, technical and admin support. The second part being professional development, by putting together a program of workshops, artist talks and panels for emerging artists to gain experience and knowledge in a variety of disciplines.

Part of our presentation piece evolved into the Soar Cabaret which ran from Wednesday, June 3 to Friday, June 5, 2015. We received close to 20 submissions for performance acts covering all disciplines. The juried emerging artists were given the opportunity to produce and present their work in the ATB Financial Community Room at Casa. Audiences enjoyed a different program each night of dance, theatre, music, spoken word, performance art and combinations of any and all of the above.

In addition to the Soar Cabaret Nights, we were also able to showcase the works of more than 25 visual artists in an exhibition in The Gallery at Casa, as well as several more artists in alternate gallery spaces in the downtown core.

Supportive partners in our endeavours, the Southern Alberta Art Gallery and the Trianon, featured exhibitions showcasing the works of emerging artists to coincide with Soar. Our core exhibition at The Gallery, “Loose Leaves�, featured Albertan artists under the age of 35 who were maintaining an active studio practice, or were in the final year of their arts education. The artists were asked to explore the relationships between drawing, presentation and the absence

of the frame within a gallery context.

Unframed works on paper in numerous mediums were displayed throughout the festival and into June.

The professional development part evolved into a symposium during the festival, held on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 that consisted of workshops, panel discussions and artist talks with established artists, all with the aim of providing guidance and mentorship to emerging artists. Emerging artists could hone their skills or learn new ones, such as stilt walking, clowning, improv theatre or contemporary choreography. Attendees could learn professional best practices by attending grant writing or tax workshops, taking notes from a panel of experts on proposal writing, festival submissions or activist art. The artists were encouraged to interact and begin building a professional network.

Soar provided participants and audiences with an experience unlike any other offered in Lethbridge. Artists and audiences had an unprecedented opportunity to engage with the artistic process of new artists. As a showcase, celebration and collaborative opportunity, artists were given the space and support to present and develop work, and begin the transition to their professional artistic careers. We consider the festival to have been a resounding success, with many artists letting us know what a great opportunity that was provided for learning and development.

www .soarfestival .ca 14 arts bridge

Going Forward As we make plans for the second Soar Emerging Arts Festival in 2016, two factors are greatly affecting the way that we will be approaching programming. Firstly, the festival will be stand alone – the festival will not be held in conjunction with a major Provincial event, so we will not have access to some of the funding and talent that came with the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artists Awards. With this loss though, we have gained the freedom to focus on Soar’s own merit and really develop the festival into a unique, Lethbridge event. There is now a flexibility that is helping to fuel the planning process.

Secondly, audience feedback last year has given us some very clear direction about the term ‘emerging artist.’ The presentation component of the festival will keep the age limit of 18 – 35 years for the Cabaret Nights and the visual art exhibition portions of the festival. The Cabaret Nights will continue in the same format. The visual arts component of Soar will continue to be a unique curatorial project each year. This project will be initiated by The Gallery at Casa to encourage and provoke artists to explore their creative boundaries. In 2016, M.A.P.S. or Making Art in Peculiar Spaces, will open with a reception and self-guided tours of the installation spaces throughout the downtown core.

The professional development opportunities, on the other hand, will now be open to include emerging artists and

community members of all ages. By opening this aspect of the festival, we hope to be able to engage the larger community who may be interested in the workshops, artist talks and panel discussions. There will be information and learning opportunities to enrich artists and audiences from the whole community in an inclusive way.

Our vision for Soar in its first year out was to provide opportunities for young artists – meeting the mandated vision of the Allied Arts Council’s Strategic Plan to embrace and engage young artists in the Lethbridge area. In it’s second year, we hope to further develop the festival to meet the needs of developing artists and cultivate the fertile Lethbridge arts scene. Providing support and education, so that artists are flexible and adaptable to the challenges that the future will bring. Soar itself will continue to change as it evolves to meet the needs of the emerging artist. The festival will continue to serve the vibrant and diverse community that makes Lethbridge such an amazing, cultural city in Southern Alberta.

Get Involved Soar Emerging Artist Festival, a five day, multi-disciplinary arts festival for young and emerging artists aged 18 - 35, will take place from June 1st – 5th, 2016. Soar will foster creative development by combining community-inspired ideas with administrative, promotional and facility support.

