CVAC Arts This Month

Driven to Abstraction and other Art Resolutions

Really good abstract art can give viewers an emotional punch – just the thing for a bleary January. And if your 2023 resolution is to get in touch with your artistic side, sign up for a CVAC course! Starting soon are the Art Dabble workshops for beginners to try different mediums, Where Art Flows From (January 28) creativity workshop, Rags to Riches (January 15) sewing workshop, and the winter session of figure drawing (starting January 10).

The Driven to Abstraction show, January 5 – February 1, features the work of more than 20 contemporary painters and artisans. This time the show will run in two places at once: the CVAC Gallery and upstairs in the theatre lobby at the Cowichan Community Centre.

Meanwhile, in the CVAC Annex, we present All Sorts (January 7-28) a show that features works by sculptor Linda Richter and artist Catherine Fraser that explore nature, human connections and playfulness.

Youth programs starting this month include: If you can See, you can Draw (3:30-5 pm – art for independent learners 10 yrs and over) January 18 to February 22. Applications for our special Youth Mentorship Program will be accepted in January for this small-group opportunity when youth (14-21 yrs) can meet a professional artist.

Finally get started on your artwork for two major events on the CVAC calendar: the Six by Six by Six art fundraiser (February 3-11) and the Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show (register March 27- April 20).

Catherine Fraser Viewing workplaces, and sales and waste streams of garments. Sign up on the CVAC website

Rags to Riches: Fashion by You Sunday January 15, 1-5 pm Members $30

Transform secondhand clothing items to create your personal style. Spend an afternoon of fun and exploration starting with a garment of your choice and personalizing it using other fabrics, threads, and beads. Facilitators Lara Brunshot, Francine McCabe, Elke Cole and Marianna Schwab provide guidance, some materials, coffee/tea and a lot of cocreative support..

From Sweatshops to Mitumbas Tuesday January 10, 12-1 pm Online talk FREE

Learn about the social, economic and environmental impacts of the global fashion industry. Speaker: Dr Marlea Clarke, associate professor of political science at the University of Victoria, will look at the history of production and

About Us

CVAC operates two community art galleries, hosting up to 30 shows annually at its art space in the Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan. Founded in 1971, CVAC programs workshops for youth and adults in its studio space. 2687 James Street, Duncan www.cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca 8

MAKING MARIMBA MAGIC AT BOPOMA! JANUARY 8

“I love so many things about this music, including how accessible it is, how it is passed from heart to heart, and how you need others playing with you to make it work. It’s so joyous, and just fun!” - Marti, Bopoma student

Come and experience the thrill of playing in an African marimba ensemble! We’ll learn about the various marimbas (wooden-keyed xylophones), and then we’ll learn a song together. No musical experience necessary, all instruments provided.

Sunday, January 8. Workshop: Introduction to playing in an African marimba ensemble. All levels welcome. 11:30 am -1:00 pm, Crofton. $20. Pre-registration required. info@bopoma.org 250-737-1331

HELP FROM KELP JANUARY 9

Andrew grew up camping, snorkeling, and scanning the horizon for whales along the south coast of British Columbia. He studied Global Resource Systems at the University of British Columbia with a focus on sustainable food systems. Combining his passion for the ocean with his knowledge of food systems, he is currently working on Ocean Wise’s Seaforestation initiative - which aims to responsibly expand the protection, restoration, and cultivation of seaweed! Kelp forests cover 5x more ocean than coral reefs - forming the foundations of critical coastal ecosystems, drawing down carbon, and creating numerous benefits to the surrounding ocean. Alarmingly, these forests are facing rapid declines around the world. Learn what we can do to help the kelp, and how kelp can help shape our future in a rapidly changing climate! January 9th, 9:30 am Zoom link sent on request to cvns@ naturecowichan.net