Attend Soar will feature three nights of cabaret style showcases during the festival on Wednesday, June 1st, Thursday, June 2nd and Saturday, June 4th. The work of emerging artists will be presented in the ATB Financial Community Room at Casa (a black box theatre with basic lighting and sound equipment). Audiences will enjoy a program each night of dance, film, visual art, theatre, music, spoken word, performance art or a combination of any and all of the above. Admission $10/night, tickets available at the door or in advance at Casa.

M.A.P.S. Making Art in Peculiar Spaces will open on Friday, June 4th in conjunction with a delegate reception for the Soar Symposium. There will be refreshments and a self-guided tour of the project in downtown Lethbridge. This evening is free and open to the public.

Soar Symposium on June 4th and 5th will feature workshops, panel discussions and artist talks providing professional development opportunities. Symposium registration is open to the public. Complete schedule and workshop information will be available here closer to the event. Registration opens March 1st, 2016 and will close on May 16th.

Submit/Participate Soar Cabaret Submission: Call to Performing Artists - Deadline for Submissions February 29, 2016 Artists aged 18 - 35 are invited to submit work for presentation (musical, dramatic, performance, dance, new media, spoken word) Jun 1 - 4 at Casa. Soar encourages emerging artists to explore collaborative interdisciplinary work, multi-media and new technologies. Submission forms are available online at soarfestival.ca.

Soar Visual Arts Project: Call to Visual Artists - Deadline for Submissions February 29, 2016 The Gallery at Casa will be curating works by emerging artists for an outdoor art exhibition titled M.A.P.S or Making Art in Peculiar Spaces. M.A.P.S is the visual arts element of Soar Emerging Artist Festival and will challenge artists to create a piece of work within a distinct set of parameters. Works will be exhibited throughout the downtown core at unexpected venues.

Submission forms are available online at soarfestival.ca.

A PUBLICATION OF THE ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBR I D G E

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Showcasing the work of Emerging Artists aged 18-35

l a v i t s e f t s ti emerging ar

June 1 – 5, 2016

Soar Emerging Artist Festival is a five day multi-disciplinary arts festival of new works and professional development opportunities by and for emerging artists. A festival in two parts: Soar will present cabaret-style, curated evenings of live performance by young artists aged 18 - 35 at Casa June 1, 2 & 4. As well, a weekend of professional development opportunities for artists, open to the whole community, will run June 4 - 5.

Soar Cabaret Submission Call to Artists Submission forms available online November 30.

Artists aged 18 – 35 invited to submit work for presentation (musical, dramatic, performance, dance, new media, spoken word) June 1 – 3 at Casa. Soar encourages emerging artists to explore collaborative interdisciplinary work, multi-media, and new technologies.

Deadline February 29.

Soar Visual Arts Project M.A.P.S: Making Art for Peculiar Spaces

Submission forms will be available on-line in January.

The Soar Visual Arts project will challenge artists to create a distinct art piece within an interesting set of parameters. Stay tuned for more details.

Deadline February 29.

Soar Symposium

Registration opens February 29.

The Soar Symposium will offer unique, professional development workshops, artist talks and panel discussions at Casa. Registrants will be able to sign up for workshops in circus techniques, tax preparation for artists, grant and proposal writing, dance, songwriting, improv theatre with many more opportunities to develop practice and broaden skills. Registration is open to the public and artists of all disciplines and ages.

Watch soarfestival.ca for more details.

Symposium registration opens February 29. Deadline for registration is May 16.

www .soarfestival .ca 16 arts bridge

� ����� award

The Allied Arts Council Young Artist Award is a new award established to recognize up and coming Lethbridge-based 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 in 2015 and is presented at the Mayor’s Luncheon for Business and the Arts on Thursday, September 22, 2016.

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, 2016. Individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by peers, mentors or colleagues.

For more information, or to download a nomination package, visit the Allied Arts Council website at www.artslethbridge.org /aac-initiatives/awards-a-scholarships

allied arts co un cil

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 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 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, 2016: For more information or to apply, visit the Awards & Scholarships section of the AAC website: www.artslethbridge.org/aac-initiatives

allied arts co un cil ����������

A PUBLICATION OF THE ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBR I D G E

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student Pat MacNamara class

Drawing 1 – with Maria Madacky Have you taken classes before? With this instructor?

I have never taken an art class – ever.

When I signed up for this class I was so excited and nervous.

What attracted you to this class?

I wanted to learn the basic techniques to drawing and I want to learn more.

What are the benefits of having taken the class?

I have personally gained a new talent that I didn’t know I had.

What was the experience like?

It was mind-blowing and exciting.

I was thrilled to unleash a new talent that I had supressed.

I love my new talent. I find drawing very relaxing and rewarding.

There is the odd myth of the solitary artist being struck by divine inspiration alone in their studio. Those of us in the arts know that is rarely the case. We are part of a community that is brought together by a passion for artistic expression. Relationships form bridges between audience member and performer, teacher and student or painter and model. It is these relationships that support and sustain a vibrant artistic city.

Bridges

Welcome to our on-going feature in ArtsBridge as we offer a unique glimpse of these different perspectives.

Connie Furgason YEARS TEACHING: 35

instructor

Calligraphy and Art Journalling

class

Why did you offer this particular class?

I feel there is a need to promote hand lettering. We still love hand lettered projects, whether it be letters in the mail, a greeting card or seeing our names written “fancy”. Calligraphy also allows words/text to take on a different level of interpretation so it is more than just writing something “pretty”. It can be very abstract in design. Art journalling encourages students to experiment with art in a no-pressure way as well as exploring ways to express thoughts, record travel or almost anything that they might be interested in.

What are the benefits of teaching this class?

Art Journalling- Individuals get past their fear of “doing art the right way” and have the chance to “play” in an artistic way an� � “pretty” way, students are encouraged to look at hand lettering with new perspective. It can be very abstract. The lettering can be an enhancement to the text, providing another level to the words.

What was the experience like?

Always positive for me and the students seem to enjoy learning new techniques, whether it be how to use a paintbrush or a pen in new ways to discovering ways to express themselves through the art and experimentation in the classes. I always learn from the students as they work on projects and explore.

18 arts bridge

allied arts co u n cil

allied arts co u ncil Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge (AAC) Advancing and enhancing the arts in Lethbridge since 1958 • Promoting the arts to the community

����������

• Working to improve arts facilities in Lethbridge • Providing collaborative opportunities for artists • Advocating for the arts

Core funding support is gratefully received from:

����������

MABNEYTTEVROTHICAENSONE ARE

Become an AAC

member

Organizations, individuals and businesses can demonstrate support for the arts in Lethbridge with an AAC membership!

For a full listing of member benefits, visit www.artslethbridge.org/join-us NEW MEMBER

RENEWAL

Allied Artist Associate Individual Friend Family Friend Business/Corporate Friend

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:

$75 $25 $75 $15 $25 $75

Allied Members: Lethbridge Association of Media Arts St Francis Junior High Performing Arts

Name Organization/Business

Associate Members: Pop Up Yoga Lethbridge

Artist Members: Jane Deering Constance Douglas Anne Dubord Michelle Gallucci Yves Gauthier Kiley Granberg Wesley Harry Doreen Laing Spencer Lawry Monica Lindsay Sonja Lipinski-Knoch Dean Tatam Reeves Steven Slater Nick Sullivan Pamela Vera

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Address

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AACleth

City Postal Code

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AACleth

AlliedArtsCouncil

#yqlarts

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Signature: In accordance with the Government of Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act (FOIP)

Make a Donation $25 $50 $100 Other A charitable tax receipt will be issued upon donation

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318 - 7 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2G2

Fax 403.320.2450

A PUBLICATION OF THE ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBR I D G E

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calendar of events JANUARY january

Keys to Piano Workshop February 26 – 27 Casa

Andrew Scott Concert March 18, 8pm The Wolf’s Den

Music at Noon Series : Musaeus, String Quartet January 26, 12:15 – 1pm University of Lethbridge Recital Hall

University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts Music at Noon Series: Aiyun Huang: percussion and theatre February 2, 12:15 – 1pm University of Lethbridge Recital Hall

Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra Series 5 – Stars of Tomorrow March 14, 8pm Southminster United Church

Crossing Boundaries Series: Erik Sanner; Chance, Choice and Original Systems of Art-Making January 28, 7pm Dr. Foster James Penny Building

Music at Noon Series: Cléo Palacio-Quintin: Hyper-flute and the Classics February 9, 12:15 – 1pm University of Lethbridge Recital Hall

Bonnie Patton & Len Komanac January 27 - April 6 Library Gallery, Main Branch

february FEBRUARY

Caucasian Chalk Circle February 9 – 13, 7:30 pm University Theatre

Healing Sounds Series Concert: Let’s Be Entertained January 28, 7:30 pm Theatre Gallery, Main Branch

Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society International Peace Pow-Wow & Festival February 20 & 21 Enmax Centre

The Gallery at Casa BRIDGE - Izmer Ahmad, George Ho, Yoko Takashima, Robert Bechtel January 9 - February 26 Lethbridge Folk Club Go Ask Earl Concert January 16, 8 pm The Cave, Lethbridge College Lethbridge Public Library Stargazer (TREX) January 1 – 20 Library Gallery, Main Branch

Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra Symphony Extras – B – Cellos & Canapés January 22, 8pm January 23, 3pm (concert only) La Cite des Prairies Hansel & Gretel with the University of Lethbridge Opera Workshop January 29 & 30, 8pm Southminster United Church University of Lethbridge Conversatory of Music First Friday Lunch & Listen Concert Series: Appassionato, Bravo, Cantabile and Dolce on Stage: the final performance of the Conservatory of Music Chamber Music Institute January 8, 12:15 – 1pm ATB Financial Community Room, Casa University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts New Media Film Series presents: In the Mood for Love January 13, 7pm Lethbridge Public Library Conversations in the Arts January 16, 10am – 4pm University of Lethbridge Recital Hall

20 arts bridge

Music at Noon Series: Courtney Murias, mezzo-soprano; Deanna Oye, piano January 19, 12:15 – 1pm University of Lethbridge Recital Hall

Casa Family Fun Day February 15 Youth Art Week February 16 – 19 Lethbridge Artist Club Faces of Significance February 22 – March 10 Claresholm Library Lethbridge Folk Club Boots and the Hoots Concert February 6, 8pm The Cave, Lethbridge College Jim McLennan Concert February 19, 8pm The Wolf’s Den, 1502 2 Avenue S Playgoers of Lethbridge Boeing Boeing, a Comedy February 10 - 13, 8pm Yates Memorial Theatre Southern Alberta Art Gallery Imitation of Life and Blueline Opening February 13, 8pm February 13 – April 7 University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music First Friday Lunch & Listen Concert Series 2015-2016: Roses, Raindrops and Rhythm: a guide to musical gardening February 5, 12:15 – 1pm ATB Financial Community Room, Casa

Experience Fine Arts Day February 12 Lethbridge Public Library Brian Black Concert February 12, 7:30 pm Lethbridge Public Library Music at Noon Series: Roger Admiral, piano; Howard Bashaw, composer: Fifteen for Piano February 23, 12:15–1pm University of Lethbridge Recital Hall Crossing Boundaries Series: Heidi Kumao; Performing Politics and Poetics February 25, 7pm University of Lethbridge Recital Hall

march

Southern Alberta Art Gallery Craft Beer Friday March 18, 5 - 7 PM University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music Global Drums Ensemble March 4, 12:15–1pm ATB Financial Community Room, Casa University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts Riversong March 6, 3pm Southminster United Church Music at Noon Series: Nick Sullivan, Bass Trombone; Bente Hansen, piano March 8, 12:15 – 1pm University of Lethbridge Recital Hall Of Least Concern, by Ron Chambers March 15 – 19, 7:30 pm University Theatre Faculty, Artists and Friends March 19, 7:30 pm University of Lethbridge Recital Hall Collaborative Ensemble Concert March 20, 7:30 pm University of Lethbridge Recital Hall

MARCH

The Gallery at Casa THUNK - Glen MacKinnon, Michael Campbell, Kevin Sehn March 5 - April 22 Lethbridge Artist Club Faces of Significance March 10 – March 28 Lebel Gallery, Pincher Creek March 28 - April 14 Remington Carriage Museum, Cardston Lethbridge Community Band Society Silver Band: Music from Down Under March 19, 7pm Canadian Western Bank Lounge, Enmax Lethbridge Folk Club John Rutherford and the Big Blues Trio Concert March 5, 8pm The Cave, Lethbridge College

Collaborative Exhibition March 21 – Apr 5 Dr. Foster James Penny Building Music at Noon Series: Darren Copeland, electronic music: The Spatialized Soundscape March 22, 12:15 – 1pm University of Lethbridge Recital Hall Public Reading: Plays and Prose Competition March 23, 7pm David Spinks Theatre Music at Noon Series: Peter Visentin, violin; Deanna Oye, piano March 29, 12:15 – 1pm University of Lethbridge Recital Hall Crossing Boundaries Series: Amanda Dawn Christie March 31, 7pm Dr. Foster James Penny Building

april

APRIL

The Gallery at Casa Hanging By a Thread Ilse Anysas-Salkauskas & Barbara West April 30 - June 17 Musicality - work by the Oldman River Potters Guild April 30 - June 17 Lethbridge Artist Club Faces of Significance April 14 – May 2, Coaldale Library Lethbridge Community Band Society Gold Band: A World of Music April 16, 7pm College Drive Community Church Lethbridge Folk Club The Fates Concert April 23, 8pm The Cave, Lethbridge College Clover Point Drifters Concert April 29, 8pm The Wolf’s Den Lethbridge Guild Sale April 29, 5 – 9pm & April 30, 10am – 5pm ATB Financial Community Room, Casa Lethbridge Public Library Joseph Anderson April 13 - June 15 Library Gallery, Main Branch Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra Symphony Extras – C – Kaffee Konzert April 2, 8pm La Cite des Prairies Series 6 – Carmina Burana April 24, 3pm & April 25, 8pm Southminster United Church

University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music The Gypsy Fiddlers April 1, 12:15–1pm ATB Financial Community Room, Casa Let’s Drum: World Drumming April 22, 7:30 pm ATB Financial Community Room, Casa University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts Global Drums Concert April 1 & 2, 7:30 pm University Theatre Music at Noon Series: Cherie Hughes, soprano; Deanna Oye, piano April 5, 12:15 – 1pm University of Lethbridge Recital Hall U of L Wind Orchestra Concert April 7, 7:30 pm University Theatre The Singer Within Concert April 8, 7pm ATB Financial Community Room, Casa U of L Jazz Ensemble Concert April 9, 7:30 pm University Theatre Music at Noon Series: Studio Showcase April 12, 12:15 – 1pm University of Lethbridge Recital Hall

may

MAY

Alberta Public Art Network Opportunities, Challenges, Trends in Public Art Conference May 5 – 7 Casa

Lethbridge Folk Club Vazzy Concert (French/Canadian music) May 14, 8pm The Cave, Lethbridge College

University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts Suzuki Violin School & Suzuki Piano School Concert May 7, 11am Casa

Lethbridge Musical Theatre NUNSENSE May 5, 6, 7 & 12, 13, 14, 7:30 pm Sterndale Bennett Theatre Nikka Yuko Mum’s Day Competition & Japanese Tea Cup Exhibit May 7 & 8 Southern Alberta Art Gallery SAAG Exhibitions incl. Art’s Alive and Well in the Schools Opening May 1, 1 PM May 1 - June 12 Craft Beer Friday May 6, 5 - 7 PM University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music Feel the Beat Concert Series: Compose Yourself May 3 – 5 Southminster United Church

Sinfonia Allegro & Stringendo May 7, 6pm Southminster United Church Conservatory Strings Festival May 27 – 28 Casa

Lethbridge Artist Club Faces of Significance May 2 – October 3, Galt Museum & Archives

JUNE

june

Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge Soar Cabaret Nights June 1, 2 & 4, 7pm Casa Soar M.A.P.S. – Making Art in Peculiar Spaces Opening June 3 Casa Soar Symposium Reception June 3 Sessions June 4 – 5 Casa

Conservatory of Music Student Showcase May 6, 12:15 – 1pm ATB Financial Community Room, Casa Conservatory Choirs Concert May 7, 1:30 pm Southminster United Church

Conservatory of Music Strings Orchestras Concert May 7, 6pm Casa

Lethbridge Community Band Society Silver & Gold Bands: Evening at the Pops: Anything Goes!

June 4, 7pm College Drive Community Church Lethbridge Public Library Symbolic Landscapes (TREX) June 22 to July 20 Library Gallery, Main Gallery Southern Alberta Art Gallery SAAG Exhibitions Opening June 24, 5pm June 24 to September 11 University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music Romancing the Guitar June 3, 12:15–1pm ATB Financial Community Room, Casa

Contact information for each event/organization: Allied Arts Council artslethbridge.org 403-320-0555

Lethbridge Folk Club lethbridgefolkclub.com 403-381-2252

Blackfoot Canadian Cultural Society 403-327-6807

Lethbridge Musical Theatre lethbridgemusicaltheatre.ca

Casa casalethbridge.ca 403-327-2272

Lethbridge Public Library lethlib.ca

Playgoers of Lethbridge playgoers.ca Southern Alberta Art Gallery saag.ca 403-327-8770 University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music uleth.ca/musicconservatory

Lethbridge Artists Club lethbridgeartistsclub.wordpress.com

Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra lethbridgesymphony.org 403-328-6808

Lethbridge Community Band Society lcbs.ca 403-381-7822

Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden nikkayuko.com 403-328-3511 A PUBLICATION OF THE ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF LETHBR I D G E

University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts uleth.ca/finearts 403-329-2227

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